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), formerly, the tallest building in Hong Kong
Central Hong Kong Skyline with Bank of China Tower
HSBC Tower, a skyscraper reknowned for its ability to be dismantled and then assembled on demand.
Bank of China Tower, first skyscraper above 300m outside the US
Hong Kong Opera House
International Commerce Center (underconstruction ), Hong Kong’s Tallest Building.
2IFC with Star Ferry Central Pier / Terminal
Star Ferry Central Pier
Riding the Star Ferry is best during Sunrise, Sunset, or the nightly Symphony of Lights. We originally planned on making a quick visit to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Museum at the 55th floor of the 2IFC. I had read that it’s the highest floor inside the 2IFC that is open to the public, they have a glass window where you can see the view outside. There is no admission fee, you only need to request a visitor’s pass when you enter the building. Since we woke up late, we had to skip it so we could go to our next destination, the Victoria Peak Tram.
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
nice pics… did you take up photography lessons or did you just study photography on your own?
Thanks. I learned on my own. There are a lot of blogs and books/ebook that offer great photography advice
When did you go to Hong Kong? It seemed that you pictures are cloudy. Still nice shots, though.
We went there in October. It was raining on and off during our visit :(
Hello:) thank you for gracing us you experience thru your blog:) its very informatice.
Im going to HK this dec and planning to ride the Star Ferry but you mentioned that the fare is HK$2.30, checking the link, A Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise is
HK$160? are they diff?
Yes they are different. The StarFerry ride we went on is just a regular crossing commute from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central … whereas the cruise will go around the bay for a longer period of time.