Hong Kong is without doubt 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 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 that you could embrace in your itinerary to make an unimaginable 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 aspect journey to Macau!
We are able to all agree that each journey requires planning. Whereas no journey is ever fully excellent, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — might 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, but it surely’s factor we’re ready. What must you do on this scenario? We’ll let you know 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 may be fairly dear, particularly when it comes to 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 accommodations and eating places.
- Meals. To provide you an thought 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 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 accommodations within the metropolis heart can go as excessive as P5000 per night time, whereas price range choices begin from P3000 however are usually farther from central sights. If you happen to’re staying nearer to the town heart, be prepared for a extra premium price ticket, particularly throughout peak journey seasons.
- Points of interest. If you happen to plan to go to Disneyland, the essential entrance charge 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 charge on high of the doorway charge.
NOTE: The HKD to PHP alternate charge used for this put up is predicated on information from June 2025.
2. Selecting the improper space to remain.
Hong Kong’s geography is exclusive and considerably difficult. Points of interest are unfold out throughout totally different districts and even separate islands, so choosing the proper place to remain is essential. Selecting a resort in the suitable 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 Automobile, 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 sights, and plenty of accommodations provide 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.
- Procuring and Meals Hubs. For individuals who love procuring and exploring night time markets, Mong Kok is a superb possibility. It’s residence to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest avenue markets, such because the Women Market and Sneaker Avenue. If meals is an enormous a part of your journey expertise, Central and Sheung Wan are glorious decisions. 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 price contemplating. This district provides a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range accommodations whereas protecting you near main sights just like the Avenue of Stars, Victoria Harbour, and Harbour Metropolis Mall.
The perfect space to remain actually is dependent upon your itinerary, however you’ll be able to try our The place to Keep in Hong Kong article for a extra in-depth clarification.
For fast reference and suggestions, listed here are a few of the high lodging in Hong Kong primarily based on on-line person 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 Motels!
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 accommodations 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 more room is a precedence, take into account staying in different districts. The farther you go from the town heart, 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. For this reason it’s residence 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 entails 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 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 entails 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 desire to go away their passports on the resort, fearing they may get misplaced or broken, particularly in dangerous 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 law enforcement officials could strategy 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 identification of any individual. Any one who fails to supply 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 luggage, and one other questioned us about our goal within the space, the place we had been from, and the place we had been headed. One in all 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. If you happen to’re anxious about it getting moist, retailer it in a water-resistant case for cover.
6. Ignoring the climate.
Hong Kong is a kind of locations the place the climate can considerably impression 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 may see nothing however a wall of white, which may be disappointing if you happen to got here for the skyline. Though there are different sights on the Peak, the primary draw is the breathtaking view, and dangerous climate can fully change that.
The identical goes for Disneyland. We’ve visited 4 occasions beneath 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 brilliant, sunny day when every little thing feels extra magical.
To profit from your journey, we suggest protecting your itinerary versatile. That manner, if the climate doesn’t cooperate, you’ll be able to 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 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 cellular model accessible by means of an app, however having a bodily card remains to be the higher possibility because it received’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} 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 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, 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 inexpensive charge.
Updates Log
2025 6 5 – First uploaded
