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 cause 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 numerous issues to do that you may 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 possibly can even do a facet journey to Macau!
We will all agree that each journey requires planning. Whereas no journey is ever utterly excellent, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — may help issues go extra easily. Our workforce has been to Hong Kong a number of occasions, however on one in all our current journeys, we have been stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, however it’s factor we’re ready. What must you do on this state of affairs? We’ll inform you 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 could be fairly dear, particularly by way of eating and lodging. Even with its attraction, the price of dwelling right here has positively elevated over time, making it probably the most costly cities globally. Even we have 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 observed how costs have skyrocketed, particularly for accommodations 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 should 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 anyplace from HKD 9-10 (P60-70), so be ready to pay for hydration!
- Lodging. Mid-range accommodations within the metropolis heart can go as excessive as P5000 per evening, whereas funds choices begin from P3000 however are typically farther from central sights. When you’re staying nearer to town heart, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Sights. When you plan to go to Disneyland, the fundamental entrance charge ranges from P4250 to P6066 per particular person, relying on the day and whether or not there are any promotions. Availing add-ons like early entry would require a separate charge on high of the doorway charge.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP trade fee used for this put up relies on knowledge from June 2025.
2. Choosing the flawed 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 resort in the suitable 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 Automotive, 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 accommodations supply free shuttle companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis heart, alternatively, means longer commutes, which could be expensive and time-consuming.
- Procuring and Meals Hubs. For individuals who love procuring and exploring evening markets, Mong Kok is a superb choice. It’s house to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest road markets, such because the Women Market and Sneaker Road. If meals is an enormous 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 stylish cafés.
- Inexpensive Lodging. For budget-conscious vacationers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is price contemplating. This district presents a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range accommodations whereas conserving you near main sights just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
The very best space to remain actually is determined by your itinerary, however you’ll be able to try our The place to Keep in Hong Kong article for a extra in-depth clarification.
For fast reference and proposals, listed here are among the high lodging in Hong Kong primarily based on on-line consumer opinions.
- iClub Sheung Wan Resort, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Resort, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Mini Central, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- B P Worldwide, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Stanford Hillview Resort, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Metropark Resort Mongkok, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Resort, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- 4 Factors By Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
- Regal Airport Resort, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
Seek for extra Hong Kong Inns!
3. Anticipating spacious rooms within the metropolis heart.
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 typically small and compact, with little or no additional room to maneuver round. Whereas some accommodations 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 circumstances, 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 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 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 coated 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 should you’re touring with seniors or these with mobility points, as strolling in Central could be extra bodily demanding. A very good instance is the route from Central Station to the Peak Tram, the start line for Victoria Peak, which entails an uphill trek. Even when a vacation spot appears shut on the map, it’s typically finest to take public transportation to avoid wasting vitality and keep away from pointless pressure.
5. Leaving your passport on the resort.
Some vacationers want to go away their passports on the resort, fearing they may get misplaced or broken, particularly in dangerous climate. Nevertheless, in most international locations, it’s finest follow to hold your passport once you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly necessary.
Cease-and-search procedures are frequent in Hong Kong, the place cops might method people and request identification. For foreigners, this implies presenting a passport. In accordance with the official Hong Kong Police web site, Part 17C states: “A police officer has energy to examine the proof of id of any particular person. Any one that 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 luggage, and one other questioned us about our function within the space, the place we have been from, and the place we have been headed. One in all them was well mannered and even apologetic as soon as it turned clear we have been simply vacationers.
To keep away from any points, at all times carry your passport whereas exploring Hong Kong. When you’re frightened about it getting moist, retailer it in a water-resistant case for defense.
6. Ignoring the climate.
Hong Kong is a type of locations the place the climate can considerably influence 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 experience up nicely price it. Nevertheless, on foggy days, you may see nothing however a wall of white, which could be disappointing should you 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 occasions underneath completely different circumstances — sunny, cloudy, and wet — and the expertise varies dramatically. Whilst you can nonetheless benefit from the park within the rain, it’s not fairly the identical as a vivid, sunny day when all the things feels extra magical.
To benefit from your journey, we advocate conserving your itinerary versatile. That approach, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you’ll be able to 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 useful gizmo for vacationers right here is the Octopus Card. It’s extremely handy. You need to use it for MTR trains, buses, comfort shops, and even in lots of different institutions. There’s additionally a cell model accessible by way of an app, however having a bodily card continues to be the higher choice because it gained’t run out of battery like your cellphone may.
However, it’s nonetheless necessary 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 at all times good to have a backup. In case your Octopus Card runs out of credit score, remember that 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 elective, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could 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, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can 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
