Duk Ling Cruises
The History
The iconic Victoria Harbour, no matter how many times I have been to Hong Kong, still remains a sight to see. The vibrant colors and constant parade of vehicles, skyscrapers, and the lights and sounds show everyday at 8pm, are still sought out not only by foreign tourists, but by locals as well.
On this trip, I was blessed to have experienced the show from a different point of view—–from aboard the Duk Ling Cruises. I’ve always read about junk boats and I’ve seen them cruise along the Harbour many times, but I never had the opportunity to be on it in the past.
The Duk Ling, which means “Clever Duck”, holds claim to being the only authentic fishing/junk boat that first set sail in 1955, the Aqua Luna being its replica for tourism purposes. In the 80s the Hong Kong Tourist Association bought it to sail along Victoria Harbour, and has since then been Hong Kong’s icon.
In 2014, the Duk Ling ship sank 18m deep caused by a storm. Fortunately, they restored it and it was ready to set sail again in June 2015.
The Experience
My friends and I couldn’t contain our excitement, we patiently waited at Central Pier 9 for the ship to arrive.
We chose to sit at the back end of the boat, by the rooftop, in order to get the best view. Being my typical friendly self, I started chatting with the tourists who sat around me—-5 American girls, 2 men from UK and 1 from Prague.
The staff approached us and asked, “Would you like some red wine, white wine, beer, or Soda(It couldn’t get any better than this— riding on an iconic boat, toasting amidst the skyscrapers of Hong Kong, wonderful company—–totally worth it.
Why the Duk Ling Cruise is a must do in HK
- The experience of riding an Iconic Junk Boat;
2. Witness the energetic skyline of Victoria Harbour from the water;
3. Watch the Lights and Sounds Show, witness both sides of the Harbour;
4. A good variety of and unlimited drinks on board;
6. Share the experience with new found friends, with whom you could enjoy your remaining nights out with;
7. Memories, memories and more memories
FAQs
1) Where can I board the Duk Ling Cruises?
You can board and unboard the Duk Ling Cruise in either of the two Harbours : TST Pier 3 or Central Ferry Pier 9. You have the option, depending on your location and your plans.
2) How many cruises or sails do they have in a day?
>From TST Ferry Pier number 3 at 1630H, 1730H, 1830H, 1930H, 2030H
>From Central Ferry Pier Number 9 at 1645H, 1745H, 1845H, 1945H, 2045H
3) How much does it cost?
Their regular prices are as follows: Adult-HKD320, Child/Senior-HKD220 for sessions 1630H, 1645H, 1730H, 1745H, 1830H, 1845H, 2030H, and 2045H
Adult-HKD380, Child/Senior-HKD285 for sessions 1930H and 1945H
Note: Take the 1945H trip if you want to catch the Lights and Sounds Show from the water.
4) Do they have promotions or discounts for groups or for tourists?
Their current promotion will last until 31 Oct 2015:
Price is Adult-HKD230, Child&senior-HKD160 for sessions 1630H, 1645H, 1730H, 1745H, 1830H, 1845H, 2030H, and 2045H
For the 1930H and 1945H trips, it is HKD280 for adults and HKD220 for children and seniors.
Group discount is on a request basis, please send an email to reservation@dukling.com.hk if needed.
5) Where can you buy the tickets?
You can book via KKDAY Dukling Cruises that’s the easiest
6)How long is the cruise?
Each sail is for 1 hour.
The next time you are in Hong Kong, try sailing on the Duk Ling Cruises. It will give you memorable views of both sides of the harbor, plus some history and information from the guide as you cruise along,
This was definitely an impressive way to enjoy Hong Kong.
All Photography and Editing done by Kay Dulay
I love unique experiences! This boat looks really cool and it’s great to hear you’re well taken care of. I still haven’t made it to Hong Kong. I hope to make it there next year and will keep this tour in mind!
What an amazing tour. The skyline is absolutely GORGEOUS at night.
I’ve never been to Hong Kong, but would love to cruise its harbour. It looks like a great way to see the city lights and to get a feel for the city while having a blast!
Amazing pictures! Hong Kong is one of my favourite places to visit! Definitely adding this on my bucket list.
Oh I’ve never been to HK, but this looks like the type of thing we love to experience in foreign cities when we travel.
This boat ride looks amazing. I would love taking a ride on it, so cool.
This would be such an awesome experience. It’s so cool that you were able to do this!
that boat looks so fun! i love the sails especially. HK has great boating activities – have you seen the annual dragon boat racing?
I didn’t know you could cruise on a boat like that
Girl you lookin so fab! Love love the skyline of Hong Kong.
I must visit Hong Kong! Absolutely love the colours in your photos!
Wow.. It looks amazing and so much fun!! Love all your pictures!!
The thought of going on a boat cruise doesn’t appeal to me much, certified landlubber here. Can’t swim for the life of me, so no going near the water haha. But my husband and kids would love the Duk Ling Cruise for sure!
Junk boat, oh Asia. It’s been far too long between visits. Thinking I might have to at least do a stopover in HK on my next trip back to Sydney. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
This looks like it was amazing experience! I’ve never been to Hong Kong,,,it is definitely on my list of places to visit soon!
You really enjoyed the sea and environ of Hong Kong which really made it more amazing to explore.
It looks like quite an experience! I love the overall feel and ambiance of the boat, it really makes you feel like a pirate or a sailor during the old times!
i’ve visited hk before but i didn’t know they had such cruise! is it choppy? good for someone prone to motion sickness?
I would love to visit Hong Kong. The cruise looks wonderful.
I’ve been there a few times and I wonder why I’ve never taken this tour. I’m going back next year and this will be in my list.
that looks so beautiful and romantic. I have not been to Hong Kong though I grow up ihe Philippines. I have been to Japan.
I have been to Hong Kong many times, for work, and for leisure, and have seen this junk in the harbour too, many times. Somehow, I’ve never thought of boarding it! Ha, I see I am missing out something here – next time then 😉
Unlimited drinks?! Where do I sign up… I had dinner on a boat in Aberdeen, HK. But only watched the light show with the minions on the dock 😉
Guests are allowed to sit on the rooftop for the whole time? That must have been a really nice experience, add to that great wine and lots of conversations, it becomes a truly worthwhile trip, definitely trying it next time I get to HK 🙂
Those night photos are absolutely beautiful! Haven’t been out of the country but I’m still hoping that one day, I get to visit Hongkong with my hubby.
Wow, amazing pictures and great experience! Would love to go there immediately! Even with you 🙂
I would love to try this someday with friends! This looks like such a wonderful experience 😀
I’ve been planning to do the Duck ling cruise for years. Maybe I should do it in my next trip. You looks so classy here.
This is great! I have booked a trip to Hong Kong! 🙂 Would love to try this one. Any recommendation for hotels?
It looks like an amazing experience. I see, from your photos, you had fun!
I have seen these junks on the harbor but never knew how to get onboard one of them. Thanks for this idea for a future HK trip. – Fred
I hope to try this cruise. I have only been to HK once and I missed the symphony of lights show. What a wonderful experience it would to witness it from a junk boat. Btw, are the drinks complimentary?
Your pictures are bringing back so many great memories! I completely agree about Victoria Harbor, it’s always amazing, no matter how many times you’ve been to HK! The Junk boats are a great way to tour the harbor! Thanks again for bringing back some awesome memories!
Must be great for dates huh. I love cruising and wish to be able to cruise whenever I want to.
What a neat experience! Love your photos!
Been to HK various times but have never tried the cruise before! looks like an romantic activity 😉
Really fancy this. I did a cruise through Ha Long Bay and it was awesome so this certainly tickles my fancy 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing and loved your photos. Such a cool city from the water.
Are the beverages cost included or separated from the tour? You looked like you enjoyed yourself~ Love the scenery and your outfit.
I was a bit surprised when the title state “Junk Boat” but took my curiosity as I keep reading your article! Definitely looks like not an ordinary boat and experience!
What a view!! I’d love to do this!
I love that final shot of the junk boat and the harbor. It looks like a fun thing to do with beautiful views!
Lovely photos! 🙂
The colours of the skyline are just amazing, I have always wanted to see the HK skyline but never knew you could do it this way, love those traditional boats! Will be giving this a go when we visit!
You should. We really enjoyed our Duk Ling cruise experience 🙂 it’s different from the water 🙂
looks like you had a very gorgeous night out on the boat…the tour looks fabulous and you look super classy!
I love Victoria Harbour and it would be a great way to see the lights! I didn’t know it had sunk, glad they rebuilt it!
Such a cool thing to do in Hong Kong!
Oh wow! What a great idea! I never knew you could do something like that in Hong Kong. Will definitely keep in in mind for when I go!!!
That looks like an amazing cruise! Love the pics 🙂
wow, this cruise sounds amazing. I would love to do this if I visit HK.