Traveling in Hong Kong in 2017 was my first ever trip outside the Philippines as a tourist. I’ve been to South Korea and Singapore prior to this, but it’s always related to business and work, so visiting Hong Kong for a vacation together with my friends was an experience I will never forget. It’s always best to explore and discover a place on holiday with good people.
About Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a special administrative of China. It is located on China’s southern coast, 60 km east of Macau. The name of the territory was first called as “He-Ong-Kong” in 1780 originally referred to a small inlet located between Aberdeen Island and the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. The name Hong Kong was regularly used by 1810 and was also commonly written as the single word Hongkong until 1926, when the government officially adopted the two-word “Hong Kong”.
- Language: As the majority of the population are descendants of migrants from China’s Canton Province, 95 % speak standard Cantonese as a first language. In 1990, the Hong Kong Basic Law affirmed English’s co-official language status with Chinese after the 1997 handover. Mandarin also starting to flourish as more immigrants from the mainland transfer in.
Tip: Utilize English Translation App in case you have difficulty.
- Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD). 1 HKD is around PHP7.49, 1 USD is around 7.81 HKD
Among Filipino, Hong Kong is probably one of the famous international destination to travel and enjoy near the Philippines. It is only about one and a half hours flight from Manila, with no time difference in the time zone.
Requirements in entering Hong Kong from The Philippines
Good news for Filipinos who are traveling to Hong Kong, no visa is required, and you can stay for 14 days with visa-free (tourism & business purposes only). However, please note that certain documents are required to be presented in the immigration when visiting Hong Kong, and strict policies should be followed. As you know, your journey starts in the Philippines, so make sure you prepare all these documents before your departure to avoid offloading in NAIA.
- Passport– Should be Valid for 6 months from the date of travel
- Booking- A copy of a return flight ticket reservation to prove that you intend to return to the Philippines after your visit. Make sure it’s within the 14 days of your stay. (Book your flight in advance to avail cheap airfare; You can choose from Cebu Pacific, PAL, or Air Asia)
- Proof of Hotel Accommodation– confirmed hotel booking where you will stay in Hong Kong
- Tour Itinerary– Better to show a confirmed tour booked in Hong Kong for assurance; ex; activities book in Klook like tickets in Disneyland and Ocean Park.
- Pocket Money– Usually, immigration will ask how much money you have for your trip, so better to prepare cash depending on how many days you stay. Also bring a credit card, if you have one, with statement account balance for additional document.
Note: Although rare, please also prepare 3 months bank statement in case it’s your first time to visit Hong Kong and traveling alone, for assurance purposes. We have a saying that it’s better to be ready than be shocked. If it’s your first time, the officer will be concerned about how you will finance your travel.
For other nationalities, please check online for your visa eligibility in Hong Kong
Additional Tip:
- Be genuine in answering all the questions of the immigration officer, then, everything will be fine. As for our experience, everything is smooth as long as you have all the documents prepared.
- Bring USD or PHP and change it at the international airport of Hong Kong upon arrival.
Where to book Tours in Hong Kong
The most popular site to book tours or tourist site like Disneyland in Hong Kong is in the website of Klook. Highly recommended, you can easily book online. Just visit the site and reserve your slot. Ensure to book in advance before your departure for confirmation.
Sim Card: You can buy a SIM card at the airport to stay connected. Wi-Fi is available in hotels but while traveling outside, it’s better to have internet for security especially if you are alone, and also while using google map. If you are a group, it’s good to rent a travel pocket Wi-Fi and split the cost to save money.
Seasons in Hong Kong
- Spring- From March to May with slightly warm and humid weather
- Summer- From June to August
- Autumn- From September to November with slightly cold temperature
- Winter- From December to February
In our case, we traveled in summer.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
You can find lots of hotels available on Agoda.com or Booking.com, from standard to medium to luxury, which fits your budget. It is suggested to book near the MTR station with nearby restaurants, convenient stores and money changer to easily go around.
Transportation
From the Airport, you can take a taxi or bus. While in the city, it is recommended to ride a train, so for convenience, purchase an octopus card available in Klook (preloaded with 50 HKD), so you don’t need to buy tickets every time you ride a train. If the load is consumed, you can easily reload it at 7-Eleven.
Tip: Use Google Maps whenever you are not sure where you are going.
Best Places to Visit in Hong Kong
Disneyland
When we talk about Hong Kong, Disneyland will always pop up in our minds, and, it feels like if you are not able to visit this place, then your Hong Kong trip is incomplete. It seems like it’s on everyone bucket list to visit this enchanting place. Why not? It is one of the happiest place on earth. This is where you see the fictional characters in the real world: a Disney Castle, where you mostly see in the movie; a tomorrow land with enchanting music-filled performances and some thrills and adventure that will boost your inner child’s fantasy. Oh, lastly, a fireworks display in the evening, which makes it more magical.
Ocean Park
Another popular tourist attraction that is filled with thrills and adventure is the “Ocean Park”. It is situated on the south side of Hong Kong Island. It is a theme park that offers an array of animals and exotic birds as well as a lot of adventure and extreme rides like rollercoaster. By the way, cable car is also available inside Ocean Park.
Ngong Ping 360 & Village
Experience one of the longest aerial cable car systems in Asia with an amazing view of Lantau Island, including the North Lantau Country Park, Tung Chung Bay, and the Hong Kong International Airport. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is transparent and made of glass, so you will visually see the view from every angle. The journey starts in Tung Chung and ends in Ngong Ping. After that, discover Ngong Ping Village.
Tian Tan Buddha
Famously known as Big Buddha is one of the most visited tourist spot in Hong Kong. Beside the Buddha is Po Lin Monastery, a wondrous, incense-filled sanctum that ranks among Buddhism’s most important institutions.
Victoria Peak
There is no better place to experience the spectacular city view of Hong Kong than seeing it at the highest peak. So, if you want to experience the best views of the city stretching from the skyscrapers and towers of the city center to the mountains, then, don’t miss visiting Victory peak. It’s reachable by the Peak Tram, which passes the city’s buildings at an incline rail train traveling at 1,300 feet above sea level.
Avenue
Undoubtedly one of the best place to relax and enjoy city view of Hong Kong by the bay.
Helpful basic language you need to learn before going to Hong Kong
Don’t forget to learn basic Cantonese language as it will help you connect with locals.
- néih hóu (nay hoh)-Hello
- dō xiè-Thank You
- m4 sai2-You are Welcome
- Nay ho ma?-How Are You?
- ngo5 hou2 hou2- I’m fine
- Jou-sen (joe-san) – Good morning
- Gei-do-chin- How much?
Cost of Travelling to Hong Kong & Sample Itinerary
This cost is based on our experience traveling from Manila with 5-days and 4-nights itinerary.
Day 1- Depart from Manila to Hongkong , then, China Town & Avenue
Day 2- Little India & Disneyland
Day 3-Ocean Park & Victoria Peak
Day 4-Ngong Ping 360 & Village, Tian Tan Buddha
Day 5- Depart from Hongkong to Manila
| Description | Cost (PHP) (Updated as of 2024) |
| Flight from Manila to Hong Kong | 5000 |
| Hotel Accommodation | 3750 |
| Disneyland Ticket | 4300 |
| Ocean Park Ticket | 2850 |
| Food | 2000 |
| Transportation ( Train & some are walking distance) | 500 |
| Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket | 700 |
| Victoria Peak Tram & Sky Terrace Ticket | 520 |
| Total | 19,620 |
Please note that this budget is per person and updated as of 2024 prices. If you want to save more, book in advance especially the airfare ticket.
So, have you been to Hong Kong? Please share your thoughts and experience.
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