The famous trams which ply their trade along the northern side of
Hong Kong Island are one of the best ways of getting around, and
certainly give a good view of Hong Kong life from the top deck.
Many of the trams are painted in bright advertising liveries
such as this one.
Hong Kong is famous for its many impressive skyscrapers. Land is
scarce so the most cost-effective way to build is up. This apartment
building is situated near the top of the escalator link up to mid-levels
on Hong Kong island.
The best views of Hong Kong Island and its skyline are to be had by
ascending to the top of the peak on the famous Peak Tram. The best time
to go is late in the afternoon, so you can take in the view in daylight
and stay until darkness, and view the buildings lit up at night.
This panoramic view of the skyline of the central area of the island
is taken from the peak. It also shows the way the buildings are hemmed
in by impressive green peaks which cover much of the center of the island.
It is possible to circumnavigate the island using a combination of trams
and buses. On the south side of the island, the town of Aberdeen plays host
to a harbour full of traditional boat houses. It is possible to take a trip
around the harbour in a sampan for a negotiable fee.
Within the harbour, this floating restaurant is alleged to be the
largest of its type in the world. Apparently, it is also very expensive,
well beyond the means of your average backpacker!
My first visit to Hong Kong was in late February 1999. Chinese New Year is celebrated
for two weeks - on the last weekend of this period, the old Governer's House
is opened to the public - I was lucky that this coincided with my visit, so
I joined a long queue to walk around the grounds and through the ground floor
of the house, which is now unused. Much of the rooms are roped off and access
is forbidden. It was sobering to look into the ball room and imagine the
festivities which must have taken place there over the years.
It would not be possible to produce any summary of Hong Kong without
mentioning that famous institution, the Star Ferry, which plys its trade
between the Island and the mainland of Kowloon. A trip on the ferry during
the day and at night is an essential part of any visit to Hong Kong.
