Hong Kong and Victoria Peak
Our night at the guesthouse was short yet restful, and a nocturnal visit from a few cockroaches couldn't dampen our heavy fatigue. A packed itinerary awaits us today.
Our night at the guesthouse was short yet restful, and a nocturnal visit from a few cockroaches couldn't dampen our heavy fatigue. A packed itinerary awaits us today. Despite the foul weather sweeping across Hong Kong, we decide to set out to discover the famous Victoria Peak.
On our way to Hong Kong Island
Leaving the hostel, we take the opportunity to explore Nathan Road during the day. It's immediately clear why the area has such a reputation—countless major brand outlets line the streets, alongside a remarkable cultural diversity. The Kowloon Masjid, built in 1896, is a striking example. Today it is Hong Kong's largest mosque and can accommodate up to 20,000 Muslims.
Beyond the renowned five-star Peninsula hotel, you'll find the Hong Kong Space Museum & Theatre and the Hong Kong Museum of Art nearby. However, we don't have time to linger, as we have our hearts set on exploring Hong Kong Island.
To do this, we need to find the Star Ferry terminal, which will take us across to the opposite island and help us discover the famous Victoria Port (Victoria Harbour). This is one of the world's most celebrated commercial and passenger harbors and is worth the trip in itself. The presence of the Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui tells us we're in the right place. 
After securing our tickets for the modest sum of 3€ each and while waiting to board the ferry, we stroll along the harbor where we encounter activists demonstrating against the current Chinese government.
Armed with flyers, newspapers, and massive banners, these activists aim to denounce what they consider inhumane practices by the party, reinforcing their message with particularly striking photographs. We even leave with a CD-ROM documenting the Tiananmen Square massacre that took place in 1989 in Beijing, following demonstrations by thousands of Chinese citizens. This encounter clearly illustrates the stark difference in freedom of expression between Hong Kong and China, where such actions would, in our opinion, be immediately suppressed.
A few minutes later, we find ourselves aboard the legendary Star Ferry for a crossing that lasts only a few minutes. Nonetheless, it allows us to appreciate Hong Kong's panorama in its entirety, as well as the equally striking vistas of Kowloon and its neighbor Hong Kong Island.
We approach the imposing Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, which sits adjacent to the Wan Chai dock where we will disembark.
A striking contrast
A quick glance at the map tells us which metro station to head for to get closer to Victoria Peak.
Victoria Peak
The Victoria Peak, standing at 552 meters, is Hong Kong's highest mountain. It is a highly coveted location, and real estate prices reflect this strongly. The Peak itself is also a major tourist attraction, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Upon exiting the Central Station, we immediately confirm the site's reputation through the numerous directional signs at every street corner.
Victoria Peak is accessible via the Peak Tram (funicular railway) for 53 HK$ for a single journey and 65 HK$ for a round trip with the Sky Pass, which also grants access to the Peak Tower observation deck at 428 meters in height.
The Peak Tram, dating back to 1888, is an attraction in its own right. It carries you up the mountain without effort and reveals the grandeur of the city throughout the journey. Here we are, finally boarding the tram for an ascent that will take about 12 minutes at a speed of 6 meters per second!
At the summit, you'll find a true shopping complex filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum.
To our great disappointment, the sky remains overcast, preventing us from fully enjoying the 360-degree view from the observation deck.
Back in the city, we're pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a festival featuring several local stars, who cause a real frenzy among the young fans gathered for the event.
Justin Bieber has nothing to worry about...
As a bonus, a small performance that reminds us of a certain July 1998... ;-)
We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the island and wandering its streets, which leave us with a very positive overall impression.
Unfortunately, time flies and we soon need to find the ferry terminal that will take us to Macao. Heading to the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan, we pay 130 HK dollars for a journey that will take about 1 hour.
Farewell Hong Kong, hello Macao!
To view our photos, feel free to visit our gallery of Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
The Peak Tram offers several options. As a reference, a single-journey ticket cost 53 HK$ and a round-trip ticket with the Sky Pass (including access to the Peak Tower observation deck at 428 meters) was priced at 65 HK$. Since prices have changed, we recommend checking the current rates on the official Peak Tram website before your visit.
From Kowloon, you first need to cross Victoria Harbour via the Star Ferry from the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal, then reach Central Station by MTR (metro). From there, clear signage will direct you to the Peak Tram, which will take you to the summit of Victoria Peak in about 12 minutes.
Victoria Peak is often subject to fog and low cloud cover. In bad weather, the panoramic views may be limited. You can console yourself by exploring the shopping mall at the summit (Peak Galleria), visiting the Madame Tussauds museum, or enjoying a walk through the streets of the Central district below.
The Star Ferry crossing between the Tsim Sha Tsui terminal (Kowloon) and Wan Chai pier on Hong Kong Island takes only a few minutes (approximately 8 to 12 minutes depending on the route). It's an iconic crossing that allows you to admire the panorama of Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers on both shores.
Yes, ferries regularly connect Hong Kong to Macao from several terminals, including the Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. The crossing takes about 1 hour. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
