Hong Kong: Victoria Peak and Aberdeen, a DIY Photo Report

The "Millennium" arrived at The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal early in the morning for an overnight stay. We left the cruise terminal around 8 am on a free shuttle bus. The bus dropped us off at Plaza Hollywood Mall with access to Diamond Hill Subway station (MTR). We purchased a tourist Octopus card at the station and loaded it with 200 $HK each ($25 US) for our 3 day stay in the city. The card enabled us to easily use buses, MTR trains and the peak tram by just swiping it instead of carrying exact change.

We had to change MTR trains once and soon arrived at Central station from where we walked to the peak tram's lower Terminus. We did not have to line up in the long queue for tram tickets (thank you Octopus) and waited for about 10 minutes to board the funicular. We entertained ourselves by reading all the info about the tram's history. It is very interesting. After only a few minutes on the tram, we arrived at the Peak Tower from where traveled on several escalators and elevators to the Victoria Peak Observation Deck.

Victoria Peak has an elevation of 1800 ft and is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island. The views of Victoria Harbor are incredible, even on a slightly overcast and hazy day.

20161028-DSC_0241 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

20161028-DSC_0245 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

It was also very, very windy up there. We really enjoyed the experience! After about 1 hour on the deck we walked further uphill to get a better look at the very expensive residences in the area which are enjoying a cooler climate and panoramic views of the city.

Lots of nannies were out and about with children and many joggers were enjoying their daily work-outs.

We then made our way to the Peak Bus Terminus for the ride back down and boarded bus #15 to get us to Central. We were able to get front row seats on the upper deck of the double decker bus. It was a wonderful and thrilling ride of about 50 minutes. The road is narrow and winding and the views are awesome! We can highly recommend it!

We met a local lady on the bus who directed us towards the bus stop for bus #70 to Aberdeen once we reached Central. We were able to sit in front row seats on the upper deck again.

Traffic was very heavy including lots of taxis

I noticed the combination of old and run down apartment buildings right next to brand new glass fronted modern architecture.

In a tunnel I was able to capture our fellow bus travelers as a reflection in the front window

20161029-DSC_0260 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

Great report and photos.

Enjoy.

Keith

The journey to Aberdeen Promenade took about 30 minutes and we were soon walking along the side of the harbor towards the wholesale fish market.

We were approached by an older lady who sold us on a 30 minute Sampan ride. For $5 each, my husband and I had our private, scenic boat tour through the harbor, passing junks and houseboats crammed together with a backdrop of ultra modern high rises.

20161029-DSC_0263 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

20161029-DSC_0274 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

20161029-DSC_0279 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

20161029-DSC_0272 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

20161029-DSC_0290 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

20161029-DSC_0293 by Petra Graves, on Flickr

It was great!

In the late afternoon we boarded Bus #70 again in the opposite direction, then took MTR from Central to Diamond Hill from where we took the free shuttle back to the ship.

We truly enjoyed our DIY experience and felt very safe using public transportation.