Hong Kong on a Budget: Travel Guide & Money-Saving Tips for Filipinos

Hong Kong is one of the most visited countries by Filipino tourists to date. Why wouldn’t it be when it is only a little over two hours away by plane? The availability of budget airlines travelling to Hong Kong is also a plus factor that makes Asia’s World City more accessible to the Filipino people. But we have to admit it, flying to Hong Kong does not exactly come cheap so here, we will share how you can make the most of your budget to get around and enjoy the city! We have curated a list of must-visit places and fun activities that you can try without breaking the bank.

What to prepare

Internet connection

One thing that Filipinos never forget while planning a vacation would be ensuring that there will be a stable internet connection during the whole trip. Due to the need to stay connected with our friends and families, and to update our social media followers through Instagram or Facebook stories, it is imperative to get a SIM Card (as low as ₱349) or a Pocket WIFI (as low as ₱184/day) to carry with you during your stay in Hong Kong.

Klook Pro-Tip: You can also have your Pocket WiFi delivered to your doorstep in Manila prior to departure if you wish.

Transport

If you are coming from a late-night flight with your family or friends, getting a private airport transfer could be a lot cheaper than taking the public transportation. No more transfers of train stations needed here, too! You only need to get to the pick-up point in the terminal and hop off to your hotel location – this is way better than taking long queues in the taxi bay and paying additional money for the toll and parking fees.

Klook Pro-Tip: Even if you are travelling solo, you can book a coach transfer via Klook, too!

Whether you are travelling solo or with a companion, getting an Octopus Card should be the first order of business after exiting the Immigration and Customs. Octopus Card makes transactions for transport, dining, entertainment, even shopping a lot easier. It is easy to go cashless with this card when you have loaded it up in almost a thousand locations throughout the country. It also comes with a HK$50 (₱330) deposit that you can refund conveniently at the end of your trip.

Where to go and what to do

Let’s talk about theme parks. No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without visiting its theme parks, right? Others choose between Disneyland and Ocean Park when short in time, but with Klook’s exclusive rates, it is going to be hard to sacrifice one of the two. Finally, you can get your adrenaline fix and enjoy close encounters with the animals for at least one whole day.

Klook Pro-Tip: When booking your desired Klook activity for your Hong Kong trip, use promo code: NORULES to get as much as ₱3,000 off until 30 June 2018.

Oh, Disneyland. Not just for the kids but most especially for the kids at heart. Mickey Mouse and your other favourite Disney characters are here all days to make their guests happy during photos operations, parades, and live shows. Honestly, what is a better thing to do in Hong Kong than to spend a day at the Happiest Place on Earth?

Klook Pro-Tip: You must not miss the nightly projection show called “We Love Mickey” where Mickey’s major milestones are celebrated along the buildings of Main Street, USA.

Victoria Harbour and

The is a free multimedia show that transforms the Hong Kong skyline into a magical feast every night. While the show’s music is audible at the harbourfront areas near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, it is also nice to experience this show while on board and enjoying refreshments. We think it is a must to try the different modes of transportation available in Hong Kong, and a ferry ride during the night is one of our best picks.

Klook Pro-Tip: Star Ferry offers a harbour tour complete with refreshments that you can enjoy during your journey.

The is a top tourist attraction in Hong Kong as it offers a magnificent view not just of the Victoria Harbour but the surrounding islands as well. The Peak is reachable via the Peak Tram but if you are an adventure-seeker looking for more thrill, a hike is also possible.

Klook Pro-Tip: For a smooth hike up , hire an English Guide through Klook.

Madame Tussauds

No visit at the Peak would be complete without seeing the incredible wax figures of Asian and Hollywood stars at the Madame Tussauds. Who said that it was hard to get a selfie with Johnny Depp, anyway?

Klook Pro-Tip: Currently, the Yayoi Kusama Gallery is ongoing, allowing travellers to experience self-obliteration. Admit it; you want to take a photo with Yayoi Kusama inside the mirrored yellow polka dot room, too!

Sky100

Day or night, the 360 degrees unobstructed scenery of Hong Kong will leave you breathless at the Sky100. It is also open on holidays like New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, giving guests a fantastic view of the fireworks shows.

in Lantau Island

Disneyland is not the only place you can visit in Lantau Island. The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong.

