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 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 unbelievable journey. A few 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 fully excellent, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — may also help issues go extra easily. Our staff has been to Hong Kong a number of occasions, however on one among our latest journeys, we had been stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, however it’s a superb 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 might be fairly expensive, particularly when it comes to eating and lodging. Even with its allure, the price of residing right here has undoubtedly 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 occasions earlier than the pandemic, and so far as we are able to 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 take a look at. Large Mac alone prices round HKD 28 (P200), however in case 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 motels within the metropolis heart can go as excessive as P5000 per evening, whereas funds choices begin from P3000 however are usually 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.
- Points of interest. Should you plan to go to Disneyland, the essential 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 trade charge used for this publish relies on information from June 2025.
2. Selecting the mistaken 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 selecting the best place to remain is essential. Selecting a lodge in the precise 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 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 motels supply free shuttle companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis heart, alternatively, means longer commutes, which might be pricey and time-consuming.
- Purchasing and Meals Hubs. For individuals who love procuring and exploring evening markets, Mong Kok is a superb choice. It’s dwelling 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 stylish cafés.
- Reasonably priced Lodging. For budget-conscious vacationers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is price contemplating. This district affords a mixture of reasonably priced and mid-range motels whereas conserving you near main sights just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
The perfect space to remain actually is determined by your itinerary, however you’ll be able to try our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a extra in-depth clarification.
For fast reference and suggestions, listed below are a number of the high lodging in Hong Kong based mostly on on-line person 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 Accommodations!
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 area. Resort rooms in these districts are usually small and compact, with little or no further 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 more room is a precedence, think about staying in different districts. The farther you go from town heart, 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 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. Because of this it’s dwelling to the world’s longest outside coated escalator system — the Central Mid-level Escalators. Nevertheless, not all areas have escalators, so getting round usually entails uphill walks and quite a few steps.
This may be difficult in case you’re touring with seniors or these with mobility points, as strolling in Central might be extra bodily demanding. A very good instance is the route from Central Station to the Peak Tram, the place to begin for Victoria Peak, which entails an uphill trek. Even when a vacation spot appears shut on the map, it’s usually finest to take public transportation to save lots of vitality and keep away from pointless pressure.
5. Leaving your passport on the lodge.
Some vacationers want to go away their passports on the lodge, fearing they could get misplaced or broken, particularly in unhealthy climate. Nevertheless, in most nations, it’s finest apply to hold your passport whenever you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly vital.
Cease-and-search procedures are widespread in Hong Kong, the place cops could method 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 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 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 objective within the space, the place we had been from, and the place we had been headed. One among them was well mannered and even apologetic as soon as it turned 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 fearful about it getting moist, retailer it in a water-proof case for cover.
6. Ignoring the climate.
Hong Kong is a kind 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 journey up properly price it. Nevertheless, on foggy days, you would possibly see nothing however a wall of white, which might be disappointing in case you got here for the skyline. Though there are different sights on the Peak, the primary draw is the breathtaking view, and unhealthy climate can fully change that.
The identical goes for Disneyland. We’ve visited 4 occasions below totally 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 vivid, sunny day when the whole lot feels extra magical.
To benefit from your journey, we suggest conserving your itinerary versatile. That manner, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you’ll be able to modify your plans and save weather-dependent sights for a greater day.
7. Forgetting to deliver 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 should utilize it for MTR trains, buses, comfort shops, and even in lots of different institutions. There’s additionally a cellular model obtainable by means 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 vital 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, take into account 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 optionally available, 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 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 may GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced charge.
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