It was my assumption that Hong Kong should be the fist place to visit when you want to start traveling abroad. This had long been a dream–to travel with family.
Selecting the Days
This was my second visit to the territory. I knew I’d prefer to go there during the cool season, so I planned for November. I was glad I did because being a tourist in Hong Kong involves a lot of steps–almost like a literal marathon. Even so, I did enjoy it.
The walkathon was not terrible; the sweat wouldn’t come out. The scenery which we don’t see much in my locality are very stimulating to the senses. So I guess I’ve made the right decision—November in Hong Kong.
Booking the Airline
I was weighing between availing a travel tour package that I kept seeing on Facebook (thanks to the algorithm feeding me tons), and doing a DIY trip; I thought the latter would save us more.
But I went ahead and booked our DIY Cebu–HK and HK–Cebu flights through Cebu Pacific. The total cost for the round-trip ticket was Php 73,222.70 for 5 adults, which makes it Php 14,644.54 each. I thought it was a fair fare. In fact this was inclusive of the travel tax of approximately Php 1,600.00.
I looked for flights that leave very early so we could start our Day 1 early in Hong Kong, and return flights that depart in the late afternoon going back to Cebu. I thought that would optimize the duration of our trip.
Travel Necessities
What I needed was travel permission from work, which I requested a month before the trip. But I had to inform my team even earlier. The travel clearance had to be signed by the department head.
I figured my parents wouldn’t have any issues since they’re already seniors and definitely deserving of a vacation. Still, I asked them to bring their IDs.
As for the eGovPH app—go look it up.
For our two other companions, who are friends of ours, I asked them to bring travel permission letters along with either a valid ID or a certificate of employment, just in case. At immigration, they were actually asked, and thankfully, I had printed copies of our plane tickets and itinerary.
Printed itinerary—I made one for each of us, mainly for guidance, but also in case the immigration officer asked. I had a feeling they would.
Passport.
Visa cards and ATM cards. I found that withdrawing cash in Hong Kong was actually better than exchanging money at local changers. It was easier and the conversion rate was a little more favorable.
I also bought one data eSIMs. I purchased an unlimited one from Shopee for the group and shared it with everyone for uploads.
I brought medicines for stomach pain and headaches. Just in case.
Booking Airbnb
₱22,724.50 5 pax 4 days, 3 nights
It had 3 double-decker beds, a small sofa, a tv, and in-room bathroom. Situated just above a metro station. It was clean, non-fancy but very decent already. The neighborhood was rich with food stalls, souvenir shops, side walk shops. So it was a treat.
If you plan to, check them out here.
Choosing the itinerary
The first day was to roam the city center, but we ended up walking around financial center and at the pier. Most of the itinerary on the list were checked off.
Day 1: City Center, Peak Tram, Victoria Harbour‘s Symphony of Lights.
Booked the Peak Tram for Php 5,045.00 / 5 adults round-trip.
Day 2: Disneyland: Php 26,670.00 / 5 Adults Regular Tier 3
Day 3: Macau: HKD 1,250 / 5 Adults Round Trip. Booked from Turbo Jet’s Website, and looked for a promo for 5.
Day 4: Ngong Ping 360 at Lantau Island: Php 10,027.60 / 5 Adults round-trip cable car regular.
Means of Travel
Get an octopus card or use your visa card. For trains visa can be used, but some buses may not accept it.
Conclusion
Airfare CEB-HK round trip: Php 73,222.70
Airbnb 5 pax 4 days, 3 nights: Php 22,724.50
Peak Tram Round-Trip: Php 5,045.00
Disneyland Tier 3 Regular: Php 26,670.00
Macau Turbo-Jet HKD 1,250: Php 9,157.00
Ngong Ping 360 Round trip Cable Car: Php 10,027.60
Total for 5 Adults: Php 146,846.8 excluding food and commute (which could be P10-30 thousand if you buy souvenirs as well)
Each: Php 29,369.36
So travel when you can, with family and friends. Hong Kong will still be for me a tourist friendly place to go for first-timers. Once you visit once, you’ll want to visit more.