When it comes to getting a good view from a skyscraper observation deck you need a combination of height and position in the city to make it a worthwhile attraction. The sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck ticks both of those boxes.
Whenever I wanted a view of Hong Kong I’ve always gone to Victoria Peak. Mainly out of habit as I have been going there pre-ICC.
The International Commerce Centre was completed in 2010 and it became the tallest building in Hong Kong. It was the 4th tallest building in the world upon completion, and now it’s currently the 10th tallest building by height. That number will continue to drop, but it’s still the tallest building in Hong Kong, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon.
The ICC is home to the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, which is the highest observation deck in Hong Kong. I was invited to visit sky100 to see the view for myself. The week I was there was particularly grey and wet one, but we looked at the weather forecast and picked out an afternoon that looked promising.
Getting there is easy enough. I’m mean you can’t miss it as the ICC stands out from the crowd. In the ground level shopping mall look for the signs pointing to sky100.
The observation deck is on the 100th floor (out of 108) and 393 metres above sea level.
It was quite misty when I went up so I didn’t get the full view. The clouds parted occasionally though to reveal the skyline of Hong Kong Island. I didn’t get any photos that do it justice, so can get a general idea of the views from from public photos here.
The ICC is in West Kowloon on what is mostly reclaimed land. It’s quite amazing to think that when you look down the immediate area surrounding the tower was once water. There is a huge cultural district being built in the reclaimed land surrounding the tower. On this location there will never other towers blocking the way.
On the window ledges you can find information about each area you are viewing.
App
Part of the experience of visiting observation decks is taking loads of photos. sky100 has a mobile app which has all sorts of photo enhancements for when you are taking pictures with your friends. For example if you point the camera at special makers it will produce an augmented reality tower, which you can have your friends model themselves by the tower.
Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Another amazing feature of the International Commerce Centre is that it’s home to the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, which has the distinction of being the worlds highest hotel – above the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. sky100 has partnered with the Ritz-Carlton to offer the “Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong.” The menu is created exclusively for Café 100, setting it apart from your standard observation deck cafeteria food.
Which is better for Hong Kong views – The Peak or sky100?
The Peak is great to visit to ride the historic cog railway, which is an engineering marvel. Being up on the the peak surrounded by nature is also good. For the view though you are looking at the back of apartment towers without seeing the buildings that line the waterfront of the harbour.
So having seen this I would now say that the sky100 has the best views views of Hong Kong. From here you get an unobstructed view of the harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline. You are also looking down over the densely populated Kowloon skyline. If you are visiting Hong Kong be sure to check the weather and pick the day that looks the best, and you will get a view of what I think is the worlds most impressive skyline.
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