Star Ferry
» Hong Kong, Guang Dong

星游轮

Far from the hustle and bustle, a ride on the Star Ferry provides a rare chance to relax. Even though there are now other ways to cross the harbor (by MTR and road tunnels), the Star Ferry continues to provide an efficient, popular and inexpensive mode of crossing the harbor. The company's main route runs between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, which is what most people mean by "the Star Ferry" in common parlance. This route is also popular with tourists, and has become one of the icons of Hong Kong heritage in the eyes of tourists.

Something about its history

With a history of over 100 years, the Star Ferry is a witness to the many changes that have taken place in Hong Kong over the years. As both a vehicle and a tourist attraction it is a symbol of Hong Kong. It was founded by Parsee Dorabjee Nowrojee as the Kowloon Ferry Company in 1888 and renamed it to Star Ferry in 1898. The name was inspired by his love of Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "Crossing the Bar," whose first line was Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me.

Today's Star Ferry

In the more than 100 years since its beginning, the Star Ferry Company has gone from a few single-deck coal-powered ferries to a wonderful fleet of 12 diesel-electric vessels, some that hold up to 750 passengers. All have air-conditioned upper deck cabins where passengers can ride in comfort, despite the weather. All of its ferries have the word "star" in their names, such as Night Star, Morning Star, Gold Star, and Heaven Star.

Routes

The ferry service offers 4 routes: Hung Hom to Central, Hung Hom to Wanchai, Wanchai to Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central to Tsim Sha Tsui. The ferries depart frequently - usually less than 20 minutes apart and as close together as every 8 minutes. The fares are quite affordable and a ride on these historic ferries is a must-do for Hong Kong visitors.

The company's main route runs between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, which is what most people mean by "the Star Ferry" in common parlance. This route is also popular with tourists, and has become one of the icons of Hong Kong heritage in the eyes of tourists. From the ferry, one can take in the famous view of the harbor and the Hong Kong skyline. Then you can take the one from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wanchai. Arriving at Wanchai, you can walk around the HK Convention and Exhibition Center where the 1997 handover ceremonies were held.

What to enjoy on the Ferry

Far from the hustle and bustle, a ride on the Star Ferry provides a rare chance to relax. One can take in the famous view of the harbor and the Hong Kong skyline by this passenger ferry running across the Victoria harbor, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.In the evening, passengers can enjoy the gentle breeze from the sea and the world-famous sights of Victoria Harbor.

Even though there are now other ways to cross the harbor (by MTR and road tunnels), the Star Ferry continues to provide an efficient, popular and inexpensive mode of crossing the harbor. The company's main route runs between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, which is what most people mean by "the Star Ferry" in common parlance. This route is also popular with tourists, and has become one of the icons of Hong Kong heritage in the eyes of tourists.

Something to share from who ever visited

"When I went on board the Star ferry from Hong Island to the Central district, I was very excited. For the short space of time that I was in Hong Kong, all that I wanted to do was to sail on Victoria Harbor. I watched the harbor from my hotel window, during the first two days of my stay, and could not think of anything else. I was thrilled when the time finally arrived."

"Perhaps this little ride for the locals does not mean much. It was early in the morning, so I suppose it was just a daily ride for the locals to cross over to their work destinations. For me it was amazing! I was fascinated by the beautiful buildings of Hong Kong. They stood like giants in the mist; I was stunned by the architecture and beauty of these buildings. The Star Ferry ride is a must 'go on the ferry' for all visitors."

Attractions around » Hong Kong, Guang Dong

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Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. How is the weather like in Hong Kong?
  2. When is the most popular time to visit Hong Kong?

  Shopping

  1. When is the best time to shop in Hong Kong?
  2. Top ten tips for shopping in Hong Kong

  Other Hints

  1. What I need to know about Visa and Passports?
  2. Is it easy for me to exchange money here?
  3. How to tip in Hong Kong?
  4. Information Directory Desk
  5. Useful Numbers

  • How is the weather like in Hong Kong?

    Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate, being temperate for nearly half the year, with cool, dry winters and hot, humid summers. March and April are very pleasant.

    May to August is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms, and the highest temperatures often exceed 31C. Winter lasts from January to March with January and February more cloudy, when occasional cold fronts followed by dry northerly winds.


