Climbing Hong Kong Island, HONG KONG
Airing Date: Jul 3rd, 2006
You've never climbed a mountain quite like this before - grab a bus, tram, hiking boots and even the world's longest escalator, and you'll finally reach the top...of Hong Kong.
If you don't think you're going to be using public transport a lot, or you're only visiting Hong Kong for a few days, it's worth getting an Octopus Card.
The Octopus card is accepted on most public transport including buses, minibuses, trains, ferries, the Peak Tram, and some taxis. It's even accepted at convenience stores and fast food restaurants such as 7 Eleven stores.
There's even a drinks and snacks machine down the bottom of the IFC Mall above Central Station which ONLY takes the Octopus Card! A new Octopus card includes a refundable HK$50 deposit. Any leftover money is also refunded when you return the card.
Visitors can ask for it at the Airport Express Customer Service Counters on Level 5 of the Hong Kong International Airport, and the cards are also available at most public transport customer service centres.
The world's longest escalator (at about 800 metres) is a covered outdoor escalator system which is suspended above the street.
It's a top way to window shop too, since the shops on one side take the opportunity to display their wares in their first floor window for your perusal as you pass by.
Take the Mid-Levels escalator from Queen's Road Central, clearly marked on most maps as a solid line.The Peak is Hong Kong's number one tourist destination, playing host to more than 6 million visitors each year.
It features the city's oldest and most reliable mode of public transport, The Peak Tram. A scenic ride up from the city centre to The Peak takes only 7 minutes, and residents of the upper slopes of Victoria Peak also still take the Tram to reach their homes too!
The Peak Tram is a funicular railway that carves a steep 373-metre swathe up the lush mountainside. The tram has been in operation since 1888, and once competed with sedan chairs as the most popular way up.
Over the last century, it has certainly served as one of the city's most vital transport links, and has helped shape Hong Kong's development. At the summit, visitors arrive at The Peak Tower, the city's most unusual building and icon.
The unique "wok" shaped tower sits at an elevation of 396 metres. Viewing terraces located on different levels of the tower offer spectacular views of the Hong Kong and Kowloon skylines, including Victoria Harbour. In true Hong Kong style, there is even a shopping centre up here, with a main viewing deck on top of it.
There are also lovely restaurants with spectacular views and equally spectacular prices.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Peak Tram from $6. Prices correct at 03/7/06.
www.thepeak.com.hk
Return flights & 4 nights at Harbour Plaza Northpoint from $1339 ex Melbourne, $1341 ex Brisbane, $1342 ex Perth, $1358 ex Sydney, $1470 ex Adelaide. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Includes upgrade to Superior Harbour View room, Island tour & transfers. Prices correct at 08/6/06.
Qantas Holidays - Ph: 13 14 15, Web: www.qantas.com
