Victoria Harbor, Enjoy the Glorious Hong Kong Skyline
Until the early 1970s the Star Ferry - founded as the Kowloon Ferry - was the only way to make the journey between Hong Kong island and the Kowloon peninsula and back. Hong Kong Island to the mainland and back. Today it's still the only way to make the journey if you want to travel in style and see everything Victoria Harbor offers.
Though there are now train tracks and tunnel enclosed roads, the Star Ferry continues to offer locals and visitors a quick, but delightfully scenic trip. It takes only about 10 minutes across the water from Hong Kong Island's Central district to the main tourist area
in Kowloon or Tsim Sha Tsui and other areas nearby. The beginning of the journey is auspicious. Standing near the ultra-modern Cultural Center on Tsim Sha Tsui, take in the 90-year-old Victoria Clock Tower. Take the time to examine some of the aging red rickshaws that have been preserved at the dock.
Then travel down the ramp to board one of the colorful ferry boats - different colors for different destinations. If you have luck you'll be on the Celestial Star, built in 1956 and still going strong.
Along the way, enjoy the glorious Hong Kong skyline, magnificent by day or night. The Stock Exchange building is in front of you along with the Shanghai Bank, with its notable geometric shape. Watch for the outline of Harbor City, Hong Kong's huge indoor shopping center or the dome of the Space Museum.
The Victorian era Legislative Council Building and distinctive, narrow Bank of China building are in full view across the harbor.
Don't forget to take the trip again at night and enjoy from the top of the double-decker boat the same view seen an entirely different way. The night skyline of Hong Kong is a rival even to the glorious Manhattan scene it resembles.
The upper deck is considered a first class ticket, and costs all of about 10 cents more. You'll be glad of the air-conditioned compartments during Hong Kong's hot and often humid summers.
If you enjoy the ocean spray and want to get the experience of the humming engines, choose the lower deck and save a few pennies.
Even though the service carries over 70,000 passengers a day, a ferry leaves every few minutes so you'll never have to wait long.
One of the major shopping destinations for many of Hong Kong's visitors - Nathan Road - is only a short distance from one of the ferry's terminals for those travelling from the island to Kowloon.
At the terminal there are buses that travel throughout Kowloon and the New Territories, but the taxis are an adventure you won't want to miss. A bit more money, but just think of the fare as the cost of a combined transport and Disneyland ride through Hong Kong's streets. Enjoy!
Victoria Harbor, Enjoy the Glorious Hong Kong Skyline
