After nearly a year, I’m back in Hong Kong… only this time, I was on a quest for the ‘new and different’. So then, what does one do in a bustling city of skyscrapers? How about a visit to Sky100, Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper….
Recapping a visit to Hong Kong’s Sky100
As Hong Kong’s highest indoor observatory and the world’s 4th largest skyscraper when measured by the number of floors (118), Hong Kong’s ICC building purely defines the skyline of this amazing city. You simply can’t catch a glimpse of Hong Kong without seeing this building towering over all else…
So as goes the saying of mountain climbers, if it’s there, it must be climbed! Though, unlike Alain Robert, I think I’ll take the elevator as I’m not much into free climbing skyscrapers. And as some of you already know, I have a weird fascination with the tallest man made structures on earth. If you stop and really think about, we (mankind) has ‘relatively quickly’ gone from living in single story housing to building monstrosities that will soon reach a full kilometer in height (Kingdom Tower of Saudi Arabia is set to be the first skyscraper to reach 1km in height which is a dizzying 3,307 feet). At these milestones, it’s hard not to have appreciation for these awe-inspiring structures…
However, actually getting to the Sky100 for us was our biggest challenge since we walked from Victoria Harbor. Construction was rampant down below so when we finally reached the base of the building and found an entrance, we were in good shape.
From Floor 2 to 100 in 60 Seconds
We quickly found the portal to the top, hopped in and were quickly reminded of our similar elevator ride to the top of Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers as we rocketed towards the top of the building.
Floor 10, 20, 30, 40…. Within 60 seconds, we had reached the top, Floor 100 and had walked out upon Hong Kong’s highest indoor observation deck! Looking back on it, I think my ears popped twice!
The entryway into the observatory as soon as you exit the elevator at the Sky100 Observatory…
And this was the transparent floor in that same hallway. It essentially had a three dimensional map of the buildings throughout Hong Kong… very cool!
As we walked towards the windows and into the main observatory, it offered a much more relaxed view than you typically receive in the world’s tallest structures. Sky100 had a very quaint area to enjoy the view over Victoria Harbor and of course, all of Hong Kong. And this viewpoint wouldn’t be complete without the bar that was set behind us and offered plenty of window seating. We quickly grabbed some wine, sat at the edge of the windows and took in the lights and busy streets of Hong Kong. And sitting there, you couldn’t help but revel in the fact of how far this city (and civilization in general) has developed and advanced over the past 100 years. For a quick reminder, here is Hong Kong 100 years ago…
Can you Feel a Skyscraper Swaying in the Wind?
Absolutely… these 118 floor were most assuredly swaying in the wind! You can feel the movement in the floor right up through your legs… of course, this was mainly due to the fact that Hong Kong, sitting on the coast, is so windy…so no, it wasn’t the wine I was drinking!
The Inside Area of the Sky100 Observatory
Sky100 simply makes it amazing and gorgeous to see the city from up here, away from the hustling crowds. It seems to me the best place to see a tranquil side of the busy lives of those below. If you make it to Hong Kong, be sure to put the ICC Skyscraper on your list with a visit to Sky100. And of course, time your visit just before sunset and plan to stay for a few drinks. It’ll be an experience to remember…
Views looking down on Hong Kong from the ICC’s 100th floor
If you’re going to Sky 100:
Check out their site, Sky100 for more information. Ticket prices at the time of this writing were 168 HKD though if you take my recommendation and go for the sunset, they are a bit more but worth it in my opinion. Ordering tickets is easy too and will reserve your date and time so you don’t have to worry about standing in long lines when you show up. Typically open from 10am to 9pm however you’ll want to check the site on the day of your visit to be sure there aren’t any events going on at the Sky100 observation deck.
The easiest way to get there (if not going by taxi), is to take the metro to MTR Kowloon Station which can be done by taking either the Airport Express line or the Tung Chung line. Once you arrive to Kowloon Station, just head out Exit C and it’ll get you there.
Like what you’ve read?
Share this article with those you think will benefit and join my email community below to stay up date on future posts to help you plan, save and turn your travel dreams into reality!
2 Comments... Join the conversation below
I love almost all the pictures. But you know what? There is one thing that really bugs me whenever I read travel blogs. I just don’t understand why travelers always skip visiting the Philippines, when they’re already in Southeast Asia?
Beth recently posted…Hannah’s Beach Resort, Pagudpud
Very true Beth! I have yet to go to the Philippines but it is on my list of travel destinations in the near future! We had actually planned to go there after a recent trip to Thailand as we were going to venture through Indonesia as well. From what I’ve seen and heard from other travelers, it’s an amazing country to visit. Thanks for the comment!