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 big 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 which you could embrace in your itinerary to make an unimaginable journey. A few of 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 will all agree that each journey requires planning. Whereas no journey is ever fully good, being ready — particularly if it’s your first time — might help issues go extra easily. Our crew has been to Hong Kong a number of occasions, however on one in all our latest journeys, we have been stopped by the police. They searched all our belongings, however it’s a superb factor we’re ready. What do you have to do on this state of affairs? 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 could be fairly expensive, particularly when it comes to eating and lodging. Even with its attraction, the price of dwelling right here has positively elevated over time, making it one of the vital 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 observed 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 Massive Mac take a look at. 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 hen 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 lodges within the metropolis heart can go as excessive as P5000 per night time, whereas price range choices begin from P3000 however are typically 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.
• Points of interest. For those who plan to go to Disneyland, the essential 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 high of the doorway payment.

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 sophisticated. Points of interest 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 fitting 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 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 providers to the airport and MTR stations. Staying within the metropolis heart, then again, means longer commutes, which could be expensive and time-consuming.
• Purchasing and Meals Hubs. For many who love buying and exploring night time markets, Mong Kok is a superb choice. It’s residence to a few of Hong Kong’s hottest avenue markets, such because the Girls Market and Sneaker Avenue. If meals is a giant a part of your journey expertise, Central and Sheung Wan are glorious selections. These areas are full of 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 presents a mixture of inexpensive and mid-range lodges whereas maintaining 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 is dependent upon your itinerary, however you possibly can try our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a extra in-depth rationalization.

For fast reference and proposals, listed below are a few of the high lodging in Hong Kong based mostly on on-line consumer opinions.

• iClub Sheung Wan Lodge, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan Lodge, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• Mini Central, Hong Kong Island. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• B P Worldwide, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• Stanford Hillview Lodge, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• Metropark Lodge Mongkok, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong, Kowloon. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Lodge, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• 4 Factors By Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅
• Regal Airport Lodge, New Territories. Test Charges & Availability! ✅

Seek for extra Hong Kong Inns!

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. Lodge rooms in these districts are typically small and compact, with little or no further room to maneuver round. Whereas some lodges 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, think about staying in different districts. The farther you go from town heart, the extra spacious and inexpensive the lodging are typically. For instance, whereas lodge 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. Because of this it’s residence to the world’s longest out of doors lined 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 could be extra bodily demanding. 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 greatest to take public transportation to save lots of power and keep away from pointless pressure.

5. Leaving your passport on the lodge.

Some vacationers choose to depart their passports on the lodge, fearing they may get misplaced or broken, particularly in unhealthy climate. Nevertheless, in most international locations, it’s greatest observe to hold your passport once you’re out. In Hong Kong, it’s particularly essential.

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 accordance 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 that fails to supply 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 cops stopped us and requested for our passports. One officer entered our info into a tool, two completely searched our baggage, and one other questioned us about our function within the space, the place we have been from, and the place we have been headed. Considered one 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 nervous 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 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 trip up nicely value it. Nevertheless, on foggy days, you would possibly see nothing however a wall of white, which could be disappointing if you happen to got here for the skyline. Though there are different points of interest 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 beneath completely 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 part feels extra magical.

To take advantage of your journey, we advocate maintaining 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 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 need to use it for MTR trains, buses, comfort shops, and even in lots of different institutions. There’s additionally a cell model out there via an app, however having a bodily card continues to be the higher choice because it received’t run out of battery like your telephone would possibly.

However, it’s nonetheless essential 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 optionally available, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides 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’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