A Weekend in Hong Kong
Alvin Adriano • March 27, 2018

Whether you are fortunate to have an extended layover in Hong Kong or are embarking a cruise from its ship port, with its delectable cuisine and massive number of skyscrapers, intertwined with the ancient and modern China, you can cover much of the city in a short period of time and stay within whatever budget you might have. The great thing is that Hong Kong allows visa-free entry from over 150 countries from 7 days to 3 months; check with your local embassy to see if your country is one of these and how long of stay you are allowed. Also, even though the first language is Chinese (Cantonese to be exact), the second official language is English, which makes it very easy to communicate and explore the city. The street signs and directions are also translated to English as well as Chinese character. Unlike mainland China, the internet is not censored so you can stay in touch via social media as you will and use other commonly used applications such as Google Maps to help you get around.

The most important decisions to make when traveling to Hong Kong is hotel accommodations. You can choose from the downtown area (also known as Hong Kong Island) or stay across the Victoria Harbour on the landlocked portion called Kowloon. Staying on the island can be pricey, but you will be in the heart of the city. Hong Kong Island is known for being the historic and economic center of the city.

If you are looking for a more authentic experience, try staying in Kowloon. You will have the best view of the iconic skyline and enjoy the nightly Symphony of Lights show. Kowloon is also known for luxury shopping, parks and hip new neighborhoods. If you are on a budget or in transit to a cruise ship, Kowloon is must!

Getting around Hong Kong is fairly easy with alternate options by taxi, railways, and trams. Regardless of where you stay, Hong Kong’s vast railway system can get you practically anywhere, you can get from the airport to downtown in 30 minutes. You can find discounted tickets online to save some time and money, and send them to your smartphone for boarding. Taxis are readily available, which are all metered, clean, and fairly affordable. NOTE: Hong Kong drivers tend to all drive fast to get you to your destination (which isn’t always a bad thing)! Be careful not to confuse the tram and subway routes because they have similar routes in certain parts of the city.

Assorted dim sum in bamboo steamers with dipping sauce on a tableAfter you have made your way downtown and worked up an appetite, when in Hong Kong, you dim sum. Not only is it part of ancient Chinese tradition and a great way to excite your palette, it is also fun and an affordable experience. Dim sum restaurants are located throughout the city and will set you back on a few dollars per order (most orders contain 3-5 pieces). Another must have treat can be found on many street corners – fish balls. Small, deep fried or boiled bites of deliciousness, covered usually in a curry sauce. Quick and cheap, this option for on-the-go eating can easily satisfy your hunger while exploring. They are served throughout the day, so you can start your day or end a late night with them. Another staple in Hong Kong cuisine is barbecue. Roasted goose, chicken and pork can be found everywhere from the small local street shops to fancy sit down restaurants. Combined with rice or noodle and some vegetables, it is a complete meal that won’t leave you hungry.

One of the most visited areas is Victoria’s Peak which overlooks Hong Kong fromRed funicular climbing a hillside above a city skyline on a sunny dayatop a mountain side. Located on Hong Kong Island, you must conquer the 45-degree tram along the mountain side to see spectacular views from above. Check out Tian Tan Buddha (or big Buddha) statue located on Lantau Island, which is easily accessible by train or by ferry. TIP: Opt to take a 25-minute gondola ride to reach the statue aboard the Ngong Ping 360. Touted as one of the top ten amazing cable car rides in the world, you’ll enjoy scenic landscapes on your journey to the town of Tung Chung.

If time permits, you can make your way to Stanley Market, where you can find anything from little hand-made trinkets to top-shelf electronics. A must-see attraction for souvenirs as well as anything else you might be in the market to buy. Finish your day by enjoying a nightly light show on the city’s skyscrapers glamorously lit up at night. Since 2004, the Symphony of Light has become the signature icon for Hong Kong, showcasing the vibrancy and glamour of this international city.

There is never enough time to see all that a city has to offer however if you are tight on time a lot can be accomplished during a quick trip to Hong Kong. Purchase a day tour or half day tour to see some of the city’s iconic sites to maximize your time. If you are flexible and willing to venture out on your own, it is very easy to plan your own itinerary, but keep in mind some of the places are not as close as you think. Save yourself some time and money by booking things in advance but leave some room for spontaneity.

The post A Weekend in Hong Kong appeared first on Travelwise International.

