For many Filipinos, Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations for their first out of town trip. Only 2 hours away from the Philippines and eschewing the need for a visa to visit, the special administrative region is a heady mix of western and Chinese influence, equal parts storied past and vibrant present.
This is most apparent when visiting Victoria Peak. Rising 522 meters above sea level, it is the highest point of Hong Kong Island and one of the perennial favorites among travelers, first-timers and seasoned jetsetters alike.
Known simply as The Peak, it offers a sweeping vantage point of the metropolis below, with glass towers framing the busy Victoria Harbor. At any given time, visitors will be able to see several ferries and ships glide across the waters, a reminder of Hong Kong’s position as an economic and trade center in the region.
Getting to The Peak is also a treat in itself. While there are buses and taxies that could take a traveler to this tourist hotspot, it is the Peak Tram that draws visitors by the thousands daily thanks to its rich history and the stunning views during the trip.
First opened in 1888, the Peak Tram is one of the earliest cable railways in Asia. During the time that Hong Kong was under British rule, The Peak was a prestigious residential area known to be the home of the region’s elite thanks to its cooler climate and distance away from the busy city center. Before the development of the tram, reaching the summit was a difficult ordeal, with people being carried in sedan chairs up steep winding paths up the hills. The introduction of the tram transformed accessibility and quickly became a symbol of progress.
Originally powered by coal-fired steam, the tram was later electrified in 1926. Over the decades, it has been modernized several times, most recently in 2022 with the debut of new, larger carriages painted in a distinctive green. Despite the upgrades, the steep ascent—at times climbing a gradient of 27 degrees—remains thrilling, giving passengers the sensation that skyscrapers outside are tilting at impossible angles. The ride itself – lasting just about eight minutes, is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
At the summit, the reward is one of the most celebrated views in the world. From the Peak Tower Sky Terrace 428, the city unfolds in a breathtaking panorama: Hong Kong Island’s skyline dominates the foreground, Victoria Harbour glitters at the center, and the dense sprawl of Kowloon stretches into misty hills beyond. By day, you can see ships moving in and out of the harbor, while at night, the city transforms into a dazzling constellation of lights.
Beyond the viewing platforms, the Peak also offers quieter spots to enjoy the scenery. The Lugard Road Lookout, along a shaded trail, provides postcard-perfect angles of the harbor framed by lush greenery. For photographers and romantics alike, dusk is perhaps the most magical time to be here, when the last light of day melts into the neon glow of the city below.
While many visitors come for the tram and the view, Victoria Peak also offers several trails for those who want to experience what Hong Kong’s nature has to offer. The Peak Circle is the most popular trail thanks to the easy route. The 3.5km loop circles the summit, giving multiple views of the Hong Kong region. Shaded by banyan and camphor trees, the trail has multiple lookout points, allowing hikers to see not just the famed city view from another angle, but also seaward views with the outlying islands seen at a distance.
For those who prefer an active ascent, the Morning Trail starts from Conduit Road in the Mid-Levels and winds uphill through forested paths to the Peak. Popular with locals for exercise, it takes around 45 minutes to climb and rewards hikers with the satisfaction of earning the famous view.
More than a sightseeing stop, Victoria Peak is woven into Hong Kong’s identity. For locals, it represents both history and escape—a place where colonial legacies meet modern recreation, and where one can step away from the frenetic energy of Central without leaving the island. The tram, meanwhile, has become a nostalgic icon, linking generations of Hong Kong residents and visitors alike.
The true magic of the Peak lies not only in its skyline panoramas but also in its leafy trails, where the sounds of birdsong replace car horns and the pace of life slows. Together, the Peak and its tram offer a timeless reminder of why Hong Kong is a city like no other—where history, nature, and modernity meet at the top of a mountain.
