A Ride On The Peak Tram, Hong Kong
Where do you find one of the shortest rail journeys in the world? Hong Kong Island! Nope's that wasn't a million-dollar question but certainly close to a million dollar experience! A short, fast, almost vertical ascent up Victoria Peak, 1308 feet (396m) *, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Welcome to the Peak Tram, the single most expeditious way of reaching the Peak in 7 minutes flat!
The Peak Tram, Hong Kong's only funicular railway system started operations in 1888.In its 114 year history, it has seen many developments including the change from the early coal-powered system to a modern computerized system. Riding the Peak Tram and visiting Victoria Peak is a must on any traveler's itinerary. During my 1-week stay in HK, I had deliberately penciled 'Riding the Peak Tram & Victoria Peak' as the last entry on my itinerary. I had read so much about Hong Kong's Peak Tram and the dazzling view to be had of the Hong Kong skyline from the Peak Tower, so much so that making it my last stop was the logical step..... a wonderful way to cap a most hectic and adventurous holiday!
The Peak Tram station is located at Garden Road, bordering Hong Kong Park and is easily accessible by a short walk from Admiralty MTR station and Pacific Place. An adult return ticket cost us HK$30 each. Past the turnstiles, camera and camcorders in hand, we were poised to capture the wonderful sights. Since the Tram rides on a single track, we waited patiently for it to descend from the Peak. As the passengers disembarked and filed past us, the anticipation increased. Once the Tram was empty, we all boarded it and quickly parked ourselves at seats, which offered the best view. Incidentally, that will be on the right-hand side. The interior of the Tram is furnished in wood with gleaming brass finishes. As the Tram began its ascent, up all 1400 meters of track, a pleasant commentary detailing the history of the Tram was played. I doubt if anyone was actually listening as the cameras started clicking and the chatter of excited tourist, quickly drowned out the commentary. First, the sight of lush green vegetation comes into view. Slowly, the view of the many apartments and buildings surrounding Hong Kong Park appears. While the Tram trundles up, Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers of the financial district emerge majestically!
Along the way, we pass by 4 stations (Barker Road, May Road, MacDonnell Road and Kennedy Road)*. These stations -- tiny, half the size of a bus shelter, with a solitary bench each, are still operational. At the May Road station, one experiences the steepest point in the ascent, 27 degrees to the horizontal* Quite exhilarating, gravity pulls you back into the backrest of the wooden bench and the pressure builds up while you wrestle with gravity and try to capture the breathtaking view on camera. Relax and sit back literally takes on a new meaning!
Nearing the terminal, I realized the chatter had died down and once again the taped commentary was audible. No doubt my fellow passengers were completely astounded by the sights -- the contrast of foliage on the Peak to the left and the swathe of skyscrapers teetering on the edge of Victoria Harbour to the right.
That said the 7- minute ride ended. We disembarked and ventured on to yet another experience. This time a gastronomical one!
* Frommers' Hong Kong Guide
* These stations are named after prominent British subjects, including 3 former governors of Hong Kong and the first commander of the British Forces in HK.
For more details on riding the Peak Tram, please visit its official website at http://www.thepeak.com.hk or call (852) 28497654.
Published on 6/25/03
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