Julian and I decided that we should start going on a weekly hike every weekend, to stay in shape and to escape from the concrete jungle of the city. Luckily, his parents' apartment connects directly to Bowen Road which winds its way around the back of the skyscrapers and towering apartment buildings that make up the famed Hong Kong skyline. Starting on the eastern end at Stubbs Road, the jogging trail Bowen Road provides picturesque views of the Wan Chai and Central districts of Hong Kong. Flat, mostly shaded, and primarily car-free on the weekends, Bowen Road would be our main trail.
On the way up to our final destination, Victoria Peak, we decided to take a pit-stop so Julian could show me his high school, The Island School. Knowing only that it was a large international private school in Hong Kong, I surprised by how the school seemed to dominate the landscape. Situated on the side of the hill, Island School has multiple stories, a swimming pool, multiple indoor and outdoor gymnasiums, and an astroturf pitch.
After this detour, we finally came around to Old Peak Road. Unlike Bowen Road, this part of the hike involved some incredibly steep hills. Winding in a zigzag pattern, the trail takes you past the Peak Tram (for tourists who prefer not to hike) all the way to the top of Victoria Peak. After about a 30 minute climb, we were so excited to make it to the top. I felt so accomplished!
The view from the top is breathtaking, and is probably the best birds eye view of Hong Kong that you will ever find. If you travel to Hong Kong, the trip up to Victoria Peak is a 'must do'. Once we got to the top, there are a variety of restaurants- both expensive and more affordable.
For a nicer, sit-down restaurant, I suggest the Peak Lookout which has beautiful seating both indoors and outdoors and provides an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. The extensive menu includes both Asian and Western options, and for my first visit I tried the chicken caesar salad which was light and refreshing. A little bit on the pricer side, this is a good place to unwind and treat yourself to a nice meal.
For the more affordable options, I suggest Delifrance for some light sandwiches, muffins, and other assorted pastries or Pacific Coffee for a reliable pick-me-up. And for anyone with a sweet tooth, Gino's Gelato offers an assortment of delicious flavors that are a must try.
For the more affordable options, I suggest Delifrance for some light sandwiches, muffins, and other assorted pastries or Pacific Coffee for a reliable pick-me-up. And for anyone with a sweet tooth, Gino's Gelato offers an assortment of delicious flavors that are a must try.
At the top of the Peak, there is a viewing area with picturesque panoramic views, and you can also pay to go farther up to the top of one of the buildings for a 360 degree view. In my opinion though, this is not necessary. Also, we got to take a look inside one of the old Peak trams which also serves as the Visitors Center.
After hiking all the way, we figured the hike down would be much easier so we decided to walk down. However, you can always take the Peak Tram down to Central for a more convenient option. However, on the weekends, the line for the tram can take multiple hours because of the crowds this attraction draws. What a beautiful day for a hike! We definitely plan on trying to do this every weekend.
After hiking all the way, we figured the hike down would be much easier so we decided to walk down. However, you can always take the Peak Tram down to Central for a more convenient option. However, on the weekends, the line for the tram can take multiple hours because of the crowds this attraction draws. What a beautiful day for a hike! We definitely plan on trying to do this every weekend.