Chapter 34. DUK LING (THE JUNK RIDE)

Junk Boat Ticket

Apart from "The Peak Tram", another of Hong Kong's famous icon is the Junk Boat. It is traditionally used as fishing boats in the 1960s.

The harbour area used to be clogged with them that it became the trademark of Hong Kong. Eventhough their numbers had dramatically reduced, you may still spot them on postcards and stamps.

An actual real life Junk Boat (With the sails down)

Prior to the trip, we found out that the HK tourism board is providing tourists a chance to experience the high seas on the Junk Boat. (All bow to almighty internet) ;o)

Sadly it used to be free before early 2008, but now they do charge a fee of HKD50 per passenger for the novelty ride, due to high cost of maintenance.

Disembarking

When the Junk came in to the pier, it created quite a commotion because it's like a walk into the past. (Like an ancient ship sailing through a time warp) There was a group of indian tourists who wanted to join in for the ride, but it was too late for them.

You have to go to the HK tourism board office at the Kowloon Pier to obtain your tickets prior to the scheduled time of departure. (There is a limit so be early to avoid disappointment) ;o)

Crew helping passengers on board

The Junk is manned by 3-4 elderly men. They were really helpful and friendly. I had a nice chat with the guy on the left as he was manuevering the Junk around the harbour later on.

Board early to get a good seat

We sat beside the driver at the end of the Junk, on which appears to be one of the best seats on board. The weather was drizzling before but luckily it held on for us during the ride.

FYI it kept raining during the whole time in Hong Kong, which kinda dampened our trip to a certain extend. Quite difficult to move around using public transport with the torrential rain pouring.

With the driver

The Junk sails around the harbour area for an hour, enabling us to take in the superb sea front view of Hong Kong. We took the Kowloon - Central route. Obviously there are easier ways to go from Kowloon - HK Island (MTR/bus/taxi) but none will offer the novelty experience. ;o)

Few things I learnt from the kind uncle:

1. If you live and work in HK for 7 years, you will automatically gain PR/citizenship.
2. There are tons of cruise/casino ships the Hongkies can take out to the open sea for some casino-tainment.
3. There are 3 underwater tunnels linking Kowloon - HK Island. (We were previously discussing this because we didn't spot any bridges)
4. Hong Kong & Singapore have a of similarities. Mainly the expensive land, high rise buildings, island country,frequent government campaigns, efficient public transport & non-stop complaining. ;o)
   
5. He likes to complaint about property prices. (like singaporeans)

With the Iconic Sails

The most famous part of the Junk boat is obviously the sails, made out of clothe/canvas. (i think) The pictures we see on postcards and stamps normally have their sails at full flank.

At the driver seat

He never offered to let me sail the ship. ;o(

Another view of the sails, with HK island in the background

The entire trip was really pleasing, with the sea breeze blowing in your face and letting your worries drift away. It's like a temporary retreat from the bullet train speed of HK.

Let the video below blow your worries away ....

When the sails came down, we were nearing HK Island

Central Pier

The Junk ride only operates 2 days a week at the following times:

Kowloon Pier:
2:00 pm & 4:00pm (Thursdays)
10:00 am & 12:00 noon (Saturdays)

Central Pier:
3:00 pm & 5:00pm (Thursdays)
11:00am & 1:00pm (Saturdays)


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