There’s a reason why Hong Kong is among the top international travel destinations for Filipinos: It offers visa-free access, there are several flights connecting major Philippine airports to Hong Kong daily, and, of course, it’s teeming with fantastic sights and attractions (Read: Hong Kong Disneyland). But since there’s so much to see and do in this country, even just one quick trip can be a bit tricky to plan, especially if it’s one’s first time to go.
In this post, Big Sky will help you simplify this part of your journey, so you can make the best of your five days in Hong Kong. Let’s go!
Things To Prepare Before Your Hong Kong Trip
Valid Passport
Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date. For your peace of mind, you may book an appointment with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as soon as a year before your passport expires to renew it.
Another thing to be wary of aside from the validity date of your passport is its overall condition. Many travelers experience issues during their trips because of “mutilated” passports, so don’t forget to inspect your passport for any tears, creases, water damage, stains, or mold—among others—especially on your passport’s bio page. If you notice any forms of damage, it would be prudent to report to the DFA before your trip.
eTravel Form
Complete your eTravel.gov form before your trip to present to the Bureau of Immigration officer upon your departure. If this is your first time traveling overseas, you’ll have to create a new account. Keep in mind that you will have to fill out this form again before flying back to the Philippines to log your arrival. You may fill out the form up to 72 hours before your trip.
Philippine Travel Tax Receipt
Filipinos must pay travel tax for each trip they take. You may pay online on the official Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) website with a minimal processing and convenience fee or pay over the counter at the airport. If you choose the latter, make sure to arrive at least three to four hours early at the airport as lines at TIEZA counters can get long.
Travel Wi-Fi
Book your travel Wi-Fi for your Hong Kong trip with Big Sky Nation—the Philippines’ #1 travel connectivity provider based on customer reviews—to stay connected to high-speed internet throughout your trip!
Do you need to fill out an arrival card or form prior to your Hong Kong trip for immigration checkpoints?
You must be wondering if you are required to complete an arrival card to present to Hong Kong immigration officers when passing through immigration clearance points. After all, other countries are doing it. Well, the answer is no. Filipinos and all other visitors are not required by the Hong Kong Government to furnish arrival cards for immigration checkpoints.
Your 5-Day Itinerary for a Perfect Hong Kong Getaway
Day 1: Arrival, Victoria Peak, Avenue of Stars, Symphony of Lights
Say “Hello, Hong Kong!” with an action-packed first day, ticking all the boxes of major must-sees in one day.
Assuming you’ll arrive in the morning, start your adventure by heading straight off to Central to take the historic Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak. While tickets are readily available onsite, you might want to purchase passes in advance online to skip the lines.
From the Sky Terrace 428, enjoy jaw-dropping views of the skyline and Victoria Harbour, which is arguably one of the best introductions you can get to Hong Kong’s grandeur.
After descending from Victoria peak, make your way to Tsim Sha Tsui. For an extra-memorable trip, you may opt to take the Star Ferry for a relaxing, photogenic ride across the harbor. Walk along the Avenue of Stars, a Hollywood Walk of Fame-like attraction that honors various Hong Kong cinema legends, such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Fun-fat, and Jet Li.
Just before 8:00 p.m., find a spot along the promenade to catch the spectacle that is the Symphony of Lights. This free attraction is among the world’s largest permanent light and sound shows. For the best views (and for shutterbugs, photos), claim a spot near the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower or the Harbourfront Tower.
Day 2: Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary Celebration
What’s a first trip to Hong Kong without a magical day at the “Happiest Place on Earth” a.k.a. Disneyland?
As the most accessible Disneyland to Filipinos, Hong Kong Disneyland is filled with world-class attractions that can rival those in other Disney Parks. But, perhaps, 2025 is one of the most exciting times to visit the park, as it goes full-on party mode to celebrate its 20th anniversary!
Going by the theme “The Most Magical Party of All,” Hong Kong Disneyland’s birthday bash kicks off on the 28th of June, complete with parades, feasts, and exclusive merchandise to mark the occasion!
Heavy crowds are expected, so arrive early to beat the lines. Don’t miss thrill rides like Hyperspace Mountain and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars or more lighthearted rides such as It’s A Small World and Mystic Manor.
For Frozen’s super fans, go straight to The World of Frozen to experience a beautifully rendered version of Arendelle. Keep an eye out for Elsa and Anna, who’d make appearances to greet guests from time to time.
If you’re the type who enjoys sitting back and relaxing, catch the magnificent staging of The Festival of the Lion King and The Wondrous Book, which brings together countless beloved Disney characters for a musical.
