Hong Kong – Macau on a Budget as a Filipino Traveler
Hi mga ka-travelers! I want to share something close to my heart: how to enjoy Hong Kong and Macau without breaking the bank. Para sa atin na mahilig mag-travel pero laging mindful sa budget, this guide will show you na kahit famous destinations like HK and Macau, puwedeng sulit na biyahe pa rin.
I know a lot of kababayans, both in the Philippines and abroad, dream of visiting these cities—some for the shopping, others for Disneyland, and many just to experience the culture and food. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with tried-and-tested hacks, tips, and budget-friendly routes.
Why Hong Kong and Macau?
Honestly, these two spots are perfect for Filipinos. Una, visa-free entry for Pinoys for up to 14 days. Second, flights from Manila, Cebu, or Clark are usually affordable, lalo na kapag may seat sale. Third, you get to experience both worlds in one trip:
Hong Kong = skyscrapers, shopping, Disney magic, and bustling city vibes.
Macau = a mix of Portuguese heritage, casinos, and amazing street food.
Top Budget Hacks for Hong Kong – Macau
1. Book Smart: Flights & Ferry Combo
You can also try out some apps like Skyscanner or Traveloka. It will show you which dates are cheapest. Tipid hack: fly into Hong Kong and fly out from Macau (or vice versa).
When booking flights, always compare prices. Follow the social media pages of budget airlines that you plan to take. I make sure to follow Air Asia and Cebu Pacific’s Facebook Page for seat sale announcements.
To cross between the two, you have two options:
Ferry from Hong Kong (Sheung Wan or Kowloon) to Macau (around 1 hour). Budget about HKD 170–200 (₱1,200–1,400).
Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge buses – cheaper at around HKD 65 (₱450).Always check promo fares. Minsan mas mura pa mag-book ng round trip from HK tapos ferry papuntang Macau. For our trip, we decided to take the TurboJet ferry going to and from Macau.
Always check promo fares. Minsan mas mura pa mag-book ng round trip from HK tapos ferry papuntang Macau. For our trip, we decided to take the TurboJet ferry going to and from Macau.
Accommodation: Go for Hostels & Guesthouses
Hotels in Central or Tsim Sha Tsui can be pricey, but budget travelers know the trick: Mong Kok, Jordan, or Sham Shui Po hostels. Prices range from ₱800–₱1,500 per night.
In Macau, you can stay near Rua da Felicidade or Taipa Village for cheaper options compared to Cotai strip hotels.
Classy tipid hack: You may also want to book through Agoda or Booking.com with cashback or rewards points—malaking tulong din! Kung laging ito ang mga gamit mo for bookings, you’ll earn points plus makikita mo pa ung mga discounted accommodations nila.
In this trip we decided to book Grand Bay Hotel located at 123 Castle Peak Rd ,Ting Kau, Tsuen, Wan, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China, 852 and Charterhouse Causeway Bay located at No.209-219 Wanchai Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Get an Octopus Card
Isa sa pinaka-importante: Octopus Card. This reloadable card lets you pay for MTR (subway), buses, ferries, even convenience stores.
Why it’s a hack:
Discounted fares compared to single tickets.
Hassle-free—no need to queue every ride.
Can also be used in Macau’s buses if you buy the Macau Pass version.
Trust me, sobrang sulit. Kung may matira pa sa Octopus Card load mo, you can redeem it at the airport once you return the card.
Free (or Almost Free) Attractions
In Hong Kong:
Victoria Harbour & Symphony of Lights (free show every 8 PM).
Avenue of Stars – selfie spot with Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee statues.
Nan Lian Garden – peaceful and Instagram-worthy.
Temple Street Night Market – sulit food trip and shopping.
In Macau:
Senado Square – iconic Portuguese-style plaza.
Ruins of St. Paul’s – must-see landmark.
Taipa Houses Museum – culture and history in one.
Free hotel shuttles! Use the casino buses even if you’re not gambling—yes, libre.
Food Hacks: Eat Like a Local
Food can eat up your budget, pero maraming hacks:
In Hong Kong, eat at Cha Chaan Teng (local diners). Meals can be as low as HKD 35–40 (₱250).
Try dim sum sa mga small shops, not touristy restaurants.
For a quick fix, 7-Eleven meals are surprisingly filling.
In Macau, don’t miss:
Pork chop buns – iconic street food, around MOP 20 (₱140).
Egg tarts – must-try! The famous Lord Stow’s Bakery is still budget-friendly.
DIY Tours Instead of Packages
Package tours sound convenient but can cost double. Instead, do it DIY style:
In Hong Kong, use the MTR to get around. Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360 are just a train + short bus ride away.
In Macau, explore Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s, and Taipa Village on foot.
Tipid but classy hack: download offline maps on your phone and also ask locals para hindi ka maligaw. Check for Klook’s discounted rates. Most of our tours were booked via Klook. Sobrang convenient at hassle-free talaga.
Travel Off-Season
Kung kaya ng schedule mo, avoid holidays like Chinese New Year or Golden Week. Flights and hotels skyrocket. Instead, go in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November).
Weather is pleasant, mas konti ang tao, at mas mura lahat.
Souvenir Strategy
Kung bibili ka ng pasalubong, huwag sa airport. Try Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok (for shirts, keychains, tote bags) or Red Market in Macau (local snacks and goodies).
Hack: haggle politely—Pinoy style charm works!
Itinerary Sample: 4 Days, 3 Nights
Here’s a quick guide you can follow (from the resource sheet):
Day 1: Hong Kong
Arrive, check in at hostel
Victoria Harbour + Symphony of Lights
Temple Street Night Market dinner
Day 2: Hong Kong
Disneyland (whole day)
Night stroll at Mong Kok
Day 3: Macau
Ferry to Macau
Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul’s
Taipa Village food trip
Free shuttle to Cotai strip casinos (window shopping lang!)
Day 4: Macau → Fly Home
Morning egg tart + coffee
Last-minute pasalubong shopping
Mga ka-travelers, Hong Kong and Macau may sound expensive, pero with the right hacks, you can enjoy the best of both worlds without overspending. It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about the experience, the memories, and the joy of discovering new places.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or balikbayan na gusto ng quick getaway, remember: sulit ang bawat biyahe if you plan smart, spend wisely, and enjoy every moment.
So pack your bags, bring your Octopus card, and let’s make your Hong Kong–Macau adventure unforgettable!
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