Roundtrip Turbojet ferry from Hong Kong to Macau with Ngong Ping 360 Tickets

Exploring Hong Kong and Macau: A Detailed Review of the Combo Tour

Traveling to Hong Kong and Macau offers an exciting mix of vibrant cityscapes, cultural landmarks, and coastal scenery. This particular combo ticket, priced at around $84.36 per person, provides a practical way to see both iconic locations in just two days. It combines skip-the-line access to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car with round-trip TurboJET ferry tickets, making it a flexible and relatively seamless experience for curious travelers seeking authentic sights without the stress of long queues or complicated planning.

What we love about this experience is how it maximizes your time—allowing you to enjoy spectacular views over Lantau Island and the Big Buddha, followed by an easy ferry ride to Macau, where you can explore UNESCO-listed sights. The convenience of mobile tickets and group entry at the cable car station is a bonus, saving precious time. However, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour does not include hotel transfers or guided commentary, so it suits independent explorers comfortable with some planning.

This experience is perfect for those who want a well-rounded taste of Hong Kong’s scenic spots and Macau’s historic charm without breaking the bank. If efficient transport and iconic views are your priorities, this combo provides fantastic value with an authentic edge.

Key Points

• Skip long lines with prepaid tickets for Ngong Ping 360, saving up to 2 hours.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Lantau Island and the Tian Tan Buddha from the cable car.
• Travel comfortably on high-speed TurboJET ferries between Hong Kong and Macau.
• Explore Macau independently, with access to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Ideal for independent travelers seeking flexibility without guided tours.
• Cost-effective way to see two major destinations in a short time frame.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

How the Experience Unfolds

This combo package offers a straightforward way to see some of Hong Kong’s most photogenic spots and Macau’s historic allure. The journey begins with skip-the-line access to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. Instead of waiting up to two hours in queues, travelers receive a prepaid voucher allowing for group entry—saving significant waiting time and frustration. The cable car ride itself is a highlight, soaring over the South China Sea and Lantau Island, offering views that are truly picture-worthy.

The cable car ride connects Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village, where visitors can take in the majestic Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha), an imposing 112-foot-tall bronze sculpture completed in 1993. As some reviews note, the first view from the cable car in the distance is “amazing,” and most travelers find the ride both scenic and serene, especially during clearer weather when you can see far across the land and sea.

The Cable Car Experience

Most people opt for the round-trip Economy Class ticket, which is included in the combo. The open ticket is valid for 30 days, giving some flexibility if you wish to revisit or explore more of Ngong Ping Village. The station at Tung Chung is easily accessible via the MTR Tung Chung Line, making this part of the trip very straightforward. The only potential downside is that the normal wait time for on-the-spot tickets can reach 2 hours, so prepaid vouchers really are a time saver.

A notable point from reviews is the quality of the experience—many mention the guides’ knowledge, with one reviewer praising the staff for explaining the significance of the Buddha and offering tips on navigating the area efficiently. The cable car’s glass-bottomed cabins and open-air sections also draw admiration, providing an immersive feeling of floating above the island’s lush landscape.

Macau by Ferry: Fast and Convenient

On the second day, the tour shifts to high-speed TurboJET ferries for the journey across the South China Sea. The ferries depart frequently—every 15 to 30 minutes—making it easy to fit into your schedule. The ticket includes round-trip economy class and can be used from either Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, depending on your starting point.

Travelers report that the ferry experience is smooth and scenic, with plenty of space to relax or snap photos. The departure times are fixed but generous enough to accommodate most itineraries. The ferry ride provides a refreshing break from city hustle, offering views of the sea and skyline that are surprisingly relaxing.

Exploring Macau

Once in Macau, the highlight is wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes historic buildings, temples, and squares that reflect Portugal’s influence—an intriguing contrast to Hong Kong’s hyper-modernity. Reviewers recommend taking time to soak in the details, from the ornate facades to the quaint streets. While this tour doesn’t include guided commentary, many visitors appreciate the flexibility to explore at their own pace.

