Sunday, January 31, 2010

Attraction Review: Big Bus Tour, Hong Kong

The Big Bus Company operates the Big Bus Tour in Hong Kong. There are 2 tour routes, the first on the Hong Kong Island and the second on the Kowloon Side. It is a great way to get started in Hong Kong by taking this tour.

The cost of this tour is approx HKD 350 per head which includes a Start Ferry return ticket as well as a Peak Tram Ticket. I would suggest you take this tour on the first 2 days of the trip to get a good feel of Hong Kong. You have a running commentary of all the key destinations and you get all the relevant information with regards to the history of the city and the destinations.

Hong Kong Island Tour: The tour starts from the Staff Ferry Terminal so you need to walk the over bridge from Hong Kong or Central Stations. The bus leaves from here every half hour and you can be rest assured they leave on time – I was very impressed by the punctuality. This tour will take you through the Business District to the Peak Tram, to the jail, the Police Head Quarters, the Sohond street escalator etc. It is recommended that you get off at the Peak Tran and spend about 5 hours here shopping and eating and enjoying the view from the Peak. The end to end tour takes about 1.5 hours and I recommend you get off at the Peak and if necessary at the Street escalator. The commentary is pretty informative and if you like to get the history of the place listen carefully especially the details of the Japanese take Over and HK now becoming a part of China and the reactions of the people. That is explained pretty well.

Kowloon Island Tour: This tour starts from the Avenues of Stars promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui. You can board the bus right in front of the promenade (you may have some problem finding the stop (follow the map provided at the time of buying the ticket). This part of the tour covers the avenues of Stars, the Jordan Night Market, Mongkok Ladies market, takes you through the by lanes which have a very Chinese feel to them and is more of a residential area of the middle and lower middle class and you can get an idea of the lifestyle of the residents of Hong Kong. The Ladies market in Mongkok and Jordan Night Market for electronic gadgetry is highly recommended. Also catch the Sound and Light Show at the Avenue of Stars.

Star Ferry: The Star Ferry ticket comes free with the Big Bus Tour. Sit on the upper deck and enjoy the view. It is a 10 minute ferry ride which crosses the bay between Kowloon and Hong Kong. Keep your cameras handy as you will get great shots especially if you going in the evenings.


For any further queries you can write to Ask.Pranav@Gmail.Com and I will try to revert to you as soon as possible

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