Guess which country it is? Yep, Hong Kong! 🇭🇰 It’s basically the starter pack for most Filipino travelers. And in the same year as our very first DIY international trip (2024, you’re iconic), we made another one happen, a spontaneous summer trip in September!
As always, we traveled as a family: me, Noah, and our little munchkin, Nacha. She was beyond excited to visit the Frozen World, where Elsa and Anna live. (She really said, “Nanay, we’re going to Frozen World!”) 😭 But honestly, it wasn’t just her dream. (Of course, I dreamed of this too.) Growing up in a family that only had enough to get by (like, literally just surviving most days), I made a promise to myself: “Someday, when I have my own family, I’ll make sure they see the world with me.” Life is short. We never know when it ends. So if we get the chance to go somewhere beautiful with the people we love, we go. (Okay wow, that got deep, I’m just being me.)
We only had three months to prepare for this trip. (I know, I know, it was one of those “should I do this or be responsible?” moments. 😂) But something in me just couldn’t shake it off. My fingers were literally itching to book those tickets. And I’m so glad I did because this trip turned out to be unforgettable and extra special as we also celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. 🥹
This wasn’t about showing off or chasing clout. It was about saying yes to adventure, about choosing to celebrate ordinary moments with love and purpose. That’s what this trip meant to us.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing the full experience, from our Davao to Hong Kong flight, staying connected with internet on the go, our accommodation stories (from budget to bongga!), where and what we ate, the tourist spots we explored, how we got around with transportation, the must-have mobile apps, September weather tips, and of course, our ultimate Hong Kong highlight. ✨
DVO-HKG-DVO
We booked our round-trip flight via Cebu Pacific for ₱41,591.21, family of three, back and forth. Not bad for an international trip, right? (Yes, still on a budget, even on our second try! 😂) It took about 3 hours, and we landed safe and sound. Praise the Father! 🙏
Connection, baby.
What’s the first thing on my mind when landing in another country? INTERNET CONNECTION. (You get me, right?) 😂 As a working-from-anywhere mom, I don’t just need directions, I need full online access for possible work emergencies. So yes, we pre-booked an eSIM from Klook, and I’m telling you, it was a total lifesaver! Just scan the code, follow the steps, and boom, connected. (No need for a physical SIM or pocket WiFi.)
But warning: not all phones are compatible, usually only newer iPhones and Samsungs, so double-check before buying.
Octopus Card
Let me just say this loud and clear: DO. NOT. SKIP. THE. OCTOPUS CARD. 😂 If you’re heading to Hong Kong, this little card is your bestie. Like, ride-or-die travel buddy vibes. In our case, we used the Octopus Card purely for transportation budget, super helpful to keep track of our daily expenses while hopping around the city.
We pre-booked ours through Klook (HK Tourist Octopus Card with HK$50 preloaded), and paid ₱1,244.40 for 2 cards, which came down to about ₱622.20 each. (Pwede na! That’s around HK$50 load + the card deposit.) We picked it up at Hong Kong International Airport, Arrival Hall – Counter A13. Super easy, just show your mobile voucher and you’re good to go. ✨
The Redemption location is at the Hong Kong International Airport, Arrival Area – Counter A13. Their opening hours is from 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (so make sure you arrive within this time to claim it!) You can also redeem at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (Counter B2-15), but that’s more ideal if you’re coming in via high-speed rail from China or already in the city.
Now, let’s talk about the kids’ version. If you’re traveling with a little one, you’ll need to buy the Child Octopus Card in person, not yet available online or via Klook. We got Nacha’s card at the Airport Express Customer Service counter, just near the MTR area. It cost HK$70 total (HK$50 load + HK$20 refundable deposit). And yes, they might ask to see your child’s passport to confirm age, so have it ready! By the way, child rate is for ages 3 to 11.
Octopus Card isn’t just for trains. You can also use it on buses, trams, ferries, even 7-Eleven and McDo. But we stuck to using it for commuting for me to focus on budget tracking. (Yes, nanay-level planning yarn. 😂)
At the end of the trip, you can return the card and get your deposit + unused credits refunded (minus a small HK$11 handling fee). You can do this at any MTR Customer Service counter in the airport or major stations. Super smooth process.