Travelers have mentioned that transportation back to Hong Kong is easy, and the ferry schedule allows for an afternoon or evening return. The ferry terminal in Macau is well-connected, with clear signage, and the process of passing through immigration is straightforward.

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation and Timing

• Starting Point: You can choose to depart from Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island) or Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon). The departure times are frequent, so plan accordingly to maximize your time.
• Cable Car Hours: Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday, including public holidays.
• Ferry Schedule: Ferries run from 07:00 to nearly midnight, with departures every 15 minutes from Sheung Wan and every 60 minutes from Tsim Sha Tsui.
• Duration: The entire experience spans roughly two days, but the flexible ticket validity means you can spread out your exploration if desired.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour makes things simple: round-trip cable car and ferry tickets are included, along with prepaid vouchers that avoid lines. However, be prepared to arrange your own meals, as food and drinks are not included. Also, there are no guided tours or hotel transfers, giving you the freedom to explore independently.

Additional Considerations

• Identification: Your passport and the same name on your credit card are required for booking, helping prevent fraud.
• Weather and Maintenance: The cable car may be temporarily closed for scheduled maintenance or during severe weather; in such cases, an alternative coach transfer is provided.
• Children and Family Travel: Children over 1 year require their own ferry ticket, so plan accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides at Ngong Ping, noting that their explanations enhanced the experience. The views from the cable car were described as “beautiful,” with some mentioning the thrill of the glass-bottom cabins. Many also found Macau’s blend of historic sites and lively streets to be a worthwhile extension of the trip, especially given the ease of ferry access.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This combo tour is best suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and see significant highlights with minimal hassle. Its skip-the-line advantage at Ngong Ping makes it attractive for those who dislike long waits, while the ferry connection ensures a smooth transfer to Macau’s UNESCO sights. If you’re comfortable exploring independently and prefer flexible schedules, this experience offers excellent value.

The experience lacks guided commentary—making it less ideal for those seeking detailed local storytelling, but perfect for independent explorers who enjoy discovering at their own pace. The combination of scenic views, efficient transportation, and cultural sights makes it a compelling choice, especially for first-time visitors wanting a balanced taste of Hong Kong and Macau.

In terms of value, it’s a practical way to enjoy iconic landmarks without the hefty price tag of guided tours or package deals. The inclusion of both transportation modes and priority access to the cable car makes this a solid option for travelers craving authentic experiences paired with convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to print my vouchers or can I use mobile tickets?
You can download the separate QR code tickets from the local supplier onto your mobile device and pass through directly. However, it’s recommended to print the vouchers for ease.

What time should I arrive for the ferry?
It’s best to be at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to allow for immigration and boarding procedures.

Can I choose my ferry departure time?
The tickets are fixed-time, but departures are scheduled frequently—every 15 to 60 minutes—so you can select a convenient time within the schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour does not include hotel transfers. You are responsible for reaching the starting points on your own.

What if the cable car is closed for maintenance?
In such cases, the cable car service is replaced by a coach transfer between Ngong Ping and Tung Chung, ensuring you still enjoy the experience.

Can I travel from Kowloon or Hong Kong Island?
Yes, you can choose to depart from either location, depending on your preference and schedule.

Is this suitable for children?
Children over 1 year old need their own ferry ticket, but overall, the experience is family-friendly, especially if you’re comfortable traveling independently.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
Passengers should allow enough time for immigration and customs at Macau, and note that no refunds are available once tickets are confirmed.

This combo ticket offers a practical way to enjoy some of Hong Kong and Macau’s most iconic sights while maintaining flexibility and control over your schedule. Perfect for independent travelers eager to explore without the constraints of guided tours, it combines scenic beauty, cultural treasures, and efficient transportation—giving you a memorable two-day adventure.