Hong Kong cruise stop trip report / Kai Tak shuttles, MTR and Hong Kong / Macau tour options

[mocrimlaw]

Thanks Laurence.  Our itinerary is that Jacky will pick us up at the ship and show us around Hong Kong Island that first day - we have him for 8 hours and then he will take us to the hotel.  The luggage can stay in his car.  I don't think we will have time to do the things on Kowloon that day but he is flexible if we decide that makes more sense.  Did you find the Walled City worthwhile?  I had that on a "maybe" list.  Wong Tai Sin is on my must see list, but I thought we could get there on our own easily on the MTR or with an Uber.  The second day we are on our own in Kowloon, with recommendations from Jacky.  That night he will take us on the food tour of Mongkok, so that should be dinner.  The third day we are going with Jacky to Lantau Island, and then at night going on our own to Happy Valley races.  The 4th day we will go to Macau.  The 5th and last day we fly out at 11:30 pm, so we can see whatever we missed that day.

[MightyQuinn]

Thanks so much @ebslcc. I'm happy I don't need to rethink our decision to take the Kowloon-Macau ferry instead of the HZM bridge!  Our ship is scheduled to arrive HK at 6:00 am and we'll self-disembark as soon as possible.  We travel light, each with a 20" rollaboard + backpack, so walking from OT to China Ferry Terminal should be fine.  We're aiming for the 9:00 am TurboJet to Macau, but if we miss it no big deal since we have plenty of time. 

 

After our time on Macau (no gambling!), we'll take the direct ferry to HKIA.  Our flight departs at 7:40 pm so we plan to take the 11:30 TurboJet from Macau, assuming it's still running.  We'll check with them as soon as we arrive in Macau to get current info and schedules. 

I agree wholeheartedly about the great info on the Macau and HK forums on TripAdvisor.  I managed to cobble together our plans thanks in no small measure to reading the incredibly helpful posts and links by BradJill.  I remember him (as well as HappyFeet) from their excellent posts when we first visited HK in 2011 and they're both still there dispensing advice! I think you and @mking8288are the equivalent gurus on CC!  Thanks again.

[unrealHeather]

15 hours ago, ebslcc said:

 

 

It is possible to get a senior citizen Disneyland ticket online also.  It is kind of hidden.  

Go here: https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/book/general-tickets scroll the arrow to the right until you see 

 

Yes I experienced this but when you go to book the tickets, the website won't let you buy the senior one at all.  This is why I decided to go with an agent instead.  I even called Hong Kong Disney and spoke to customer service, they told me you have to buy in person or via an agent, cannot buy senior tickets online.  

 

[mocrimlaw]

Thank you so much ebsicc for all the helpful information.  You have give me a lot to think about, especially ferry vs bus to Macau.

[ebslcc]

11 hours ago, crimlaw@ecentral.com said:

Thanks Laurence.  Our itinerary is that Jacky will pick us up at the ship and show us around Hong Kong Island that first day - we have him for 8 hours and then he will take us to the hotel.  The luggage can stay in his car.  I don't think we will have time to do the things on Kowloon that day but he is flexible if we decide that makes more sense.  Did you find the Walled City worthwhile?  I had that on a "maybe" list.  Wong Tai Sin is on my must see list, but I thought we could get there on our own easily on the MTR or with an Uber.  The second day we are on our own in Kowloon, with recommendations from Jacky.  That night he will take us on the food tour of Mongkok, so that should be dinner.  The third day we are going with Jacky to Lantau Island, and then at night going on our own to Happy Valley races.  The 4th day we will go to Macau.  The 5th and last day we fly out at 11:30 pm, so we can see whatever we missed that day.

You are welcome. As I mentioned getting into more details on your itinerary may help others plans theirs!

 

Here's my understanding of your itinerary and some quick suggestions, questions, comments:

Day 1 Monday - Guide will pick you up when you disembark, luggage will be in the trunk. Tour for 8 hours and return to check in at the Intercontinental TST.

