When the West Kowloon Cultural District first opened to the public in 2015, it represented an exciting chapter for Hong Kong’s ongoing waterfront development, creating opportunities for public leisure and cultural facilities to flourish. Amidst a wave of renewed buzz in recent months – including the arrival of Hong Kong’s largest outdoor dog festival and the unveiling of a multitude of music and performance programmes – comes even more thrilling news for those who love spending time in WestK but could do without the prolonged commute: WestK is getting its own quay and direct ferry service.
Newly completed and ready to welcome its first travellers, the WestK Ferry will officially take its maiden voyage on Saturday, November 15, following four days of trial runs from November 10 to 13. An official launch ceremony will take place on November 14 to inaugurate this new waterfront facility in WestK and cross-harbour ferry route.
Vessels will set sail between WestK Quay and Central Pier No. 9, providing seamless connection between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and cutting down travel time to just eight minutes, as reaching WestK from the Island side will be more direct than ever. Operated by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Fortune Ferry Company Limited, the ferries bear designs co-created with Hong Kong Design Institute students. Ferries are scheduled to run every 30 minutes from each side, from 8am to 10pm on weekdays, and 8am to 11pm on weekends and public holidays. You will be travelling in comfort as well – the WestK Ferry will be kitted out with air-conditioned cabins, and pets and bikes are allowed on board, making the journey to the pet-friendly cultural district even easier!
No proper launch can do without freebies to rustle up public excitement, so WestK is hosting a giveaway of 3,000 complimentary single-journey tickets for adults, and 500 for pets! Snag one from November 10 at 8am onward from WestK Quay and Central Pier No. 9 on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person can claim two complimentary tickets, and these can be used on the first weekend of the new service only.
If you missed the giveaway, no stress – paid tickets are within reach. Single-journey fares cost $20 per adult and $20 per pet, while children aged three to 11, seniors aged 65 or above, and persons with disabilities can enjoy the $10 concession fare. For travellers who will consider using the new service frequently, there’s a $560 monthly pass available as well, which will allow you unlimited rides on the WestK Ferry each month!
As part of the new development, WestK will also be adding new dining facilities to the waterfront to enhance the overall experience for travellers. Come hungry and feast on dishes like boat noodles, Hong Kong street snacks, and Western and Eastern favourites.
Looks like there’s plenty of reasons to head back to WestK this weekend!
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