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Explore The Best Of Hong Kong On A Budget With These 16 Muslim-Friendly Tips

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Fatehah •  Jun 01, 2018

There’s so much to do and see in Hong Kong that you’d inevitably wonder – how much would I have to spend for this trip? Don’t worry! We’re here to show you that this city is not just exciting but also affordable☺️

Credit: giphy

From budget tips on getting around to affordable must-visit attractions, this is one guide you’d want to bookmark for your trip!

P.S. Before you go, make sure you download this handy digital guide which will bring you to all the must-see spots in Hong Kong.

Transportation

There’s a lot of moving around in Hong Kong, and you may think you would need to spend quite a bit on transport. But with an extensive public transport network – from buses to MTRs – this is the way to go for thrifty travellers ?

1. Public Bus VS Airport Express

Start saving money from the moment you arrive in Hong Kong! The Airport Express might be the fastest and most convenient way to get from the airport to the city, but it would set you back at least HK$100 for a one-way trip ($100 for Kowloon, $110 for Hong Kong). So the public bus (prices starting from HK$11) is the cheapest alternative.

There are many buses that will lead you to the destination of your choice in Hong Kong. Do note that some bus services only have a few departures a day so be sure to check this out to plan your way around.

Credit: @allaboutbus_hk on Instagram

#HHWT Tip: Once you get to the city, be sure to check out our 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary to get around Hong Kong!

2. Octopus Card

Given that you’ll be relying on public transport to get around, we recommend getting the Octopus Card as it’s more value-for-money! Get the card right from the Airport itself as you can use it for the public bus ride to the city☺️

If you did not manage to get the card at the Airport, simply head over to any MTR station to get it! Be sure to return the card before you leave Hong Kong to get your HK$50 deposit back.

3. Walk where possible

While travelling around Hong Kong, we realized how the attractions and even Halal food places are located within walking distance from public transport stops! Popular locations such as Hong Kong Disneyland or Causeway Bay have their own MTR stops so you’ll just have to walk out of the station to reach your destination.

Bonus: Star Ferry 

The city’s public transport network is so extensive that it even extends to the sea? Crossing the harbour is such an amazing experience and there are many cruise and boat tours around. But there’s a less expensive way to enjoy the same experience! The Star Ferry, a form of public transport in Hong Kong, has been faithfully ferrying the locals from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon since 1888.

For such an old mode of transport, we were really impressed by how clean and comfortable the ferry was! The star of the ride is not inside the ferry, but the gorgeous view outside. Feel the breeze as you enjoy Hong Kong’s iconic skyline?

#HHWT Tip: Prices start from HK$110. Buy the token at the terminal or use your Octopus Card to pay for your ride!

Download free WiFi app

While it’s a norm to rent a WiFi router or a Data SIM Card when we travel, there’s really no need to spend your money on that in Hong Kong. There are many WiFi hotspots around the city especially at major attractions and halal eateries like Wai Kee! The best part is that it’s free ?

For an even more convenient way to locate the hotspots, download Hong Kong’s WiFi app!

#HHWT Tip: If you’re visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, sign up for the free WiFi with your email and receive a 10% discount coupon online to spend at their merchandise stores!

Budget Accommodations

Accommodations usually take up the bulk of your travel expenses, but here are some affordable accommodations that are conveniently located and comfortable to stay in?

P.S. Is it your first time in Hong Kong? Then, you'd definitely need these 6 tips perfect for any Muslim traveller to Hong Kong!

4. Hop Inn

There are many hostels around the city but Hop Inn stands out particularly because of its cool rooms and awesome location. This hostel is a short 3-minute walk away from Tsim Sha Tsui MTR station and less than a 5-minute walk away from the biggest shopping mall in Hong Kong – Harbour City!

Credit: Hop Inn on Facebook

Their private rooms might be small but there is just enough space to move around (and do your prayers!). Each room also comes with an attached bathroom and television so you don’t need to share the facilities with others.

Credit: @kl57682 on Instagram

And if you need some fresh air, head to the common lounge or the rooftop garden!