" He will pick us up at the ship and take us to the Peak.  There is a police museum up there that sounds interesting - my friend who is traveling with us is a detective so I thought he might enjoy that.  It discusses the Triads among other things. Then we will go to Aberdeen and Stanley,  I would like to see some of the buildings in the CBD if possible.  There is a place called Tai Kwun that is now an arts/bars/restaurants area that was converted from a police building with jail cells that is supposed to be great."

Definitely do the Police Museum with your guide since he will be driving you up to The Peak.  However the Police Museum closes on Mondays and hours are limited to later in the afternoon on Tuesdays https://www.police.gov.hk/museum/en/. You may want to swap your Monday / Wednesday schedule with your guide. Your guide will be driving you up to The Peak.  Is riding the Peak Tram funicular important to you?  He will save you some time driving you up to The Peak vs. you having to queue up for the funicular.  However you miss the experience.  To me the cost is minimal and secondary.  A possibility is for him to drop you off at the Peak Lower Terminus and you and your party can ride the Peak Tram and meet him up top at a designated place e.g. McDonald's at the Peak Galleria.  He will need to park there anyways. Will you have a phone with internet access while in Hong Kong so that you can keep in touch with him in case you are separated?

Are you much of a shopper for souvenirs? If you take the Peak Tram as you get off there are good souvenir shops with lots of options.  They will be much more pricey than what's in Stanley but you may not have the same selection. 

After The Peak, he can drive you to the Police Museum.

Driving down from the Peak is better than taking the Tram down which can have a line up.

You may want to consider having lunch at the Peak Tower or the Peak Galleria.  Check out TA for suggestions (or your guide can suggest).

 

Then on to Aberdeen

If you have interest I would ask your guide to park and see if you can take the free boat to the Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant.  You do not need to eat at the restaurant to walk around. 

https://www.jumbokingdom.com/en/transportation.html

There is also a very low cost boat ride between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau (Duck Tongue Island) $2.50 HKD. 10 minutes ride.

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x34040002999bdc2d:0xb69264cff3dc5137!3m1!7e115!4shttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipN6wA5aeqvi7XybEMILgTaNzFELtFusIFqPUvA3%3Dw662-h440-k-no!5sAp+Lei+Chau+ferry+pier+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipN6wA5aeqvi7XybEMILgTaNzFELtFusIFqPUvA3&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT-u-j-PXmAhVNnp4KHR2RAdIQoiowEnoECA8QBg

With these rides you cover most of what a Sampan ride would cover.

If you snack at The Peak you can have a very late seafood lunch in Aberdeen or Ap Lei Chau.

Alternatively go to Stanley first and then Aberdeen / Ap Lei Chau for early dinner before heading back.

 

Stanley

To me this is more of the same as Mong Kok markets. I heard that it has reduced in size.

Day 2 Tuesday - on your own in Mong Kok with suggestions from your guide the day before.

Do you plan to sleep in after a long day Monday?  Mongkok markets don't open until after 11 AM.  Which markets are you most interested in?  Is the Hong Kong Museum on your to do list?

This is a good time to get oriented with the MTR.  After a few rides you will be zipping around town like a local 🙂 I am pretty sure you will be sold on how good a subway system Hong Kong has.

Is doing Dim Sum on your list?  Early morning as a restaurant opens is the time to go. Are you interested in high quality 3 Michelin Star restaurant (and the price comes with it!!!) or more budget but good quality restaurant?

Day 2 Tuesday evening: Guide will pick you up for Mongkok food tour (dinner). 

"I am not sure how Jacky will handle the night food tour, which is supposed to be in Mongkok.  It will be on a Tuesday so hopefully no protests that day but you never know."  

What type of food are you interested in?  Street Food? "Da Pai Dong" experience?  How long is the tour?  If there is any signs of trouble for the area I am sure your guide would know and will get you out of the way.  If you are not comfortable to be in Mong Kok area at night (you should be ok with a guide) there are MANY other places that he can bring you to for a food tour. Ask him for the name of the places that he typically bring people to.  Are there choices of type of food? Approximate price?  Question is does he get commission for the places he takes you to?  

Day 3 Wednesday Guide pick up at hotel, Lantau Island tour 8 hours?

Ask him what his plan is for lunch. What are the choices?

Day 3 Wednesday Evening: "We also plan to go to the Happy Valley races on Wednesday night on our own"

It's pretty easy after you are oriented with the MTR. Walk to Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station (underground) from your hotel (15-20 minutes walking slow). Take the MTR to Central to Central (6 minutes).  Walk 3-5 minutes to Peddler Street.  Take the Happy Valley Tram all the way to the terminus. Taking the tram ride is an experience on its' own!  Get to the top deck and enjoy the 30 minutes ride.  If you want faster on the way back. Take an Uber to Central then MTR back to TST. https://www.hktramways.com/en/schedules-fares/ ($2.60 adult or $1.20 on your Octopus Card if you are 65+)

 

Day 4 Thursday: Macau on your own.

Day 5 Friday: In-Town checkin then more places on your to do list.

Day 5 Friday Evening Airport Express to airport.

 

Possible DIY to do / wishlist:

Wong Tai Sin

10,000 Budda

??? what else ???

 

Laurence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 9, 2020 by ebslcc
fixed insert

[ebslcc]

8 hours ago, unrealHeather said:

Yes I experienced this but when you go to book the tickets, the website won't let you buy the senior one at all.  This is why I decided to go with an agent instead.  I even called Hong Kong Disney and spoke to customer service, they told me you have to buy in person or via an agent, cannot buy senior tickets online.  

GOOD INFO. Thanks!  Likely too many people abuse the online ticket purchase.  It is harder for them to check everyone that passes through the gate with an eticket.  buying onsite will allow them to check your ID for the senior rate.

[ebslcc]

8 hours ago, MightyQuinn said:

Thanks so much @ebslcc. I'm happy I don't need to rethink our decision to take the Kowloon-Macau ferry instead of the HZM bridge!  Our ship is scheduled to arrive HK at 6:00 am and we'll self-disembark as soon as possible.  We travel light, each with a 20" rollaboard + backpack, so walking from OT to China Ferry Terminal should be fine.  We're aiming for the 9:00 am TurboJet to Macau, but if we miss it no big deal since we have plenty of time. 

 

After our time on Macau (no gambling!), we'll take the direct ferry to HKIA.  Our flight departs at 7:40 pm so we plan to take the 11:30 TurboJet from Macau, assuming it's still running.  We'll check with them as soon as we arrive in Macau to get current info and schedules. 

I agree wholeheartedly about the great info on the Macau and HK forums on TripAdvisor.  I managed to cobble together our plans thanks in no small measure to reading the incredibly helpful posts and links by BradJill.  I remember him (as well as HappyFeet) from their excellent posts when we first visited HK in 2011 and they're both still there dispensing advice! I think you and @mking8288are the equivalent gurus on CC!  Thanks again.

Those guys are GREAT on TA.  Thanks for the compliment.  I am no where near how dedicated and knowledgeable they are.  We don't gamble either. I am sure you will have a great time in Macau. We spent 3 nights and was not enough for what we want to do. I will post some of our experiences soon. e.g. sounds like crimlaw really wants to see the pandas. It's quite a deal $7 MOP entry for adults, free for seniors 65 and above.

 

Laurence

 

[ebslcc]

On 1/7/2020 at 6:32 PM, mking8288 said:

Sub-topic: mysterious, pneumonia-like virus

Good evening, again, folks and I hope/trust that everyone is making & adjusting plans for upcoming cruises with a stop in HK, or embarkating/disembarkation.  

 

A somewhat different heads-up ... debating on whether to put a FYI on the "other" thread, also followed by many - it is of a different nature.  We, here, in North America ... do this as a matter of our annual routine and it's called, get your flu shots done (influenza) - whether cruising or not, practice good personal hygiene and be on the lookout for norovirus-like illness, nothing really new.  Get our regular check-ups, stock-up on personal meds & bring along basic OTC just in case ... generic Bonine or what not.  

 

HK'ers (more so than mainland China) are now spinning a different fear, panic and reacting to a "mysterious, pneumonia-like virus that apparently sourced - unproven - from Wuhan, (central) China ... basically, a respiratory illness that can be spread, but this isn't the repeat of SARS of 2003.  ...

May be it's "wag the dog" type reaction by the HK government hyping up this virus in China?  What I read is so far people who thought to have this in HK just have the regular flu.  I read the post on TA re: what killed the people on SARS ... it wasn't the virus but the excessive medication and over-reaction by the authorities.  Amazing and sad!  They are being more cautious and adding extra screenings etc. which is a good thing. 

 

Laurence

[ebslcc]

On 1/7/2020 at 5:21 PM, hubofhockey said:

I found less people speaking English in Macau than any of the countries we visited in Asia (Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia).  The hotels, (some) restaurants, and ports are probably easier for tourists, but I doubt I would want to stay longer than a day.

Agree re: low number of English speaking tourist industry personnel in Macau.  It was a real struggle trying to tell our taxi driver where we needed to go without written destination name in Chinese.  We almost had to pull over until I found my Google doc notes to show the driver. 

 

Also a LARGE percentage of tourist are from China. There was a huge increase this past year. I heard that tourist from China are no longer going to Hong Kong due to the protests against mainland folks. I am sure you experience how mainland Chinese tourist are in general much more louder and not as courteous as those from other nations. 

 

Laurence

[mocrimlaw]

Not as courteous is an understatement!  When we were in Spain in September I was astonished at the behavior of some of the Chinese tourists.  One woman shoved me three times at Parc Guell and almost pushed me down the stairs - for no reason at all.  It wasn't even that crowded but she was just so rude.  I get that it may be a cultural thing but it was really unsettling.

[Philob]

3 hours ago, crimlaw@ecentral.com said:

Not as courteous is an understatement!  When we were in Spain in September I was astonished at the behavior of some of the Chinese tourists.  One woman shoved me three times at Parc Guell and almost pushed me down the stairs - for no reason at all.  It wasn't even that crowded but she was just so rude.  I get that it may be a cultural thing but it was really unsettling.

You can tell Mainlanders from other Chinese...boarding subway trains, nobody waits for people to get out of the train before barging in.  The opposite in HK and Taiwan, they wait off to the side, let people get off, then queue to get on.   I was surprised to see the Taiwanese queue up to get on the escalator that'll stretch half the platform.  They don't even do that here in the States 😐

[hubofhockey]

The Hong Kongers I met related to me everything in the three posts above.  I just can't see spending more than a day in Macau UNLESS you really like to gamble and shop.  Outside of that very small old town area (and casinos), Macau is pretty run down and depressing. If you go there believing you will be visiting the Asian Vegas, you will come back disappointed.  

[ebslcc]

Newly posted on YouTube (Jan 2020)

 

 

[mocrimlaw]

Great videos - thanks!

[gbcruise]

HK is a 8am-6pm port day docking Kai Tak. We will walk off as soon as ship is cleared.  We would like to DIY and start by going to Lantau Island for Big Buddha & walk the wisdom path and stop at Tung Chung Outlet Shop. Move over to Tai O fishing village. Then to Aberdeen Promenade for Sampan ride and eat at Jumbo Floating restaurant. Back to ship. 

Does this sound reasonable for the time we are ported and if so, what exactly are the linguistics of transportation?

[mking8288]

1 hour ago, gbcruise said:

HK is a 8am-6pm port day docking Kai Tak. We will walk off ... DIY ... what exactly are the linguistics of transportation?