  • When is the most popular time to visit Hong Kong?

    Hong Kong is an all-year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is from the middle of September to the end of February, when the weather is cooler.


  • When is the best time to shop in Hong Kong?

    Summer is possibly the best time to shop in Hong Kong as incredible deals are offered during the annual Hong Kong Shopping Festival. The massive sales draw shoppers from all over Asia every year.


  • Top ten tips for shopping in Hong Kong

    1 Compare Prices

    Check the price of the item you want to buy in your home country first. When arriving in Hong Kong you should check out some of the larger department stores or reputable dealers for your product. It's better for you to start bargaining when you know how much the goods cost.

    2 Understand the Exchange Rate

    This may sound simple, but many tourists get ripped-off here is because they don't know the exchange rate - make sure you do.

    3 Know the Product

    Know exactly what you want to buy.

    4 Choose Your Shop Carefully

    The Hong Kong Tourism Board has a Quality Control Scheme that vets shops on pricing, honesty and a host of other attributes - these shops generally don't offer bargains but are reputable. Unless you are confident of price and product, you should also avoid shops that don't clearly display the price of an item.

    5 Shop Around

    If you're determined to go bargain hunting, shop around. Hong Kong salespeople are notoriously aggressive when negotiating, however the ball is in your court, if you don't like the salesperson or the price quoted is to high, move on to the next store.

    6 Check the Product

    Hong Kong shops have an undeserved reputation for using switch and bait tactics, this involves showing you one product but placing an inferior item in the box. This practice is not widespread, nevertheless you need to make sure what you think you're buying is what you leave the store with.

    7 Compatibility

    Ensure compatibility. Check the voltage and broadcast of any item you want to buy.

    8 Warranty

    Make sure the product has an international warranty. This can be a problem with 'Parallel Imports', these products are usually brought into Hong Kong by someone other than the official importer, and are often electronic items. Although cheap, their warranty is usually void.

    9 Beware of Bootlegs

    There are plenty of bootleg and illegal products on Hong Kong's streets, which police usually turn a blind eye to, however if you are found with these at customs, they are subject to confiscation and you possibly to conviction.

    10 Last Call

    If you're in dispute, call the Consumer Council Hotline on 2929 2222 for assistance, you can also approach uniformed hawker police who patrol markets.


  • What I need to know about Visa and Passports?

    A visa is needed to enter Hong Kong from other countries. However, provisos of stay depend on the nationality, and some nationalities are allowed to come in as visa-free tourists for the period of one month. Among them are the US and EC nationals. The previous one year unconditional visa on arrival with work permit has been changed after the handover to a six month tourist visa on arrival.

    Tourists who enter with a visitor's permit are not permitted to work. Those who are taking up employment in Hong Kong must obtain an advanced work permit from the Immigration Department. Usually, the company of hire will assist with the necessary paperwork.

    When traveling around the country, be sure to carry along your passport or a photograph identity, just in case. The Immigration Department is strict with its regulations on illegal outsiders, so - to be on the safe side - the passport would come in handy.


  • Is it easy for me to exchange money here?

    Currency is Hong Kong Dollar. As the old saying goes, 'more banks than rice stalls in Hong Kong': moneychangers are everywhere. Please check the exchange rate and the service fee.

    Customers with AMEX cards can draw Hong Kong Currency through ATMs directly and those with VISA and Master cards can draw local currency from ATMs marked for Visa or MasterCard electronic currency.


  • How to tip in Hong Kong?

    Some hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge while customers may add other 5% tip. For restaurants that don't levy a service charge, a 10% tip is expected. Tip taxi drivers, bellboys, and restroom attendants.


  • Information Directory Desk

    • 1018 English

    • 1083 Cantonese

    • 1088 Mandarin Chinese

    • 1013 International directory



  • Useful Numbers

    • Complaint hotline (including taxi complaint): 2527 7177

    • Tourist Hotline of Hong Kong Tourism Board: 2508 1234

    • The Immigration Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: 2824 6111

    • Postal Directory Hotline: 2921 2222


Sailing for a century, Star Ferry has been a symbol of Hong Kong. One can take in the famous view of the harbor and the Hong Kong skyline by this passenger ferry running across the Victoria harbor, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.



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