It’s day 2 of our Hong Kong and Macau Tour, we planned to visit many of Hong Kong’s top tourist spots. First up was the classic Star Ferry Ride across Victoria Harbor from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central in Hong Kong Island.

The Star Ferry ride is one my top recommended “to do” in Hong Kong. Not only is it dirt cheap (as a tourist attraction) but it’s one of the best experiences I had on the whole trip.

Fred Gebhart, a freelance travel writer, remarked that the “Star” Ferry is the perfect introduction to the controlled frenzy that is Hong Kong. If only we had the Star Ferry Ride as our first agenda after arriving in Hong Kong, it would have been perfect. I can just imagine my enthralled self aboard the Star Ferry amidst the serene, timeless Victoria Harbor and catching a first glimpse of the uber modern skyscrapers of Central Hong Kong.

We woke up and ate breakfast late that morning, around 9am, after our tiring first day. As usual, we stocked up on food in the 7/11 store near our hotel (Wing Sing Hotel). From Wing Sing Hotel, we rode the MTR from Yau Ma Tei Station to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and passed out of Exit L4. From there, we walked to the Star Ferry Pier – Tsim Sha Tsui Terminal.

The fare for the Star Ferry ride is HK$2.30. We took the seats on the upper deck. When we boarded the boat, there were only a few passengers, which was great since I had planned to take pictures from both sides of the boat. I was so ecstatic that time seeing Hong Kong’s famous buildings for the first time like the 2IFC, Hong Kong Opera Building, HSBC tower, Lippo Center, Bank of China etc… that I only used to see in pictures.

2 International Finance Center (2IFC), the  former tallest building in Hong Kong

Central Hong Kong Skyline with Bank of China Tower

HSBC Tower, known for its ability to be dismantled and then assembled at a different location on demand.

Bank of China Tower, first skyscraper above 300m outside the US

Hong Kong Opera House