Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

When it comes to exploring a vibrant city like Hong Kong, a well-organized sightseeing tour can be a game-changer. The Big Bus Hong Kong Hop-On Hop-Off offers a convenient way to see the city’s highlights without the hassle of navigating public transportation or joining large group tours. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, a careful look at reviews and itineraries reveals a lot about what travelers can expect.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the open-top double-decker buses provide fantastic views of Hong Kong’s skyline and key attractions. Second, the multiple routes let you customize your day, whether you’re interested in the city center, the southern beaches, or Kowloon. Third, the inclusion of a Star Ferry ride adds a scenic and historical touch, giving you a taste of local life on the water.

However, one thing to consider is that some reviewers mention extended wait times between buses, especially in certain routes or stops. This can impact your schedule if you’re hoping for a tight itinerary. This tour suits travelers who value flexibility, enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace, and are keen to see multiple sides of Hong Kong without the stress of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Flexible Routes: Choose from three routes covering Hong Kong Island, Stanley, and Kowloon.
• Inclusion of the Star Ferry: A classic ride that complements the sightseeing experience.
• Audio Commentary: Available in 9 languages, providing insights into the city’s sights.
• Upgrade Options: Add-ons like Peak Tram, Water Taxi, or Sampan Houseboat elevate the experience.
• Two Ticket Durations: 24-hour or 48-hour passes suitable for various schedules.
• Mixed Reviews on Information Content: Some find the commentary minimal, but others appreciate the ease and convenience.

What to Expect from the Tour

This hop-on hop-off experience is set up for maximum flexibility. You can hop aboard at any of the numerous stops along the routes and disembark whenever a site catches your eye. The buses run on a schedule, and your ticket grants access to all three routes for either 24 or 48 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Routes and Stops

The routes are designed to showcase different facets of Hong Kong:

• Hong Kong Island (Red Route): Starting at Central Ferry Pier No.7, this route takes you through key spots like the Mid-Levels Escalator, Man Mo Temple, Tai Kwun, Causeway Bay, and the Park Lane Hotel. The highlight here is riding the Peak Tram, which offers breathtaking views of the city as you ascend to Victoria Peak. The itinerary includes stops at the Peak Tram station, Wan Chai Waterfront, and Stanley, offering a mix of urban and seaside scenery.

• Stanley (Green Route): This route offers a more relaxed, scenic journey out of the city center, stopping at Repulse Bay and Stanley. Reviewers who explored this route loved it for the peaceful beaches and local markets, a quieter contrast to downtown hustle.

• Kowloon (Blue Route): A bustling route that includes stops at the Bruce Lee Statue, Temple Street Night Market, and the Wholesale Fruit Market. This route provides a vibrant look into local life, markets, and street culture.

For those with a 48-hour pass, the tour includes a choice of add-ons such as a Peak Tram Special Combo (which includes a round-trip ticket and access to Sky Terrace 428), a Hong Kong Water Taxi, or a Sampan Houseboat visit. These extras can deepen your experience, especially if you’re a fan of iconic Hong Kong views or want a unique water-based perspective.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins at the Central Ferry Pier, where you’ll board the bus amidst the bustling harbor. As you set off, expect lively commentary in your chosen language, providing tidbits about each site. Some reviewers mention that the commentary can be minimal, but the scenic routes more than make up for it.

The Mid-Levels Escalator stop is a favorite for travelers interested in experiencing the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. From here, you can explore neighborhoods, local markets, or historic sites like the Man Mo Temple, an atmospheric spot filled with incense and history.

The Tai Kwun stop takes you into a beautifully restored heritage complex that was once a police station and prison. Recent reviews note that the buses are well-organized, but some delays occur, especially at stops like Kowloon, where waiting times can extend up to an hour.

The Peak Tram stop is invariably a highlight—expect stunning panoramic views as you ascend to Victoria Peak. Some reviewers have expressed that the Peak Tram ticket is a worthwhile upgrade, helping you skip queues and maximize sightseeing time.

Other stops like Causeway Bay and the Park Lane Hotel offer shopping and dining, while the Wan Chai Waterfront provides scenic harbor views.

The Kowloon loop takes you through the lively street markets and cultural landmarks, including Temple Street Night Market and the Bruce Lee Statue, beloved for its nostalgic appeal.

The Ferry Ride and Add-On Experiences

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the Star Ferry, included with your ticket. This boat has been ferrying passengers since 1888 and remains a favorite way to cross Victoria Harbour. Many reviewers find it a relaxing and scenic way to experience Hong Kong from the water.

