Hong Kong is without doubt one of the most visited locations for Pinoy vacationers. It’s even the first-time worldwide vacation spot for a lot of. Its accessibility is a large motive 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 a whole lot of issues to do that you would be able to embody in your itinerary to make an unimaginable journey. A number 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 are able to all agree that each journey requires planning. Whereas no journey is ever utterly good, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — might help issues go extra easily. Our workforce has been to Hong Kong a number of occasions, however on one in every of our latest journeys, we had been stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, nevertheless it’s a superb factor we’re ready. What do you have to do on this scenario? We’ll inform you 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 might be fairly expensive, particularly by way of eating and lodging. Even with its attraction, the price of residing right here has positively elevated over time, making it one of the vital costly cities globally. Even we had been shocked about this. We’ve been to Hong Kong a number of occasions 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 seen how costs have skyrocketed, particularly for motels and eating places.
- Meals. To provide you an thought and to make a comparability simply, let’s do the Large Mac check. Large Mac alone prices round HKD 28 (P200), however when you 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 wherever from HKD 9-10 (P60-70), so be ready to pay for hydration!
- Lodging. Mid-range motels within the metropolis middle can go as excessive as P5000 per night time, whereas price range choices begin from P3000 however are typically farther from central sights. In case you’re staying nearer to town middle, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Sights. In case you 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 submit is predicated on knowledge from June 2025.
2. Choosing the fallacious space to remain.
Hong Kong’s geography is exclusive and considerably difficult. Sights are unfold out throughout completely 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 rather more handy.
- Lantau Island Space. In case your itinerary focuses on Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Automobile, or a day journey to Macau, it’s greatest to remain in Tung Chung or Hong Kong SkyCity. These areas present quick access to Lantau Island’s main sights, and plenty of motels supply free shuttle companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis middle, however, means longer commutes, which might be pricey and time-consuming.
- Procuring and Meals Hubs. For individuals who love purchasing and exploring night time markets, Mong Kok is a good choice. It’s house to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest road 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 decisions. These areas are full of genuine Hong Kong eating places, native diners, and stylish cafés.
- Reasonably priced Lodging. For budget-conscious vacationers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is price contemplating. This district provides a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range motels whereas conserving you near main sights just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
The most effective space to remain actually is dependent upon your itinerary, however you may try our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a extra in-depth clarification.
For fast reference and suggestions, listed below are among the prime lodging in Hong Kong primarily based on on-line person critiques.
- iClub Sheung Wan Lodge, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Lodge, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Mini Central, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- B P Worldwide, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Stanford Hillview Lodge, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Metropark Lodge Mongkok, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Lodge, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- 4 Factors By Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Regal Airport Lodge, New Territories. Test 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. Lodge rooms in these districts are typically small and compact, with little or no additional room to maneuver round. Whereas some motels maximize their layouts with intelligent designs, most lodging, particularly price range guesthouses in locations like Mirador Mansions or Chung King Mansion, can really feel extraordinarily cramped. In lots of circumstances, there isn’t even sufficient room to correctly retailer baggage.
If having more room is a precedence, contemplate staying in different districts. The farther you go from town middle, the extra spacious and inexpensive the lodging are typically. For instance, whereas lodge rooms in Central are sometimes fairly small, close by areas like Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay supply 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. That is why 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 includes uphill walks and quite a few steps.
This may be difficult when you’re touring with seniors or these with mobility points, as strolling in Central might be extra bodily demanding. A great instance is the route from Central Station to the Peak Tram, the start line for Victoria Peak, which includes 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 depart their passports on the lodge, fearing they may get misplaced or broken, particularly in dangerous climate. Nevertheless, in most nations, it’s greatest apply to hold your passport once you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly vital.
Cease-and-search procedures are frequent in Hong Kong, the place cops could strategy people and request identification. For foreigners, this implies presenting a passport. In response to 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 legislation will commit an offense.”
We’ve seen this firsthand whereas strolling in Central, and we additionally skilled it ourselves. Whereas at Tung Chung Station, coming back from Disneyland, 4 cops stopped us and requested for our passports. One officer entered our data into a tool, two totally searched our baggage, and one other questioned us about our goal within the space, the place we had been from, and the place we had been headed. Considered one of them was well mannered and even apologetic as soon as it grew to become clear we had been simply vacationers.
To keep away from any points, all the time carry your passport whereas exploring Hong Kong. In case you’re apprehensive about it getting moist, retailer it in a water-resistant case for cover.
6. Ignoring the climate.
Hong Kong is a type 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 beautiful on a transparent day, making the tram trip up effectively price it. Nevertheless, on foggy days, you may see nothing however a wall of white, which might be disappointing when you got here for the skyline. Though there are different sights on the Peak, the primary draw is the breathtaking view, and dangerous climate can utterly change that.
The identical goes for Disneyland. We’ve visited 4 occasions beneath completely 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 vivid, sunny day when all the pieces feels extra magical.
To benefit from your journey, we suggest conserving your itinerary versatile. That method, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you may regulate your plans and save weather-dependent sights for a greater day.
7. Forgetting to carry money and get Octopus Card.
Hong Kong is quickly transitioning right into a cashless metropolis, and probably the most great tool for vacationers right here is the Octopus Card. It’s extremely handy. You should utilize it for MTR trains, buses, comfort shops, and even in lots of different institutions. There’s additionally a cellular model obtainable via an app, however having a bodily card continues to be the higher choice because it gained’t run out of battery like your telephone may.
However, it’s nonetheless vital to hold some money. Many smaller outlets and native eateries function on a cash-only foundation. Plus, as with all digital system, technical points can typically 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 suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey might be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You may GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
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2025 6 5 – First uploaded
