Me, Jamie | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 48 years living in Hong Kong - I know the culture
… and yes, I am a proud Yorkshireman
The 5 best views in Hong Kong
Frankly, this is not really a tough call, my views on the views in Hong Kong are well known and if my choices seem predictable then bear in mind most people who are long term residents would probably agree with the ranking.
My choices have also taken into account accessibility and time, my comments also factor in my profession which is a Private Tour Guide in Hong Kong and most visitors to Hong Kong that I do private tours for are here for one or two days only, time is major factor, for example the views from Kowloon Peak and Tai Mo Shan looking across to Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and the NT. are fabulous but they are pretty inaccessible unless you have a car and frankly the views are not in the same league as some of the choices shown below.
There are other people that will offer other offbeat locations just to be different and contrary, again, timing and accessibility are a major factor, most people do not want to hike up a trail for hours when it 33oC and 90% humidity, like it or not, these are also factors..
I have done some offbeat “hikes for views” and most of the time it is just not worth it, I actually believe that the view from the Peak is the greatest city view in the world and I have seen it over 6,000 times since 1972 and I NEVER get tired of looking at the magnificent view, day or night.
Finally, I do need to mention Sky 100 which is a viewing platform so to speak in our tallest building, ICC which is 118 floors high and is located in Kowloon. Sky 100 is on the 100th floor, my opinion is simply that it is a waste of a not inconsiderable amount of money, basically you are seeing the view from behind some very thick glass windows which totally distort the views and make it all but impossible to get a decent photograph and during the day the lighting can also hamper the views. The view is fantastic but someone messed up on those windows.. it is a real shame, half the floor should have been an outdoor section. Oh well.
The Ultimate Hong Kong Tour Blog
The 5 best views in Hong Kong No. 1
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
April 9th 2020 | The 5 best views in Hong Kong | Ranked 1 - The view from Victoria Peak
Oh my gosh, what incredible views, day or night. Top that.
The Peak | Locally called The Peak, officially called Victoria Peak but administratively it is called Mount Austin, 552m or 1,811 ft in height, historically home to the very wealthy since the late 19th Century, US$100 Million + homes are very common, the most expensive house (The Pink House on Pollocks Path) sold for US$410 Million in 2017. (Now demolished)
Fabulous views of Victoria Harbour and the City are why The Peak should be your number 1 priority to visit and it is served by the iconic Peak Tram ( Funicular Railway ). The highest viewing point for the iconic city view is from the Peak Tower (428m or 1,400ft) and roughly the same for a point on Lugard Road which circles The Peak
Basically you have a choice of 5 city views from Victoria Peak.
From the Peak Tower which is the building on top of the Peak Tram, you have to pay to see the view
From the Lion Pavilion which is a minutes walk from from the Peak Tower, same view as the Peak Tower but it is free of charge
From the roof of the Peak Galleria which is in front of of behind the Peak Tower depending on your perception, the mall has had a make over and it is fabulous, the view is a little limited but frankly just as good as the two mentioned above and it is free + you can stop at the Tai Cheong Bakery in the mall for the best iconic egg tarts in Hong Kong
From a specific point on Barker Road, about 10 - 15 minutes away from the Peak Tower, see below, the view is fabulous
From Jamie’s spot at the Peak, see below, truly magnificent.
The most astonishing Hong Kong city view is from a very specific point on Lugard Road roughly a 20 minute walk from the Peak Tower (ish), closely followed by a specific point on Barker Road, spectacular views can still be had from the Peak Tower (requires payment) the Peak Galleria (free) and the Lion’s Pavilion (free) - there is NO city or harbour view from Victoria Peak Garden.
... and did I mention the night view of the City? On a clear night the view from any location mentioned above is quite staggering, it takes your breath away.
The best views occur in the Hong Kong summer from May to September with beautiful clear and sunny days particularly in July and August and naturally it is 32oC ish (90oF) with 90% humidity! Autumn and winter in Hong Kong can be grey, cool, cloudy and smoggy and spring can be humid and very foggy - bear in mind even on grey cloudy days it can still be very clear at The Peak.
