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 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 lots of issues to do you can embody in your itinerary to make an unbelievable journey. Among 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 — may also help issues go extra easily. Our workforce has been to Hong Kong a number of instances, however on considered one 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 when it comes to eating and lodging. Even with its appeal, the price of dwelling right here has positively elevated over time, making it one of the costly cities globally. Even we had 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 motels and eating places.
- Meals. To provide you an concept and to make a comparability simply, let’s do the Large Mac check. Large Mac alone prices round HKD 28 (P200), however in the event 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 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 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 evening, whereas funds choices begin from P3000 however are usually farther from central points of interest. Should you’re staying nearer to town middle, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Sights. Should 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 high of the doorway payment.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP alternate fee used for this publish is predicated on information from June 2025.
2. Choosing the unsuitable 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 selecting the best place to remain is essential. Choosing a lodge in the suitable 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 points of interest, and plenty of motels supply free shuttle companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis middle, alternatively, means longer commutes, which might be pricey and time-consuming.
- Buying and Meals Hubs. For individuals who love purchasing and exploring evening markets, Mong Kok is a good possibility. It’s dwelling to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest road markets, such because the Girls Market and Sneaker Avenue. 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 stylish cafés.
- Inexpensive Lodging. For budget-conscious vacationers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is value contemplating. This district provides a mixture of reasonably priced and mid-range motels whereas protecting you near main points of interest 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 proposals, listed here are a few of the high lodging in Hong Kong based mostly on on-line consumer critiques.
- 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 Resorts!
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 area. Resort rooms in these districts are usually small and compact, with little or no additional room to maneuver round. Whereas some motels 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 extra space is a precedence, take into account staying in different districts. The farther you go from town middle, the extra spacious and reasonably priced the lodging are usually. 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. This is the reason it’s dwelling to the world’s longest out of doors coated escalator system — the Central Mid-level Escalators. Nevertheless, not all areas have escalators, so getting round usually includes uphill walks and quite a few steps.
This may be difficult in the event you’re touring with seniors or these with mobility points, as strolling in Central might 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 usually greatest to take public transportation to save lots of 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 unhealthy climate. Nevertheless, in most nations, it’s greatest follow to hold your passport if you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly vital.
Cease-and-search procedures are widespread in Hong Kong, the place law enforcement officials could 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 id 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 law enforcement officials stopped us and requested for our passports. One officer entered our info 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. Certainly 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, 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 cover.
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 completely gorgeous on a transparent day, making the tram experience up effectively value it. Nevertheless, on foggy days, you would possibly see nothing however a wall of white, which might be disappointing in the event you got here for the skyline. Though there are different points of interest 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 underneath completely different situations — 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 vibrant, sunny day when all the things feels extra magical.
To profit from your journey, we suggest protecting your itinerary versatile. That means, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you may alter your plans and save weather-dependent points of interest 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 great tool 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 possibility because it received’t run out of battery like your cellphone would possibly.
However, it’s nonetheless vital 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 generally happen, and it’s at all times good to have a backup. In case your Octopus Card runs out of credit score, remember the fact that some top-up places 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 elective, 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, take into account 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 reasonably priced fee.
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2025 6 5 – First uploaded
