Hong Kong’s famous Star Ferry

by Sydney Stonner

Before I came to Hong Kong, I thought it only consisted of one island. But, I couldn’t have been more wrong. There is an island called Hong Kong Island, but the city itself also extends onto the Chinese mainland, and this area is called Kowloon. (Just to be clear, I am just referring to the location of the landmass; Kowloon is not across the border into actual China). In addition, there are many other surrounding islands that are also part of the territory.

Nowadays, travel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is quite simple. Buses, taxis and private cars can drive through an underwater tunnel to go from side to side. The subway system also crosses underneath Victoria Harbor in a couple of locations. But before those more modern conveniences, people had to take junk boats or ferries to navigate across.

Looking towards Wan Chai (and Causeway Bay) from the 'Star Ferry' on the trip across Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. Creative Commons photo by thewamphyri.

The Star Ferry is the most famous of those ferries, and it is one of the few tourist attractions I had actually heard of before coming here. It began back in the 1880s, when Hong Kong was a much smaller and less populated city under British rule. Now, the company is still in existence and operates ferries from Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side to Central and Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island.

For a mere $2.50 Hong Kong (less than $0.50 US) you can catch a ride on the ferry. On a clear day, the trip provides great views of both sides of Victoria Harbor, so have your camera ready. But other than the photo opportunity, it won’t be the most exciting thing you’ll do in Hong Kong. Basically, it’s just a ferry.

For more information, see http://www.starferry.com.hk.

Author Sydney Stonner is addicted to traveling. After studying journalism and music at the University of Missouri (where she studied abroad twice), she worked for a time as a newspaper reporter. Now, she is living in Hong Kong teaching English to primary school students. So far, she has visited 15 countries and hopes to visit many, many more. Visit this site to follow Sydney’s adventures .

Featured image by Francisco Martins