Here’s our HONG KONG TRAVEL GUIDE blog with sample HONG KONG ITINERARY and HONG KONG-MACAU ITINERARY, hotel and tour recommendations, and list of expenses to help you budget for and plan your trip.

There’s a hole in my heart that only Hong Kong can fill.

Perhaps it’s because of the fact that it is the first foreign city that I explored on my own for leisure and the first foreign destination I have visited more than once. (Singapore was my first overseas destination, but I was there to attend an awards show.) I had been to Hong Kong four times now, and I’m set to return later this month.

Looking back, having my international travel debut in Hong Kong isn’t a bad idea at all. This “modern and futuristic city” is a great destination for a first out-of-the-country trip. The culture is not too different to be alienating but not too similar to be boring. It is connected by an impressive, expansive systems of transportation — from its world-class airport terminals to its vast train network to its reliable bus system. They have all their major tourist attractions easily accessible. They also make the cities very friendly to kids and elderly, an important criterion for ideal family vacations. All these combined make it one of the best foreign cities for first-time overseas traveler.

UNDERSTANDING HONG KONG

Although officially a part of China, Hong Kong is worlds apart from the rest of the country culturally, economically and politically because of its unique history. After the British won the Second Battle of Chuenpi, the Qing Empire, who ruled China at the time, admitted defeat. Peace negotiations resulted in the Treaty of Nanjing on 29 August 1842, which formally cedes Hong Kong to Britain and ended the First Opium War.

Since then, Hong Kong was a colony of the then mighty British Empire, except during World War II, when it was occupied by Japan. Britain maintained its rule of the territory until 1997, when it was handed back to China.

Today, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China. It is part of China, but it has its own economy, currency, and immigration laws. Hence, even mainland Chinese would need to go through Immigration checks upon entering the region.

Hong Kong is one of the busiest and the most developed metropolitan hubs in Asia in terms of trade, business, and tourism. It consists of the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, and 200 outlying islands. While these areas are connected by sprawling train and bus networks, it is important to be familiar with its geography.

• Hong Kong Island is where the Central area, the political and economic center, is located. Although intimidating at first, it harbors a number of affordable guesthouses and hostels. It is also home to many tourist attractions including the Victoria Peak.
• Kowloon is where you will find most museums, markets, and the Avenue of Stars. It also has the greatest concentration of cheap guesthouses.
• The New Territories, north of Kowloon, is dotted with wetland parks and temples. Lantau Island, one of the many outlying islands, takes pride in Ngong Ping (Giant Buddha and Po Lin Monastery) and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Here are more bits of info you might want to know to prep for your trip.

• Language: Cantonese and English are the official languages. Almost 95% of the population speaks Cantonese. Almost everything a tourist would need has an English translation, so there isn’t that thick of a language barrier. Mandarin is also starting to flourish as more immigrants from the mainland pour in.
• Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD). HKD 100 is around PHP 665, USD 12.75, EUR 11.23, SGD 17.25 (as of February 2019).
• Money Exchange: You’ll find countless money changers around Hong Kong, concentrated in the areas of Tsim Sha Tsui (Chungking Mansions and Hankow Centre) and the Central district. ATMs are also aplenty, with HSBC being the most familiar.
• Modes of payment: Most establishments prefer cash payment, but many of them also accept credit card transactions.
• Electricity Info: 220V, 50Hz. Types G and D are used.

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BEST TIME TO VISIT HONG KONG

The months of October to March are a good time to tour Hong Kong. The most ideal is October-December, when the temperature remains comfortably cool and the skies much more sunny than previous months.

That said, it doesn’t mean that it’s like that every day. My first Hong Kong visit was in October and it was slightly raining the entire time. It wasn’t a heavy downpour, more like constant drizzling. My third visit was in November and it was great, albeit a little bit cloudy despite the sunny forecast. It’s hard to predict these days.

January to March sees clear skies too — in fact, January is the driest month — but it can get too cold. I have experienced Hong Kong in January and February and I loved it, mainly because I really enjoy cold and dry winter months.