Klook Pro-Tip: For those who are interested in the culture and heritage of Lantau, there is a guided tour available throughout the day. But if you would like to explore the island at your own pace, the Ngong Ping Cable Car tickets would do fine.

Available in almost every tourist busy city in the world, the hop off-hop on Big Bus is a convenient way to travel around the city if you do not have a specific place to visit before your arrival. No hurry in touring around because the pass is unlimited at a minimum of a 24-hour period. So, whether you are feasting your eyes on the intricate architecture of Man Mo Temple or taking your time shopping along Nathan Road, no one will judge you at all.

Temple run

Who says you can only “Temple Run” in Siem Reap, Cambodia? Hong Kong is home to different religions like Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. A few hours of learning about these religions and being one with nature at the Nan Lian Garden and Chu Lin Nunnery will surely make your Hong Kong trip more refreshing.

Klook Pro-Tip: Want to know more about Hong Kong’s history through the eyes of the locals? Take a guided trip with a professional!

Eat, pray, art

If you do not have at least one street art photo posted on your Instagram account after your Hong Kong tour, are you sure you really have been to Hong Kong? Although it is easy to make your way to each work of art using Google Maps, nothing beats a walking tour with a guide who could give you additional information not just about the art but the artists as well.

Hike in Hong Kong

Apparently, Hong Kong is not just about the theme parks and night markets. Hiking the Dragon’s Back Trail will not only give you a good exercise but the most picturesque view of Hong Kong as well. No one argued when it was hailed by the Time Magazine as Asia’s best Urban Hike because the four hours of travel is worth it.

Night markets

Hong Kong only gets busier by the evening when Night Markets start to come alive. Make sure you get your friends and family back home some souvenirs from Temple Street, Stanley Market, Ladies Market or any night market near your hotel. While you are at it, do not forget to haggle to get the best deal possible.

One of the iconic landmarks in Hong Kong, the Clock Tower is located at the southern part of Tsim Sha Tsui. While it was built as part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Station which is now long gone, the tower is still standing strong and has become a memorable landmark in Hong Kong.

Happy Valley racecourse

Causeway Bay is not exactly just for shopping. Wednesday is the biggest night of the week where both locals and tourists come together to witness the exciting race of jockeys in bright silk jerseys. It is a mere 20-minute walk from the Causeway Bay MTR station.

The list of activities in Hong Kong is endless. If you are really on a tight budget, there are many fun and free things to do in Hong Kong, too!

What to eat

Macaroni, toast, eggs, and coffee – just thinking about the combination would make your mouth water, doesn’t it? You can also have your with Tea or Creamy Custard Milk.

Price range: HK$18-38 (₱119-251)

Where to buy: The Australian Dairy Company in Parkes Street, Kowloon, offers Hong Kong Style breakfast all day.

Just like in Macau, the Egg Tart battle is a thing in Hong Kong, too. A lot of shops especially in Kowloon and Wan Chai are selling this delicious pastry along with their other bestsellers.

Price range: HK$7-15 (₱46-99) per piece

Where to buy: Tai Cheong Bakery at the G/F, 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Egg Puffs

Try one of the most popular Hong Kong street food, Egg Puffs. It may be crispy on the outside, but it’s fluffy on the inside! Both traditional and flavoured varieties are best enjoyed with Hong Kong Milk Tea.

Price range: HK$13-44 (₱86-291)

Where to buy: Mammy Pancake, G/F, Carnarvon Mansion, 8-12 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Roasted goose

Another staple food in Hong Kong that is worth trying is the roasted goose. You can have a taste of the recipe of the Michelin Starred Restaurant Yung Kee Restaurant but prepare to fall in line for hours.

Price range: HK$100-500 (₱661-3,305)

Where to buy: Yung Kee Restaurant, 32-40 Wellington Street, Central

Klook Pro-Tip: Get a cash coupon from Klook to save more. There’s no limit on the number of coupons that you can use in a single bill!

Dim Sum

One must never leave Hong Kong without trying the iconic Hong Kong Dim Sum of Ding Dim 1968 in Central. Their take on the traditional Hong Kong cuisine is so impressive that locals and tourist keep coming back.

