Big busses aren't always the best

Hong Kong is huge and at times overwhelming, but we know there is more to this area than just skyscrapers and Dim Sum, so we decided to take a ride to Stanley, a small town on Hong Kong Island.

We were initially going to take a Hong Kong Big Bus (hop on off type) as these can be a great way to get an audio commentary, and not need to think about which bus to catch and where to catch it.  But on research realised it would have cost us about $70AUD each for the pleasure.  I then looked into doing it in public transport and yes it could be done and for less.

We started with a bus down Nathan road to the ferry terminal where we then embarked on a Star Ferry across the harbour. Next, we passed the hagglers trying to sell Big Bus Tour tickets and walked about 6 minutes to the bus terminal where we caught a double decker to Stanley.

Stanley was basically deserted compared to Central Hong Kong, and this came as a relief. There is not all that much for one to do in this little village however that was fine with us, it has been a few busy days.

We walked along the waterfront and then had some lunch, then continued exploring taking in Blake Pier, Stanley Plaza, The Tin Hau Temple (with a skin of a Tiger on the wall) and the local supermarket.

 

 

An aisle dedicated to rice

According to the note next to the Tiger skin, the beast was shot by a Policeman out the front of the Police Station in 1942.

We then went into the Stanley Market where Katie purchased some scarves.

By now we decided to start our journey back into the big smoke.

We managed to find our bus this time 6X and were also fortunate to get a seat each.  This bus brought us back to the central bus station where we retraced our steps to the ferry terminal, not before having a brief walk along the waterfront.

The sky does have a brown hue, it is smoke and haze.

Just a point of note with regards to the ferry pricing on the "Central / Tsim Sha Tsui Service, when you catch the ferry there is an option of either the upper or lower deck which is then a difference in price.  The upper deck is $2.70HKD and the lower deck is $2.20HKD per person each way (different pricing on weekends, about $1HKD extra each way). Realistically when you convert this price difference into $AUD it works out to be about 50cents.

We then walked back to our hotel via Canton Road, Austin Road and then detoured via Temple Street Night Market which was just starting.  We also noticed there were some 'ladies' in the darkened doorways.

A standard Hong Kong Taxi

Ohh, the transport on the busses and ferries cost less than $10AUS total, for both of us, saving around $130AUD.

Hong Kong is huge. There are more than 7.3 million people living here, each having a story to tell,  things to show, food to share and.... well the list goes on.  Hong Kong, until next time.

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