Avoid August if you can. It is the wettest month, sometimes battered by typhoons brewed by the Pacific. September is pretty damp, too. I have also been to Hong Kong in May and June and it was hot and rainy both times. Not good months to visit.

If you hate big crowds, look away from the days leading to the Chinese New Year, usually in late January or early February.

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HOW TO GET TO HONG KONG

Okay, before I discuss flights, let me just say this: If you can, visit Macau, too! Macau is easily accessible from Hong Kong! If possible, book a flight to Hong Kong and then take a return flight from Macau, or vice versa. This way, you get to see and discover both cities.

If there really is no way that you can do a Hong Kong entrance-Macau exit (or vice versa), you can also book a roundtrip ticket to either. That means you’re gonna have to take the 1-hour ferry ride to the other.

MANILA TO HONG KONG

If you’re coming from Manila, the cheapest plane tickets are sold by Cebu Pacific Air and AirAsia. But if low-cost carriers are not your thing, the cheapest legacy airline is Philippine Airlines (PAL). Here are their usual year-round rates:

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HONG KONG AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER by Airport Express Train

Here are the rates. Children (below 12 yo) get 50% discount.

BUT if you feel like you’ll be taking the MTR and the bus a lot in the next 3 days (and you will), purchase an Airport Express Travel Pass instead. This pass will allow you 1 or 2 single journeys on the Airport Express and UNLIMITED use of MTR, Light Rail, and MTR Bus (Northwest New Territories) for the next 3 days (72 hours).

Here are the rates:

• 1 Airport Express Ride + Unlimited MTR Rides for 3 days: HK$250
• 2 Airport Express Rides + Unlimited MTR Rides for 3 days: HK$350

Please note that the “3-day unlimited MTR rides” refers to MTR only. If your trip is longer than 3 days, you can still use your Airport Express rides even after the Unlimited MTR access has expired. For example, if your trip is 5 days and you purchase the HK$350 package, you can use the Airport Express Ride on Day 1, use unlimited MTR rides on Days 2-4, and then the remaining Airport Express ride on your way back to the airport on Day 5.

You can also top up the card after 3 days.

You can purchase an Airport Express Travel Pass online as early as now. Check out the link below:

✅ RESERVE A TRAVEL PASS HERE

But here’s the thing: you will need 2 transfers to get to Tsim Sha Tsui. And if you’re carrying gargantuan luggage or traveling with kids, it can be a challenging first day for you, which is why I recommend the other option…

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HONG KONG AIRPORT TO TSIM SHA TSUI By Bus

It’s cheaper and more comfortable. And you don’t need to switch vehicles!

But if you’re taking the bus, I recommend that you get an Octopus Card. which you can use when riding the MTR and buses. The Octopus Card isn’t necessary — you can do away with it and just pay cash each time instead — but since you will be using the bus and MTR most of the time, you might as well just get one. It’s convenient after all. You won’t need to get a ticket every time you’re taking the train or the bus.

The standard Octopus Card costs HK$100 for adults and HK$50 for kids plus HK$50 deposit. The deposit for both standard and children’s cards is refundable when you surrender the card.

If you don’t think you’d be able to return the card (thereby letting go of your deposit), you can buy an Octopus TOURIST Card online instead. The Octopus Tourist Card is preloaded with HK$50 and you can take home the card as souvenir. You can buy one below.

✅ RESERVE OCTOPUS CARD HERE

Once you have the card, here’s how to take the bus to Tsim Sha Tsui:

1. At the airport, look for signs to the BUS terminal. It’s right in front of the airport building, you’ll see it immediately after the exit.
2. Board the A21 Cityflyer Bus. Look for the A21 sign and queue. Pay using Octopus Card. If you don’t have this card, you can pay in cash but you must have the exact amount.
3. Alight at Stop 13 (Cameron Road corner Nathan Road) or Stop 14 (Middle Road corner Nathan Road), depending on what’s closer to your booked hotel.
4. Walk to your hotel.

That’s about it! Before your trip, contact your hotel and ask for the closest bus stop so you know where exactly to get off.

