Star FerryThe Star Ferry is a passenger ferry service, famous for taking people across the harbour ever since 1888! Indeed, a group of travel writers recently named it one of the world's most exciting ferry rides! OK, to be honest, I don't know how much that tells you. How many extremely exciting ferry rides are there out there, anyway? Nonetheless, going for a little cruise in Victoria Harbour is definitely worthwhile! Being in operation since 1888 makes it exactly as old as the Peak Tram, and a historic part of Hong Kong. And similarly to Victoria Peak, it remains very popular among tourists because it offers another opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Hong Kong. The main, traditional crossing is between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. There is also a second route between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wanchai, while an attempt to establish services to Hung Hom has been abandoned. However, Hong Kong has changed throughout the years, and the Star Ferry experience along with it. On the plus side, the Hong Kong skyline keeps growing more magnificent year by year. On the other hand, the harbour is shrinking! Over a 100-year period, continuous land reclamations have reduced the distance covered by about a third. This means that there is less time to see anything on a simple crossing. To make the most out of it, try to grab a seat on the upper deck and on the side facing "inwards" (e.g. right side if going from Central). Either way, you may need to flip the back support to face the right direction. But in fact, if you really want a chance to actually see anything, you should go for the full harbour tour. This one hour circular route will take you all around Victoria Harbour at a leisurely pace, giving you a chance to appreciate it fully. While the price for a simple crossing is negligible at 2-3 HKD, a harbour tour costs 60 HKD in the daytime and 120 HKD in the evening. This may be a steep difference, but it is not unjustified considering what a splendid view Hong Kong makes at night. Also, there is the matter of the light show – A Symphony of Lights, which can be enjoyed from the middle of the harbour if you get on at the right time. If you really want to go all out on the Star Ferry experience, there's even a two-hour double loop "A Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise" for 160 HKD. You can find all the trip options and ticket prices at the Star Ferry website. DirectionsCentral PierThe Central Star Ferry Pier is in its fourth generation as the creeping shoreline from land reclamations has moved it closer and closer to Kowloon. It is now at Central Pier No. 7 below IFC. Reach it by walking from Central/Hong Kong MTR station. Alternatively, bus lines: 2, 3A, 7, 11, 12, 15, 15C, 71P, 91, 94, 307, 511, 603, 722, 780.Wanchai PierThe Wanchai Ferry Pier is found on Convention Avenue, next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, within walking distance from Wanchai MTR. Tsim Sha Tsui PierThis much older pier is located at the southwestern corner of Tsim Sha Tsui, west of the Avenue of Stars and south of Harbour City. Reachable from MTR (Tsim Sha Tsui/East Tsim Sha Tsui station) or bus lines: 1, 1A, 2, 5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 8P, 9, 28, 234P. Hung Hom PierIf you look in outdated sources, they may indicate the existence of a fourth pier in Hung Hom, east of Tsim Sha Tsui. This short-lived service has been cancelled due to lack of popularity.Return from Star Ferry to Hong Kong tourist attractions  New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |