11SKIES terminal opens up new sightseeing bus tours

Sophie Hui

There is a new way to explore Lantau from today: sightseeing rides on open-top buses run by Ngong Ping 360 and Big Bus Tours.

The journey will take riders to landmarks including the 11SKIES of which the SKYCITY Transport Terminal came into operation yesterday.

According to the operators, seven departures are scheduled everyday, Monday to Sunday, offering routes AM and PM to provide passengers different experiences of the day.

Circular AM route leaves from Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal, with stops at the Sheraton & Four Points by Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung, 11SKIES, Hong Kong Skyline Marriott Hotel and Hong Kong Disneyland before returning to the cable car terminal.

The PM route also starts from Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal, but stops at Hong Kong Disneyland and 11SKIES before passing through the aircraft maintenance area. The PM route also terminates at the cable car terminal

People taking the PM route will be able to take photos of the landscapes against the sunset, the operators said.

Passengers may hop on and off at any of the bus stops, using the same-day ticket.

Ngong Ping 360 managing director Andy Lau Wai-ming said the new service would give passengers an opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the route, attributing the successful launch of the service to the support and participation of nearby attractions, landmarks and hotels.

"We look forward to attracting more visitors to Lantau through this new sightseeing bus service," Lau added.

The regular bus ticket price is standardized at HK$150 per head for adults, children and the senior but a special price of HK$120 is offered until December 31.

Tickets can be booked on Ngong Ping 360 website.

Meanwhile, the SKYCITY Transport Terminal, situated in 11SKIES near the Hong Kong International Airport, was officially opened for operation yesterday.

With a total of 16 franchised bus routes and various transport services, the terminal can strengthen the public transport network that connects Lantau Island with nearby boundary control points and the downtown area.