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 loads of issues to do you could embody in your itinerary to make an unbelievable 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 will all agree that each journey requires planning. Whereas no journey is ever utterly good, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — can assist issues go extra easily. Our crew has been to Hong Kong a number of occasions, however on one among our current journeys, we had been stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, however it’s a great factor we’re ready. What do you have to do on this scenario? We’ll let you know extra about that and different ideas, together with errors to keep away from.
Hong Kong Journey Errors
1. Underestimating Hong Kong costs.
It’s true that Hong Kong may be fairly expensive, particularly when it comes to eating and lodging. Even with its allure, the price of residing right here has undoubtedly elevated through the years, making it some of the 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 are able to bear in mind, it’s not that costly. However on our final go to, we seen how costs have skyrocketed, particularly for lodges and eating places.
- Meals. To present you an thought and to make a comparability simply, let’s do the Huge Mac take a look at. Huge 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 lodges within the metropolis heart can go as excessive as P5000 per night time, whereas price range choices begin from P3000 however are typically farther from central sights. Should you’re staying nearer to town heart, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Sights. Should you plan to go to Disneyland, the fundamental entrance price 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 price on prime of the doorway price.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP alternate fee used for this put up relies on information from June 2025.
2. Choosing the improper space to remain.
Hong Kong’s geography is exclusive and considerably sophisticated. Sights are unfold out throughout completely different districts and even separate islands, so choosing the proper place to remain is essential. Choosing a resort in the suitable space can prevent each money and time on transportation, making your journey far 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 finest to remain in Tung Chung or Hong Kong SkyCity. These areas present quick access to Lantau Island’s main sights, and plenty of lodges provide free shuttle providers to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis heart, however, means longer commutes, which may be pricey and time-consuming.
- Purchasing and Meals Hubs. For many who love purchasing and exploring night time markets, Mong Kok is a good choice. It’s residence 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 wonderful decisions. These areas are filled with genuine Hong Kong eating places, native diners, and classy cafés.
- Inexpensive Lodging. For budget-conscious vacationers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is price contemplating. This district affords a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range lodges whereas maintaining you near main sights just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
The most effective space to remain actually is determined by your itinerary, however you may take a look at our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a extra in-depth clarification.
For fast reference and proposals, listed below are a few of the prime lodging in Hong Kong primarily based on on-line person evaluations.
- iClub Sheung Wan Lodge, Hong Kong Island. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Lodge, Hong Kong Island. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Mini Central, Hong Kong Island. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- B P Worldwide, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Stanford Hillview Lodge, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Metropark Lodge Mongkok, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Lodge, New Territories. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- 4 Factors By Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung, New Territories. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Regal Airport Lodge, New Territories. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
Seek for extra Hong Kong Resorts!
3. Anticipating spacious rooms within the metropolis heart.
Hong Kong’s most urbanized areas — Kowloon Peninsula and Central on Hong Kong Island — are identified 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 lodges 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 extra space is a precedence, take into account staying in different districts. The farther you go from town heart, the extra spacious and inexpensive the lodging are typically. For instance, whereas resort 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 residence to the world’s longest out of doors coated escalator system — the Central Mid-level Escalators. Nonetheless, 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 may be extra bodily demanding. 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 finest to take public transportation to save lots of power and keep away from pointless pressure.
5. Leaving your passport on the resort.
Some vacationers want to depart their passports on the resort, fearing they could get misplaced or broken, particularly in unhealthy climate. Nonetheless, in most nations, it’s finest apply to hold your passport whenever you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly essential.
Cease-and-search procedures are frequent in Hong Kong, the place law enforcement officials could method people and request identification. For foreigners, this implies presenting a passport. In keeping with the official Hong Kong Police web site, Part 17C states: “A police officer has energy to examine the proof of id of any individual. Any one that fails to provide 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 law enforcement officials stopped us and requested for our passports. One officer entered our data into a tool, two totally searched our luggage, and one other questioned us about our objective within the space, the place we had been from, and the place we had been headed. One in all 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, at all times carry your passport whereas exploring Hong Kong. Should you’re frightened about it getting moist, retailer it in a water-proof case for defense.
6. Ignoring the climate.
Hong Kong is a type of locations the place the climate can considerably affect 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 properly price it. Nonetheless, on foggy days, you would possibly see nothing however a wall of white, which may be disappointing when you got here for the skyline. Though there are different sights on the Peak, the principle draw is the breathtaking view, and unhealthy climate can utterly change that.
The identical goes for Disneyland. We’ve visited 4 occasions underneath 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 vibrant, sunny day when the whole lot feels extra magical.
To benefit from your journey, we advocate maintaining your itinerary versatile. That means, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you may alter 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 by an app, however having a bodily card remains to be the higher choice because it gained’t run out of battery like your telephone would possibly.
However, it’s nonetheless essential to hold some money. Many smaller outlets and native eateries function on a cash-only foundation. Plus, as with every digital system, technical points can generally happen, and it’s at all times good to have a backup. In case your Octopus Card runs out of credit score, needless to say some top-up places 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 optionally available, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey may 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 neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive fee.
Updates Log
2025 6 5 – First uploaded