 

Short answer is no, whether you are going by taxi, Uber or private personal guide ... your max time on land is from 9 to 5 pm, 5:15 pm at the latest w/o cutting it too close, for all abroad 30 minutes (correct ?? - check w. your cruiseline) before sailing.  

 

Scratch off Jumbo Floating Seafood Restaurant - it is closed after dim sum lunch & doesn't reopen till 6 pm (see post #45) - there is no easy/direct route, not even on ferries from/to Lantau, HK island & Kowloon for KTCT.   If your plan is for a seafood lunch, incorporate that into your routine - beware that fresh seafood in HK can be expensive, very expensive ... more than eating at an upscale steakhouse.  

 

Tung Chung Outlet Mall is next to/on top of the MTR Station and 5 minutes walk to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car/bus & transport terminal - for the ride to/from the Giant Budda.  It has an indoor food court upstairs on 2/F and a # of full-service restaurants - not sure if outlet buying is on your bucket list ... just go to the Malls of America instead, easier & simple.  Skip if, time is very limited.

 

Plan for/my estimate is for you to be off the ship, clear immigration/customs quickly, and take a taxi - around 9 am - out to Tung Chung directly (forget the shuttle to the mall, buy MTR tourist pass or Octopus card for fares, etc.) ... toward the tail end of morning rush hour, about $45 to $50 USD for 2 to 3 adults - tolls, tips & metered fare included ... almost like/just short of going to the airport for departing flight.  Dropped off at the TC Mall around 10 am, walk over & take the cable car up - enjoy the scenic ride.  IMHO, you don't need the pricier "Crystal" cabin & it's fine to share the cabin with others  ... depending on lines/wait, etc. should be on the NP Village/Visitors Welcome Center by 10:30 to 11 am.  Allow 1 hour for your stay, comfortable walking shoes a must, be prepared for lots of steps to reach the statue, not exactly accessible friendly.  Vegetarian meals are available for dining.  

 

Between noon & 12:30 pm, you should be back at the transport area next to the visitor's area, catch the next bus down to Tai O, on the south end of Lantau, about 30 minutes bus ride - scenic - taxis should be around or come by, maybe save you 10 minutes.  This is the place for seafood, basic & no-frills lunch or dinner (around 1 to 1:30 pm) - limited English spoken or not at all.  A bit of walking around in the main section of town, photos ... 

 

Time to head back to KC, no later than 3 pm - just in case.  From Tai O, take the bus (check the posted schedule) back to Tung Chung, 45 to 60 minutes.  From there, 2 options depending on time factors - take MTR back to Kowloon, be sure to transfer & get back to the nearest station (Kowloon Bay, etc.) as it's free of traffic/congestion above ground - then catch a taxi quickly back to rejoin the ship.  Or, just take a taxi back to the ship directly from Tung Chung, be sure that the driver understoood where you are going ... sit back, relax & maybe take a nap en route ... all passengers riding must wear their seatbeats, even in backseats of taxis. 

 

You could consider doing the travel between the ship and Tung Chung via Uber - going there should be easy enouch, finding an Uber might take a bit of waiting, as they will most likely be coming from the airport area/nearby - about 10 minutes SW of Tung Chung on Lantau Island. 

 

Here's one showing the water village's cross channel sampan shuttle - used to be a rope & pulley system in making the crossing, from one side to the other - nowadays, it's a quick blast with the marine engine.  Rest of video is a good orientation of what to see & expect when you are at Tai O.

 

[explore4ever]

Thank you all for your helpful information and suggestions.  Very Much appreciated!

I will be taking my mom on a cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore in February.  

[gbcruise]

Thank you so much MKing8288, very informative post.

