Thursday, October 20, 2016

See One Thing : Victoria Peak


It's no secret that for me, there's great value in even a brief stop in far flung destinations.  Whether on a long layover, or a short turn-around, a day, or even less is time that can be well spent sampling a new city.  Of course a short trip can't be expected to result in a thorough exploration, but it's plenty of time to 'see one thing.'  Many people ask me why I would fly across an ocean to be there for only one or two days.  The answer, that for the most part satisfies is, "isn't one day better than no days?" 

A prime example of a place that can be enjoyed in short order, is Hong Kong.  When I find myself there, I have a tradition of going early the morning after I arrive to Victoria Peak.  If you happen to get there soon enough, before the city wakes, you'll find yourself in the midst of decadent jungle trees and vines, with only the birds and the occasional local out for an early run for company.  No lines, no crowds.  There's something surreal about being in the heart one of the most densely populated places on earth, and feeling like you're the only one there. 


Victoria Peak is easily accessible via the (very steep) cable car that climbs up from a station adjacent to Hong Kong park.  You can get there fairly easily from either the Hong Kong or Kowloon side hotels on the light rail or on foot, depending on how far you're going.

Once you arrive, an easy walk around the "Morning Trail" takes you on a loop encircling the peak, allowing views of the city below from all angles.  There are longer trails and hikes in the park as well, and a visitors' center with food, souvenirs, and an observation deck.  Arriving early is the perfect use for your jetlag.

My favorite way to go is to start around the 'backside' by taking the trail straight out from the terminus of the cable car.   This lets you start in the trees, and end with views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline.  The busy harbor and Kowloon in the background give you a chance to take in the lay of the land.
 
A visit is the perfect way to start off your visit to the city.  Stretch out after the flight, take a breath, find some peace, before descending back into the city's midst.  The return trip down the mountain is just a matter of minutes.  You'll be back in time for breakfast.

 Travel well,

~CruisingAltitude

8 comments:

  1. I agree that seeing one thing is a great way to make use of a stopover and this is one is perfect in my opinion. Finding a quiet spot in such a frantic city is so appealing.

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    1. Thanks! Despite my love of frantic travel, I'll take a quiet moment in a city like this any day. Helps you realize where you really are after all that flying.

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  2. Have to agree one day in anew or foreign city is way better that no days there. If I visit Hong Kong one day, I will head straight to Victoria Peak. I want to set my eyes on those views!

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    1. You should! HKG is one of my favorite cities in the world, but the longest I've ever stayed is 2 nights !

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  3. What amazing photos of the skyline! I have a friend in Hong Kong who does a lot of hiking on the weekends and from what you showed and from what I've seen, there is a lot of it going on in and around Hong Kong!

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    1. There is a lot of good hiking around HKG, much of it a little farther out of the downtown area. The Peak is only a 10 min cable car ride, which makes it easy to do on a short stop.

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  4. Gorgeous views! And I totally agree with your attitude, even one day is better than no days!

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    1. Thank you for reading! I've seen a lot of places in 1 or 2 days, and I find you get a pretty good sense of them if you get out and have a look.

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