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MACAU TO HONG KONG by Ferry

Hong Kong is easily accessible from Macau. All it takes is a one-hour ferry ride. From Macau, you can board a ferry at either of these two terminals:

• Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, located in Macau Peninsula. This is closer to the city center.
• Taipa Terminal, sometimes called Cotai Terminal, just a short walk from Macau International Airport.

These ferries sail to any of these two terminals in Hong Kong,

• Hong Kong MACAU Ferry Terminal along Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan area in Hong Kong Island.
• Hong Kong CHINA Ferry Terminal along Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.

These are separate terminals so make sure you get to the right one!

If your hotel is in Tsim Sha Tsui, choose the one in Kowloon so you will just have to walk. If your hotel is in the Central district, board a ferry bound for Sheung Wan.

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MACAU TO HONG KONG by Bus (Sea Bridge)

You can also travel to Hong Kong from Macau by bus, via the newly opened Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB).

Normally, you can catch a bus at the HZMB. More info here. Some transfer service offered online cover hotel pick-ups. These are the usual hotels or casinos in Macau included in the package:

• MGM Cotai
• MGM Macao
• Grand Lisboa Macau
• Starworld Hotel
• The Venetian Macao
• Galaxy Macao
• Sands Macao

The bus can take you directly to either Prince Edward in Mong Kok or Kowloon Elements in Tsim Sha Tsui. Note that you will also have to go through Immigration and Customs inspections.

Bus Fare: HK$ 158 to 160.

You can reserve a bus below.

✅ RESERVE A BUS SEAT HERE!

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How to Get Around Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s MTR system is your best friend in the city. It’s extensive, tourist-friendly, and relatively inexpensive. However, this intricate network can be confusing for first-timers.

I recommend that you download the MTR Mobile app, which is available for FREE.

The app is equipped with maps and other information you need about the MTR system. To use it when navigating Hong Kong’s underworld, just enter the stations of origin and destination and it will show you a suggested route, complete with the necessary transfers, fares, and travel time.

Once you choose a route, it’s time to start the journey. If you have an Octopus Card, you just need to hover the card above the sensor at the gates and enter. Otherwise, you will need to purchase single-journey tickets. Here’s how to get one.

How to Use the Hong Kong MTR

1. At the train station, approach one of the ticket machines. Each machine has a screen and a route map.
2. Touch the destination on the route map.
3. Select ticket type. By default, it is set to ADULT.
4. Insert coins or bills.
5. Get the ticket and change.

But again, you can make your life easier by getting an Octopus Card.

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Octopus Card

The Octopus Card is a prepaid stored-value card that you can use when riding the MTR and buses. When you have the card, you don’t need to buy a ticket each time you travel. Just hover the card above the reader by the entrance and you’re good to go.

Fares are also slightly lower with an Octopus Card. Although the discount per ride isn’t much, it can mean big savings when they rack up.

The standard Octopus Card costs HK$100 for adults and HK$50 for kids plus HK$50 deposit. The deposit for both standard and children’s cards is refundable when you surrender the card.

If you don’t think you’d be able to return the card (thereby letting go of your deposit), you can buy an Octopus TOURIST Card online instead. The Octopus Tourist Card is preloaded with HK$50 and you can take home the card as souvenir. You can buy one below.

✅ RESERVE OCTOPUS CARD HERE

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Pocket Wifi and Data SIM Card in Hong Kong

You can purchase a 4G/3G SIM Card or rent a 4G mobile wifi. Either way, you can pick it up at Hong Kong airport, for your convenience.

You can reserve one below:

✅ 4G/3G SIM Card. RESERVE HERE!.

✅ 4G Pocket Wifi. RESERVE HERE!.

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Places to Visit: Hong Kong Tourist Spots

Here are some places you don’t want to miss! Below the pics are more info about the place including the nearest MTR Station and some useful links!

But before that, you might want to avail of the iVenture Pass!

iVenture Card

This card which will grant you DISCOUNTS for numerous restaurants and FREE entry to many attractions in Hong Kong and Macau including but not limited to the following:

• Ocean Park Hong Kong
• Ngong Ping 360 (Hong Kong)
• The Peak Tram (Victoria Peak, Hong Kong)
• Hong Kong Watertours Pre-Dinner Sunset Cruise
• Macau Tower

There are more attractions and establishments covered!

