Hong Kong is among the most visited locations for Pinoy vacationers. It’s even the first-time worldwide vacation spot for a lot of. Its accessibility is a big purpose because it’s solely round two and a half hours away. There’s additionally no visa requirement in Hong Kong for Filipinos.
You’ll discover loads of issues to do which you can embody in your itinerary to make an unimaginable journey. A few of the hottest locations to go to in Hong Kong are Mong Kok, Victoria Peak, and naturally, Hong Kong Disneyland. You may even do a aspect journey to Macau!
We will all agree that each journey requires planning. Whereas no journey is ever utterly good, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — will help issues go extra easily. Our staff has been to Hong Kong a number of instances, however on certainly one of our latest journeys, we have been stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, nevertheless it’s a very good factor we’re ready. What do you have to do on this state of affairs? We’ll let you know extra about that and different suggestions, together with errors to keep away from.
Hong Kong Journey Errors
1. Underestimating Hong Kong costs.
It’s true that Hong Kong will be fairly dear, particularly by way of eating and lodging. Even with its appeal, the price of dwelling right here has positively elevated through the years, making it one of the crucial costly cities globally. Even we have been shocked about this. We’ve been to Hong Kong a number of instances earlier than the pandemic, and so far as we will keep in mind, it’s not that costly. However on our final go to, we observed how costs have skyrocketed, particularly for lodges and eating places.
- Meals. To offer you an concept and to make a comparability simply, let’s do the Large Mac take a look at. Large Mac alone prices round HKD 28 (P200), however for those who go for a full meal with fries and drink, it jumps to HKD 46 (P325). In the meantime, their 2-piece rooster with fries and drink prices HKD 51.50 (P365).
- Drinks/Drinks. Drinks aren’t low cost both. At a comfort retailer, a bottle of soda will value round HKD 10.50 (P75), whereas a can of soda is barely cheaper at HKD 8.50 (P60). As for bottled water, it may be anyplace from HKD 9-10 (P60-70), so be ready to pay for hydration!
- Lodging. Mid-range lodges within the metropolis middle can go as excessive as P5000 per night time, whereas funds choices begin from P3000 however are usually farther from central sights. For those who’re staying nearer to town middle, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Points of interest. For those who plan to go to Disneyland, the fundamental entrance payment ranges from P4250 to P6066 per individual, relying on the day and whether or not there are any promotions. Availing add-ons like early entry would require a separate payment on prime of the doorway payment.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP alternate fee used for this put up relies on knowledge from June 2025.
2. Choosing the incorrect space to remain.
Hong Kong’s geography is exclusive and considerably difficult. Points of interest are unfold out throughout totally different districts and even separate islands, so choosing the proper place to remain is essential. Choosing a lodge in the best space can prevent each money and time on transportation, making your journey way more handy.
- Lantau Island Space. In case your itinerary focuses on Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Automotive, or a day journey to Macau, it’s greatest to remain in Tung Chung or Hong Kong SkyCity. These areas present easy accessibility to Lantau Island’s main sights, and lots of lodges provide free shuttle companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis middle, alternatively, means longer commutes, which will be pricey and time-consuming.
- Buying and Meals Hubs. For individuals who love purchasing and exploring night time markets, Mong Kok is a good possibility. It’s house to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest avenue markets, such because the Women Market and Sneaker Avenue. If meals is a giant a part of your journey expertise, Central and Sheung Wan are glorious selections. These areas are full of genuine Hong Kong eating places, native diners, and classy cafés.
- Reasonably priced Lodging. For budget-conscious vacationers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is value contemplating. This district affords a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range lodges whereas holding you near main sights just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
One of the best space to remain actually depends upon your itinerary, however you may try our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a extra in-depth rationalization.
For fast reference and suggestions, listed here are a few of the prime lodging in Hong Kong primarily based on on-line person critiques.
- iClub Sheung Wan Resort, Hong Kong Island. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Resort, Hong Kong Island. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- Mini Central, Hong Kong Island. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- B P Worldwide, Kowloon. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- Stanford Hillview Resort, Kowloon. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- Metropark Resort Mongkok, Kowloon. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, Kowloon. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Resort, New Territories. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- 4 Factors By Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung, New Territories. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
- Regal Airport Resort, New Territories. Verify Charges & Availability! ✅
Seek for extra Hong Kong Inns!
