Let's Go For a Ride! How to Take the Hong Kong Star Ferry

February 17, 2010 at 10:50 AM | by JetSetCD | Comment (1)

Hong Kong is a truly magical place, with all of its technology and modern skyscrapers mixed with the historical and local aspects of the teeming city, and one little boat in the middle of it all has become a symbol of the city. It's the Star Ferry, a line of small ferries that takes locals and tourists across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island and back.

The Star Ferry is one of the cheapest, easiest and most scenic ways to get out in Hong Kong, and who doesn't love a 7-minute boat ride for less than 50 cents? You'll be able to make your own postcards with the photos you take from the deck, and it's just too darn easy to do.

The Guide to Taking the Star Ferry, after the jump

How to reach it: You can get to the Star Ferry by heading down the waterfront at either of its stops: at the pier straight out in front of the IFC Tower in the Central district on Hong Kong island, or the Star Ferry terminal at the tip of Kowloon, in the Tsim Sha Tsui district. Both are conveniently located near huge malls; the IFC mall in Central and the Harbour City mall and cruise ship port in Kowloon.

Where it goes: The main Star Ferry, with all the great views and the shortest trip length, is the one between Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Central on Hong Kong island. There are a couple others from the business district of Wanchai up to Kowloon or over to Tsim Sha Tsui, but those are less convenient for tourists. You'll cross Victoria Harbour, going from one waterfront with stunning skyscrapers to another.

How much does it cost? Price depends on what deck you choose. The upper level, typically favored by tourists and those who'd like more space and a slightly better view, costs 2.50 HKD ($0.32) on weekdays and 3.00 HKD ($0.37) on weekends and holidays each way, per adult. If you opt for the lower deck, the one used more by locals, then you'll be paying only 2.00 HKD ($0.26) on weekdays and 2.40 HKD ($0.31) on weekends and holidays. If you have the Octopus Card which allows you to use most Hong Kong public transportation simply by tapping the microchipped card, you can use it to pay for your Star Ferry fare as well.

Who rides it? While you'd think it'd be mainly tourists opting for the 7 minute trip across Victoria Harbor for the views, it's actually a mix of locals commuting and the aforementioned travelers.

What's so special about it? Not only is it a super cheap ride, but it'll afford great vistas of the harbour, the skylines, and Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island. Basically, the pictures you take from the Star Ferry will be postcard-worthy. And since it's only a 7 minute trip between two easy-to-reach piers, you won't be going out of your way for the experience. Plus there's the historical importance, since the Star Ferries have been running since the late 1800s and were named one of National Geographic Traveler's 50 places to visit in your lifetime.

[Photos: Jaunted]

Jaunted

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