Today I discovered something useful and different
for visitors to Hong Kong, as well as those here already as residents. There is a travel pass called the Inter-Island Ferry Pass that is one of the few bargains
here.
You have unlimited travel for one person on ordinary
ferry service between three popular islands Peng Chau, Cheung Chau, and Lantau Island.
All for 30 HK, or under $5 USA.
You should start early in the day to make
the most of it, though I began at eleven from Chaung Chau and did all three islands. I was amazed to see an island on the itinerary that I had never heard of, the first
stop out from Cheung Chau.
I positively gurgled with tourist excitement soliciting
more information on the mystery place from the blue-uniformed ferry guard as I boarded. I noticed this particular ferry was quite small and full of chattering
local matrons, all in their usual slacks, vests, and long-sleeved t-shirts. The wind was cold so I moved to the middle
where the windows shut more firmly.
I remembered what an American traveller told me
in India about just boarding a vehicle, a train or a bus, and if it was going in another direction that you had first planned,
just follow it to learn about the off the radar place.
A absolutely gargantuan island, all densely forested
and underpopulated, appeared on the horizon, and we followed the curve of its shore until we came to a dinky port.
Why had I not heard about this?
I was hoping to pop off and race about taking tourist
shots of my new travel find, when I read with dismay a large white sign to the left of the boat that read
CHI MA WAN
CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE
I laughed to myself as I realized that perhaps the
Hong Kong Tourist Board was correct in underplaying this gorgeous and barren island, and that it was just as well I had read
the sign before scampering off to take photographs,
all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!
This bargain pass is available at the Central Ferry
Piers, and also at the Hong Kong Tourist Office by the TST Star Ferry, and probably more locations.