Price range: HK$75-95 (₱494-625)

Where to buy: Ding Dim 1968, Wai Yuen Building, Elgin St, Central, Hong Kong

Typhoon Shelter Crab

Whether it’s the Typhoon Shelter Crab or any of your seafood craving that made you go, Hee Kee Crab General’s got you. You can also try their highly recommended dishes like Authentic Fried Crab of Hee Kee, Shrimp with Spiced Salt, and Stir Fry Mussel with Black Bean Sauce.

Price range: HK$201-400 (₱1,239-2,645)

Where to buy: Hee Kee Crab General, 63 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Klook Pro-Tip:  If you are ordering their signature crab dish, be sure to get your FREE VOUCHER worth HK$100 from Klook to enjoy your meal at a lesser price.

One more reason to visit is to level up your Instagram Game with Kala Toast’s . Hong Kong skyline, cheese, and rainbow colors— Need we say more?

Price range: HK$99-122 (₱651-803)

Where to buy:  KALA Toast, G11, G/F, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong

Where to stay

Accommodation in Hong Kong is significantly expensive compared to other Asian cities, but budget hotels and guest houses are also available almost everywhere. To make travelling more comfortable, make sure that you book your temporary home near the MTR.

Capsule hotels

Recommended: Hong Kong is apparently up to date when it comes to the growing popularity of Capsule Hotels. In Central, Quality Sleeping Capsule is open for those who want a quick rest in the middle of the day or before the sun sets.

Price: From ₱1,200 per 2-hour nap

Budget hotels

Recommended: Lander Hotel Prince Edward is not just a kilometre away from the city centre, but also in close proximity to Prince Edward MTR Station.

Price: From ₱1,820/night

Inns

Recommended: Also located along Nathan Road, Pop Inn is a new and cosy, little hotel that is within walking distance to the Temple Street Night Market.

Price: From ₱2,400/night

Chungking Mansions

The Chungking Mansions is a building along Nathan Road known by many for the cheap accommodations available inside. The complex features not just guest houses but restaurants, clothing shops, and foreign exchange offices as well.

Price: From ₱2,265/night

Airbnb

It is easier to rent an entire apartment via Airbnb especially if you are going to Hong Kong with friends or family, and need more space to move around. For a night in an Airbnb in Tsim Sha Tsui, you can have a 350 square feet apartment all to yourself.

Price: From ₱2,900/night

More money-saving tips

Attraction passes

If you are an on the go traveller who does not follow any rules or itineraries while travelling, Klook has something perfect for you. The iVenture Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass allows travellers to visit top tourists destinations in Hong Kong (including Macau); this is perfect for budget travellers who would like to see as much tourist spots as possible. The activities covered are Ocean Park, Peak Tram, Ngong Ping Cable 360, Sky100 and many more! It is even inclusive of a 4G SIM Card to help you stay connected during your trip.

The iVenture card already comes with a one-way transfer to Ocean Park on selected pick-up points that you need to book at least 24 hours in advance. Unfortunately, the pass does not include Disneyland, but voucher holders are entitled to a supplement of HK$477 (₱3,150) for adults and HK$406 (₱2,680) per child. There are also special offers included that gives you up to 25% off your bill when you dine in selected restaurants.

To make sure that you are using your pass wisely, you need to plan your destinations accordingly once you have it. Since there are a lot of free things to do in Hong Kong as well, you might want to do the paid ones included in the pass first. Then afterwards, you can stroll and take your time to do the free activities and the ones which are not included in your passes or combo tickets.

Shopping

When shopping for souvenirs, do not forget to bargain. Just because you are already shopping at a night market does not mean that you are given the cheapest price at your first inquiry. It can also be a tourist trap! You would be surprised at how much you can save if you try to haggle with the vendors.

Riding public transportation

Aside from the MTR, you can also use the ding ding tram which is one of the cheapest ways to get around the island as well. The double-decker tram looks really cool and would definitely make you feel like a local even though you are really a tourist.

Booking value-for-money deals & offers

Travelling on a budget in Hong Kong may look a little overwhelming at first, but it is possible. Scoring a reasonably priced hotel and airfare is crucial. But once you are already in the city, it is easy to find good deals when it comes to food. Klook’s Hong Kong offers would also come in handy especially because booking their deals can easily be done via phone.

So, what are you waiting for, friends? Make your Hong Kong Dreams come true and enjoy the versatility of Asia’s World City now!

KLOOK YOUR WAY TO HONG KONG NOW!

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