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 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 variety of issues to do that you would be able to embody in your itinerary to make an unbelievable journey. A number 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 are able to all agree that each journey requires planning. Whereas no journey is ever utterly excellent, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — will help issues go extra easily. Our staff has been to Hong Kong a number of occasions, however on considered one of our current journeys, we have been stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, however it’s an excellent factor we’re ready. What must you 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 when it comes to eating and lodging. Even with its allure, the price of residing right here has positively elevated through the years, making it one of the 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 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 present you an concept and to make a comparability simply, let’s do the Huge Mac check. Huge 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 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 wherever 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 price range choices begin from P3000 however are usually farther from central points of interest. For those who’re staying nearer to town heart, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Sights. For those who plan to go to Disneyland, the fundamental entrance payment 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 payment on prime of the doorway payment.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP trade charge used for this put up relies on information from June 2025.
2. Selecting the flawed space to remain.
Hong Kong’s geography is exclusive and considerably sophisticated. Sights are unfold out throughout totally different districts and even separate islands, so selecting the best place to remain is essential. Selecting a resort in the appropriate 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 Automobile, 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 points of interest, and lots of motels supply free shuttle companies to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis heart, then again, means longer commutes, which may be pricey and time-consuming.
- Purchasing and Meals Hubs. For individuals who love purchasing and exploring evening markets, Mong Kok is a good choice. It’s residence to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest avenue 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 filled with 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 presents a mixture of reasonably priced and mid-range motels whereas preserving you near main points of interest just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
The very best space to remain actually depends upon your itinerary, however you possibly can try our The place to Keep in Hong Kong article for a extra in-depth rationalization.
For fast reference and suggestions, listed below are among the prime lodging in Hong Kong based mostly on on-line person evaluations.
- iClub Sheung Wan Resort, Hong Kong Island. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Resort, Hong Kong Island. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Mini Central, Hong Kong Island. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- B P Worldwide, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Stanford Hillview Resort, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Metropark Resort Mongkok, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, Kowloon. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Resort, New Territories. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- 4 Factors By Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung, New Territories. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
- Regal Airport Resort, New Territories. Examine Charges & Availability! ✅
Seek for extra Hong Kong Resorts!
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 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 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, contemplate staying in different districts. The farther you go from town heart, the extra spacious and reasonably priced the lodging are usually. 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 residence 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. A superb 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 finest 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 could get misplaced or broken, particularly in unhealthy climate. Nonetheless, in most international locations, it’s finest apply to hold your passport if you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly necessary.
Cease-and-search procedures are widespread in Hong Kong, the place law enforcement officials might method people and request identification. For foreigners, this implies presenting a passport. In line 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 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, coming back from Disneyland, 4 law enforcement officials stopped us and requested for our passports. One officer entered our data 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 grew to become clear we have been simply vacationers.
To keep away from any points, at all times carry your passport whereas exploring Hong Kong. For those who’re frightened about it getting moist, retailer it in a water-proof case for defense.
6. Ignoring the climate.
Hong Kong is a kind 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 completely gorgeous on a transparent day, making the tram trip up nicely price 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 principle draw is the breathtaking view, and unhealthy climate can utterly change that.
The identical goes for Disneyland. We’ve visited 4 occasions underneath 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 every part feels extra magical.
To profit from your journey, we advocate preserving your itinerary versatile. That approach, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you possibly can regulate 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 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 received’t run out of battery like your cellphone 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 all digital system, technical points can typically happen, and it’s at all times good to have a backup. In case your Octopus Card runs out of credit score, needless to say 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 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 possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced charge.
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