The Hong Kong junk has come to represent the old traditional values that are still so ever present in this cosmopolitan city.
The sight of this venerable vessel with its flashy red sails set against the backdrop of an ultra modern skyline is certainly striking and it has become a cherished symbol of the city.
There aren't that many traditional sampans in operation any more, so if you happen to see the red-sail sampans traversing the waters of the bay, it will more than likely be one of these vessels:
A sampan ride on one of these vessels will take some planning in advance from your part as the sailings offered are limited. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you plan your junk ride.
Duk Ling: "The" Hong Kong Junk
The Duk Ling is "the" Hong Kong Junk. This true relic which underwent full restoration in the 1980's, is an original junk used by fishermen and the last of its kind in Hong Kong waters.
It has led parades during some of Hong Kong's most iconic festivals, as well as when the giant rubber ducky sailed into Victoria Harbour.
Tragically, Duk Ling sank during a typhoon in 2014 and regularly scheduled Harbour Cruises which were sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board had to stop.
Two Hong Kong yacht traders, Yu Lik-hang and his aunt Cheng Ching-wah, have acquired Duk Ling from the previous owners and to great effort and expense, have managed to save the vessel.
Duk Ling is licensed to carry up to 36 passengers plus crew.
Daily scheduled cruises are available. The cruise takes 45 minutes to sail around Victoria Harbour.
Boarding locations at Tsim Sha Tsui Pier 1 and Central Pier 9.
In addition, special sailings are conducted during holidays and special events, such as fireworks cruises for Chinese New Year or National Day, Mother's Day or Father's Day cruises, etc. so keep an eye out for these.
Duk Ling Schedule and Prices | ||
Departs | Adults | Children and |
TST Daily
Central
|
HK 320 |
HK 220 |
*Symphony of Lights Cruises
|
* HK 380 |
* HK 280 |
Duk Ling is also available for private charter.
Sailing on the Duk Ling Tips
- If weather does not cooperate, the ride could be a rough one. In case of rainy days, there is a lower level that is covered.
- Bring camera, sunglasses, if warm and sunny days, swimsuit and sunscreen, if cooler temperatures a windbreaker or jacket.
- Hope for great weather and enjoy your junk ride in Hong Kong's last authentic Chinese fishing junk!
The Aqua Luna
The Aqua Luna is a gorgeous hand-crafted vessel run by the Aqua Restaurant Group of Beijing/London/HongKong fame. You are perhaps not sailing an original old traditional fishing junk as opposed to the Duk Ling, but still very much an adventure in exquisite and classy surroundings.
During the week, Monday through Friday, Aqua Luna operates a sort of Hop-On-Hop-Off boat tour of Victoria Harbour with 4 convenient stops on both sides, running continuously from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on a one-hour loop:
- Tsim Sha Tsui (Public Pier 1)
- Central (Pier 9)
- Wanchai
- Hunghom
A Day Pass including unlimited rides is HK 120 for adults and HK 90 for children 4 to 11.
In the evenings Aqua Luna has daily 45-minute Victoria Harbour Cruises that leave Tsim Sha Tsui from Public Pier 1 and Central from Pier 9.
The cruise includes drinks and refreshments, and there is (pricey) food on board you can buy.
The best part of Aqua Luna has to be the top deck which is lined on both sides with comfy sofas where you can lounge, enjoy your cocktail and the marvelous
views all around you.
Aqua Luna Schedule and Prices | ||
| Departs | TST Public Pier 1 | Central Pier 9 |
| Day Cruises Monday to Friday | 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 | 12:10 13:10 14:10 15:10 16:10 |
| Day Pass Adults HK160 (US$21) Children (4-11) HK100 (US$13)
More info and booking Aqua Luna Harbour Discovery Tour Hop On Hop Off Pass | ||
| Evening Cruises Daily | 17:30 18:30 | 17:45 and 18:45 |
| 19:30* 20:30 | 19:45* and 20:45 | |
| 21:30 22:30 | 21:45 and 22:45 | |
| Adults HK220 (US$25) Children (4-11) HK160 (US$20) | ||
| * Symphony of Lights Cruises
Adults HK295 (US$39) Children (4-11) HK220 (US$29) | ||
New! The Aqua Luna II
The newest addition to the Aqua Luna fleet will take you on some of the most fantastic day trips out of the city:
Aqua Luna Stanley Cruises
- Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Departures from Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
- One-way or round trips available
- Departs at 12:00 noon from Central, 12:15 pm from TST, arrives in Stanley at 1:45 pm
- Returns from Stanley at 3:30 pm arriving back in Central around 5:00 pm
Aqua Luna Dim Sum Cruise
- Mondays only
- Departures from Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
- Departs at 1:00 pm from Central, 1:15 pm from TST to Aberdeen Fishing Village where you cruise to see the old fishing junks and sampans side by side with the private yachts and cruisers of Hong Kong's super-rich
- Dim Sum Lunch served onboard 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
- Returns to start point 3:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Cruise to Cheung Chau Island - Coming Soon
- Fridays only
- Departures from Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
- Departs at 11:30 am from Central, 11:45 am from TST, arrives in Cheung Chau at 1:15 pm
- Returns from Cheung Chau at 3:30 pm arriving back in Central around 5:00 pm
Cruise to Lamma Island - Coming Soon
- Wednesdays only
- Departures from Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
- Departs at 11:30 am from Central, 11:45 am from TST, arrives in Lamma Island (Sok Kwu Wan Public Pier) at 1:00 pm
- Returns from Lamma Island at 3:30 pm arriving back in Central around 5:00 pm
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