The Star Ferry service has been in operation since 1888 and is one of Hong Kong’s icon.
A Star Ferry as seen from the waterfront promenade at Tsim Sha Tsui
There are other ways to get across the Victoria Harbour (via road and train) these days but some locals are still using the ferries often. The ferry is also a favourite among tourists because if offers good view for both side of the harbour, or simply because it’s one of HK’s main heritage.
We rode on the “Morning Star”
There are currently 12 ferries in the fleet; the oldest ferry has been in service since 1956.
We rode a Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui Pier in Kowloon to Hong Kong Island’s Central Pier on our 2nd day in HK. The ferry that we used was the Morning Star (曉星號) which started its operation in 1965 and named after the company’s first ferry in 1888 (now retired).
It was a fun experience. I guess it’s always fun for people to get on a ferry (or boat) except for people who are using it daily and some of those that are easily sea sick.
Our route didn’t offer any spectacular scene though; it was a direct journey from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central. For people who want to experience the scenic view on both side of the harbour, they should opt for the Central to Hung Hom route, or take the Harbour Tour ferry instead.
[Star Ferry's official website]
Central Ferry Piers 7 and 8 - the 4th generation of Central Pier that started operation in 2006; its design is a replica of the 3rd generation Edinburgh Place Ferry Pier (1957-2006)
