For my return journey from Macau to Hong Kong, I opted for the bus. Rather than exploring the main areas of Hong Kong, such as Tsim Sha Tsui or Hong Kong Island, I planned to explore the relatively outskirts of Hong Kong on Lantau Island.
Upon returning to Hong Kong, my first destination was Hong Kong Disneyland, which is located on Lantau Island. Taking a bus was a better fit for my itinerary than using the ferry.
- Method of Travel between Hong Kong and Macau: Hong Kong – Macau: Methods of Border Crossing
“Taking the HZMB Bus from Macau to Hong Kong”
At Macau’s “HZMB Bus Terminal,” I boarded a bus bound for Hong Kong or Zhuhai in mainland China. Since this leg of my journey was from Macau to Hong Kong, I purchased a bus ticket for that route.
Bus fares vary slightly between day and night. The buses operate 24 hours, with daytime buses priced at MOP 65 (approximately KRW 9,300) and nighttime buses at MOP 70 (around KRW 10,000).
“Immigration Procedures at the Bus Terminal”
Although not an airport, immigration procedures are necessary as I was crossing borders via bus. Baggage inspection is also conducted, but not as rigorously as at an airport. Simply pass your luggage through the X-ray machine along with your carry-on bags. Unless there are any specific issues, you can proceed with your luggage to the bus boarding area.
“Boarding the Bus to Hong Kong”
Upon close inspection of the bus terminal layout, there were signs indicating the direction to Zhuhai. As the buses depart for both Zhuhai and Hong Kong from the same bus stop, it’s crucial to pay attention and follow the correct destination.
Heading in the direction of Hong Kong, I encountered a bus and an attendant. I showed my ticket to the attendant, who then scanned it and directed me to the appropriate bus for boarding.
“The HZMB Bus: Double-Decker Operation”
The HZMB bus was a double-decker bus. I loaded my luggage onto the first floor and then ascended to the second floor to enjoy the scenery during the journey.
Both Hong Kong and Macau follow the British-style traffic system, with the steering wheel on the right and vehicles driving on the left.
In contrast, mainland China adheres to the continental-style traffic system, with the steering wheel on the left and vehicles driving on the right.
I was curious about which traffic system would be followed on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. It turned out that the bridge follows the Chinese-style traffic system, so vehicles drive on the right side. However, the bus driver’s seat is on the right, which was quite perplexing.
Even though the driver’s seat was on the right, the bus operated in the right lane, providing a better view from the right side. You can enjoy the outside scenery through the right-side window. Personally, I chose a seat by the left window, expecting the bus to operate in the left lane following the British-style traffic system. I was surprised to find that it operated in the right lane.
If you’re planning to use the HZMB bus for travel between Hong Kong and Macau, or vice versa, choosing a seat by the right window would provide a better view.
“Monitoring the Cargo Area on the First Floor via Monitor on the Second Floor”
With my luggage on the first floor and myself on the second, there might be concerns about someone taking my luggage by mistake. To address this, the bus provides a CCTV feed displaying the cargo area on the first floor in real time.
“Arrival at Hong Kong HZMB Terminal and Immigration”
After about 40 minutes of bus travel on the bridge over the sea, we arrived at the Hong Kong HZMB Bus Terminal. The bus maintained a safe speed of 80 km/h.
Upon arrival at the terminal, similar to the airport, I had to complete an “Immigration Declaration Form.” After completing the form and going through immigration, I was able to re-enter Hong Kong.
Finishing my 4-night, 5-day trip in Hong Kong and the subsequent 2-night, 3-day trip in Macau, re-entering Hong Kong was a fresh experience. It felt like coming home, and I was able to continue exploring Lantau Island in Hong Kong.
“Macau, HZMB Terminal”
- Address: MZMB Macau Port
- HZMB Website: https://www.hzmb.gov.hk/en/