Gulangyu Cruise: A Five-Day, Four-Night Hong Kong to Ishigaki Island Journey

Embark on a relaxing five-day, four-night journey aboard the Gulangyu Cruise: two days of sea cruising and one day of onshore exploration. It’s truly a laid-back and enjoyable vacation. Tips for Travelers For those prone to seasickness, remember to prepare motion sickness medication in advance and try to book a lower-deck cabin (preferably on the 6th floor or below) for a more comfortable experience. The ship provides a daily newsletter outlining the schedule of activities, allowing you to choose based on your interests. Activities are diverse and entertaining, with the highlight being the Glamorous Circus Show among the three performances. Onboard Dining The cruise offers a variety of dining options: • Lido Buffet on the 12th floor: A wide selection of dishes with no repeats, and everything is delicious. • Set Menu Restaurant on the 6th floor: A more refined dining environment, though not every dish may suit your taste. Additionally, there are duty-free shops, cultural and creative stores, and even exclusive Sha Tin Racecourse pony merchandise available for purchase—truly unique. Ishigaki Island Kabira Bay: A 30-minute drive from the port, and there’s no need to queue for glass-bottom boat tickets upon arrival. The 30-minute boat ride offers views of clownfish and coral (unfortunately, no sea turtles were spotted 😂). After the boat ride, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, snap some photos, and relax—it’s incredibly refreshing. For lunch, we asked the driver to take us to Subimiyakiniku, a restaurant near AEON Mall. The owner speaks English, which was delightful. Although we missed the lunch rush and could only order set meals, the soba noodles and beef patties were exceptionally tasty! Note that many restaurants on Ishigaki Island stop taking orders after 1 PM, so it’s best to make reservations in advance. After lunch, we visited a nearby supermarket to stock up on Japanese snacks and treats, which were even more affordable than those at the public market. This time, our main destination on Ishigaki Island was Kabira Bay. Overall, it was a very chill and leisurely trip. I highly recommend the Gulangyu Cruise—standing on the deck, feeling the sea breeze, and gazing at the endless ocean is truly a soul-soothing experience.