 

[ebslcc]

On 1/11/2020 at 3:18 PM, gbcruise said:

HK is a 8am-6pm port day docking Kai Tak. We will walk off as soon as ship is cleared.  We would like to DIY and start by going to Lantau Island for Big Buddha & walk the wisdom path and stop at Tung Chung Outlet Shop. Move over to Tai O fishing village. Then to Aberdeen Promenade for Sampan ride and eat at Jumbo Floating restaurant. Back to ship. 

Does this sound reasonable for the time we are ported and if so, what exactly are the linguistics of transportation?

@mking8288 has outlined how to see the Big Buddha and Tai O on the same day.  If your ship is doing an overnight in Kai Tak it is an perfect plan for an outing outside the city.  It is a excellent "Plan B" in case there's major protest scheduled in town for the day.  Since your ship is leaving on the same day you may want to think more about risks and contingencies to make sure you get back to your ship on time.  There is a risk that there may be long lines for the cable car.  See the video travel YouTube below.  The person waited 1 1/2 hours between buying his ticket and getting on the cable car!  Although since tourism is way down in Hong Kong there may be no lines at all.  If there is a long wait it will really cut into the time you have. 

 

You may want to also check the bus schedule and have it printed out before your trip http://www.newlantaobus.com/ in case there are changes. The Website is in Chinese but Google Translate works.  The Bus 21 from NP (Big Buddha) to Tai O runs mostly once an hour! 

There may be taxi's to bring you down to Tai O however others may be waiting also.  Uber will not pick up from NP or Tai O!!! The last I heard in Lantau Island there are only 50 to 75 taxis authorized to operate. They are blue color.  It may also be very hard to pick up a taxi while you are in Tai O.  Even if you get a taxi in Tai O, the taxi can only bring you to Tung Chung and NOT to Kai Tak.  The Blue Taxis are restricted to operate in Lantau only.  You can take Bus 11 from Tai O to Tung Chung. The latest schedule is it runs ~every 15 minutes http://www.newlantaobus.com/route/routemap/13.  You just need to make sure you don't get lost and get back to the Tai O terminus in time.  The trip is 45 minutes to an hour.  It will be a very long ride as you look at your watch and the bus goes on the scenic drive.  

 

Bottom line: I think it is best to skip Tai O for your itinerary. If your primary goal is to see the Big Buddha my suggestion is to get a round trip ticket on the cable car.  When you are back to Tung Chung on the cable car and have time left you can go shopping at the Tung Chung CityGate Outlet.  There are good restaurants there also.  I would get a taxi or Uber no later than 3:30 PM.  Google Map estimate is 40 minutes to 1 hour 5 minutes on a Friday afternoon to get back to KTCT. 

Alternatively if you have interest in Aberdeen it can be easily done via MTR DIY (Wong Chuk Hang MTR Station and walk ~10 minutes http://www.discoverhongkong.com/in/dine-drink/where-to-eat/aberdeen.jsp) but you should combine it with other Hong Kong sites you may want to see for your day.

 

 

 

BTW, for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ticket, you can also get discounted tickets from consolidators like Klook. It will save you time at the regular ticket counter.  You will still need to pick up your ticket at the Klook counter near the regular ticket counter but the line will be much shorter.  However a disadvantage buying a ticket via consolidators is you have to purchase your ticket ahead. If your plans changed or if the weather is not good you are stuck with a useless ticket.

 

Note the video above has a good segment on Nan Lian Garden and Wong Tai Sin.  Wong Tai Sin is another EASY DIY destination from Kai Tak.  It is very unlikely that you will be interrupted by protesters at both these destinations.  Wong Tai Sin is one MTR stop from Diamond Hill.  

 

Laurence

[mking8288]

9 hours ago, gbcruise said:

... very informative post.

 

Reading Laurence's comment, and I have to say, I am backing up his comments & thoughts 200%, on a day stop in HKG for about 9 hours ... assuming that you aren't exactly familiar with and comfortable getting around.  On the morning of/ahead of docking in HK, make sure you check the weather forecast & visibility - low clouds & fog, etc. are grounds to cancel the trip out to Lantau as you won't get to see much of anything up on the hills - also, reconfirm that the cable car is running ... there are scheduled downtime for safety inspection & ongoing maintenance and if it is windy, they do not run the cars.  

