Hong Kong Big Bus Tours is a convenient way to see the city spots if you have limited days to spare. The bus runs on 3 routes: The Red line for Central HK island, Green line on southern part of HK island like Stanley/Aberdeen/Ocean Park, and the Blue line for Kowloon (separate island). Master the bus schedules to cram as much tourist spots in 1 or 2 days. You can pretty much spend 30 minutes in each spot, enough for a quick look and photo ops.
We bought our Big Bus tickets via Klook because they have discounted offers. From Php3096, we paid a reduced price of Php2787. The ticket allows for 24-hours all access to the 3 bus routes, a stub for 20-minute Sampan Boat ride at Aberdeen, return Star Ferry tickets, and a choice of entry passes to The Peak Sky Pass or Sky100. We chose The Peak.
Turns out we have to claim the tickets at their office before we can board the bus. The earliest their offices open is 9AM. Just in time for us to catch the complimentary ferry ride from Kowloon to HK island. The buses were 2 levels, double decker. Top floor is open, and most guests chose to sit on top for better view. Ready your sunglasses and hat. When the wind blows, it's very cool and sunny. But while still in the city, the traffic could slow down the ride, which made it super hot.
We made sure to use the Big Bus Sampan Tour complimentary ride first. There are several boating companies providing this tour, so tourists can be accommodated. Big Bus has its own boat.
The ride was a pleasant tour around the boating village.
There were yachts, fishing boats, next to towers and mountains.
A tiny speed boat sails around the area.
This bad-ass lady was our boat captain. She handled the vessel like a pro that she is.
Next stop was Stanley. We had lunch here (on our own account), and went to Stanley Market and the boulevard.
A visit to the Man Mo Temple was serene and calming. No flash photography inside.
We passed by The Peak Tram Lower Terminus but we didn't alight. Line extended up to the curve of the road. We decided to use our complimentary Peak tickets the next day.
Traffic around rush hour in Central. Other stops include Causeway Bay, Mid-level Escalators, Lan Kwai Fong, and more.
Lastly, we crossed the river again to catch the Symphony of Lights. The towers lit up each night at 8PM. Sadly, it wasn't as amazing anymore. At first, people flock by the harbour, after about 3 minutes, there were only a few of us left. I hope they could improve the production. But if not, it's still cool because it's free anyway. And the city lights themselves look great on their own.
The next day we came in early to The Peak around 9AM. But we have to wait for the Klook booth to open on 10AM so we can get our stubs exchanged for actual tickets.
Ticket staff told us to visit the HK Park instead, just across the road, while we wait. It was a nice sanctuary, actually. Very unnerving, and relaxing. I sat at the bench the whole time, almost napping, while my companion went on her mad round all over the park and mini zoo.
By 10AM, we finally got our tickets from the Klook booth, and were escorted to the fast pass line. By the way, the fast pass line is the line for the tram. If you still have to buy our tickets, that's a separate queue. All Klook guests go straight to Fast Pass because we already have tickets.
Fast pass line or tram line. They could take about 100 persons each ride. We only waited for 1 tram route to get back.
Tram ride was full. If you plan to take photos, grab the spot at the far end of the tram and stand by the wall. You'll have a good view of the trees, ocean, and buildings. If you take a seat, this could be your view.
Tram ride going back down. We only spend an hour tops at the Peak then decided to leave. We still had to go to Ngong Ping 360 that day.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. We had no time (nor budget) to indulge.
Remarks:
- Big Buses were clean, comfy, and provide complimentary ear-sets which you can plug on your seat to listen to commentary.
- Drivers were very experienced, and mostly on time. Except when it's rush hour (5-7PM perhaps). We had to wait for the 3rd schedule time stop before the Bus arrived.
- During high noon, best to stay inside the bus. Around 4PM, the sun is less harsh, best to stay at the top level.
7 Man Yiu St, Central, HK
Tel: +852 2167-8633
/travelspeedx
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