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.
At the moment, cruises are running on Saturdays and Sundays only. The cruise takes around one hour to sail around Victoria Harbour.
Boarding locations at Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of the Stars by the Starbucks.
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, Halloween, etc. so keep an eye out for these.
Duk Ling Schedule and Prices | ||
Departs | Adults | Children and |
|
HK 190 |
HK 150 |
Symphony of Lights Cruises
|
HK 240 |
HK 190 |
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.
Aqua Luna operates daily and offers several sailings daily, including Afternoon Tea sailings, delectable Dim Sum cruises, Sunset and Evening sailings with departures from both sides, leaving from Tsim Sha Tsui from Public Pier 1 and Central from Pier 9.
The cruise includes drinks and refreshments.
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 |
| Dim Sum Cruises HK399 (US$50.99) | 1:15 pm | 1:00 pm |
| Afternoon Tea Cruises HK399 (US$50.99) | 3:00 pm | 3:15 pm |
| Sunset Cruises HK270 (US$34.49) | 5:30 pm | 5:45 pm |
| Symphony of Light Cruises HK330 (US$42.20) | 7:30 pm | 7:45 pm |
| Evening Sailings HK270 (US$34.49) | 6:30 pm 8:30 pm | 6:45 pm 8:45 pm |
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