✅ RESERVE iVENTURE PASS HERE

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Disneyland Hong Kong

Theme parks are not only made for kids but also for the young at heart. Disneyland has been a household name when it comes to theme parks and family-friendly places. How can you go wrong with “the happiest place on earth”?

Officially opened in September 2005, the theme park is located inside Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, on a reclaimed land in Penny’s Bay on Lantau Island. It is the largest theme park in Hong Kong with seven themed areas — Main Street, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, and Mystic Point. Each area is constructed and set up in a way where all of the five senses are treated to a theater-like environment that is unique per theme.

Aside from the rides, you can interact with notable Disney characters like the Disney princesses in meet-and-greet sessions, sing along while enjoying The Lion King performance, and watch the parades where you can see various Disney characters strutting and dancing to the lively music.

Nearest MTR Station: Disneyland Resort

You can skip the lines if you buy your ticket in advance online.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE

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Ngong Ping and Tian Tan Big Buddha

Also located on Lantau Island is Ngong Ping. The cable car ride, Ngong Ping 360, links it to Tung Chung on the northwestern part of the island. Ngong Ping is the home of Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. These attractions have drawn tourists, especially Buddhist pilgrims, making Ngong Ping a popular tourist destination in Hong Kong.

Tian Tan Buddha, also known as Big Buddha, is probably the most notable attraction in Ngong Ping. It is said to be one of the world’s largest bronze statues of Buddha, towering at 34 meters. It is visible from Ngong Ping Village. To reach the statue, visitors have to climb over 200 steps or take the winding road that is accessible to vehicles. The latter option is specially made for elderly visitors and those who are physically challenged or handicapped.

Also in the area are Ngong Ping Village, Ngong Ping Tea House, and Walking with the Buddha attractions. A hostel near the monastery has opened its doors to travelers who want to stay longer.

Nearest MTR Station: Tung Chung. From here, you can take Bus 23. However, the most scenic way of getting there is by cable car, Ngong Ping 360. You can purchase a ticket below.

✅ GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

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Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak, also called Mount Austin or simply The Peak for the locals, is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, blessing you with the beautiful spectacle of the Central’s cityscape, the Victoria Harbour, and other surrounding islands, especially at nighttime. With millions of visitors every year, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous attractions in Hong Kong.

The actual summit of Mount Austin is closed to the public, but the public parks and the expensive residential estates are what the term “The Peak” refers to. Victoria Peak’s popularity led to the establishment of the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria, offering visitors a wide variety of dining options. The Peak Tower is the site of the Peak Tram’s upper terminal. Located beside the Peak Tower is the Peak Galleria. It houses the bus terminal for the public buses and the green minibuses.

Nearest MTR Station: Central. Use EXIT J2. Upon exiting the terminal, cross the Chater Garden and look for the Bank of China Building (picture on the left). Just keep an eye on this tall building because this is your main landmark. Walk uphill along Garden Road and you’ll see the Peak Tram Terminus on your left hand side.

The queues to the tram are notoriously crazy long! We tried falling in line and wasted a lot of time. But you can actually skip it if you book a ticket! Peak Tram Passes are often packaged with other attractions at The Peak including Madame Tussauds, Sky Terrace 428, and Trick Eye Museum. You can book below.

✅ RESERVE DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE

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Avenue of Stars & Symphony of Lights

The Avenue of Stars was officially launched in April 2004, along the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade. It showcases the prominent personalities of the Hong Kong film industry, having their names, signature, and handprints etched on the stars scattered throughout the promenade’s floor. One of the most celebrated attractions along the promenade is the bronze statue of Bruce Lee, Hong Kong’s martial arts legend.

Avenue of Stars is also one of the best sites to watch the Symphony of Lights, a nightly spectacle of synchronized lights display with musical accompaniment, featuring 44 of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers — both in Kowloon and Hong Kong sides of Victoria Harbour. However, the Avenue of Stars is currently closed to the public for renovation. The target relaunching is in the first quarter of 2019.

