By Nihit Anand
Hong Kong is considered to be of the most expensive cities in the world to travel. But when I went there, I soon discovered that you can make the most of the city without breaking the bank. Yes! Let’s find out how.
Accommodation
Staying in a 5 star hotel was definitely not on my cards. Instead, I was looking for a dorm or a hostel. I eventually got a place where I could spend 5 good days, via Airbnb – “Check Inn HK” in Wan Chai. Pretty reasonable as well, since I had to pay only Rs 13988 or $1592 HKD for 5 full-fledged days. Moreover, it also offers adventurous activities like trekking to Victoria Peak or Dragon’s Peak. The best thing about these adventures was that they were absolutely free of cost.
You’ll find ample of hostels and dorms around the city, especially in areas like Kowloon, Wan Chai, Jordan and Tsim Sha Tsui. You can book your accommodation via Airbnb or Booking.com.
Transportation
Hopping on taxis to travel in Hong Kong can be really expensive – I speak from experience. It is a better idea to commute using MTR (Mass Transit Railway) – it’s easily accessible and hassle-free as well. You’ll need an Octopus Card when using the MTR – it is a value card, giving you a safe and secure option to pay. It can also be used in trams, buses, supermarkets, convenience stores and McDonald’s. Super convenient!
Food
Local cuisine in HK is the best, and a must-try since it is relatively cheaper. If you’re wary of trying out street food, the next best thing would be to eat from McDonald’s or KFC. Otherwise, the go-to option is the 7-Eleven store where you can find cheap drinks and snacks.
Sightseeing for free
Going to places for free was a blessing in disguise for me. Some of the places I visited totally for free, were :
Symphony of Lights : Boy oh Boy! What a magical experience it was. Witnessing the spectacular light from behind the skyscrapers, with soulful music in the background was worth every second. You can witness the show every night at Victoria Harbour from the Tsim Sha Tsui side.
Victoria Harbour and Clock Tower : Victoria Harbour is known as the heart of the city. It was a double treat for me, what with the breathtaking view of the Hong Kong skyline. On the other hand, the famous Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower has its head held high on the shore.
Victoria Peak – Also known as The Peak, this is where I did my first trek. You can get to the Peak by a tram, which cost $47 HKD for children and $99 HKD for adults. But another, and more fun way, is to hike up there – for free! It can be exhausting if you’ve never trekked before, but who wouldn’t want to hike up there and see the view of the whole city for free?
Avenue of Stars – Honestly I just went here to see the Bruce Lee statue, but stumbled upon some other iconic gems. The garden also has handprint plaques of the celebrities from Chinese Film Industry. Located along the Tsim Sha Tsui riverfront, this place is a must-visit!
Hong Kong Observation Wheel – Located beside Hong Kong Maritime Museum, a ride will just cost you $10 HKD, and is worth every single penny.
Lastly, walking around the city is the best possible way to explore HK, but it might just tire you out.
Shopping
Expect the unexpected in Hong Kong when it comes to shopping – retail therapy here is actually pretty cheap! The street markets here throng with life, giving you a true sense of what life in HK looks like. You can buy clothes, souvenirs, antiques, electronics, and a lot more here.
Ladies Market – One of the most famous markets in Hong Kong, the Ladies Market is located in Mong Kok. As the name suggests, it has everything that a woman would typically want to buy – from clothes, and cosmetics to jewellery. There is absolutely no bar on men shopping from here – the name is just a local coinage that has stuck.
Apliu Street Flea Market – I spent my last day in HK here. You’ll find second-hand electronic devices and gadgets here, along with some rare antique treasures! The stall streets were heavily crowded, but know that you won’t regret your visit here.
So, stop worrying about running out of money, and make the most of your bucks in Hong Kong.
Team TS adds : For more ideas on how to get the max bang from your buck, check out ideas from a local on How to Enjoy Kyoto For 8300 Yen A Day!
Featured video courtesy : Expedia