So if you’re planning your own HK adventure:
- Get the Adult Octopus Card via Klook
- Buy the Child Card at the airport
- Load them with your estimated daily transpo budget
- Tap everywhere
Thank me later, gurl. Your feet (and wallet) will thank you. 😎💳
Accommodation Experience
We stayed in three different accommodations, and each one had its own vibe and story. And can I just say, the contrast between the first and last stay? Wild. 😂
1. Chungking Mansions
Our first 3 nights were spent in the infamous Chungking Mansions, booked via Trip.com (insert affiliate code here hehe). We paid ₱4,448.35 total, which came down to about ₱1,482 per night. (Super budget, yes, but wait ‘til you hear the vibe. 😅)
This isn’t your usual hotel-hotel. It’s more like a human maze, hallways upon hallways, dozens of small guesthouses, and people everywhere. (I’m not kidding, it’s so crowded that at some point, I could literally smell the cologne or body odor of the person standing next to me. 😂) It was noisy, intense, and felt like a marketplace inside a building. But still, it was an experience. (Not for the faint of heart, or maarte. But if you want real budget travel grit, this is it.)
2. Disneyland Hollywood Hotel
The Dream for One Night 💫
As a treat for our 5th wedding anniversary, we stayed here for one night. And wow, it was magical! (Also ₱20,190.84 for one night. That price tag though? 😂) But the Disney feels? Worth every cent. It wasn’t just a place to sleep, it was a full-on experience. We explored every corner, soaked in every detail. (Will write a separate blog post about this Disneyland Resort stay, so stay tuned!)
3. Solar Villas, Ma Wan Island
Our Peaceful Island Escape
After all the city rush, we ended our trip in Ma Wan Island, staying at Solar Villas for 3 nights. Booked in advance via Agoda, this place felt like a completely different world.
Walking to our hotel? We didn’t even pass by another human being. 😳 (Not joking, it was so quiet I felt like we were in a movie. Or like we were accidentally locked inside an abandoned resort 😂) It was peaceful, safe, and slow-paced. Ma Wan only has about 15,000–16,000 people living there, and you really feel that space and serenity.
And the best part? Despite being a literal island, public transport was so easy and accessible (HK, how do you do it??) Disclaimer: buses in Ma Wan Island is only until 11:30 PM, check this website for updates.
Eats
Food is everything and yes, so is your budget. 😂 Before this trip, I read tons of blogs about spending wisely when traveling. And one thing really stuck with me: the more you eat local, the more you experience the culture.
During our one-week stay in Hong Kong, I surprisingly fell in love with curries! (Didn’t see that coming!) On our first lunch there, we were actually craving something familiar, and just around the corner from Chungking Mansions, we spotted a Jollibee. And guess what they serve Chickenjoy with curry and broccoli! (I know, so adorable and weirdly fancy. 😂) It cost us HK$100 good for 3 persons. You even get to choose your rice: curry rice or mushroom rice. Bongga.
We also explored some of the local eateries inside Chungking Mansions, which felt like a melting pot of cultures: Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, and Filipino food all in one place. (Honestly, it was such a unique vibe. You hear different languages, see colorful menus, and smell spices from all over.) The Indian curry spot we tried there was so flavorful, and funny enough, it cost almost the same as Jollibee and Shake Shack.
On top of The Peak Tram, we treated ourselves to snack food at Bubba Gump, classic beef burgers and fries. Comfort food, but make it touristy. 😅
🥚Budget Hack Alert
Of course, we didn’t eat out every single meal. We brought a mini electric cooker we bought from TikTok Shop (because why not? 😂), and it came in super handy. During those midnight hunger attacks while I was still working on VA tasks, btw we cooked instant Hong Kong noodles and eggs. (VA life is all about balance: travel now, hustle at night. Haha.)
🍽️ Disney Dining: Chicken, Buffets, and Banquet Hall
While staying at Hong Kong Disneyland Hollywood Hotel, we had dinner at Walt’s Café and ordered one of their main course, Truffle Paste Spring Chicken Casserole for $398 (PHP 2,909.02). Never felt so luxurious (in a budget, sorta). In addition, we ordered 3 cups of rice, of course, we’re Pinoy.