Nearest MTR Station: East Tsim Sha Tsui. Use Exit J. From here, it is only a 3-minute walk. It should be on your left. If coming from Nathan Road or Tsim Sha Tsui Station, you can walk through the pedestrian subway to EAST Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Just follow the signs that lead to Exit J and you’ll be fine.

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Mong Kok

Hong Kong is also a favorite destination for those who love to shop. As a shopping mecca, Hong Kong boasts an extensive selection of shopping destinations, offering a different experience per location. It has something to offer for various types of shoppers — luxury boutiques, outlet stores, wholesale shops, street markets, and night markets. The options seem inexhaustible.

One of the shopping destinations in Hong Kong is Mong Kok. The streets are always bustling with activities, especially at night. Old shops and restaurants blend in with the modern ones, giving it a unique characteristic that is so unlike the rest of Hong Kong. Being in Mong Kok is a feast for all the senses. It houses a great number of shops and markets, selling various kinds of items — from clothes to jewelry to cosmetics to electronics to construction materials to sports equipment to food. And the list goes on.

Nearest MTR Station: Mong Kok. Take the B2 or B3 exit.

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Unique Hong Kong Tours

If you have more budget, you can enjoy these tours to maximize your stay in Hong Kong! Links so you can book these tours in advance or reserve slots are provided below!

Macau Day Tour

You can easily go to Macau from Hong Kong! You just need to buy a ticket from the terminal, board a ferry, and you’ll be there in 55 minutes.

FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS, BOOK BELLOW

Please take note of the date and time of your trip because rates of sailing on weekends and at night are higher. Just click on any of the following links:

• Hong Kong (Sheung Wan) to Taipa Terminal via CotaiJet (ONE-WAY). Reserve Discounted Ticket Here.
• Hong Kong (Sheung Wan) to Macau Outer Harbour Terminal via TurboJet (ONE-WAY). Reserve Discounted Ticket Here.
• Hong Kong/Kowloon to Macau Outer Harbour Terminal via TurboJet (ROUNDTRIP). You can board either in Hong Kong Macau Terminal (Sheung Wan) or in China Ferry Terminal (Kowloon). Reserve Discounted Ticket Here.
• Hong Kong/Kowloon to Taipa Terminal via CotaiJet (ROUNDTRIP). You can board either in Hong Kong Macau Terminal (Sheung Wan) or in China Ferry Terminal (Kowloon). Reserve Discounted Ticket Here.

Once in Macau, you can take advantage of the free shuttle rides provided by hotels and then just explore on foot! It’s super easy.

More info here: DIY MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE.

But if you want to be more comfortable, there are day tours being offered in Hong Kong. They will take care of everything, from ferry tickets to your sightseeing in Macau to a sumptuous lunch at a 4-star hotel. If you’re interested in that, you can book below.

✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE

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AquaLuna Symphony of Lights Cruise

Although you can also enjoy the Symphony of Lights from the Avenue of Stars, you can level up your Hong Kong experience by admiring it from a traditional junk boat as you cruise around Victoria Harbour! It comes with DINNER too!

✅ RESERVE A SEAT HERE

360 Lantau Island Sky-Land-Sea Day Pass

This one isn’t really a tour but a day pass that would take you around and over Lantau Island and enjoy the following:

• a round trip cable car ride
• a boat excursion
• unlimited use of the bus system
• Big Buddha Statue visit
• Tai O Fishing Village visit
• HK$20 voucher for the Ngong Ping 360 Souvenir shop

✅ GET YOUR PASS NOW

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Hong Kong Food Tour

This tour is recommended by the Hong Kong Tourism Board! Eat your way through one of Hong Kong’s old districts, Sham Shui Po. You’ll get a total of 10 tastings as you learn more about the culture and history of Hong Kong.

✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE

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Hong Kong Walking Tour – Day

This tour is a great way to be familiar with Hong Kong’s history and culture. It will take you around Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and then aboard Star Ferry to the Central area in Hong Kong Island. This tour will allow you to see tourist spots not just as structures but as an important part of the Hong Kong life today and back in the day.

✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE

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Kowloon Evening Walking Tour

This tour will take you across Hong Kong’s Jordan and Yau Ma Tei neighborhoods to visit the following:

• a century-old fruit market
• a local art deco-style restaurant
• an old-school singing parlour
• Temple Street market
• fortune tellers

✅ BOOK THIS TOUR

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Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Finding cheap accommodations in Hong Kong is easy. The Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Central areas are littered with guesthouses and hostels offering affordable rooms. They are also consistently cheap throughout the year, ranging from HK300-HK500 for a double room.

I personally love staying in the Tsim Sha Tsui area whenever I’m in Hong Kong because it’s close to almost everything I want to see. You can walk to the Avenue of Stars. Hong Kong Island can be easily reached by ferry or MTR. Mong Kok is also just a few stations away. There are a lot of money changers and ATMs around. And like I said, when it comes to accommodations, you have a lot of options here.

Anyway, here are top budget guesthouses and hostels in Hong Kong as rated by Agoda users as of March 2019.

• SLEEEP. Hong Kong. Check Rates and Availability.
• YIU FAI GUEST HOUSE,. Hong Kong. Check Rates and Availability.
• Travellers Pack Hostel,. Tsim Sha Tsui. Check Rates and Availability.
• Hop Inn on Mody. Tsim Sha Tsui. Check Rates and Availability.
• L’etoile de Mer TST. Hong Kong. Check Rates and Availability.
• Toms Guesthouse. Tsim Sha Tsui. Check Rates & Availability.

Search for more: Hong Kong Hotels

Klook.com

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Sample Hong Kong Itinerary

Below are two sample itineraries. The first covers Hong Kong only, while the other will take you to both Hong Kong and Macau. Both itineraries assume the following:

• You’re a group of 2, splitting much of the expenses.
• You have a budget of HKD 70 per meal (lunch/dinner). You’ll find meals much lower than this, but better to overestimate than under.
• You’re skipping breakfast. It’s overrated, according to intermittent fasters. And healthy too. Haha.
• You’re staying in a budget inn in Tsim Sha Tsui for HKD300 per night. As mentioned, Tsim Sha Tsui is an ideal base because it’s close to many attractions.

Just make the necessary adjustments to match your flights and other preferences.

Itinerary #1: Hong Kong Only

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

Day 1: VICTORIA PEAK, AVENUE OF STARS
09:55 am – Arrival at Hong Kong Airport
10:30 am – Pick up Octopus Card, RESERVE HERE!
10:50 am – Take A21 Bus to Tsim Sha Tsui, HKD33
11:40 am – Check-in at guesthouse
12:00 pm – Lunch, HKD70
01:30 pm – Walk around Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Park
03:30 pm – MTR to Central, HKD10.5
03:40 pm – Walk to Peak Tram
04:00 pm – Victoria Peak, roundtrip HKD86, RESERVE DISCOUNTED TICKET!
06:00 pm – Go down via tram, walk to Central Station
06:50 pm – MRT to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, HKD10.5
07:00 pm – Walk to Avenue of Stars
07:15 pm – Explore Avenue of Stars, FREE
08:00 pm – Watch the Symphony of Lights, FREE
08:30 pm – Dinner, HKD 70
09:00 pm – Walk back to hotel

Day 2: DISNEYLAND, MONG KOK
09:30 am – MTR to Disneyland Resort, HKD15.5
10:30 am – Explore Disneyland Hong Kong, HKD 519, DISCOUNTED
01:00 pm – Lunch, HKD100
07:00 pm – MTR to Mong Kok, HKD23
07:40 pm – Dinner, HKD70
08:30 pm – Explore Mongkok, shop
10:30 pm – MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui, HKD5.5

Day 3: NGONG PING, DEPARTURE
08:00 am – Check out
09:00 am – Take MTR to Tung Chung Station, HKD19.5
10:00 am – Leave luggage at CityGate lockers, HKD60
10:30 pm – Brunch, HKD70
11:00 am – Take bus to Ngong Ping, HKD17.5
12:00 pm – See Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery
02:10 pm – Bus back to Tung Chung
03:20 am – MTR to Airport, HKD15.5
03:50 pm – Check in at airport
06:40 pm – Flight out

If you spend only HKD 300 per night on accommodations (divided by 2 pax), this itinerary will set you back around HKD1520 (USD195, EUR172, SGD267, PHP10,200) per person, excluding airfare and travel tax.

