Star Ferry, Hong Kong

Star Ferry is a passenger ferry service running across Victoria Harbour.

It's popular with commuters traveling to work but is also a convenient and satisfying way to view the sights of the harbour. It's cheap to use and there a number of routes.

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The star Ferry offers a harbor cruise that takes one hour to complete.

For a reasonable HK$40 you are provided with a modern ferry that is fully air-conditioned. This is a perfect way to get a fully narrated overview of the city, with a cold drink in hand from the bar.

The "Shining Star" ferry is a re-creation of the ferries that were common on Victoria Harbour during the 1920s and 1930’s.

There are also outside viewing areas at the bow and stern of the vessel for those who wish to enjoy the “outdoors” a little more!

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The Star Ferry was a quick trip that took us between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island in approx 5 minutes. Although views were excellent, with the massive skyscrapers dwarfing the container ships, ferries and other water craft, I was a little disappointed with the ferry ride as I thought the ride would go longer! (Just one of those things you picture in your head before traveling to a particular destination.)

Although the star ferry has 2 levels, first and second class, we paid for a second class ticket and sat in the first class seats. Nobody approached us and we simply enjoyed the breeze and the excellent views.

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It's been mentioned before, but this is one of the greatest bargains ever. If you're short on time this is a great way to get a great view of Hong Kong Island and then Kowloon on the way back. The trip is only 10 minutes each way. The fare is $2.20 in HKD for the upper deck. Which is what, 35 US cents? There is a ticket kiosk where you just enter $2.20 and it will disperse a token which you then drop in the turnstile to the ferry dock.

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The first news report of the star ferry seafaring vessel was reported in 1888. Since that time the ferry has endured many a hardship with typhoons and wars. Today it is the main mode of transportation between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Each vessel can carry up to 200 passengers and runs every few minutes. The star ferry has a charm about it and is loved not only by the locals but by tourists alike. I would ride the ferry at least twice a day if not more - just for the sake of taking that ride. I absolutely love the Star Ferry. I'd love to live on HK island and have to take the ferry to work everyday to tsimshatsui or visa versa.

It is so much fun though only a 10 minute ride. I wish it were a longer ride. It is an attraction in itself. I used the octopus card on the ferry though I thing it's like about $2.20HK for a ride.

I did take the Star Ferry Harbour Cruise which I will explain more in detail on the attractions and tips page.

The first thing you have to do when arriving in HK is take the Star Ferry.

For a beautiful song recorded as a tribute to the Star Ferry titled "On The Star Ferry To Kowloon" go here http://joshongkong.tripod.com on the homepage
sung by jazz vocalist Sony Holland with music and lyrics by Jerry Holland http:www.sonyholland.com

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Taking the Star Ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island is one of the first things you should experience. It's so much fun though only about a 10 minute ride. I would ride it just for the sake of taking the ride.

I also took the Star Ferry Harbour one hour cruise which is definitely A MUST. It basically cruises the entire harbour and even on a cloudy day it's an awesome ride. It is $60.00HK for the cruise and you can catch it at the star ferry terminal. I suggest however you do the early cruise as there are less people. They do offer a dinner cruise as well which I'm sure is just as awesome. And, make sure you have your camera with you for this cruise.

One of THE things to do on Hong Kong is go on the star ferry. Its a bit like going on a double decker bus in London , its part of the city's character. There is an easier and faster way of geting from Hong Kong to Kowloon - take the MTR - but thats not the point!

From the ferry you can see one of the best cityscapes in the world, especially at night when the city is lit up. Its fab. I
If you travel from Kowloon to Hong Kong at 8pm you can see the festival of lights when all the buidings light up and lasers shine into the sky for a free spectacular 20 min show. (and you can't see that on the MTR!)

The ferry service started originally in 1888 and there are 4 different services between central, Tsim Sha Tsui ,Hung Hom and Wanchai

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As I mentioned in the introduction a trip with the Star Ferry is a great way of reaching Hong Kong Island if your'e not already on it, or the Kowloon side of the bay if yo're staying on the Island. Many ferries equals many trips, so you really don't need to plan much in advance. I do not remember the fare price, but I don't think it was that expensive. Great for taking pictures!