The 48-hour ticket offers optional add-ons, allowing you to choose from experiences like the Peak Tram Special Combo, Water Taxi, or Sampan Houseboat. These extras cater to different tastes—whether you’re after skyline views, a traditional watercraft experience, or an overview of Hong Kong’s harbor activity.

Pros of the Add-Ons

• Peak Tram Combo: Bypasses long queues, saving you time and giving you a more relaxed experience at the Peak.
• Hong Kong Water Taxi: Offers a scenic and authentic way to see the harbor and its busy shipping lanes.
• Sampan Houseboat: Perfect for those looking for a quiet, unique water-based experience away from crowds.

Quality and Comfort

The buses are modern double-deckers, many with open-top decks for unobstructed views. Based on reviews, buses are generally punctual, and the staff are friendly and helpful. However, delays are not uncommon, especially at stops with high demand or during peak hours.

Travelers have mentioned that commentary is available in nine languages, making it accessible for international visitors. WiFi onboard is a nice touch, allowing you to share your experience or check maps on the go.

The bus frequency appears to vary—the Blue Route, in particular, can have longer wait times, with reviews citing waits of over an hour between buses. To combat this, using the live tracking app can help you plan your next move and minimize downtime.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $53.01 per person, this tour offers a reasonable way to cover a lot of ground, especially considering the included ferry ride and optional add-ons. The flexibility of the 24- or 48-hour passes means you can spread your sightseeing over a couple of days, which adds to the perceived value.

Some reviewers point out that the tour’s cost is justified by the convenience and the ability to explore multiple neighborhoods at your own pace. Others, however, feel certain routes or stops may not live up to expectations, especially if they’re looking for in-depth historical content.

The additional experiences, like the Peak Tram, can be purchased separately or included in the upgraded pass, further enhancing the tour’s value if you want a richer Hong Kong experience.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer shared that exploring the Green Route was a highlight, especially since they had already visited Hong Kong several times. They appreciated the chance to see areas like Stanley and Repulse Bay, which are often overlooked by travelers sticking to the city center.

Another remarked that waiting times in Kowloon can be long, sometimes over an hour, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule. Using the app’s live tracking was suggested as a way to better plan your day.

Despite some minor setbacks, many reviewers found the tour worth the money, especially when combining it with the optional add-ons. The scenic views, ease of use, and coverage of key attractions make it a popular choice for first-time visitors.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Hong Kong without the stress of public transport or complicated schedules. It suits travelers short on time who want to maximize sightseeing and experience the city’s different neighborhoods comfortably.

Those interested in scenic water views will appreciate the Star Ferry inclusion. If you’re keen on visiting multiple sites and enjoy flexible schedules, this hop-on hop-off option offers good value—especially with the 48-hour pass and optional add-ons.

However, if your priority is in-depth historical knowledge or guided tours, this may feel somewhat basic. Also, travelers who dislike waiting or long intervals between buses might want to factor in potential delays.

Final Thoughts

The Big Bus Hong Kong Hop-On Hop-Off delivers a solid way to see Hong Kong at a relaxed pace, equipped with scenic routes, helpful commentary, and water-based excursions. While some aspects like waiting times and commentary depth could be improved, the ability to customize your journey and include unique experiences like the Peak Tram or Sampan Houseboat makes this a worthwhile investment.

It’s best suited for travelers who value convenience and flexibility, want a broad overview of the city’s highlights, and are okay with some waiting around. If you want an easy, entertaining, and scenic way to get your bearings in Hong Kong, this tour should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

Does the ticket include access to all routes?
Yes, your 24- or 48-hour ticket grants you access to three different routes covering Hong Kong Island, Stanley, and Kowloon.

Can I hop off and explore at my own pace?
Absolutely. The tour is designed to be flexible, allowing you to hop off at any stop and then catch the next bus when you’re ready.

Is the Star Ferry included?
Yes, a ticket for the Star Ferry crossing is included with your tour, offering a scenic way to cross Victoria Harbour.

Are there options to enhance the experience?
Yes, a 48-hour ticket includes optional add-ons like the Peak Tram Special Combo, Hong Kong Water Taxi, or Sampan Houseboat, for a richer experience.

How are the buses organized?
The buses are modern double-decker vehicles, with open-top decks for sightseeing. Buses on certain routes like Blue may experience longer wait times.

Is there WiFi onboard?
Yes, free WiFi is available on the buses, making it easy to share your trip or check maps.

In the end, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Hong Kong explorer, the Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to see much of what this dynamic city has to offer, all at your own pace and with minimal hassle.