CONCRETE STATE TOUR
CENTRAL | HONG KONG - Hong Kong is indeed a small country. The total area, based on Wikipedia records, is only 1.108 km2, less than half the area of Bali Island, which reaches 5.780 km2. Even so, Hong Kong is known as one of the countries in Asia that is visited by many world tourists.
Every year, tens of millions of tourists from various countries visit Hong Kong. Including, from Indonesia. And, of the approximately 7.482.500 residents, as much as 2,1 percent are Indonesian citizens who live and work in this tiny country.
In Hong Kong, you don't need to be confused about finding interesting tourist spots. Starting from places for shopping tours, places that hold high historical values, to natural attractions with amazing views are available in the city-state which Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) call the Negeri Beton.
One of them, Victoria Peak or better known as "The Peak". In this place, you will find The Peak Tower, which reaches 396 meters above sea level. There is also The Sky Terrace, which provides 360 degree views. So, you can see the entire Hong Kong landscape from a height.
Besides, of course taking pictures and taking selfies, with a view of the Hong Kong landscape as the background. Day or night, it is just as beautiful.
About three years ago, I once took my beloved wife on a trip to Ip Man's country. At that time I wanted my wife to be able to see Hong Kong, where I worked for the last five years, in full. Because I was too busy with work routines, finally I could only take him to The Peak.
While on Sky Terrace 428, the platform atop The Peak's heights, and looking down, straightening out my gaze through the grove of trees, I said to my beloved wife, “That's Hong Kong, honey! By looking at the rows of buildings and the sea, we can see all of Hong Kong. So, we don't have to go anywhere else, huh… ”I said that while pointing to the towering rows of concrete buildings on two mainland Hong Kong seen from Sky Terrace: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, which are separated by the sea.
And most importantly, after taking pictures at an altitude of 396 meters against the backdrop of the Hong Kong landscape at night, my wife also looks happy and satisfied.
What I said earlier is in line with the author's views on internet sites that discuss Hong Kong tourist attractions. One of the websites even reads the phrase: "If there is only one place you can visit in Hong Kong, go to The Peak."
In other words, The Peak is a must-visit if we are traveling to Hong Kong. For Indonesian friends who live and work in the Land of Concrete, it's not really good, if you have never been to The Peak.
The tourist facilities at The Peak are fairly complete. There are shopping centers and souvenirs available, selling branded goods to cheap souvenirs such as key chains and bottle openers with an image of the Hong Kong landscape. Also, there are various outlets for dining. And, the Peak Galleria, which is adjacent to the Peak Tower, is a popular shopping spot among world celebrities visiting this former British colony.
Apart from the pavilion that I mentioned earlier, at the Peak Tower there is also a wax statue museum which is very famous in the world: Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. In this tourist spot, Sahabat Indonesia has the opportunity to take pictures with figures immortalized in the form of statues but look like real ones. Starting from the figure of former footballer David Beckham, Hong Kong actor Bruce Lee, to the figure of Queen Elizabeth, Mahatma Gandhi, and even Marilyn Monroe.
For those who don't know, besides there are wax statues of important world figures, in this place there are also two figures from Indonesia! Namely, the wax statues of President Joko Widodo and First President Soekarno.
No less sensational than The Peak is to ride the Peak Tram, the short train with two red-hearted carriages used to reach the top of The Peak. This historical means of transportation that has been operating since 1888 is the first cable car in the Asian continent!
Ticket price
To be able to see the amazing view from Sky Terrace is certainly not free. Peak Tram Sky Pass facilities: ticket package to ride The Peak Tram as well as access tickets to Sky Terrace, Sahabat Indonesia can get by buying a ticket that is pegged at HK $ 84 for one way and HK $ 99 for a round-trip ticket.
It will be cheaper, if you just buy the Peak Tram ticket without a "ticket" to Sky Terrace. Namely, only HK $ 37 for one way and HK $ 52 for round-trip tickets. The Sky Terrace ticket, if purchased separately, costs HK $ 52.
Tickets are also available combo with access to the Madame Tussaud Museum, which offers a variety of packages. For the 3-in-1 Combo package ticket: entry Madame Tussauds, Peak Tram round trip, plus entrance to Sky Terrace, the price is pegged at HK $ 350.
The Peak Tram Station on Garden Road, the connecting road between the Central and Mid-Level areas, operates from 7 am to 12 midnight. Meanwhile, Sky Terrace and Peak Tower are open from 10 am to 11 pm Monday-Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it is open from 8 am to 11 pm. Meanwhile, Madame Tussauds is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00.
Head for The Peak
Usually, to get to The Peak from Causeway Bay, I take the MTR train to Kennedy Town, get off at Exit J2 of Central station. Then, walk about 15 minutes to the Peak Tram Station on Garden Road.
I have also taken a tram to Kennedy Town, Western Market, or Whitty Street Depot. After passing seven tram stops, get off at the Hong Kong Park stop; Cotton Tree Drive. Then, just walk towards the Peak Tram, about three minutes.
As an alternative, Sahabat Indonesia can also take bus number 15C from Pier 8 Central Pier. Alternatively, take bus number 15 from the terminal under the Exchange Square Building, which is adjacent to Exit D of Hong Kong MTR station. From there, head straight for The Peak, without taking the Peak Tram. In addition, getting to The Peak can also be done by taxi and private car.
Happy traveling in the Land of Concrete![]
