Up to the Peak
Sunday Morning at the Statue Gardens
This morning we take the subway to Central Station. We are heading to the funicular tram up to Victoria Peak which is the tallest of the mountains on Hong Kong Island. On the way we check out Chater Gardens and the nearby Court of Final Appeal and Statue Gardens.
It’s Sunday morning and the Statue Gardens are hopping with a large crowd of Christian worshippers (we know because they are all wearing t-shirts saying “Praise the Lord”), listening to a live concert of Christian songs. Surrounding the gardens are mostly young women who have laid down pieces of cardboard on which they are selling used clothing. Others are selling nail & toe nail painting services.
St John’s Cathedral
Nearby is St. John’s Cathedral, the largest in Hong Kong. A stream of people are going in & out as the Sunday service goes on inside. A cockatoo flies overhead.
Tram to Victoria Peak
The weather is getting sunnier so we head to the tram that goes up to Victoria Peak. There is a large lineup because this is the most popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong.John bought our tickets on line so that saves us a bit of time but it is still about a 30 minute wait. The tram goes up and up and up at a very steep angle.
Once you arrive at the top you go up many escalators and floors that are filled with souvenir shops and restaurants, including a Babba Gump Shrimp company restaurant and bar.John and I first head to a cafe that overlooks the view of Hong Kong. The view is so popular that you can only stay in the cafe a maximum of 45 minutes.
We next check the view from the Sky Terrace and then walk along one of the mountain top trails. There are warning signs not to feed or pet the wild pigs.
We take the tram back down and at the bottom the crowds of people waiting to go up are huge. I’m so glad we went in the morning.
Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park is only a ten minute walk away; mostly uphill. The park is free. The park has a fabulous aviary with winding boardwalks going through the huge netted enclosure. I enjoy watching the mynah birds take their baths. Click here for a short video.
The Hong Kong Zoological Park and Botanical Gardens
The Zoological Park & Gardens is another ten minute walk away, also up a very steep hill. I am surprised that it is also free. I love watching the red cheeked gibbons. There were three that keep teasing each other and taking each other’s toys. Must be brothers. This park also has a good aviary.
The Central fountain of the park is very pretty.
Tai Kwun Area
I am feeling pooped but we decide to go to a small botanical garden that is close but turns out to be closed for renovations. So we check out the really pretty Tai Kwun area which used to house the Central Police Station, Magistracy and prison.
We decide to go to a nearby dim sum place that was recommended on Trip Advisor called Ding Dim. John calls it Mr Dingles and now I keep thinking of that instead of it’s real name. We enjoy our meal.
