Hong Kong is likely 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 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 plenty of issues to do you could 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 — can assist issues go extra easily. Our group 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, but it surely’s factor we’re ready. What do you have to do on this scenario? 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 may be fairly expensive, particularly by way of eating and lodging. Even with its appeal, 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 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 Large Mac take a look at. Large Mac alone prices round HKD 28 (P200), however for those who 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 lodges within the metropolis middle can go as excessive as P5000 per night time, whereas finances choices begin from P3000 however are usually farther from central points of interest. If you happen to’re staying nearer to town middle, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Sights. If you happen to plan to go to Disneyland, the fundamental entrance price 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 price on prime of the doorway price.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP alternate charge used for this submit relies on knowledge from June 2025.
2. Choosing the fallacious space to remain.
Hong Kong’s geography is exclusive and considerably difficult. Sights are unfold out throughout totally different districts and even separate islands, so choosing the proper place to remain is essential. Choosing a resort in the precise 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 quick access to Lantau Island’s main points of interest, and lots of lodges provide free shuttle companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis middle, alternatively, means longer commutes, which may be expensive and time-consuming.
- Purchasing and Meals Hubs. For many who love buying and exploring night time markets, Mong Kok is a superb possibility. It’s dwelling to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest road markets, such because the Girls Market and Sneaker Road. If meals is a giant a part of your journey expertise, Central and Sheung Wan are glorious decisions. These areas are filled with genuine Hong Kong eating places, native diners, and classy cafés.
- Reasonably priced Lodging. For budget-conscious vacationers, Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is value contemplating. This district affords a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range lodges whereas protecting you near main points of interest 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 may take a look at our The place to Keep 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 critiques.
- 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 Accommodations!
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. Lodge rooms in these districts are usually small and compact, with little or no additional room to maneuver round. Whereas some lodges maximize their layouts with intelligent designs, most lodging, particularly finances 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, contemplate staying in different districts. The farther you go from town middle, the extra spacious and inexpensive the lodging are usually. 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. That is why it’s dwelling to the world’s longest outside lined escalator system — the Central Mid-level Escalators. Nonetheless, not all areas have escalators, so getting round usually includes uphill walks and quite a few steps.
This may be difficult for those who’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 place to begin 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 resort.
Some vacationers want to depart their passports on the resort, fearing they may get misplaced or broken, particularly in dangerous climate. Nonetheless, in most nations, it’s greatest apply 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 law enforcement officials might 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 identification of any particular person. Any one who 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, coming 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 baggage, and one other questioned us about our goal 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. If you happen to’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 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 effectively value it. Nonetheless, on foggy days, you may see nothing however a wall of white, which may be disappointing for those who got here for the skyline. Though there are different points of interest on the Peak, the primary draw is the breathtaking view, and dangerous climate can utterly 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. When you can nonetheless benefit from the park within the rain, it’s not fairly the identical as a vibrant, sunny day when every little thing feels extra magical.
To benefit from your journey, we advocate protecting your itinerary versatile. That approach, 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 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 cell model obtainable by an app, however having a bodily card remains to be the higher possibility because it gained’t run out of battery like your telephone may.
However, it’s nonetheless necessary 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, take into account 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 non-obligatory, 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, contemplate 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 charge.
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2025 6 5 – First uploaded