How you can enjoy big experiences without big spending
If you are thinking of your next getaway from Malaysia, Hong Kong should be on your radar – not just for its iconic skyline or dim sum legends, but for the wealth of experiences that do not cost a fortune. Easy to reach, crazy efficient to get around and absolutely full of surprises around every corner, Hong Kong proves budget travel can still mean rich rewards.
Quality experiences that do not break bank
One of the first things you will notice about Hong Kong is how much culture and scenery you can enjoy for free.
The West Kowloon Art Park is perfect for a romantic stroll, with many dining options along its long waterfront promenade, which gives dazzling sunset views of the harbour.
Furthermore, nearby museums such as M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum will please the most discerning cultural aficionados.
Looking for a quirky plan? Check out Cheung Chau or Lamma Island – charming ferry rides away – where you can spend the day hiking, beaching or enjoying seafood villages.
Smart, easy transport
Grab an Octopus Card as soon as you arrive – this reloadable smart card works on MTR, buses, ferries and even at convenience stores, letting you zip around with a single tap. From the airport, the city is just 30 minutes away thanks to the affordable and efficient Airport Express.
For classic local vibes, hop on the Hong Kong tram, or called “Ding Ding” by the locals, on Hong Kong Island to soak in urban life from the top deck. The flat fee of about HK$3 (RM1.50) applies regardless of distance travelled, providing for an astoundingly cheap way to get around. And of course, the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour costs just a few Hong Kong dollars – delivering sky-high views without sky-high fees.
Free, low-cost highlights
Some of the best Hong Kong moments, especially for movie buffs and foodies, are affordable or free:
a) Kowloon Walled City movie set exhibition
For no cost at all, visit the nostalgia-evoking sets of the award-winning film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In at the Kowloon Walled City. This exhibition showcases not only the movie sets but also the outstanding creativity and craftsmanship of Hong Kong film professionals, who joined hands to recreate the famous Walled City, which was demolished in the early 1990s.
b) Yau Ma Tei Police Station
For HK$30, visit one of the city’s few surviving pre-war police stations, where classic Hong Kong police and crime films were shot outside of. Past a retro-style cinema entrance, you will encounter iconic heroes and villains, and immerse yourself in the intense world of brawls and the gritty realities faced by police and criminals.
c) Oi Man Sang restaurant
Hong Kong food is legendary across the globe, but you do not need to splurge to get a good meal. Oi Man Sang is a spectacular example of this – this iconic establishment offers an elevated and quintessential dai pai dong experience, with a live cooking station by the street side, stove blazing while cooks toss ingredients in the hot wok and quickly stir-fry vegetables, meat and seafood.
For quick pointers on where to eat, you can consult Taste Hong Kong. More than 50 master chefs have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout the city in this culinary guide, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again.
Whether you are craving skyline views, local eats, lush hikes or cultural corners, Hong Kong offers value travel without compromise. Find the best travel offers and packages at www.discoverhongkong.com and look up where you can eat once you land by visiting tastehk.discoverhongkong.com/en
