How to get here: All travel guidebooks will tell you to take the Peak Tram to the top. And yes, the Peak Tram is cute, has an interesting history and takes you up the steep hillside through beautiful nature. However, the tram usually has a huge line and is not even that spectacular. Save some time and money and take a cab instead. It will cost you 50-100 HKD from the tram station. When to get there: I suggest you go there at least once in daylight, and preferably once in the evening when the skyscrapers light up the night. Fun fact: The area around Victoria Peak is the most expensive part of Hong Kong. In 1997 the world’s most expensive house was located here – valued at 900 million HKD. Dragon’s Back hike is easy to access, easy to complete, offers amazing views and ends up at a beach – making it a perfect hiking trail. The hike is around 8 kilometers and starts with a pretty steep climb. But once you get up to the top the trail follows the mountain ridge, giving you a stunning view on both east and west side. It actually looks like you are following the spine of a dragon’s back. There are no replenishing stations along the way, so make sure to bring water and snacks. The hike ends at Big Wave Bay, a beautiful beach where you can take a swim and buy something to eat at the beach café. How to get to the starting point: Take the Island Line MTR to Shau Kei Wan station Exit A. Walk to the bus terminus and take bus number 9 with the sign “Shek O”. Alight the bus at To Tei Wan on Shek O Road. One you get off follow the path leading up the hill to the Dragon’s Back hike. Getting back home can feel a bit tricky, since the only way back is to grab a spot in one of the red minibuses from Big Wave Bay. But once on one of these buses it will take you back to Shau Kei Wan station. The Happy Valley Racecourse is located on Hong Kong Island, near Causeway Bay. Races have been organized here since 1846. Today racecourse is surrounded by skyscrapers, a scene that alone makes Happy Valley Racecourse worth visiting! How to get there: Take the Island Line MTR and alight at Causeway Bay station, or enhance the experience by taking the tram. Tips! If you’re not into tea and scones you can visit The Peninsula restaurant Felix in the evening for a meal or a drink. From there you have an amazing view of the Hong Kong Island skyline. And don’t forget to visit the bathroom! How to get to the starting point: The Lion Rock hike is one of the easiest hikes to get to via public transportation. Just take the MTR to Diamond Hill station. From there you can either walk for approximately one hour until you reach the starting point, or take a 10 minute taxi ride for around 20-30 HKD. We did the last option, which I’m glad for. ➳ Read more: Lion Rock hike, gettingstamped.com gives you a great summary of everything you need to know about this hike. Getting here: You find both of them along the red MTR line. The closest MTR station to Ladies market is Mong Kong. To visit Temple Street market, alight at Jordan. ➳ Tips! Heading to Hong Kong island afterwards? Take the Star Ferry from the Star Ferry pier, that takes you from Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong island. Before any tunnels existed, this was the only way to get to the island. Approaching the large skyscrapers at Hong Kong island with the small ferry is a grand experience. Getting there: You can go there by bus from Admiralty MTR station. ➳ Read more: Top 10 things to do and see in Mong Kok Opening hours: I actually don’t know about the opening hours, but once I got there on a Tuesday and it was closed. So choose another day. ➳ Read more: Hong Kong’s secret islands Since 2018 a bridge connects Hong Kong to Macau, making it easily accessible for Hong Kongers. This bridge is in fact the longest sea crossing in the world, 55 km long. If you have enough time on your Hong Kong trip I would suggest spending one night in Macau – it’s a fascinating experience. How to get there? Either by bus over the newly opened bridge, or by ferry from Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal.