 

It is a very haul - by local standards - to go ashore and take the fastest ground transport option (by taxi) out to Tung Chung, walk, cable car tickets in hand/collected & queue up (joining the line) for the ride up (getting there no earlier than 11:15 to 11:30 am)  Spent 1 hour at most there, and it's a long hike to the foot of the Giant Budda & plenty of steps to climb up/back down - basically rushing thru.  A virtual tour on Youtube might be a better idea, seriously - the place is, really, designed/targeted/marketed toward tourists & visitors.  Tung Chung is on the north end of Lantau, Budda is mid island on the hilltop, and Tai O is on the southern tip of the most still undeveloped island, countryside & farmland ... overall, not much has changed in the last 50 years (aside from the airport, Disneyland, high-rises at/around Tung Chung & some of the waterfront beach development nearby) - to comfortably see all 3 area and appreciate, you really need a full day without rushing & checking the watch.   

 

From Tai O back to Kai Tak - you will need to set aside 2 1/4 to 2.5 hours at a minimum for ground travel.  

 

For the locally, religious faithful - the incense-smoky Wong Tai Sin Temple near the cruise terminal is where you will find everyone, not that there aren't visitors & tourists stopping there.  If you do this first off the ship - you could be easily be done by 10:30 to 11 am; then, head across the harbour ... perhaps take a scenic bus ride (instead of the Peak Tram) up thru Mid-Level to the top of the Peak Tram upper terminal - then, taxi thru Stanley to Aberdeen, possibly get there in time for a late dim sum lunch before Jumbo Restaurant's 2 pm closing - and it is a quick/free sampan ride to the floating landmark & back.  

 

Depending on timing, you can taxi from Aberdeen (by skipping the Giant Budda, Tung Chung & Tai O entirely) direct - crossing the harbour via one of the 3 tunnels - straight back to get dropped off at the ship terminal - fares w. tolls for the metered trip, should not run more than $225 to $250 HKD ($30 to $35 USD) ... finding an Uber on the south side of HK island should be much easier than on Lantau. 

 

What are the options, packages and tours being offered by your cruiseline ?

 

The taxi out to Tung Chung, and back from TC to the ship, plus the NP 360 cable car round-trip, is going to be somewhere around $175 to $190 USD ($1,350 to $1,500 HKD) plus meals, bottled water & incidentals, etc.  It's almost like chartering an Uber or private driver with a car for the day, making stops & waiting nearby - while you roam around.  

 

More food for thoughts on options, possibilities & alternatives - also, a question of what are "must do & must see" for your short visit & stay in HK.  This month, weekdays are relatively calm & small scale with the weekends being targeted for bigger crowds to turnout and staging gatherings across the city.  

 

[Betty in Cozumel]

On 1/11/2020 at 8:07 PM, mking8288 said:

Here's one showing the water village's cross channel sampan shuttle - used to be a rope & pulley system in making the crossing, from one side to the other - nowadays, it's a quick blast with the marine engine.  Rest of video is a good orientation of what to see & expect when you are at Tai O.

 

Hey I did this crossing once when it was the rope & pulley system.

[Level six]

Thanks, so helpful.

 

Do you know if we can also take the free shuttle back to the port if we are just joining the cruise?  If so, where is the shuttle drop off located?  Thanks.  

[mking8288]

@Level six - it's understood that the free shuttles are provided by the shopping malls as a partnership/goodwill for ship passengers as they are inter-connected/part of these multi-story malls with MTR stations below/nearby for convenience.  I am sure a daypack or carry-on size backpack can fit but not designed/equipped for luggage transfer.  Sorry, I stand corrected.  Taxis are really inexpensive by USA standards, reliable, safe & efficient ways for joining the ship or leaving (disembarkation) - from popular/major hotels in KL or island-side, for $15 to 20 USD on average, less if you aren't staying very far ... maybe $10 USD ($75 HKD) at most from the nearest MTR station, if you wish to be frugal & don't mind taking the train and transferring, etc. 