By Sherry Silapheth March 1, 2022
Obtaining a PASSPORT: The dreaded chore… My experience and pro tips! The first thing you need in hand before vacationing is PASSPORTS. As a family of 6, I pushed this off for as long as I could. But 2022 was the year I wanted to really travel! So, we gathered all documents and we did it! And I wanted to document our process to … Read More Applying For Your Passport in 2022 The post Applying For Your Passport in 2022 appeared first on Travelwise International.
By Alvin Adriano April 2, 2021
I know many people have been affected by the ongoing travel restrictions imposed by the Philippine government due to the surging cases which continues to plague our country. We all have family, friends and reasons to go home, however hospitalization rates are up and we are on the brink of concern. We need your help to advocate and push for the quick response of … Read More Tell Congress to Advance the Deployment of the Vaccine to the Philippines The post Tell Congress to Advance the Deployment of the Vaccine to the Philippines appeared first on Travelwise International.
Blurred photo of an official government memo with a letterhead and numbered bullet points on white paper

By Alvin Adriano March 17, 2021
On March 16, 2021 The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases released a memorandum circular
By Alvin Adriano February 15, 2021
The Balikbayan Program as instituted by Republic Act 6768 (amended by Republic Act 9174) was launched by the Philippine Government to attract and encourage overseas Filipinos to come and visit their motherland. This is in recognition of their contribution to the economy of the country through the foreign exchange inflow and revenues that they generate. The program allows visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period … Read More What is the Balikbayan Program for the Philippines? The post What is the Balikbayan Program for the Philippines? appeared first on Travelwise International.
By Alvin Adriano January 12, 2021
 “The goal of a company is to have customer service that is not just the best but legendary.” – Sam Walton We Are a Member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) The American Society of Travel Advisors was established in 1931. It is the world’s largest and most influential travel agency trade association. Travelwise International has proudly been a member of ASTA for over the … Read More Why Book With Travelwise The post Why Book With Travelwise appeared first on Travelwise International.
By Alvin Adriano January 4, 2021
Here are the most updated arrival procedures for entering the Philippines. BEFORE YOU FLY AND DURING CHECK-IN 1. As early as 3 days prior to your departure, register and accomplish the Electronic Case Investigation Form and save the confirmation e-mail and QR code at https://bit.ly/MNLPHRedCrosseCIF 2. For land-based OFWs, create/update your account on the OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS) at http://oasis.owwa.gov.ph/ 3. Upon check-in, sign the … Read More Updated: Modified Step-by-Step Arrival and Quarantine Procedures Entering the Philippines (Dec 30 – Jan 15) The post Updated: Modified Step-by-Step Arrival and Quarantine Procedures Entering the Philippines (Dec 30 – Jan 15) appeared first on Travelwise International.
By Alvin Adriano December 28, 2020
At Travelwise International, we don’t just book trips—we curate journeys designed around you. From intimate escapes to grand adventures, every itinerary we create reflects your unique style, interests, and aspirations. Our elite team of seasoned travel consultants are more than planners—they’re passionate storytellers, destination insiders, and experience designers. Each member brings deep expertise in specific regions and styles of travel, from luxury cruising to … Read More Travel Tastemakers The post Travel Tastemakers appeared first on Travelwise International.
By Alvin Adriano December 21, 2020
Who We Are Travelwise International has been a leader in the travel industry for over 30+ years.  We have been serving clients and organizations through all the changes in travel and in our world, and we will be serving them far into the future.  We are travelers.  We know that all vacations are not created equal and that the clients that seek us out … Read More Quality of Service The post Quality of Service appeared first on Travelwise International.
Two yellow sparkles on a white background
By Alvin Adriano December 21, 2020
Travel that awakens your senses, inspires your spirit, and stays with you for a lifetime. At Travelwise International, we believe that travel should do more than take you places—it should change the way you see the world. Today’s traveler craves more than a vacation; they seek authenticity, meaning, and impact. That’s why we craft journeys designed to engage all your senses, ignite your curiosity, … Read More Transformative Experiences The post Transformative Experiences appeared first on Travelwise International.
By Alvin Adriano January 7, 2019
Let’s be honest, 2018 wasn’t the best year for aviation, but it doesn’t mean that you should stop flying. You will just need to make sure that you are flying on one of these safest airlines ranked by AirlineRatings.com. AirlineRatings.com compiled an annual list of the safest airlines based on specific criteria that include: “audits from aviation’s governing and industry bodies; government audits; airline’s … Read More Top 20 Safest Airlines in 2019 The post Top 20 Safest Airlines in 2019 appeared first on Travelwise International.