The next morning, we went all in at the free breakfast buffet, a glorious mix of American and Chinese dishes. Nacha was living her best breakfast life with all the pastries and dumplings. (And so were we. 😂)
During our Disneyland Park visit, we dined at the Royal Banquet Hall, and this was what we ordered:
- Abalone Seafood and Chicken Rice Combo – HK$169
- Baked Porkchop with Rice Combo – HK$155
- Kid’s Meal – HK$95
Was it pricey? Yep. Was it worth it? Absolutely. (Part of the magic, you know?)
🍲 7-Eleven Dinner?
On our nights at Ma Wan Island, we kept it super simple and grabbed dinner from 7-Eleven. I ordered their pork stew, and I swear, it was SO good. Like, why is this better than some restaurant meals back home? 😅 Budget-friendly, flavorful, and hit the spot perfectly. I still think about it sometimes. (No joke.)
Tourist Spots
Here are the main attractions we visited during our Hong Kong and Macau adventure. They may be countable on one hand, but each one left a memory we’ll hold onto forever. (Yes, kahit napagod kami, naglakad ng malayo, pero happy pa rin 😅)
The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428
We rode the famous Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak, and the view was chef’s kiss. Seeing the entire Hong Kong skyline from above felt surreal. It’s definitely one of those “Wow, we’re really here” moments. (Even if it was hot, and my legs were shaking from excitement and exhaustion 😂)
Madame Tussauds… Kinda 😅
So technically… we didn’t go inside Madame Tussauds but we did see the entrance! 😅 It’s located at The Peak, so we passed by it and took photos outside. (That counts, right? Haha!) Nacha even posed with a wax figure at the lobby area, so we still got a small slice of the wax celeb experience without the full ticket price. Tipid win!
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort & Park
This was the highlight of all highlights. From the magical castle to the parade, rides, and the “Momentous” fireworks show, it was a full-blown dream come true. Nacha was starstruck by every princess, and I was lowkey crying behind my camera. (My inner child was healed, promise. 🥹) 🏰
Noah’s Ark, Ma Wan Island
Since we were staying in Ma Wan Island, our hotel was literally beside Noah’s Ark. We didn’t go inside, but we did walk by and admire it from the outside. (And yes, it’s a life-sized ark, as in malaki talaga!) It still made for a nice sight during our quiet strolls. (Also, the contrast from Chungking was real, from smelling people beside you to not seeing a soul on the street 😂)
🇲🇴 Macau Day Tour – The Parisian & The Londoner
Our day trip to Macau felt like a quick Europe escape! We visited The Parisian with its Eiffel Tower replica and The Londoner, where everything felt straight out of the UK. Super Instagrammable, super sosyal, and very worth the ferry ride.
We may not have ticked off every item on the typical HK-Macau tourist list, but each place we visited made us smile, bond as a family, and create memories that will last way longer than any souvenir. (Aww. Senti. Charing, but true.)
Transportation
From city streets to island corners, Hong Kong’s public transportation is next-level. Everything is accessible, on time, clean, and so reliable. Whether we were riding trains, buses, ferries, or trams, we never felt lost or unsafe.
As a Filipino traveler in such a progressive country, I couldn’t help but ask myself: “What if we had this back home?” Imagine a well-connected, clean, and efficient transit system from Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao, hindi lang ‘to para sa tourists, it would be life-changing for everyday commuters too. (Sigh. One day? Manifesting 🙏)
Payment Tips
Most transportation systems accept debit or credit cards, but some buses or ferries still prefer cash or Octopus cards, so it’s good to withdraw a bit from nearby ATMs just to be safe. (Trust me, you don’t want to be digging for coins while holding your child and Google Maps. 😂)
Train Talk
In my honest opinion? Hong Kong’s train system is better than Taiwan’s. Maybe because there are more English signs and announcements here, or maybe because everything just flows smoother. (Also, I noticed more English-speaking locals which helped us feel less lost!)
Bonus: We Rode a Ferry to Macau for Free!
One of the happiest surprises of our trip? We got to ride a ferry to Macau for FREE! 😍 Yes, you read that right.
We booked our ferry ride via TurboJet, and during that time, they had a promo for free one-way tickets from Hong Kong to Macau. (Yasss to budget travel wins!) We only paid for the return trip back to Hong Kong, which made our day trip extra sulit.
