Say you go to Hong Kong for four days, just like we have as a family before. Chances are, a day each will be spent in Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and Macau—thus leaving only a day to really tour Hong Kong. With much to see in little time, I crafted and tried out this budget-friendly, one-day itinerary that covers the four districts of Hong Kong. Read more…
Ping Shan Heritage Trail (New Territories)
The Ping Shan Heritage Trail is a showcase of structures built by the imperial Tang clan of China. It includes the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, Shrine of the Earthgod, Sheung Cheung Wai, Yeung Hau Temple, Tang Ancestral Hall, Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall, Kun Ting Study Hall, Ching Shu Hin, and Hung Shing Temple. Each of these was constructed at least a century ago and has been impressively preserved by living Tang clan members and the government.
The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery (Lantau Island)
Tian Tan Buddha, one of Hong Kong’s icons, is a gigantic bronze statue of a Buddha Amoghasiddhi completed in 1993. The statue overlooks the nearby Ngong Ping Village and the Po Lin Monastery, a complex of prominent architectural structures. While at the monastery, the vegetarian meals and snacks are a must-try.
Causeway Bay and Central (Hong Kong Island)
Causeway Bay is where locals would come to shop—from branded stores to street markets. I’ve always been amazed at the rush going on at its streets. Central, meanwhile, is an all-powerful financial district and high-end shopping destination on weekdays, but on Sundays, our Filipino workforce in Hong Kong would spread mats and gather in huge numbers.
Stanley Market (Hong Kong Island)
Stanley Market shouldn’t be missed—it’s a haven of cheap souvenir shops and Chinese art stores. The highlight, however, is the long, romantic promenade fronting the beach, where expats and some locals chill out with artisanal food and handcrafted beer.
Hong Kong Museum of Art (Kowloon)
Boasting 15,000 pieces of Chinese art, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is arguably the most popular among the territories’ many museums. What we chanced recently however was a special exhibit, pop artist Andy Warhol’s 15 Minutes Eternal. It was worth more than the 10 HKD (~52 PHP) admission we spent as students.
A Symphony of Lights and the Avenue of Stars (Kowloon)
Any first timer in Hong Kong must marvel at A Symphony of Lights, a synchronized lights, laser, and music show from 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor. Afterwards, a walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, by the Avenue of Stars is worth the experience.
Nathan Road (Kowloon)
Nathan Road is perhaps the busiest thoroughfare in Hong Kong, and because of the tourist draw, it is lined with an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Walking there at night with all the people, vehicles, and lights gives quite a rush. Be sure to check out its side streets.
Temple Street Night Market (Kowloon)
Temple Street Market is one of the most popular night bazaars in Hong Kong. It’s fascinating to get lost in its conglomeration of shops selling trinkets and curiosities, and interestingly, there are street performances and fortune tellers too. For even more bargain shopping, Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street is nearby. Be ready to haggle.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
6:00 AM Depart for Yuen Long MTR Station
6:45 AM Ping Shan Heritage Trail
8:15 AM Depart for Tung Chung MTR Station
9:00 AM Breakfast at Citygate Outlets
9:30 AM Depart for Ngong Ping Village by Bus
10:30 AM The Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Ngong Ping Village
1:00 PM Depart for Causeway Bay
2:15 PM Shopping at Causeway Bay
3:15 PM Depart for Central by Tram
3:45 PM Depart for Stanley Market by Bus
4:30 PM Stanley Market
5:45 PM Depart for Central by Bus
6:30 PM Depart for Tsim Sha Tsui by Star Ferry
7:00 PM Hong Kong Museum of Art
8:00 PM A Symphony of Lights and Avenue of Stars
8:45 PM Shopping at Nathan Road Shops
9:45 PM Late Dinner in Kowloon
10:30 PM Temple Street Night Market
11:30 PM Coffee and Street Food in Kowloon
BASIC BUDGET SUMMARY (Exchange Rate: 1 HKD = 5.50 PHP)
MTR Unlimited Tourist Day Pass 52 HKD 286 PHP
McDonald’s Breakfast at Citygate Outlets 28 HKD 154 PHP
Bus Fare to Ngong Ping Village (Both Ways, Sunday Rate) 34 HKD 187 PHP
Vegetarian Snack and Soy Milk at Po Lin Monastery 22 HKD 121 PHP
Tram Fare from Causeway Bay to Central 2 HKD 11 PHP
Bus Fare to Stanley Market (Both Ways) 18 HKD 99 PHP
Gourmet Burger, Sour Cream Fries, and Soda at Cafe Grouchos 75 HKD 412 PHP
Star Ferry Fare to Tsim Sha Tsui 3 HKD 16 PHP
Hong Kong Museum of Art (Student Rate, 20 HKD Regular) 10 HKD 55 PHP
Roast Pork Rice Bowl at a Kowloon Dai Pai Dong 28 HKD 154 PHP
Soda and Bottled Water 15 HKD 82 PHP
Triple Chocolate Waffle at Sweet Tooth Dessert and Deli House 45 HKD 247 PHP
TOTAL 332 HKD 1824 PHP
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