More Expensive Real Estate at The Peak

The Peak is situated at the top of Mount Austin and is the tallest mountain on Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 1,810 ft.

It is probably one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist spot, attracting around 7 million visitors every year because if offers the most amazing views of Hong Kong. It is also home to one of the most expensive residential areas in Hong Kong (the other being Repulse Bay, which I have not had the chance to visit yet, more on that in the future). Sir Richard McDonnell, the sixth governor of HK had a summer house built here in 1868.

Residents of the peak used to be carried up its steep slopes via sedan chairs until the inauguration of the peak tram in 1888 as a means of transportation up to the Peak. The Peak is now also accessible by bus which takes passengers through tight winding roads up the mountain. Once at the top, my breath was taken away by the gorgeous view of the city. I was very lucky that it was an extremely clear day in Hong Kong. What an awesome day! :)


photo above: the city starts to light up as darkness settles.

1. Inside the peak tram on the way up to the Peak. There are 4 intermediate stops, between Central running to the Peak via the Mid-Levels The ride lasts about 7 minutes covering 1.4km and reaching a height of 400 metres. 2. The ride is so steep that the buildings seen from the peak tram look like they are sitting at a 27 degree angle. I'm actually holding the camera straight! 3. The last stop. This is the point where everyone ooh and ahhs and starts furiously taking photos (myself included!) 4. The peak tram in the station at the Peak. 5. Inside the Peak Tower, a shopping complex at the Peak. 6. Looking out from the sky terrace, the upper most part of the Peak Tower, offering a 360 degree view of Hong Kong. 7. A view of Hong Kong from the sky terrace, overlooking the western side of Hong Kong Island (bottom), Kowloon (top) and Victoria Harbour. 8. A view of the other side of Hong Kong. 9. A look at the Peak Galleria, another shopping complex at the Peak opposite to the Peak Tower. 10. The Peak tower. Located at the very top is the sky terrace as mentioned above. 11. Lugard Road is the beginning of the Peak Circle Walk, a nature trail that takes you on a 40 minute walk around the peak offering more gorgeous views of the city. I have decided to take the walk at dusk. 12. At about 20 minutes into the circle walk, this is what you get to see! The bridge you see in the photo, is the Tsing Ma Bridge which links Lantau Island (where the HK International Airport is located) to the rest of Hong Kong. 13. I catch a glimpse of the peak tram leaving the station. The chinese style looking structure on the right is the Lions View Point Pavilion where you can enjoy a view of the city. 14. The peak tram terminus inside the Peak Tower. 15. A look at someone's super expensive property on the Peak. This looks like a back entrance leading to the circle walk path. 16. More view at sunset. The tall building on the right is the ICC, being built opposite to the IFC (not shown) on the HK island side. Directly to the left of that may or may not be a typhoon shelter (shelter for fishing boats during typhoons). 17. A look at the city from the Lions View Point Pavilion mentioned in 13. 18. Some interesting greenery observed during the circle walk. It looks like jungle in there! 19. The night view of Hong Kong. Amazing right?