Though best known for its vantage overlooking Hong Kong city and harbour, the Peak on Hong Kong Island offers a wonderful introduction to the wilder side of Hong Kong. Possibilities for outings range from an easy circular walk to full-blown hikes.
0.75hrs travelling; 1hr circuit, 1-4hours extra hiking
Getting there Surely the best way to travel here – especially if it’s your first time – is by the Peak Tram; other good options include Minibus 1 from IFC in Central.
Outings From the Peak Tram station, you can turn right, and immediately find the start of the circular walk, along Lugard Road. This is also the start of the 50-kilometre (31-mile) Hong Kong Trail, which leads to the east coast of Hong Kong Island. There’s a tree walk here, too, with information posts about trees and local natural history.
Trees hide much of the city. But soon, the path runs above grassland and scrub, with far better city and harbour views than from the Peak Tram. Continue west, and the path runs through woodland, passing below the straggly roots of a big banyan.
Arriving at junctions with other paths, you could choose to hike more of the Hong Kong Trail, or drop down to the north, through an old fortification built to resist invading Japanese forces, Pinewood Battery. Better still, follow a rather inconspicuous trail leading west from the edge of a grassy area, and you can climb steps to the top of High West, to enjoy magnificent views across western Hong Kong Island, and islands including Lamma and Lantau.
From these junctions, the circular walk loops back towards the Peak Tram station, along the thickly wooded southern slopes of the Peak. The path crosses a stream, below a small but picturesque waterfall, and you’re soon back at the Peak Tram station.
From here, you could walk up Austin Road, which winds past expensive housing and a park, to Victoria Peak Gardens. The gardens are laid out alongside the stream, with benches, rolling lawns, and footpaths; a little higher is a side-track to a viewpoint for admiring western Hong Kong.
Also from the Peak Tram station – opposite the car park entrances – you could follow a narrow road down through woodland, to Pokfulam Reservoir, then down to the highway to catch a bus to or through Central. Or, simply ride the tram back down to the city.