I’m not sure how many times I’ve told myself that “Today I will go to The Peak” every time I’m in Hong Kong. It just wasn’t happening because a) the weather wasn’t nice b) I got lazy. But earlier this week, I fought all the urges to stay in bed and decided that today is the day.

Why you should go?

  1. The Peak is Hong Kong’s number 1 destination. A must visit.
  2. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  3. A good hike never hurt anyone. If you choose not to take the public transportation, that is.
  4. Enjoy the best panoramic view of the city, from the stunning skyscrapers to the tranquility of greenery landscape.

How to go to The Peak?

First let me share how I did it. So I left at around 7am, took the MTR from Yau Ma Tei to Central Station (Red line, Tsuen Wan Line). Exit via J2, walked through Chater Garden, Queen’s Road Central, up to the Garden Road, then all the way up to The Peak road. A total of 1 hour+ hike. Don’t worry you won’t get lost because they have helpful signs and a proper trail. Plus it is completely safe.

This is how the trail looks like.

Now if you decide that walking or hiking is not for you, these are your public transportation options to go to The Peak:

By Bus

Route No. 15

  • Central Pier 5 to The Peak
  • From Man Kwong Street outside Central Pier 5 – Starts at 10:15 am to 12:15 am
  • From The Peak – Starts at 9:10 am to 1:00 am
  • Frequency: 7 to 15 minutes, Daily
  • Fare: HK$ 9.80

Route No. 15B

  • Available on Sundays and Public Holidays only
  • Causeway Bay(1 King’s Road inside Park Towers) to The Peak
  • From Tin Hau – Starts at 12:00am to 7:00pm
  • From The Peak – Starts at 12:40am to 7:40pm
  • Frequency: 20 minutes
  • Fare: HK$9.60

By Mini Bus

Minibus No. 1

  • Central(Two IFC) to The Peak
  • From Central – Starts at 6:30am to 12:00am
  • From The Peak – Starts at 7:10am to 12:25am
  • Frequency: 10-12 minutes, Daily
  • Fare: HK$9.20

By Taxi
I haven’t done this yet so I can’t give an approximate amount but all are metered, and relatively cheap depending on where you hail it from (starting point).

Peak Tram

  • From 7 am to 12 midnight, Daily including Public Holidays
  • Frequency: Departs every 10 to 15 minutes

By Bus to Peak Tram Lower Terminus

  • Board the Peak Tram shuttle bus No. 15C at the Central(Near Star Ferry Pier 8) Bus Terminus.
  • From Man Kwong Street outside Central(Pier 8) – Starts at 10:00 am to 11:40 pm
  • Frequency: 15 to 20 minutes, Daily
  • Fare: HK$4.20

Tips when going to The Peak

  1. Go on a weekday and watch the sunrise/sunset. I’m pretty sure it looks amazing, I plan to go back to watch the sunset soon.
  2. Bring your Octopus if you are taking the public transportation. If you only have cash, give exact fare because they don’t give change.
  3. Avoid going on a weekend or a Public Holiday. If you are taking the tram, the wait can be longer than an hour. Also, taking photos will be a struggle as you’ll be fighting for a good spot with the tourists. Weekend/Public Holiday = crowded.
  4. Go for an uphill jog. It’s a beautiful path with a great view.
  5. Be conscious of the joggers. Don’t walk really slow and don’t block the road.
  6. Bring water if you decide to hike/jog.
  7. Sit down and enjoy the view. There are a lot establishments once you reach The Peak so find a nice restaurant and just savor the moment.
  8. Check the weather. Always check your weather app. When we went there it was a beautiful day but a bit hazy.
  9. Go with friends. It’s fun and you’ll feel less tired. I went with Belle and Jastine. It was Jastine’s first time to hike!
  10. Or go alone. For a quiet me-time.

Have you been to The Peak in Hong Kong? Let me know in the comments how you got there and what you thought of it.