Itinerary #2: Hong Kong + Macau Day Tour

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

To better understand the MACAU leg of this itinerary, read this first: MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE

Day 1: VICTORIA PEAK, AVENUE OF STARS
09:55 am – Arrival at Hong Kong Airport
10:30 am – Pick up Octopus Card, RESERVE HERE!
10:50 am – Take A21 Bus to Tsim Sha Tsui, HKD33
11:40 am – Check-in at guesthouse
12:00 pm – Lunch, HKD70
01:30 pm – Walk around Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Park
03:30 pm – MTR to Central, HKD10.5
03:40 pm – Walk to Peak Tram
04:00 pm – Victoria Peak, roundtrip HKD86, RESERVE DISCOUNTED TICKET!
06:00 pm – Go down via tram, walk to Central Station
06:50 pm – MRT to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, HKD10.5
07:00 pm – Walk to Avenue of Stars
07:15 pm – Explore Avenue of Stars, FREE
08:00 pm – Watch the Symphony of Lights, FREE
08:30 pm – Dinner, HKD 70
09:00 pm – Walk back to hotel
10:00 pm – Lights out

Day 2: MACAU DAY TOUR
08:30 am – Walk to Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal
09:00 am – Ferry to Macau, Roundtrip Fare: HKD310, DISCOUNTED
10:15 am – Shuttle to the Venetian, FREE
10:30 am – Explore the Venetian
11:30 am – Lunch at the Venetian Food Court, HKD70
12:30 pm – Walk to City of Dreams, explore a bit
02:00 pm – Board shuttle to Senado Square, FREE
02:20 pm – Explore Senado Square & St. Paul Ruins
04:30 pm – Walk to Sintra Hotel (for shuttle)
05:00 pm – Board FREE Shuttle to City of Dreams
05:30 pm – Walk to The Parisian
05:50 pm – Explore The Parisian & Studio City
08:00 pm – Dinner, HKD100
09:00 pm – Board shuttle to Macau Ferry Terminal
09:30 pm – Board ferry to Hong Kong
10:30 pm – MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui, HKD 11
11:00 pm – Lights out

Day 3: DISNEYLAND, MONG KOK
09:30 am – MTR to Disneyland Resort, HKD15.5
10:30 am – Explore Disneyland Hong Kong, HKD 519, DISCOUNTED
01:00 pm – Lunch, HKD100
07:00 pm – MTR to Mong Kok, HKD23
07:40 pm – Dinner, HKD70
08:30 pm – Explore Mongkok, shop
10:30 pm – MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui, HKD5.5
11:00 pm – Lights out

Day 4: NGONG PING, DEPARTURE
08:00 am – Check out
09:00 am – Take MTR to Tung Chung Station, HKD19.5
10:00 am – Leave luggage at CityGate lockers, HKD60
10:30 pm – Brunch, HKD70
11:00 am – Take bus to Ngong Ping, HKD17.5
12:00 pm – See Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery
02:10 pm – Bus back to Tung Chung
03:20 am – MTR to Airport, HKD15.5
03:50 pm – Check in at airport
06:40 pm – Flight out

For this Hong Kong itinerary, you will have to shell out HKD2150 (USD275, EUR243, SGD378, PHP14,420) per person, excluding airfare and travel tax. If you choose to try the rides or watch the shows at a hotel in Macau, that would incur additional fees, which are not covered by this estimate. Much of the expenses were for the entrance fees, with Disneyland taking the bulk.

NOTE: For both itineraries above, I used the fares charged for single-journey users. If you have an Octopus Card, the actual fares are a bit lower because of the discounts. I just used the regular rates just to add some padding. Again, better overestimate than under.

