It’s a brand new view at Victoria Peak with the newly renovated peak. During my last visit, the structure was still being renovated and was still covered with bamboo scaffolding. Now, it glows beautifully and offers a 360° view of Hong Kong island. Victoria Peak, which stands as the highest peak in the Hong Kong island at 552 meters, was originally built for the wealthy and affluent. Its history shows that then Governor Sir Richard MacDonnell had his summer home built at the peak at the latter half of the 19th century. Yet, the tram came after several homes were built there through a certain Alexander Findlay Smith, a former worker of Scotland’s Highland Railway. He was able to petition for the operation of the tram route in 1881.

Now, tourists can get to Victoria Peak via bus or the quickest, through the Peak Tram at the lower peak tram terminal at the Garden Road near the Central MTR. The tram operates from 7am in the morning till midnight and travels every 10 to 15 minutes. Adults can purchase tickets at HK$22 for a single trip, and HK$33 for the return. With an Octopus card, you can easily ride the tram at HK$33 two-way fee. At the new Victoria Peak, one can find various restaurants and shops including the Madam Tussaud's. On its roof top is the Sky Gallery that features the beautiful works of renowned Hong Kong artists. The roof deck can also be rented for special occasions.

We, like most visitors, opted for the Peak Tram to take us to the summit. We had an Octopus card so didn’t need to wait in the queue, but were ushered to stand and wait at the side of the platform. Here we were able to read a little about the history of the tram, that’s been carrying people up to the top since the 1800s, before the vehicle came into view. We’d positioned ourselves at the bottom end so we could appreciate the view behind us. As we made our steep ascent, we "grabbed" different glimpses of Hong Kong and the harbour.

The Peak Tram is an experience in itself as it chugs its way up to the top. It was absolutely crammed with riders and it looked as if the queuing was fairly constant. At the top there was a fairly short indoor walk to the viewing stations and hold on to your hats because the views of Hong Kong are supreme. But before the views there are shops to pass. This first precinct is small and about to receive a refurbishment. This was lucky for us because there were bargains to be had, although our son said the prices were usually double what you’d find at the markets. A more modern mall with exclusive shops was just over the road, and although we didn’t buy (prices did seem on the high side), even I enjoyed looking.

But back to the view! We went to the top, and although the view was great, it did not provide good photo opportunities. You need to be down a stage, where the panorama is much better for the lens. We could see Kowloon, the towers on Lama Island, and all key buildings that make up Hong Kong’s stunning skyline. The river was busy with "traffic", the constant flow of ferries to the islands, some heavy freight transportation, small motorless crafts, and the occasional leisure boat speeding across the water, creating picturesque wakes even at our distance. In the foreground was the Peak Tram, some interesting local residences, and constantly circling above us, large birds (looked like eagles to me).

Hong Kong’s "smog" never seems far away, but it does create some interesting views of the islands. We never did make the Peak at night, but our son assured us that we would have loved it! He often goes up there and enjoys a romantic meal overlooking the mighty illuminated skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island.

As we made our way through Hong Kong Park towards the western end, we suddenly stumbled upon an influx of white people—yes, there it is, the tram station for trips to the top of the peak. Don’t sweat the long queue you’re likely to encounter here—it moves relatively quickly, and of course, the goods up top live up to the hype. Prepare to cough up the modest round-trip fee of HK$30 for your tram ride, with the option to pay a little more for admission to Ripley’s Believe It or Not and other gross tourist stuff located at the top. Skip it and save that money for some candy from Aji Ichiban.

As you grab a seat inside the red tram, adorned with dangling red bulbs tacked on around the ceiling, you’ll likely be amongst a near-equal mix of tourists and locals. This tram has been running since 1888, and holds 95 people max, with room for 25 to stand. That may be the case, but you will NOT get me on this tram with 95 people crammed in it. Inching up the side of the mountain is somewhat harrowing, as you’ll hit a 27-degree incline. Don’t worry, though—the tram staff know you’re very anxious to see Ripley’s, and uphold the highest of safety standards.

After making your way past the inevitable souvenir shops and stands, you’ll finally emerge onto the main viewing deck, where you can play Joe Tourist all you want and fill up rolls of film with eye-popping views. There are coin-operated binoculars here too, like the ones Clark and Rusty Griswold used in Paris. After you’ve seen enough, there are plenty of other diversions to prolong your time at the Peak, such as a shopping mall, restaurants, bars, and Madame Tussaud’s, which boasts what has to be the most unpopular wax likeness ever—George W. Bush. "Look, Mom! Isn’t this hilarious? I got my picture with Dubya!" "Son, put that picture away—and never show it again."

Even though we didn’t get the pure, undulating views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon on our visit, it was still an excursion well worth taking. Now if only I can find me a pair of khaki shorts that don’t quite hit my knees, I’ll be all set.

***My photos were taken at too high a resolution, and I couldn't shrink them for the site. I've included two shots here of buildings you'll see from up top. I've learned my lesson, Mr. Miyagi.***