💡 Travel tip: Before your trip, make sure to check the TurboJet website to see if the free ticket promo is still available. They update it regularly, and if you catch it, winner ka, sis! 🎉
The ferry itself was clean, comfy, and offered beautiful views. It was a nice 1-hour break from walking, and Nacha loved staring out at the sea. (Instant quiet time. 😂)
HK Mobile Apps Must-Haves
Here are the essential mobile apps we installed (and actually used!) during our Hong Kong trip. Nothing fancy, just solid tools that saved us time, stress, and even money. (Especially when you’re a mom juggling maps, tickets, and a toddler asking for snacks. 😂)
Google Maps
An absolute life-saver, no matter where you go. Not just for directions, it also helped me find nearby playgrounds, grocery stores, MRT stations, and even restaurants when we were too tired to explore. (A must-have, period.)
City Mapper
If you want more accurate fare estimates than Google Maps, this is the app to use. City Mapper gives you detailed breakdowns of transport options such as bus, MTR, tram, even walking along with real-time costs. Super helpful when you’re budgeting every HKD and don’t want surprises at the turnstile.
Klook
If you don’t have Klook, download it now. We booked our activities, eSIM, Peak Tram tickets, and our Disneyland Park tickets through this app. It keeps all your bookings in one place and saves you from lining up in long queues. (Sobrang sulit, promise.)
Agoda / Trip.com
Use whichever app you booked your hotel with. (Needless to say, I know. But you’d be surprised how many people forget to install it. 😅) These apps made it easy to access our hotel info and manage changes on the go.
Currency Converter
Any reliable converter app will do! We used it constantly to track spending, check how much something actually costs in PHP, and plan our daily budget. (Very helpful if you want to go home with actual money in your wallet, not just memories. 😂)
I know these apps are super basic, but they worked for us, and they’ll definitely work for you too. Save this list for your own HK adventure!
Weather
If you’re planning to visit Hong Kong around mid-September, let me prepare you, it’s hotter than you think. 🥵 The humidity level? Wild. Even compared to the Philippines, Hong Kong’s summer can feel more intense. One minute it’s sunny and bright, the next, bam, rain showers out of nowhere. (Literal weather mood swings 😅)
We went in September thinking it would feel just like home, nope! My forehead was constantly shiny, and my hair? Let’s not talk about it. 😂 Buti na lang, we packed light and comfy.
Here are some weather survival tips I wish someone told me:
- Wear breathable clothes. Cotton, linen, or anything that won’t trap heat. (Leave the denim and long sleeves at home unless you enjoy sauna feels. 😂)
- Pack an umbrella or foldable raincoat. Trust me, the rain comes without warning. A small fan or cooling wipes wouldn’t hurt either!
- Bring comfy footwear. Expect a lot of walking, especially if you’re exploring theme parks, malls, or train stations. (My feet were crying by Day 3. 😂)
- Hydrate like crazy. Bring a reusable water bottle so you don’t have to keep buying. (Plus, it’s eco-friendly ✨)
The weather might be unpredictable, but with the right prep, you’ll still enjoy every moment. (Sweaty, yes. Regretful? Never!)
HK Highlight. A Fireworks Show That Healed My Inner Child (Legit 😭)
If there’s one moment from our entire trip that I’ll never forget, it’s this one: watching the “Momentous” fireworks show at Hong Kong Disneyland. 🌟
This wasn’t your typical “lights in the sky” kind of show. Nope. This was storytelling at its finest. For 20 magical minutes, we witnessed a breathtaking display of fireworks, 3D projection mapping, water effects, music, lights, flames, and full-on Disney feels. As in every second felt like it was hugging your heart. 🥹
My daughter Nacha was completely in awe. (I caught her holding her breath during the princess part. Same, girl. Same. 😭) And me? I was trying not to cry, until the scene where all the princes and princesses started singing and dancing on the castle projections, and the entire crowd sang along. People around us were clapping, tearing up, smiling at strangers. It was this shared, emotional moment where everyone felt like a kid again.
Goosebumps. Literal. All over. 😭
And you know what? That show didn’t just impress me, it moved me. It was the most beautiful closure to my childhood dreams. I didn’t grow up with theme park trips or grand vacations, but standing there with my husband and daughter, watching Disney stories come to life, I felt seen. I felt healed. (Charing… but it’s true, really.)
Love lots 💜
Princess Joem “healed inner child, certified Disney crybaby”