3. Anticipating spacious rooms within the metropolis middle.
Hong Kong’s most urbanized areas — Kowloon Peninsula and Central on Hong Kong Island — are recognized for his or her restricted house. Resort rooms in these districts are usually small and compact, with little or no additional room to maneuver round. Whereas some lodges maximize their layouts with intelligent designs, most lodging, particularly funds guesthouses in locations like Mirador Mansions or Chung King Mansion, can really feel extraordinarily cramped. In lots of instances, there isn’t even sufficient room to correctly retailer baggage.
If having more room is a precedence, take into account staying in different districts. The farther you go from town middle, the extra spacious and inexpensive the lodging are usually. For instance, whereas lodge rooms in Central are sometimes fairly small, close by areas like Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay provide bigger rooms at decrease costs, offering a greater stability between consolation and comfort.
4. Dismissing Central’s hilly terrain.
Whereas Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok are comparatively flat, Central is extra hilly, with many areas that includes steep inclines and stairs. This is the reason it’s house to the world’s longest outside lined escalator system — the Central Mid-level Escalators. Nevertheless, not all areas have escalators, so getting round typically entails uphill walks and quite a few steps.
This may be difficult for those who’re touring with seniors or these with mobility points, as strolling in Central will be extra bodily demanding. A great instance is the route from Central Station to the Peak Tram, the place to begin for Victoria Peak, which entails an uphill trek. Even when a vacation spot appears shut on the map, it’s typically greatest to take public transportation to avoid wasting vitality and keep away from pointless pressure.
5. Leaving your passport on the lodge.
Some vacationers choose to go away their passports on the lodge, fearing they may get misplaced or broken, particularly in dangerous climate. Nevertheless, in most international locations, it’s greatest follow to hold your passport while you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly vital.
Cease-and-search procedures are widespread in Hong Kong, the place cops might strategy people and request identification. For foreigners, this implies presenting a passport. Based on the official Hong Kong Police web site, Part 17C states: “A police officer has energy to examine the proof of identification of any individual. Any one who fails to supply this for inspection as required by the regulation will commit an offense.”
We’ve seen this firsthand whereas strolling in Central, and we additionally skilled it ourselves. Whereas at Tung Chung Station, getting back from Disneyland, 4 cops stopped us and requested for our passports. One officer entered our info into a tool, two completely searched our baggage, and one other questioned us about our goal within the space, the place we have been from, and the place we have been headed. Certainly one of them was well mannered and even apologetic as soon as it turned clear we have been simply vacationers.
To keep away from any points, all the time carry your passport whereas exploring Hong Kong. For those who’re fearful about it getting moist, retailer it in a water-proof case for cover.
6. Ignoring the climate.
Hong Kong is a kind of locations the place the climate can considerably impression your expertise. Whereas that is true for a lot of locations, it’s particularly noticeable right here. Take Victoria Peak, for instance. The panoramic view from the highest is totally gorgeous on a transparent day, making the tram journey up nicely value it. Nevertheless, on foggy days, you may see nothing however a wall of white, which will be disappointing for those who got here for the skyline. Though there are different sights on the Peak, the principle draw is the breathtaking view, and dangerous climate can utterly change that.
The identical goes for Disneyland. We’ve visited 4 instances beneath totally different circumstances — sunny, cloudy, and wet — and the expertise varies dramatically. When you can nonetheless benefit from the park within the rain, it’s not fairly the identical as a vibrant, sunny day when every little thing feels extra magical.
To take advantage of your journey, we advocate holding your itinerary versatile. That method, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you may alter your plans and save weather-dependent sights for a greater day.
7. Forgetting to convey money and get Octopus Card.
Hong Kong is quickly transitioning right into a cashless metropolis, and essentially the most useful gizmo for vacationers right here is the Octopus Card. It’s extremely handy. You should use it for MTR trains, buses, comfort shops, and even in lots of different institutions. There’s additionally a cellular model obtainable by way of an app, however having a bodily card continues to be the higher possibility because it received’t run out of battery like your cellphone may.
However, it’s nonetheless vital to hold some money. Many smaller retailers and native eateries function on a cash-only foundation. Plus, as with all digital system, technical points can generally happen, and it’s all the time good to have a backup. In case your Octopus Card runs out of credit score, remember the fact that some top-up areas solely settle for money, so having some Hong Kong {dollars} available will make sure you don’t get caught.
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-obligatory, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
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2025 6 5 – First uploaded