The Ultimate Hong Kong Tour Blog
The 5 best views in Hong Kong No. 2
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
April 9th 2020 | The 5 best views in Hong Kong | Ranked 2 - The view from Victoria Peak Garden
Basically, you go to Victoria Peak Garden for one image, and this is it but you need a clear day,
Mountain Lodge at the end of Mount Austin Road was the former summer home for the British Governors of Hong Kong, demolished in 1946 it was eventually replaced by Victoria Peak Garden. There are excellent views of the South Side of Hong Kong Island and looking South and South West, Lamma Island, Cheung Chau Island and Lantau Island. Spectacular views at Sunset.
Victoria Peak Gardens is literally at the end of Mount Austin Road which starts next to the Peak Tower, be warned - the road is very steep and it can take 30 - 50 minutes to do the walk depending on your level of fitness. TIP | I generally take a taxi up and walk down!
Please note that there are NO City Views of Hong Kong from this location, you are looking over the back or South Side of Hong Kong Island.
I know for a fact (because I have had conversations with people) that hundreds and hundreds of people make the steep trek uphill because they have been told the higher you go the better the view! it is nonsense and you cannot get to the top of the Peak anyway which is at 1,811 ft because it is an “installation” of huge radio masts and such with armed guards, a shame really.
You have been warned!!
Actually it is about time the Government put up a sign next to the start of Mt. Austin Road next to the Peak Tower that there is no city view up there, but if you want that one shot above, by all means do it.
The Ultimate Hong Kong Tour Blog
The 5 best views in Hong Kong No. 3
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
April 9th 2020 | The 5 best views in Hong Kong | Ranked 3 - The view from the Ocean Terminal Deck
This is the day and night view of the awesome view from the waterfront on Kowloon side looking across Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island and quite stunning it is, iconic even but by my high standards it is still not as good as the view from the Peak..
I always tell people, do the Peak during the day and the Ocean Terminal Deck view at night.
The Ocean Terminal Deck is a specific viewing deck on top of the Ocean Terminal Shopping Mall right at the waterfront and I just love going there as it is always pretty quiet and nobody bothers you, basically the view is the same from what we call TST Promenade which is next to the Clock Tower, it is 10 minutes walk from the Deck, historically this place has always been very crowded with visitors (times have changed!) so either / or would work going forward.
My preference is the deck as it is higher than the promenade and you are also afforded views that are not available from the Promenade.
Both locations are just fine for seeing the Symphony of Lights | Laser Light Show that begins at 8pm daily.for about 8 minutes, if you miss it do not feel sorry, seeing the view in the image above is why you are there.
oh… and as a bonus, at night time you will be able to see the Aqua Luna boats I and II with their magnificent sails prowling the harbour, they are replica fishing junks and make for a lovely image.
The Ultimate Hong Kong Tour Blog
The 5 best views in Hong Kong No. 4
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
April 9th 2020 | The 5 best views in Hong Kong | Ranked 4 - The view from Barker Road, the Peak
This is how the view looks from 50 yards away from the House that Jack built, his new home has this view on Barker Road, what a magnificent view!! worth the US$192 Million that he paid for the plot of land and old house which he demolished., I am course talking about Jack Ma, the richest chap in China with a net worth of around US$35 Billion (ish).
I generally do Barker Road for only 7 months of the year and generally give it it a miss in the 5 summer months as you are walking downhill from the Peak to get the view and see buildings and houses of interest, you do not want to be walking back uphill!
Also for any of the Victoria Peak Views and as a reminder, be mindful of the weather, in spring it can be very foggy, in the winter very cloudy and gloomy with the odd sunny day, autumn is great but it can also be grey and gloomy but the summer is when you get the best views but the weather can change very quickly! heavy rain and thunderstorms can make it very unpleasant so read the weather forecast.
Us Private Tour Guides are pretty good at assessing the weather conditions each day at Victoria Peak, well it is basically my 2nd home to speak and I know the weather…. in a nutshell, have a look at the Peak from downtown at 10am, if it is fogged in and you cannot see it then you are wasting your time going up there… the weather forecasts here are pretty accurate! naturally there are exceptions but in the main my comments are quite accurate.
The Ultimate Hong Kong Tour Blog
The 5 best views in Hong Kong No. 5
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
April 9th 2020 | The 5 best views in Hong Kong | Ranked 5 - The Cable Car NP 360 Lantau Island
A lot of people will be surprised by my 5th choice which is the view from the NP 360 Cable car that goes to and from the Big Buddha on Lantau Island.