 

The KTCT official website has a page dedicated to transportation info, including the green #86 PMB (Public Mini Bus) 16 passengers - with a dedicated route that serve the cruise terminal and MTR station @ Kowloon Bay ... those would be more appropriate, for a nominal charge (Octopus card accepted) if you are packed lightly for travel & cruising.  $6 HKD each way - not even $1 USD.  They are, however, also not equipped for handling luggage & oversized bags commonly associated with cruisers.  Please kindly click here for the link.  

 

Another - indirect - reason that, I'll mention this here on the thread (vs. using the other "safe" thread that some of you were following for months ...) is that the MTR Kowloon Bay Station, also known as Telford Plaza has been targeted, randomly, sometimes for unscheduled "Let's Shop" Lunch and/or Evening "gatherings" with the intent to disrupt and sabotage local businesses & shops, retail establishments in these malls or merchants nearby.  It's best, until further notice & de-escalation of the ongoing social unrest and protests, to minimize and avoid these sensitive spots - especially when traveling with luggage, although "foreigners" as non-yellow skins are generally safe and not endangered.  

 

MTR systems - rails, buses, ferries & other means of transport are safe and fine to use lately ... a little common sense is still advised to travel smartly.  Lately, it's been calm but possibly flare up next weekend.  Happy & safe cruising.  

[Level six]

Thank you so much.  We have taken the shuttle off the ship before, but I don't remember where it dropped off in the mall.  

 

Yes, we only have carry on and travel light, so that is not a concern.

 

Thanks for all the information. I had also heard about the random problems at Kowloon station, so I was not interested in the 86 bus.  I did not realize the taxi was so cheap, we only have used the MTR in Hong Kong, so we will probably do that.  Thanks again for all the help!  Everyone has been so helpful.  

[ebslcc]

On 1/16/2020 at 4:43 PM, Level six said:

Thanks, so helpful.

 

Do you know if we can also take the free shuttle back to the port if we are just joining the cruise?  If so, where is the shuttle drop off located?  Thanks.  

We only used the Diamond Hill free shuttle while we were in KTCT, there isn't any space for luggage however if you are traveling light you may be able to get on the bus ok.  For our day in port the shuttle stop was on Fung Tak Road near the baptist church.

It is a short 2-3 minutes walk from the Diamond Hill MTR C2 exit.  Just loop left walking up the ramp steps

Walk pass Marks and Spencer and a few more stops you will see the bus stop and church

https://www.google.com/maps/@22.3408425,114.2032032,3a,40.2y,286.42h,99.49t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYHyO-8Oz8MBSfPiUC6T6jw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 

 

Re:

On 1/17/2020 at 6:59 AM, Level six said:

Thank you so much.  We have taken the shuttle off the ship before, but I don't remember where it dropped off in the mall.    

NOTE that the shuttle service and shuttle stop may have changed from where you took the shuttle previously or may be it can change day to day?  I have read on TripAdvisor people saying that the bus is the location I referenced and also people who has referenced location inside the cover area where the taxi's are.  Just check with mall staff if you can't find it.

 

Also with the upcoming opening of the Kai Tak MTR, the free shuttle may stop altogether?  Although I doubt the malls will stop the free shuttles, they would still want the foot traffic from cruise passengers. 

 

Re:

On 1/17/2020 at 6:59 AM, Level six said:

I had also heard about the random problems at Kowloon station, so I was not interested in the 86 bus.  

Kowloon Station = Airport Express Station. There has not been any issues with Airport Express since they limited passengers for the AE train to those with same day boarding pass only. 

 

Enjoy your cruise and your time in HK!

 

Laurence