SUBSCRIBEHK: Transport
What makes Hongkong successfull can also be attributed to its efficient public transport system. From the impressive international airport, one can travel to the city in three ways:
- via high speed Airport Express MTR (similar to the Philippines’ MRT and Bangkok’s BTS) that is also interconnected to around 5 or 6 other MTR lines as well as to the KCR (Kowloon - Canton Rail), the city’s above ground rail system that connects with China and consists of multiple lines too (the MRT is more or less underground except parts of it between Chek Lap Kok and Tsing Yi station. Travel is really fast and operates from as early as 5 or 6 am to an hour and a half past midnight.
- via the double deck buses that are cheap. These buses have two doors, one for entering (front) and one for disembarking (midsection). Just be sure that you have the correct fare (check at the specific waiting areas for the exact fare) since the driver doesn’t give out change. Or better yet, get an Octopus card which is a debit system that you can load and use in MTR and KCR.
- color coded taxis. These are metered taxis but sometimes, the driver doens’t speak English. Its advisable that you carry with you written address of your destination in Chinese. Take note also that from the displayed fare, additional charges applies for baggages, toll and sometimes, night travel.
When I was there, I took all three transport to move around the city.
The color coded taxis at the terminal in Chek Lap Kok. Vehicles are right hand drive and the green taxis are for the New Territories. There are also blue and red taxis available for other parts of Hongkong.
Left, the double deck buses somewhat made an impression on me. Some are airconditioned, others are not. This is the terminal just near Harbor City. Right, a free high speed internet station in Kowloon Tong MTR station. Unfortunately, you can only do web browsing.
Left, KCR line in Tai Po Market. This also connects to the MTR underground. Right, a Tram that is known in Hongkong located at Central in Hongkong Island.
Relive my posts on Hongkong:
Out of the country
Last night in HK
HK: I’m impressed
Back from HK
1st SEA Lepidoptera Conservation Symposium
HK: Chek Lap Kok
HK: A beautiful city
HK: Central
HK: People watching
Series 39: Hongkong
HK: Wong Kar Wai movies
Series 40: Hongkong International Airport
