I think I’ve said it before, I love Hong Kong! Oh, I have here and here and here. Anyway, I was in HK recently for a day and a half. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money and had some errands to run, so no big sightseeing was on the itinerary. However, there was one thing I really wanted to do since before my first visit—hiking Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. I have taken the tram to The Peak where the tower overlooks the city twice before, but I wanted to explore the actual mountain peak next to it.
Lugard Road
After a quick search online, I found the best way to experience Victoria Peak is on Lugard Road. This is a narrow, relatively flat path that circumnavigates the mountain top. It was constructed under direction of the then-governor of Hong Kong, Frederick Lugard, in the early 1900s. It is mostly a footpath where people go to jog and stroll. However, there are also some homes on this street that people access by car, a tricky maneuver with fingers crossed no one is coming the other way.
Hong Kong Island is covered with either buildings or semi-tropical forest. Lugard Road winds around the mountain peak through the latter–lovely dense forest. It is quiet and serene, and every once and a while treats those on the road with magnificent views of the harbor and city skyline. And when I say magnificent, I’m hardly scratching the surface. The best thing about the views is that unlike on the observation deck of the nearby tower, they change every few meters or so, and they’re free.
Even when there aren’t any views to be had, the forest is beautiful and full of life. So many plants and occasionally animals surround the path. In the evening when I was there, the air filled with music from birds and insects too numerous to count. There was no need for other musical accompaniment via headphones. Be sure to stop and read the interpretive signage around the trail to learn about the plants, butterflies, birds and history of Hong Kong Island’s highest natural point.
Victoria Peak Garden
After Lugard Road, I really wanted to get higher on the peak, so I climbed up Mount Austin Road to Victoria Peak Garden. This is a much steeper jaunt, but worth it with the beautiful garden at the top. However, I couldn’t truly appreciate it since the sun was disappearing quickly and night falling fast. I wandered through the gardens in the dark, they have street lamps on the paths, and was in love. Next time I’m in Hong Kong, I want to picnic there.
Getting to Lugard Street
First, I had to decide how to get to Lugard Road. I could’ve hiked from the city; this would have added a lot of time and be very strenuous. I could’ve ridden the storied tram up the mountain; this is a must do if you’ve never ridden the tram before, but there are less expensive and just as fantastic ways available. I could have taken a taxi; this was the most expensive option but probably quickest. Instead I took a bus up to the bus terminal at The Peak Galleria was very happy with it.
The bus, number 15, begins at Central down by the Star Ferry terminal and winds its way around Hong Kong Island through the concrete jungle of downtown and up Peak Road. It is less than 10 HKD and takes about 30 minutes. Since it is a double decker you can ride on top and basically get a tour of the island that will pass by the Happy Valley racetrack, a lovely cemetery, and some fantastic urban scenery.
From the bus terminal under the galleria I easily found Lugard Road by going through the mall. Another route is straight up Peak Road just off the garage. From the plaza in front of the mall, I saw three roads. The middle is Mount Austin Road that will go up to the gardens. You can go right or left of that to get on the loop around the mountain. The right is Lugard Road and provides the spectacular views relatively close to the start. The left is Harlech Road that connects with Lugard but takes more time in the forest before reaching the views. I hope that’s not too confusing. However you decide to get up to The Peak, just keep your eyes open and you’ll find Lugard Road easily.
After I descended from the lovely gardens, I wanted to find a place to watch the harbor light show. It was too late to get down to the waterfront, so I decided to go up to the top of the tower, to the Sky Terrace 428. The views were amazing once again as the city glowed below, but this is not a great vantage point for the light show. I would definitely recommend watching the show from the waterfront by the arts center in Tsim Sha Tsui. However, I also recommend going up to the top of the tower to look at the city at night. Maybe next time, I get a night panorama from Lugard Road, or I’ll go to sky100 observation deck in the city’s tallest building and see the city from a different angle.
I took the bus down the hill too. Now that was an experience. It felt like we were on the Knight Bus from Harry Potter as the driver sped down the hill around the hairpin turns and by obstacles. It was really fun with some spectacular views at night. I’d caution though that if you get motion sickness the bus is not for you.
By Victoria Harbour
After getting back to Central, I ferried across to Tsim Sha Tsui and had a bite to eat on the raised walkway overlooking Victoria Harbour. The buildings glow on the island across the way as their reflections ripple and roll in the water below as ferries and junks float by. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day in Hong Kong.
There are a few other trails that go off of Lugard that I want to explore on future trips to HK. I’ll be sure to share those with you too. Until then, adventure is out there, so go have one!
