Peak Tram Reviews (Hong Kong, China)

A ride that gives a unique perspective of Hong Kong!

Scarborough, England, United Kingdom

October 2, 2012

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo As students on a mini gap year, we were trying to find things to do in Hong Kong that were value for money. In every guide book we had the Peak Tram was repeatedly mentioned as a fantastic way to see the cityscape of Hong Kong. Conveniently located ...Read more As students on a mini gap year, we were trying to find things to do in Hong Kong that were value for money. In every guide book we had the Peak Tram was repeatedly mentioned as a fantastic way to see the cityscape of Hong Kong. Conveniently located in central Hong Kong, the lower terminus is very easy to walk to or you can get the metro. Check out their website to find the best means of getting there for you. We walked to the terminus as we like to get a feel for a city and think the best way to do this is to walk around....but be warned in the summer it's hot in Hong Kong so dress appropriately if you're thinking of following our example.

The Peak Tram has been running since 1888, so you get to have a ride on something that has been a part of Hong Kong's history. Although it didn't exist in 2006 when we visited there is now a historical gallery at the lower terminus that charts the history of the tram and by all accounts is well worth a visit. It isn't really expensive to go on the Peak Tram, a return ticket is only HK$40 and although you can pay an addiction HK$15 and go up to the sky terrace, we didn't do this and still had a spectacular view (see attached pictures).

What I learnt on my visit (apart from this is the best place to view Hong Kong harbor), is that the Peak itself is the highest mountain on Hong Kong island and in the past was used as a kind of giant lighthouse or signalling point for cargo ships coming into the harbor. However, being so high up the Peak also offers respite from the blistering summer heat of Hong Kong. In the past this was reserved for the elite classes who had a bit more money, but nowerdays anyone with a little bit of cash can enjoy the cooler climate up the Peak. The tram itself was designed by a Alexander Findlay Smith who had worked on Scotland's Highland Railway petitioned the Governor to operate tram routes up the Peak. Prior to this wealthy people had been carried up the steep trails by sedan chair...all I can say to that is poor sedan chair carriers!

We were in Hong Kong for a couple of weeks so we spent around 6 hours up the Peak. There is plenty to do and we sent quite a lot of time just looking at the view and taking pictures. We then made sure we sent a postcard to our relatives from the post office at the top of the Peak. After all of this 'exertion' we splashed out and had a lovely meal at the Chinese restaurant, although there are lots of other options. We chose the Chinese restaurant to be 'authentic' and also because the views from the windows were amazing.

All in all if you're only in Hong Kong for a few days I would recommend going out of your way to go on the Peak Tram to get this spectacular view of the city and the harbor! Close

From journal A trip to the Orient

Peak Tram is a must on your HK checklist

by jae_em

Manhattan County, New York

August 18, 2010

Email
Print

I'm not going to repeat what's been written already, but the Peak Tram (along with Victoria Peak) should definitely be on your list of things to do in Hong Kong. When you arrive at the Lower Peak Terminus, you'll probably see a long line tourists ...Read more

From journal Getting around in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak and Peak Tram

by billmoy

Chicago, Illinois

January 7, 2006

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Anyone visiting Hong Kong must ride the Peak Tram at least once to reach the Victoria Peak. Sure it is a bit of a touristy thing, judging from the long lines of people waiting to ride it. Originating in 1888, the Peak Tram was established to ...Read more Anyone visiting Hong Kong must ride the Peak Tram at least once to reach the Victoria Peak. Sure it is a bit of a touristy thing, judging from the long lines of people waiting to ride it. Originating in 1888, the Peak Tram was established to transport residents who were fortunate enough to live atop the cooler Victoria Peak. Imagine the good old days when locals had to walk up this steep hill every day!

Each tramcar on this funicular railway can carry 120 passengers, including a good many standing. The lower terminal is 28 meters above sea level, while the upper terminal is 396 meters above sea level. The track is 1.365 meters long with a gradient ranging between 4 to 27 degrees, so you will really feel like you are going uphill (or downhill). Look out the windows and see the spectacular views of Hong Kong at some wacky angles. There are some intermediate stops for locals, but you want to go to the top.

The views from Victoria Peak are simply smashing. The upper tram terminal is a bit off from the actual summit, which is an easy hike away from here. Most visitors do not bother to go here, as the peak itself has changed radically over the years thanks to an onslaught of new buildings. When I was here years ago, the goal was to walk to the old-fashioned Lions Pavilion lookout that was decorated in a Chinese style. Nowadays the Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower have supplanted the bright red pavilion as the lookouts of choice.

The Peak Tower was designed by noted British architect Terry Farrell. It has the appearance of a space-age anvil, and it is filled with touristy shops, restaurants, and also a Madame Tussauds and a Ripley’s Believe It or Not. I cannot let these other things distract me from some of the most spectacular urban views in the world. The viewing terrace on Level 5 is fine, but the views are even better in the nearby Peak Galleria. Although the shops are less famous and flashy here, there are distinct north and south terraces offering a variety of brilliant panoramic vistas. If your batteries die out, run into the grocery store here for reasonably priced replacements.

The opening hours of the Peak run from 7am to midnight. Try to enjoy the Peak by day and by night as well. The fireworks shows from here are spectacular, and you will not hear the annoying voiceover narration from up here. Take the Tram up and if you are feeling fit, enjoy a pleasant nature hike downhill in the daytime. There are also a few bus routes to the Peak. The Octopus Card is good for rides on the Peak Tram.

Close

From journal Bill in China - HONG KONG

Victoria Peak Tram

by writeonthespot

Bacolod, Philippines

November 9, 2005

Email
Print

The ascent from Hong Kong Central, where the tram is located, to the Peak is such a wonderful experience. The sight slowly reveals the beauty of Hong Kong from the park to the whole view of the bay. Upon reaching the top there is Peak's ...Read more

From journal Hong Kong Halloween

The Peak Tram

by panda2

California, California

April 17, 2004

Email
Print

Victoria Peak is a very popular destination, and getting to the top via the The Peak Tram, a funicular railway, is one of Hong Kong's top attractions. The Peak Tram is owned by Peak Tramways Company, Limited, a subsidiary of The Hong Kong and ...Read more

From journal HKG

The Tram

by Liken D Sun

Bracebridge, Ontario

January 2, 2003

Email
Print

The tram was a great experience, it is good during the day but it is even better at night. Take a good camera, preferrably a panoramic one to get the great pictures.

From journal Hong Kong Beauty straight up!

IgoUgo

Peak Tram

Avg. User Rating: