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 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 number of issues to do that you could 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’ll be able to even do a facet 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 — will help issues go extra easily. Our crew 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, however it’s a great factor we’re ready. What must you 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 could be fairly dear, particularly by way of eating and lodging. Even with its allure, the price of residing right here has positively elevated over time, making it some of the 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 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 lodges and eating places.
- Meals. To present you an concept and to make a comparability simply, let’s do the Massive Mac check. Massive Mac alone prices round HKD 28 (P200), however if you happen to 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 price 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 price range choices begin from P3000 however are usually 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.
- Points of interest. 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 flawed space to remain.
Hong Kong’s geography is exclusive and considerably sophisticated. 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 proper 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 greatest 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 companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis middle, then again, means longer commutes, which could be pricey and time-consuming.
- Procuring and Meals Hubs. For many 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 Girls Market and Sneaker Road. If meals is an enormous a part of your journey expertise, Central and Sheung Wan are wonderful 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 price contemplating. This district gives a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range lodges whereas preserving you near main sights just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
The most effective space to remain actually depends upon your itinerary, however you possibly can try our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a extra in-depth clarification.
For fast reference and suggestions, listed here are a few of the prime lodging in Hong Kong based mostly on on-line person opinions.
- 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 Lodges!
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 usually small and compact, with little or no further 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, think about 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 steadiness 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 includes uphill walks and quite a few steps.
This may be difficult if you happen to’re touring with seniors or these with mobility points, as strolling in Central could be extra bodily demanding. An excellent 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 favor to go away their passports on the lodge, fearing they could get misplaced or broken, particularly in unhealthy climate. Nevertheless, in most international locations, it’s greatest observe to hold your passport while you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly necessary.
Cease-and-search procedures are widespread in Hong Kong, the place cops could strategy 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 identification of any individual. Any one who fails to provide 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, 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 objective within the space, the place we have been from, and the place we have been headed. One in every 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. In case you’re nervous 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 gorgeous on a transparent day, making the tram experience up properly price it. Nevertheless, on foggy days, you would possibly see nothing however a wall of white, which could be disappointing if you happen to 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 instances below 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 brilliant, sunny day when the whole lot feels extra magical.
To benefit from your journey, we suggest preserving your itinerary versatile. That method, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you possibly can regulate 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 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 out there by way of an app, however having a bodily card remains to be the higher choice because it gained’t run out of battery like your cellphone would possibly.
However, it’s nonetheless necessary to hold some money. Many smaller retailers and native eateries function on a cash-only foundation. Plus, as with every 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, take into account that some top-up areas solely settle for money, so having some Hong Kong {dollars} readily 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 could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, think about PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to 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
