While Hong Kong has evolved into a modern metropolis, some elements have remained unchanged like the Star Ferry, now an iconic part of the cityscape.
Early Beginnings
Initially, cross-harbour ferry services in Hong Kong began in the 1880s aboard the Morning Star steamboat. Subsequently, in 1898, Sir Catchick Paul Chater, a British-Armenian businessman, began the Star Ferry Company with a fleet of four vessels that traversed across Victoria Harbour; over 120 years later, this service continues.
Star Ferry Routes
This ferry offers a convenient link between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island; one route is between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui and another connects Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. Ideally, look to be based at 4-star hotels in Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui; options like Park Hotel Hong Kong are just a 15-minute walk to the Star Ferry pier.
What to Expect
The Star Ferry offers a means of cheap transport and is a popular attraction too so you will find a mix of locals and tourists on each ride. If it’s your first time aboard, ensure to buy a ticket for the upper deck where you will be greeted by stunning views of the harbour and city as well as lush hills on a journey that lasts around 10 minutes.
Special Tours
For a longer and more insightful experience, consider the daytime Star Ferry Harbour Tour that takes you on a 60-minute circular route of Victoria Harbour. You also get a night-time tour on the ‘Shining Star’ ferry as well as one that provides an ideal vantage point of the mesmerising ‘A Symphony of Lights’ multimedia spectacle across the harbour.