Cap off your magical day with Momentous, which is getting a 20th anniversary upgrade, featuring an anniversary-only prelude, 8 multimedia elements that include majestic projections that extend down the entire length of Main Street, U.S.A. for the first time ever, and magically inspired drone choreography to deliver an immersive 360° spectacle.
Day 3: Day Trip To Macau
Since you’re already in Hong Kong, why not make a side trip to nearby Macau?
Easily accessible by ferry, the former Portuguese colony is teeming with history and grand sights.
Begin your day tour with a walk around the Historic Centre of Macau—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Senado Square, the Ruins of Saint Paul’s, and Mount Fortress, which perfectly capture the beauty of Chinese and Portuguese architecture.
For foodies, a Macanese-Portuguese lunch at A Lorcha is a mustn’t-miss! This restaurant serves both vibes and delicious food from the 500 years of Portuguese cuisine as adapted in Asia. Don’t forget to sample the famous egg tarts at Lord Stow’s Bakery, too!
In the afternoon, have a taste of modern Macau at the Venetian Macao or Galaxy Macau. Even if you’re not into gambling and casinos, the architecture, indoor canals, and entertainment are definitely worth the visit!
Return to Hong Kong by evening ferry (ferries run until midnight), or take the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge shuttle for a scenic land transfer.
Day 4: Sheung Wan, Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok
After the excitement of Macau and Disneyland, check out the contrasting neighborhoods that shape Hong Kong’s unique urban character.
In the morning, hit the hipster favorite Sheung Wan. Sit down for morning coffee or tea in an Insta-worthy café on Tai Ping Shan Street, then visit Man Mo Temple, one of the city’s oldest temples. It is best known for its green tired roof as well as for well-preserved artifacts like a bronze bell cast that date as far back as the Qing Dynasty. While in the area, you can also browse local art galleries, antique shops, and traditional Chinese medicine stores that are as fascinating as they sound.
Your next stop is Sham Shui Po. This gritty neighborhood is famous for two things: Yummy street food and electronics. Sample the Michelin-recommended soy milk at rice rolls at Hop Yik Tai or the silky tofu pudding at Kung Wo Beancurd Factory. Then, check out Apliu Street for electronics and Ki Lung Street for authentic Hong Kong textiles.
Finally, wrap up your last full day in Hong Kong at one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods—Mong Kok. This ever-bustling district is a tourist hotspot for affordable souvenirs and delicious bites.
Get all your pasalubong shopping done at Ladies Market or get new kicks on Fa Yuen Street, which is better known as “Sneakers Street.” Once you’re done with all the shopping, enjoy a meal at a local cha chaan teng, a Hong Kong-style diner, or try the world-famous dim sum at Tim Ho Wan for a budget-friendly Michelin-star experience.
Day 5: Ngong Ping 360, Departure
On your last day in Hong Kong, check out of your hotel and head early to Tung Chung to take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. For extra thrill, book the crystal cabin in advance to get glass-bottom views of the mountains and the sea!
This 25-minute ride will take you to the scenic Ngong Ping Village, where you can visit the majestic Tian Tan Buddha or Big Buddha, but not before scaling 268 steps that will also treat you to sweeping views of Lantau Island. If you have a bit of time to spare, explore the peaceful grounds of Po Lin Monastery, and take a short walk to the Wisdom Path, where there is a collection of 38 pillars with Buddhist scripture inscriptions.
Take the same gondola ride back to Tung Chung and make your way to the airport via the Airport Express MTR. The trip on the train takes about just 15 minutes!
Now, you might be wondering about what to do with your luggage as you go last-minute sightseeing. The good news is the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal offers luggage storage services during opening hours. Storage fees are at HK$100 per piece and you don’t have to place a booking to have your belongings temporarily stored. Keep in mind, though, that you must pick up your luggage before the closing time of Ngong Ping Cable Car on the same day.
Big Sky Hong Kong Travel Tips
- Get an Octopus Card! This rechargeable card works great for transport and vending machine purchases, making it more convenient than cash!
- If you are taking a side trip to Macau, always have your passport on you even if you’re just staying there for a day. Macau’s border control officers run regular or random checks and you wouldn’t want to get in trouble.
- Keep coins for market stalls and smaller vendors since some don’t accept cards or Octopus.
- When visiting temples, dress modestly. Also avoid taking photos where signs prohibit.
- It would be best to time your Disneyland visit on a weekday as weekends are extra-crowded.
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