Exploring Victoria Harbour

It is hard to believe that Hong Kong was once a small fishing village. Today Victoria Harbour is one of the busiest and most magnificent ports in the world. Although its surface area may be shrinking due to harbour reclamation, it is still a stunning spectacle. Lauren Weirick looks at the top ten ways to explore the heart of Hong Kong.

01	Star Ferry A Hong Kong landmark, the Star Ferry pier may have moved location, but it is still a large part of the city's remarkable repertoire. Short for "Shining Star", the Star Ferry is a double-decker vessel reminiscent of the harbour ferries of the 1920s. The people of Hong Kong consider the Star Ferry an essential element of their collective harbour memories, shown by the controversy surrounding the recent relocation of the Star Ferry pier from its original site. Still used by commuters and tourists, the ferry connects Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, and Hung Hom with frequent services. Star Ferry Harbour Tours, Tourist Passes, and Day Hopping Pass options are also available, so that you may tailor your Star Ferry experience as you see fit. The Star Ferry's charm makes it the top pick for exploring the city's beloved Victoria Harbour. For enquiries, contact 2118 6201 or 2118 6202 or see  www.starferry.com.hk
02	Panorama from the Peak The spectacular view from The Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, is unsurpassed. Standing on top of The Peak Tower, visitors gain a 360-degree perspective of Victoria Harbour and its surroundings. Your feet may be touching the ground, but you will feel as high as the clouds. The vista of The Peak's surrounding greenery, coupled with the view of the harbour through the skyscrapers, allows visitors to visualise how the harbour appeared before the era of grand architecture. Catch the Peak Tram from Garden Road in Central, $22 (single), $33 (return) for adult tickets.
03	Duk Ling Ride Take a trip back 150 years to when the main mode of transportation across the harbour was the junk. Originally, junks were Chinese sailing vessels that were first developed during the 2nd century AD under the Han dynasty. Today junks are still used, but are operated by motors. The Duk Ling junk is the last remaining sailing junk in Victoria Harbour. After being used by Chinese fisherman for 25 years, the Duk Ling was restored in the 1980s to the classic junk design. Departing on Thursdays and Saturdays from Kowloon Public Pier and Queen's Pier in Central, the one-hour ride is free. Harbour cruises and charters are also available. For enquiries, contact 2508 1234 or see www.dukling.com.hk
04	Dine and Drink on the Water As night sets, the harbour illuminates with a montage of lights. Experiencing the setting from the water with dinner or a few drinks is an enchanting way to spend an evening. The most recognisable and hip bar on the water is Aqualuna, noted for its elegant red sails which complement the orange and pink sunset. Reservations for Aqualuna can be made at www.aqualuna.com.hk or 2116 8821. The cost is $150-$180. A number of other drinking and dining cruises on the water are also available. A Harbour Night Cruise sets sails each evening for $280 (adults), unlimited free drinks included; contact 2936 3868. And A Symphony of Lights Dinner Cruise kicks off the harbour party with a live band and onboard buffet, $280 (adults); contact 2802 2886.
05	Avenue of Stars View the harbour among the likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The pedestrian path curves along the water, while at the same time touting Hong Kong's rich film history. At 8pm, the Symphony of Lights - a 20-minute light and sound show put on by the skyscrapers along the harbour - begins, and the Avenue of Stars has a front row view. Don't forget to snap a photo, as this sight is one to remember. Accessible from the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR or Star Ferry.
06	Hire a Junk Hong Kongers never cease to jump at any opportunity to join a junk boat outing. As private hires, the traditional boats come with a driver and a crew and can be catered as well. The captain sails the junk through the harbour, allowing ample time to savour the sites and feel the spray of the water. This is one carefree way to truly enjoy the harbour with a group of friends. Contact Saffron Cruises www.saffron-cruises.com ($4,200 and up), or Jaspa's Party Junk ($550 per adult) for more details. For other junk rental companies and options, ask your concierge.
07	Aerial Observations In Hong Kong, we are always looking up to admire the skyline. However, there is one way to look down upon the city - a helicopter tour. The harbour, snaking between the high-rise, dense areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, is a spectacular site from a bird's eye view. As the helicopter flies over the city, it becomes clear that the harbour is the lifeline of the region. A 15-minute ride around Hong Kong Island for up to five passengers is $6,000. The heliport is at the Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon. See www.heliservices.com.hk
08	Restaurant Outlooks Few things in life are nicer than dining leisurely on worldclass cuisine and fine wine with a sweeping view of Victoria Harbour. Restaurants overlooking the harbour are ideal sites for celebrating special occasions and entertaining visitors. However, this type of dining is so enjoyable that reservations at many of the top harbourside restaurants are essential. Take your pick from hotel restaurants, big name pleasers such as Morton's (20 Nathan Road, Tel: 2732 2343), Lumiere (Level 3, IFC, Tel: 2393 3933) or Aqua (One Peking Road, Tel: 3427 2288), or venture out and find your own dining gem.
09	Island Ferry Outings Victoria Harbour is used as a method of transport, and a beautiful one at that. The water links Hong Kong's multitude of islands by daily ferries and water taxis. Take one of the many ferries leaving from Hong Kong Island or Kowloon to see the harbour as the locals do on a daily basis. For a special treat, join a Lamma Island Romance Tour along the western harbour to Lamma via Aberdeen Fishing Village. The tour, priced at $580 (adults) and $530 (children), includes a seafood dinner. Call 2544 5656 for more information.
10	Rooms with a View Even though the harbour is full of activity, it is also a calming site. At night, the harbour is illuminated by the lights of the surrounding buildings and passing ships. Seafaring vessels glide seamlessly over the water, creating a meditative aura. The best way to experience the water's tranquillity is to fall asleep in front of a harbour view at night, and wake up to its ships and barges in the morning. Numerous hotels in Hong Kong offer rooms with inspiring views. Check out www.hkha.org for a list of hotels by location.