Our favourite places to stay on this sleepy Cebu island.
Hong Kong tourism has reportedly taken a hit in recent years. Visitor numbers have slowed, hotel bookings are down, and the once-packed attractions are no longer as crowded as before. But maybe that’s exactly why you should give Hong Kong another chance in 2025.
For Filipinos, this can mean fewer queues, better deals, and a chance to rediscover the city beyond its shopping malls and Disneyland. Hong Kong is still a world-class destination that blends neon nights, street food culture, and a transport system that makes exploring easy even for first-timers.
Here’s how much you need, where to stay, and where to go if you’re planning a trip this year.
How much should you budget?
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A week in Hong Kong will cost you around ₱40,000. This already covers flights, hotel, food, transport, and attractions.
If you want to shop, aim for ₱55,000–₱60,000.
Meals are NOT cheap at all. Expect to spend ₱1,200–₱1,500 a day if you eat out twice.
Flights
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Average airfare from Manila to Hong Kong is about ₱12,000 round trip. But if you catch a seat sale, you can pay much less!
Also read: Hong Kong Raises Airport Departure Tax By 67 Percent
Transport
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Get an Octopus Card. Think of it like our Beep card, but way more powerful. You can use it for MTR, buses, ferries, convenience stores, and even some restaurants.
Load around ₱3,000 for one week of unlimited moving around.
Hong Kong transport is built for convenience: buses stop only at proper stations (no random drop-offs), and MTR trains are clean, fast, and always on time.
Also read: Hong Kong for First-Timers: 5 Attractions You Can Visit by MTR
Where to stay
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Hotels can still be affordable if you pick the right area:
Metropark Hotel Mong Kok – Around ₱4,000 for three (3) nights. Prime location, near the MTR, and direct airport bus access (A21).
Rambler Oasis Hotel, Tsing Yi – Around ₱4,900 for four (4) nights. A little farther, but has a bus stop right outside.
Both are good options if you want comfort without breaking your budget.
Also read: Hong Kong's New Hotel Tax: What It Means for Your Travel Budget
Where to eat
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Food is where travellers get the biggest shock. Even fast food is expensive.
A McDonald’s burger meal with coffee is almost ₱600.
A bottle of water from 7-Eleven costs around ₱150.
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But Hong Kong also has gems that are worth the money:
DimDimSum – Affordable, filling dim sum spot.
Yat Lok Roast Goose – Michelin-starred, great for one splurge meal.
Also read: A 48-Hour Guide to Shopping & Eating in Hong Kong
Where to go
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Hong Kong is more than malls and Disneyland. Here are some must-sees:
Disneyland – Tickets start at around ₱4,800 (standard admission). For smoother entry, you can buy an early pass through Klook if you want to enjoy before opening hours.
Tai Kwun – An old prison turned into an arts and heritage hub.
Avenue of Stars – Scenic harbour views and photo-worthy skyline.
SoHo Mid-Levels and Kennedy Town – Trendy spots for food and nightlife.
Hong Kong Museum of History – Perfect if you want context on the city’s story.
Also read: 8 Cool Attractions in Hong Kong Even Frequent Visitors Don't Know About
Why Filipinos should give it another chance
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Yes, Hong Kong is expensive, but it also shows how a city can truly work.
Transport system: The MTR and buses run on schedule. With the Octopus card, you don’t need to fumble with cash or coins. It’s like our Beep card but usable in almost every store and even for meals.
Walkable streets: Sidewalks are wide and pedestrian-friendly. Crosswalks even have sound signals to help guide people when it’s safe to walk.
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Every detail is planned: From bus stops that never change location, to organised traffic flow, you feel like the whole system was built with commuters in mind.
Safe and orderly: People follow rules, and everything feels reliable. For Filipinos, it’s almost like a glimpse into what Manila could be if urban planning and law enforcement worked well.
Also read: A Different Side of Hong Kong: Green Spaces, Idyllic Islands, and More!
Final tip
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Download these apps before your trip:
Google Maps – for easy directions.
Citybus App – to check routes and schedules.
Hong Kong Disneyland App – to maximise your park visit.
Also, don’t underestimate TikTok! Many itineraries and hacks shared there are actually accurate and useful.
Also read: Your Visual Guide to Hong Kong's Most Instagrammable Spots
Ready to plan your Hong Kong trip?
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Hong Kong may not be the hottest destination right now, but that’s exactly the reason to go. Smaller crowds, reliable transport, and the same world-class city energy make it a smart choice.
For Filipinos, ₱40,000 is enough for a week in Hong Kong in 2025 to make sure you get to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
Featured image credit: arnesboco | Instagram
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