3 SKY TERRACE, HONG KONG'S HIGHEST VANTAGE POINT

HK' second tallest building, International Finance Centre.

We had run around dealing with our stay, talking here and there with the house owner, we finally got the room after an unending conversation. We take a break for a while and still couldn’t believe I am in the room of nowhere in Hong Kong. I felt hungry and weary from our long trip from Manila to Clark to Hong Kong. Three places in a single day.

We need to stick with our first day itinerary; first stop – seek for money changer. We only have US Dollars on hand that we changed in Manila thru Sanry’s. We roamed around the area to look for money changer. Need not to worry for money changer, plenty of them sitting around the place. But better to look for best conversion to make your money worth. We got an Indian folks who gave us fair deal at Mirador Arcade.

Right after money conversion we had lunch at McDonalds nearby. I ordered Big ‘n Tasty for HK$30 [P165] with large fries and Coke. I learned that fast food chains are cheaper than local bistros. So we chose to go to these places.

By the way, I noticed that older peeps worked in food chains or eating places, younger are assigned to government sector like police officers, airport officers and jobs related to computer services.

After our lunch we were heading to MTR (Mass Transit Railway) for our first day activity which is: Victoria Peak or The Peak!

HOW TO GET THERE AND PRICES:

o   Via MTR: Starting from Tsim Sha Tsui to Admiralty Station then walk up to the exit of Pacific Place Mall, walk all the way to the third level and there will be exit toward to the Hong Kong Park. Take 10 to 15 minutes of walking to Garden Road where St. John’s Building situated and The Peak Tram across the street.

o   Via Star Ferry: Starting from TST Star Ferry Pier that will take you to Central, fare is HK$2.50 [P13.75]. You can use your Octopus card to avoid paying “cents”. Then walk toward Central Pier Bus Terminus, get in to Bus Route 15C to the Peak Tram HK$9.80 [P53.90].

o   Since we got all the tickets from Ate Yolly for discounted prices, it is HK$59 [P324.50] for Peak Tram ride and Sky Terrace.

Going to The Peak Tram, we passed Hong Kong Park where the famous Bank of China Tower situated. All I know that this unique and famous skyscraper is HSBC but I was very wrong until I saw the real HSBC Tower on the other side of the street beside Standard Chartered Bank. Of course I need to have a photo in front of Bank of China Tower as my dream when I reach Hong Kong.

Inside MTR and of course me in front of Bank of China Tower

City Skyscrapers at Garden Road on our way to the Peak Tram

As I mentioned we passed thru the Garden Road and saw St. John’s Building, we crossed to the opposite side where big THE PEAK TRAM letters with small tiny waterfalls located. It was around 2PM to 3PM and only few tourists and locals fell in line for the tickets. Good thing we had the tickets already so we went straight to the Peak Tram line presented with countless crowds.

The Peak Tram operated since 1888; cable is pulled up from Central all the way to The Peak. This is one of the premium attractions and famous transport routes of the city and it shouldn’t be missed when visiting Hong Kong. While waiting for the Tramway to arrive there will be no dull feeling because if you like reading back to its history, Peak Tram has small chronological information how and when it started.

The Peak Tram

Riding the Tram will take eight minutes all the way to the Peak from Lower Peak Tram Terminus in Central, it ascends 373 meters with 27 degrees inclination at May Road. The Peak Tram has a capacity of 95 seating passengers and 25 standing passengers. 

On our way to the terrace, there will Peak Market that sells souvenirs, some of them are I LOVE HK shirts, key chains, jewellery, charms and even stuff toys like Big Panda Bear. On the same level of the Peak Tower; Madame Tussaud’s [silent “s”] is also one of the attractions. It is a wax museum where you can have photos on your favourite stars, heroes, champions, and known people in the history. Unfortunately it is not part of our itinerary, or should I say as budget traveller I opt not to include Madame Tussaud’s on our itinerary. I am already satisfied to have a kick shot from Bruce Lee’s iconic ninja move. The price is HK$140 [P770] for adult, if you want to include these wax figures on your itinerary you can have combo tickets 2-in-1 for HK$225 [P1,237.00] for Madame Tussauds and Peak Tram two-way ticket or 3-in-1 for HK$255 [P1402.50] including Sky Terrace 428. Please refer to this website for more information.

Peak Market. Madame Tussaud's and my one and only free Bruce Lee shot.

Inside the Peak Tower

After our Madame Tussaud’s with only Bruce Lee photo experience, we headed to the Sky Terrace 428, the Peak Tower bragged 360° viewing platform. The Sky Terrace 428 [stands 428 meters above sea level] grants magnificent view of the enthusiastic city. My eyes were entertained by the tallest skyscrapers and the mountain ranges around the city.

We stayed for nearly two hours to relish the taste of the visited city. We monitored the sunset and the busy airspace, air traffic above the busy city streets. There were huge birds joining the planes on their fly. You can also hear engines and big machine building new skyscrapers on top of the mountain.

This defines Hong Kong!

Love! Love in the sky. You can write your message on a heart-shape card for free!

The International Commerce Centre, HK's tallest building struck by sunlight.

  

Shape of my Heart

The night is about the start, the lights are ready to ignite. I was waiting for the moment to witness the most panoramic view of the cityscape evening delight. Unfortunately we are about to live before the sun sleeps, but no regret. I tell you why on my next entry! The Peak I'm so in Love with You.