If you’re into:
1. Disney
2. Food
3. Shopping
4. culture
Hong Kong and Macau should definitely be on your travel list. It’s a whole different world full of exciting experiences—and trust me, you won’t regret it!
Traveling to experience a new culture is something you never forget, and my trip to Hong Kong and Macau was just that—short but unforgettable. In just four days, I managed to explore Disneyland Hong Kong, Macau, and the bustling streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. It was a whirlwind adventure, but one that left a lasting impression.
First stop: Macau!
This place has it all—tourist spots, history, food, and culture. One of the coolest moments was stepping into the casinos. It felt like being in a movie, minus the heists. We sipped on free coffee and juice while marveling at the amazing displays. Macau’s attractions are something else, like their own versions of the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben. They’re totally majestic and surprisingly fitting in this unique city.
As a former Portuguese colony, Macau has a fascinating mix of cultures. You can see the Portuguese influence in the architecture, tourist spots, and even the language. The ruins of St. Paul’s stand out the most—it’s a glimpse into the city’s religious roots and a reminder of its history. With so many Christians and Portuguese speakers, Macau feels like an entirely different flavor of Hong Kong. For me, it’s an incredibly interesting place with so much to offer.
Day two took us to the happiest place on Earth—Hong Kong Disneyland!
Disneyland is a vast place with countless things to do. There are several themed parks to visit, each offering unique experiences. Growing up, Disneyland felt like a far-off fairytale. But being there brought out my inner child, and I couldn’t help but feel enchanted by the beloved characters and magical atmosphere. The rides were thrilling, but the absolute highlight was the fireworks display. It’s more than just a light show—it’s pure magic, paired with Disney tunes that pull at your heart. I get why people get emotional watching it. It’s like being transported back to childhood—when life was innocent, carefree, and full of joy.
Exploring the Rides and Adventures
One of the highlights is the modern theme park, where you can witness advancements in technology through 3D visual games and rides. Another exciting area is the Marvel theme park, where you can meet your favorite Marvel characters, such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Black Widow. The 5D rides in this section make you feel as if you are part of an interactive game; it’s a lot of fun!
You can also experience the Galaxy Theme rides, which feature a dark environment illuminated by laser lights. Personally, I didn’t enjoy this ride too much as it is quite dark and intense, which can be overwhelming.
My favorite part of Disneyland is the Frozen Park. Here, you can see Elsa, Anna, and all the beloved characters from Frozen. There’s a ride that takes you along a river while the iconic Frozen theme song plays in the background. You’ll get to see Anna and Elsa singing and interacting, making it feel like you’re reliving the magic of Frozen.
Another attraction is the Jungle theme park, where you can explore the wild and encounter various animals. There are also magic rooms where pictures on the wall come to life, moving and talking, often changing colors. These magical moments happen quickly, so be sure not to miss anything!
There are so many rides to explore, but one I will never try is the Vikings ride, which involves swinging on a big ship. I know that ride would make me really uncomfortable! However, the roller coaster rides are incredibly fun and filled with excitement. In summary, there is an abundance of activities to enjoy at this theme park!
Our final day was all about Tsim Sha Tsui and experiencing Hong Kong’s vibrant city life.
We visited the Avenue of Stars, a famous attraction in Hong Kong. We went in the afternoon when it was quite hot. This place features handprints and statues of renowned Hong Kong superstars. Victoria Harbour is also a tourist attraction in itself, offering a different perspective of the city, and the breeze in this area is refreshing. There are many restaurants and coffee shops to explore as well. It’s a great place for a night stroll, as you’ll be able to enjoy the city lights. The area is unique and has served as a filming location for many famous movies.
In summary, on that day, we rode the subway, window-shopped, tried unique local dishes, and walked along the harbor for a different view of the city. The best part? Grabbing souvenirs and accessories to take home. Hong Kong truly is a shopper’s paradise, but I left with more than just great items—I left with memories that I will always cherish.
How do I get through Hong Kong and Macau?
I started my trip to Hong Kong from Dubai, UAE. The easiest way to reach Hong Kong is to fly with Cathay Pacific, which offers direct flights. However, direct flights can sometimes be expensive. If you’re not in a hurry and can spare some time at other airports, flying with different airlines can be a good option.
For my trip to Hong Kong, I flew with Singapore Airlines and had a layover at Chiang Mai International Airport for one and a half hours, which was pretty short. The flight from Dubai to Singapore took about 8 hours, and then the flight from Singapore to Hong Kong took another 3 hours. One of the benefits of flying with a reputable airline like Singapore Airlines is the quality of the food and the in-flight entertainment, including small screen TVs, which help make the journey more enjoyable.
In total, I saved around 600 AED by choosing Singapore Airlines with connecting flights. It’s a significant amount, and since Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world, it was a smart choice!
Visa Requirements:
Filipino citizens generally do not require a visa to visit Hong Kong for up to 14 days. This means you can enter and explore Hong Kong for two weeks without the hassle of applying for a visa. As a result, Hong Kong has become one of the top travel destinations for many Filipinos.
Here are some of my photos from my trip to Hongkong and Macau.
