On the Slow Down: Getting Around Hong Kong at Leisure

From the Star Ferry to the Island-traversing trams, Hong Kong boasts a remarkable range of transport that lets you take in the city sights at a more leisurely pace. So, eschew the hair-raising taxi rides and MTR crush in favour of these alternatives.

Hong Kong’s iconic Ding-Dings offer a breezy vantage of Central’s bustling arteries, but if you’re looking for a more exclusive ride, hop aboard the Circus Tram, a custom-built multi-concept members’ club and local talent showcase on wheels. Book ahead to choose from the three spaces inside: the Chesterfield banquette-lined lower floor, dubbed ‘Chatham House’ (a doffed cap to the famed London original), hosts talks and live music; the intimate, open-backed 'Freudians' space is geared towards meetings; and top-deck urban greenhouse ‘Darwin’s Garden’ is the largest, lightest, airiest perch, ideal for small parties with entertainment thrown in.

Cheap as chips but by far the most fun, Star Ferry’s fleet of charming old-school sea-green vessels have ferrying passengers back and forth between Central and Kowloon since 1888. Of course, the MTR would be quicker nowadays, but you’re here for the quaint original features like polished wooden benches and slide-down windows, framing a jaw-dropper outlook across one of the most iconic skylines in the world.

Hong Kong’s largest island, Lantau, secretes some of the territory’s most enchanting sights amid verdant mountains: the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Tai O fishing village, to name a few. And the cloud surfing Ngong Ping 360 cable car affords staggering on-high views of the mountains, sea and city beyond. Seriously audacious daytrippers can opt for the ‘Crystal Cabin’, complete with a transparent glass floor. Be sure to book tickets in advance and try to go on a weekday to avoid the perilously long queues.

Circus Tram / +852 5743 1401 / enquiry@circustram.com / circustram.com

Star Ferry / Tsim Sha Tsui Pier to Central Pier 7 / +852 2118 6201 / starferry.com.hk

Ngong Ping 360 / embark at Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal, next to Tung Chung MTR / +852 3666 0606 / 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6.30pm Sat-Sun / np360.com.hk