I have to warn you, though, that these itineraries can get extremely exhausting because they involve a lot of walking. Disneyland and Mongkok in one day is no joke and can be physically demanding. You might want to adjust this if you have kids or elderly with you.

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More Hong Kong Travel Tips

• I recommend that you download the MTR Mobile app, which is available for FREE. The app is equipped with maps and other information you need about the MTR system. To use it, just tap on Train Trip Planner and enter the stations of origin and destination and it will show you a suggested route, complete with the necessary transfers, fares, and travel time.
• In Macau, the currency is the Macanese pataca. But the Hong Kong dollar is widely accepted at 1:1 rate.
• Take advantage of the FREE hotel shuttles in Macau. You don’t need to have a reservation to board their buses. They’re FREE and you can find them at the ferry terminals and other key spots in the city.
• If you’re traveling on a really tight budget, there are a lot of things you can do in Hong Kong and Macau for FREE. Here are some suggestions: 10 FREE Things to Do in Macau, 7 FREE Things to Do in Hong Kong
• For more information about Macau, read: MACAU TRAVEL GUIDE

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Our Hong Kong Slam Book

• Best thing about Hong Kong: In many aspects, Hong Kong sits in a gray area. On face value, it looks very modern and futuristic, but as you walk deeper into smaller alleys, you’ll find plenty of its heritage intact. From a Pinoy standpoint, it is also not too familiar to be boring but not too different to be alienating. It’s also undoubtedly Asian but has a lot of western bits scattered around the city.
• Something about Hong Kong that you don’t like: Summer rain. I’ve been to Hong Kong in summer, autumn, and winter, and I really dislike summer there. I have experienced Hong Kong summer three times now and it was hot and wet each time, so it was difficult to go around. I enjoyed winter the most! Dry and cool!
• Most unforgettable moment: Oh gosh, I have a lot of unforgettable moments in Hong Kong! But these are the top two. First, on my second visit, Vins and I went to Victoria Peak. It was February, middle of winter. But since I have a high cold tolerance, I was confident that I could handle it in just a shirt and jeans. But I did not take into consideration that part of our Hong Kong itinerary was Victoria Peak, and the temperature up there is much lower than on sea level. I was shaking so bad the whole time. It didn’t help that the tram line to go down was so long, extending to the outside of the building. I even had to buy a cup of coffee for relief. My second unforgettable moment was in my third Hong Kong visit, which coincided with another close friend’s trip. We were both staying in Tsim Sha Tsui. We decided to meet in Mong Kok to buy pasalubong. After shopping around while talking about everything in life, it was time to go home. We had an idea: Since we enjoyed our conversation so much and we still had a lot to catch up on, we decided to walk from Mong Kok to our hotel. It was past midnight. So yeah, we did. Haha. We had to stop at a 7-Eleven halfway to our hotel because we got hungry.
• Favorite meal. This wasn’t my most delicious meal, but certainly my most unforgettable. In the basement of our guesthouse was a dimsum restaurant. I wasn’t able to catch the name, but it was along Nathan Road. It was my second day in Hong Kong so I have not tried the restaurants yet. You know, before that day, my experience with dimsum was limited to fast food and street carts in the Philippines. This was my first non-fast-food dimsum in my life. I remember that first bite. Aaaaaaah. I got so used to mass-produced siomai, I could not believe it when I actually felt and tasted the shrimp and meat in my mouth. Dimsum was never the same for me. Haha.
• Favorite spot. Avenue of Stars. I always try to set foot in this area every time I’m in Hong Kong. I simply enjoy the view and the lights.
• Biggest surprise. How friendly it is travel newbies. Before my first trip, the Hong Kong that I painted in my head was so different to reality. I was expecting that language barrier would be a major problem and that I would get lost most of the time. But it was easy to navigate around Hong Kong. Not only are there English translations everywhere, the transportation system didn’t require a long learning curve.
• Biggest disappointment. This isn’t Hong Kong’s fault, but I still hasn’t dived into Hong Kong’s street food scene. I’ve tried some animal entrails in Mong Kok, but that’s about it. It’s something that I always tell myself that I would do next time but it just won’t happen yet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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