Sunset Bus Tours in Hong Kong: A Romantic Journey
Are you looking for a memorable way to experience the breathtaking sunsets over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong? The sunset bus tours are a popular choice for both locals and tourists! 🌇 Here’s everything you need to know about the different routes and what to expect for a delightful evening out.
Route Information
There are four main routes for the sunset bus tours:
- Daytime Route: Approximately 80 minutes
- H1 & H1S: Last bus departs at 18:00 from Central Star Ferry Pier
- H2: Last bus departs at 19:30 from Tsim Sha Tsui Peninsula Hotel
- Nighttime Route: Approximately 40 minutes
- H2K: Starts at 18:00 from Central Star Ferry Pier
Each ticket costs HKD 47.6. Do note that H1S and H2K operate on a loop; if you don’t get off at the last stop, you’ll need to pay double fare. If you get off and then reboard, you’ll have to buy a new ticket.
My Personal Experience with H2K
I boarded the H2K bus from the Central Star Ferry Pier, and here’s a breakdown of my journey:
Best Time to Board the Bus
To catch the sunset, I suggest boarding about an hour before it happens. In summer, the sun sets around 19:00, so aim for a bus between 18:00 and 18:30. If you wish to enjoy the twilight and night views, between 18:30 and 19:00 is ideal.
Bus Frequency
Initially, I thought buses would only come every hour, but during peak times, there’s a frequency of about every 20 minutes thanks to the additions of H1S. The nighttime H2K service starts earlier than expected—buses are available from 18:00 onward.
What If the Bus Isn’t Appealing?
At the Central Star Ferry Pier, staff require passengers to take a seat if there’s an available spot on the upper deck without a roof. If not, you’ll need to queue again from the back. On a summer weekend, arriving around 17:30 to queue is ideal, as it’s too hot to arrive too early, and you may miss the sunset. Personally, I find the night scenes far more beautiful than the daytime views! For those looking to skip the queue, there are also covered seats available for immediate boarding.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?
Overall, the experience was delightful! The refreshing breeze while taking in the stunning views of Central and Victoria Harbour was worth every penny. Although I didn’t get the spectacular sunset I had hoped for, the bus fare is reasonable compared to other transport options in Hong Kong. Just remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the heat while queuing in the summer months!
Route Recommendations
Personally, I prefer the H1 route, which navigates through the bustling area of Central and Causeway Bay and offers a scenic coastal route along Wan Chai’s waterfront for a longer duration of 80 minutes. However, to catch the sunset, I had to settle for H2K or H2 in the summer months. I’m already looking forward to experiencing H1 in winter!
Seating Suggestions
For the H2K route, I recommend sitting on the left side of the bus. You’ll have amazing views along the coast as you pass through Central, Wan Chai, West Kowloon, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Don’t forget to soak in the sights! 🚌
So, get ready to embark on this unforgettable journey that combines beautiful vistas and a peaceful atmosphere. Happy travels! 🚏