Changes On Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak

Four days until the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.

The Peak Tower is going to be made part of the nightly “Festival of Lights” when it re-opens sometime this summer. It has been undergoing a substantial revitalization, which, without messing with the original “wok” design, will provide more interior viewing area, add access to views of the South side of Hong Kong Island and hopefully attract some higher class vendors than were there before. I’ve seen better merchandise in the lowliest of the night markets.

The Tower Before Refurbishment

I’ll say more about the Peak when the Tower re-opens and other changes are made. I do want to offer two tips, though.

First, even though it looks like it might be, Cafe Deco is not a tourist trap. The food is good. The service is efficient and friendly. The prices are fair. If you phone early enough you can get a window table which offers a better view of the Central District, Victoria Harbour, and Tsimshatsui than any other restaurant or bar I know.

Second, riding the Peak Tram up to the Peak will be a disappointment. You can’t see anything because of the vegetation. It can be very crowded and often entails a long wait plus it’s expensive for what you get. Better to take the #15 New World First Bus from the Exchange Square Bus Terminal. Sit on the upper deck towards the front and for less than half of a Peak Tram Ticket, see Hong Kong vistas, marvel at how a double decker bus can negotiate the narrow roads and tight curves and sit in air-conditioned comfort.

More fun you’ll never have except maybe on a roller coaster.