When it comes to zipping across Victoria Harbour, my guess is that there is no faster or economical option than to take the Star Ferry! Along with being a smart choice, there’s really nothing better than the AMAZING feeling of being out there on the aqua green water and taking in panoramic views of Hong Kong while the sea air kisses your face. It’s a journey that locals have been enjoying for centuries.
Shopping Made Easy!
The maiden voyage of what I hope becomes a regular thing for me was on the Morning Star, which it turns out is the namesake of the original vessel built in 1888, although mine was built in 1965 and now accommodates up to 576 passengers. It took me ever so conveniently from Central across the waters to Tsim Sha Tsui where the fabulous – DO NOT MISS IT – Harbour City shopping centre is located right at the foot of the ferry exit. It happens to be Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall boasting over 2 million square feet, 700 shops, more than 50 food and drink outlets, 2 supermarkets, 3 hotels, 2 cinemas and a major cruise terminal! Phewwwwwwww!
Star Ferry was founded well over a century ago in 1888. I read that they carry an eclectic mix of over 70,000 locals and tourists across the water each day!!! Sadly I know diddily squat about nautical terms because I’d like to sound a little less blonde right now but I found it sort of oddly interesting that the ferry was built to go forward either way to avoid reversing or big turns I suppose. The captain literally has to move from what was the ‘front’ to the back each trip to head back again across the harbour. I’m more a train and metro gal so maybe this is common with all ferries?
Cheap & Cheerful…and Oh-So-Convenient
Well, at a mere HKD $3.40 (that’s USD 40cents, GBP 26p, Rs. 26!), it’s not only the second fastest way across the harbour at less than 10 minutes but it’s the cheapest I think! You can either buy a token or use the Octopus card like I did, saving even more time as it’s wonderfully convenient.
The Star Ferry operates the following cross-harbour routes:
- Central to Tsim Sha Tsuio
- Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui
- Harbour Tour: a tourist cruise, making an indirect, circular route to all the stops, namely Tsim Sha Tsui, Central and Wan Chai
Sadly I was so loaded down with bags from my shopping extravaganza that I chose not to return via the ferry. It cost almost HKD $160 for that taxi ride, which really hurt after having only spent $3.40 on my way out. This week when I head back to the mall to exchange a couple of things I’m going to try out the Wan Chai route, which is closer to my office. I can’t wait to see the views at night this time…it’s surely going to be breathtaking!
XOXO Angela
© 2014, Angela Carson and AngelasAsia.com. All rights reserved. Do not copy and reproduce text or images without permission.
I am Angela, a location independent single mom from California (AngelaCarson on YouTube). At 21, I dropped out of uni to travel Mexico solo. I’ve explored 37 countries, living in Spain and India with my daughter, then China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and currently Indonesia as an empty nester. For more, check out the About Me page.
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