Hong Kong and Macau are among Filipinos’ top destinations for first-time international trips. Since we live in a tropical country, Filipinos usually go there during winter. However, they do not experience snow in these destinations.
These countries are said to be expensive like Singapore. As of November 2017, Hong Kong is in the 5th place of the highest cost of living in the world. (Source: https://tinyurl.com/y83wp4xv).
But who said you can’t have fun by spending less? By taking Disneyland and Ocean Park off my list ’cause I’m not really into amusement parks (except for Universal Studio of course!), I have more time to experience the authenticity of Hong Kong’s culture and enjoy Macau’s modern structures.
Their culture
Hong Kong citizens aren’t fond of helping others and doesn’t understand/speak the English language very well. They also love shoving you off if you’re on their way especially when they’re in a hurry. Since we stayed somewhere in Hung Hom and Whampoa, it’s not that touristy anymore and mostly Hong Kongese/Hong Kongers are strolling the area so I have experienced being shove off thrice lol. They are also loud in public as if someone’s arguing. One time, I ask for coins as a change but the cashier just speaks in Cantonese and obviously said something bad about me. These are just some of the things I’ve experienced while staying there and have been confirmed from the OFWs weve talked to. No hard feelings though ’cause this is how they are. I’m not saying that all of them are like these but probably most of them. LOL
Where To Stay?
Most of the cheap hostels are in Chungking Mansion in Nathan Road Tsim Sha Tsui ranging from 1000-3000 per night.
I stayed in my aunt’s friend’s apartment for only 60hkd or 350php per head per night. Saved a lot and they have 2 OFW board mates who treats me always!
Means of Transportation
Buy their Octopus Card for 150hkd or borrow your friend’s card to reload it in any 7/11 or Circle K or train stations. You can use it in in MTR, bus, or buying in 7/11 and Circle K.
If you don’t have octopus card yet, you can pay in coins but make sure that it’s the exact amount ’cause they won’t give a change to it.
Internet
Don’t forget to buy their sim card for 100hkd and load it with 50hkd to avail the unlimited net and calls for 1 month. Google map will become your best friend there so this is a must! However, if your itinerary is just around the famous tourist spots then you don’t need this. Just follow the MRT lines in the map and you’ll find your way easily.
What To Do in Hong Kong?
Tian Tan Buddha
I went to the Tian Tan/Big Buddha on my first day and just after I arrived in Hong Kong. Big Buddha is situated in Lantau Island where the airport is just minutes away.
For more information, you can click here.
10000 Buddhas Monastery
See the 10000 Buddhas with different and even weird faces while you’re taking the 431 steps.
For more information, you can click here.
Ladies/Night Markets
Use your haggle skills to buy souvenirs and shop for cheap items here.
Food Trip in Mong Kok
Harbour View Deck
Enjoy watching the view of Central buildings
Gardens of the Star
Known as the avenue of the stars but since it was moved due to the on-going construction then they also changed the name for the mean time. lol
Choi Hung Mansion
An old housing estate in Hong Kong for low income residents to live in.
How to Get to Macau?
There are ferry trips from HK to Macau and vice versa daily. It is just an hour away that’s why most of the tourists in Hong Kong goes to Macau and have a 1 day trip. If you are into casinos then this is the place you are looking for.
For tickets, we booked it online thru Klook.com
What To Do in Macau?
Visit the famous casino hotels
Macau is known for its casinos and hotels. It is very famous for its gambling industry and the fact that it has a Portuguese/Chinese culture.
Sign Up for a free membership in any casino
Yes, you read it right. You can sign up for free membership in any casinos in Macau and have the card as your souvenir.
Eat in Venetian
Venetian is the biggest casino in Macau with an amazing outdoor-like structure inside.
Ride the Gondola
You can ride the Gondola while listening to the Gondola choir inside the Venetian Hotel.
Senado Square
Located in the center of Macau Peninsula is part of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site.
Ruins of St. Paul
A 16th-century cathedral that is considered the famous landmark in Macau.
Yes, I know that I missed the magical Disneyland and Ocean Park but I’m not really into it. It’s just not my thing. There are a lot of ways to experience Hong Kong and Macau in a different non-touristy way anyway.