I never imagined Hong Kong would be the destination of my very first trip abroad. Looking back, this post has turned into something of a Hong Kong first-time travel guide in disguise — but back then, it was just the thought of visiting a vibrant, culturally rich place that felt beyond my wildest expectations. I still remember the thrill of boarding my first international flight—nervous, exhilarated, and completely unprepared for how much this trip would change me.
Quick Trip Facts
- 📅 Dates: November 1–5, 2017 (4 nights / 5 days)
- 💸 Rough daily budget: Meals from HK$20 (street food) to HK$100+ (sit-down); transport covered by one reloadable card
- 🚇 Getting around: Octopus Card—HK$150 to start, reloadable, works on MTR, buses, and most convenience stores
- 🛬 Airport to city: Airport Express train + City Flyer A21 double-decker bus to Tsim Sha Tsui
- 🏨 Where we stayed: Golden Crown Guesthouse, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
- 🛂 Entry: Filipino passport holders get visa-free entry to Hong Kong for short stays (always double-check current requirements before you book—policies change)
- 🎡 Must-do: Hong Kong Disneyland, Kowloon Park, Avenue of Stars, Mong Kok night market
Traveling with my companion, our hearts were racing with excitement as we passed through NAIA Terminal 3—immigration, security, and boarding. The reality of the upcoming adventure began to sink in, filling me with exhilaration and nervous anticipation. Every announcement at the airport echoed differently that day. My heart was racing, my stomach was fluttering, and my low-resolution phone’s camera was ready to capture everything.
Arrival at Hong Kong International Airport
Our plane touched down, and suddenly everything was unfamiliar—the sights, the smells, and the mix of Cantonese and English on every announcement and sign. I realized I was no longer on familiar ground. The airport’s energy was overwhelming, but in the best way.
We took the airport train to immigration, where the officer issued an arrival card instead of stamping my passport. After grabbing our luggage and a quick dinner at McDonald’s, we bought our first Octopus Card for HK$150 — the reloadable card that ended up carrying us through every MTR ride, bus trip, and even a few convenience store snacks for the rest of the trip. Getting that card felt like a small initiation into the city. Hong Kong’s transport system amazed me immediately: smooth, clean, and shockingly easy for a first-timer to figure out.
Traveling to Our Guesthouse
We boarded the City Flyer A21 double-decker bus to our guesthouse on Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It had CCTV, free Wi-Fi, and proper luggage racks—a small but telling sign of how traveler-friendly Hong Kong’s transport is.
The ride gave me my first real look at the city: skyscrapers, neon signs, and streets full of people. Hong Kong felt alive in a way that made my pulse quicken.
We arrived at Golden Crown Guesthouse relieved to find a comfortable room for four, with a private bathroom, TV, free Wi-Fi, and hot and cold drinking water. The location was ideal—walking distance to MTR stations, restaurants, shopping, and tourist spots, with airport buses passing right by.
Day 2: Spending the Day in Disneyland
We started at 8:30 AM, exchanged some currency, and grabbed breakfast at a street stall—dried seafood noodles with a milk drink for HK$20. It was my first taste of Hong Kong street food, and it did not disappoint.
Before Disneyland, we stopped by the serene Kowloon Park, where middle-aged locals were doing their morning exercises and flamingos strolled around the garden like they owned the place. From there we wandered the Avenue of Stars, pausing at tributes to Hong Kong legends like Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
We took the MTR Tung Chung Line, transferred to the Disneyland Resort Line at Sunny Bay, and stepped into Hong Kong Disneyland. It was pure nostalgia—meeting my favorite Disney characters in person for the first time as an adult. The Flights of Fantasy parade filled the streets with color and music, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
After a snack of mint chocolate and an egg tart (both felt like a small celebration of new beginnings), we explored Tomorrowland and stayed until the fireworks ended, well past 9 PM.
The Contrast of Mong Kok
Exhausted but wired, we hopped on a packed train to Mong Kok. The night market was loud, colorful, and full of vendors bargaining over souvenirs—it reminded me of Divisoria back home, right down to the vendors chasing after customers.
The contrast hit me hard: from the choreographed joy of Disneyland to the chaotic pulse of street vendors and haggling shoppers. That contrast—order and chaos, fantasy and reality—is what Hong Kong is actually made of.
We grabbed a late dinner despite the hour: a hot bowl of beef noodles, rich and comforting after a long day. A bit of light shopping later, we headed back to Tsim Sha Tsui, calling it a day with our hearts full.
Moments That Stayed with Me
That trip wasn’t just sightseeing; it was a first encounter with a world beyond my comfort zone. Each smell, sound, and street corner became a story etched into my memory. From quiet moments in Kowloon Park to the neon-lit madness of Mong Kok, Hong Kong taught me how thrilling, overwhelming, and beautiful first experiences can be.
Looking back at my 2017 photos now, I laugh at how low-res they all are—fuzzy colors, barely visible details. But every shot still brings back the thrill of that very first trip abroad. Sometimes it’s not about perfect pictures. It’s about capturing memories that make your heart smile years later.
If You’re Planning Your Own First Trip to Hong Kong
A few things I wish I’d known before this trip:
- Get your Octopus Card at the airport—it saves time and works almost everywhere, from trains to convenience stores.
- Base yourself in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok — both are central, walkable, and well-connected by MTR.
- Give Disneyland a full day—it’s smaller than the US parks, but the lines and parade timing still eat up hours fast.
- Eat at street stalls, not just restaurants—some of my best meals cost under HK$20.
- Check current visa requirements before booking—Kok—both Filipino passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry for short visits, but policies can change, so verify with the Hong Kong Immigration Department close to your travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipinos need a visa to visit Hong Kong?
Filipino passport holders can currently enter Hong Kong visa-free for short tourist stays. Requirements can change, so it's worth checking the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website close to your travel dates.
How much does an Octopus Card cost, and is it worth it?
Our Octopus Card cost HK$150 to start (including a refundable deposit) and covered nearly every MTR ride, bus trip, and convenience store purchase for the whole trip. For any first-time visitor, it's essentially essential.
How many days do you need for a first trip to Hong Kong?
We spent 4 nights / 5 days and it felt like a good introduction — enough time for a full Disneyland day, a night in Mong Kok, and time to explore Kowloon without rushing. Five to seven days would let you add Hong Kong Island and Macau.
What's the best way to get from the airport to Tsim Sha Tsui?
We took the Airport Express train to the city, then the City Flyer A21 double-decker bus directly to Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui — a simple, well-signed route even for first-time travelers.
Is Hong Kong Disneyland worth visiting as an adult?
Completely. It's smaller and more walkable than the US parks, and the nostalgia of meeting classic Disney characters in person hits just as hard as a kid.
I traveled to Hong Kong on November 01-05, 2017, with my friends. This adventure wasn’t just a vacation; it was the beginning of a journey of exploration, learning, and unforgettable experiences abroad. From the bustling streets of Mong Kok to the magical Disneyland and the serene moments in Kowloon Park, Hong Kong gave me my first taste of international travel—and left me hungry for more adventures to come.
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