You get mountain views, a fabulous view of the airport and mega bridges, Mainland China on a clear day, the Big Buddha perched on a hill etc. fabulous and it is a 25 minute ride!
Naturally weather is important (the same comments about weather at the Peak apply here) when it is very cloudy and foggy you can see precisely nothing although I do like it, it makes for a great image but for those with a nervous disposition it can be an issue when you are so high and you can’t see anything!
Visit Hong Kong | The Big Buddha or officially the Tian Tan Buddha, est. 1989, The Iconic Po Lin Monastery est. 1906, + Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car et. 2006 + visit the nearby Tai O Fishing Village, all located on Lantau Island, NT, Hong Kong.
Please note:- The Big Buddha was actually completed in late 1989 but did not open to the Public until 29th December 1993 almost 4 years later!. The NP 360 Cable Car did not open until September 18th 2006.
A visit to Lantau Island in Hong Kong makes for a splendid day out, including travel time roughly 7 or 8 hours.
Due to the popularity of the attractions on Lantau Island and taking into account I have done tours of Lantau Island over 250 times, I have my own “order of doing things” to avoid big crowds and lines which I tend not to deviate from.
MTR (Subway) to Tung Chung on Lantau Island
Single decker Public Bus to the Tai O Fishing Village
Single decker Public Bus or Blue Taxi from the Tai O Fishing Village to the Big Buddha | Tian Tan Buddha
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car from the Big Buddha to Tung Chung (25 minute ride through the mountains)
MTR (Subway) back to town from Tung Chung
The Big Buddha or Tian Tan Buddha (nobody actually calls it that!) Is magnificent in all weather conditions, I have been there in fog and driving rain when you have to stand next to it for a picture, it is very atmospheric! It is a bronze statue 112ft in height | be aware that you have to walk up 268 rather steep steps to stand next to the Buddha, quite challenging when it is hot and humid, it is something you should really do as the views from the top are magnificent and naturally 268 steps up means 268 steps down.
When you get back down, it is onto the iconic Po Lin Monastery which has been around for a very long time, it is literally a 5 minute walk from the main entrance to the Big Buddha.
Please be aware that there are two Po Lin Monasteries (just to confuse everyone) the relatively new, NEW Po Lin Monastery which opened in late 2014 is behind the original Monastery and is huge by comparison, when you see the interior it takes your breath away, photo’s do not do it justice.. It is quite magnificent - the security guard who is inside and more often than not, napping does not seem to mind if you take pictures from the doorway.
I generally skip the Vegetarian Restaurant next to the Monastery simply because of time and frankly the food is awfully bland but that’s a personal opinion.
Then a 10 - 15 minute walk to the NP 360 Cable Car Station which includes a walk through the Ngong Ping Village (which is owned and operated by the MTR (Subway) and who operate the Cable Car) it has an essential purpose which includes souvenir shops, fast food restaurants including a Starbucks and clean western style bathrooms but has NO cultural value despite all the advertising you might see.
I always take the crystal cabin with the “glass floor” for the cable car ride as the line / queue is generally a lot shorter and it makes the actual ride more interesting, the ride which is about 25 minutes through the mountains is splendid and you get a rather magnificent overview of Hong Kong International Airport and in the distance, Mainland China.
When you get off the Cable Car you then have a 10 minute walk to the Tung Chung MTR (Subway) Station, just follow the people and the signs.
The Ultimate Hong Kong Tour Blog
The Cars of Hong Kong | Rolls Royce
It would have been nice to include an image of the Rolls Royce Dawn but I actually have not seen one on the streets of Hong Kong, but I have seen the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe frequently, it is quite similar.
On an amusing note, you will note that in the Cullinan image, the factory wrap is still covering the drivers seat, this is not a new thing, this image was taken months ago and I photographed a brand new Bentley Mulsanne with the same issue.. it is very Hong Kong thing even if I think it is totally silly, remove the plastic wrap already! local culture is fascinating!
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
Rolls Royce Phantom - MR 989
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
Rolls Royce Ghost - UD 9272
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
Rolls Royce Wraith - RR 886
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe - 4
© Jamie Lloyd | J3 Private Tours Hong Kong | 2011 - 2020. All rights reserved. Click on the image to enlarge to full screen
Rolls Royce Cullinan - WG 7531
This is NOT how I do tours! There are NO flags, whistles, stickers or large groups!
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