Book here now!

Price: Private rooms from HK$475

Address: Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Carnarvon Rd, James S33-35A號Lee Mansion

5. WiFi Boutique Hotel 

Newly refurbished in 2017, this hotel is a mere 7-minute walk to Causeway Bay MTR Station. The location is unbeatable especially for shopaholics since Causeway Bay is one of the city’s major shopping areas. A huge plus is that popular halal local eateries like Wai Kee and Islamic Centre Canteen are also nearby!

Credit: Wifi Boutique Hotel on Facebook

The amazing location is not all there is to this hotel though! It’s affordable and spacious so you can be rest assured of a good night’s sleep for all that shopping you’re going to do?

Book here now!

Price: From HK$577

Address: 366 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

6. The VELA Hong Kong Causeway Bay

If the boutique hotels did not catch your fancy, this hotel definitely would. It’s located in the same area as WiFi Boutique Hotel but has an added edge of a city view!

Credit: @district2openroomhk on Instagram

Plus the hotel comes with a Handy Phone that you can bring around with you while exploring Hong Kong. The phone has unlimited 3G Internet Access and complimentary international calls to many countries – truly a handy phone for your travels!

Book here now!

Price: From HK$488

Address: 84 - 86 Morrison Hill Rd, Morrison Hill, Hong Kong

If you’re still unsure of where to stay, search for your perfect accommodation in Hong Kong here!

Affordable Local Halal Food

You might be travelling on a budget but that does not mean you can’t enjoy the best local halal food. In fact, many of the halal eateries here are pretty affordable and can keep your tummy full till the next meal ☺️

7. Wai Kee

Hong Kong’s only halal duck rice stall is popular for how good and affordable the food is! A plate of duck rice at this hawker stall costs only HK$38 but the taste of it can beat any restaurant food hands down?

The golden brown, crispy duck skin is simply heavenly when paired with the juicy, well-marinated duck meat. For those who don't fancy duck, there are other must-try food items on their menu too! We personally recommend their yummy wanton noodles and signature mutton curry rice.

Opening Hours: 11am to 6pm (only take-away orders after 5.30pm)

Address:  Shop 5, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai

Directions: MTR Causeway Bay Station, exit A – Times Square. A short 7 min walk to Bowrington Road Market. The food centre is located on the 2nd floor of the Bowrington Road Indoor Market building. Enter via the escalator on the Bowrington Road side of the building.

8. Islamic Centre Canteen

You definitely can’t leave Hong Kong without trying the best halal dim sum place ever! Located in Masjid Ammar, the Canteen is only a 10-minute walk from Causeway Bay MTR Station. The food is affordable and we loved how comfortable the place was?

From 10am to 3pm, feast on their wide spread of dim sum. Our personal favourites were their steamed siu mai with chicken and deep fried shrimp won ton. While you might think the portion looks small, you can get full on dim sum pretty quickly! You can’t miss out on their Cantonese dinner menu too if you’re here ?

P.S. How much you spend really depends on how much you want to eat!

Opening Hours: 10am to 3pm (dim sum), 6pm to 9pm (only Cantonese dishes)

Address:  5th floor, Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Directions: MTR Causeway Bay – Exit A. A 10 min walk to Islamic Centre Canteen

#HHWT Tip: No need to go hungry while in Hong Kong! Fill up your tummy with these awesome halal eateries near attractions ?

Free Attractions

Now that your tummy is all filled up, it’s time to explore Hong Kong’s top attractions – many of which, thankfully, are free!

9. Dragon’s back

Embark on an easy hike up Dragon’s Back and experience another side of Hong Kong you probably never knew existed. The hike was pretty easy, even for first-time hikers like us! It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature while still having a full view of all the beauty Hong Kong’s city life has to offer from afar.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to ease your trek, and to check the weather before you head up! The view was foggy when we reached the top so we did not manage to enjoy the full beauty of it. But we still enjoyed the hike nonetheless?

#HHWT Tip: Dragon's Back is not the only place where you can hike in Hong Kong! Check out these 7 other spectacular walking trails which you shouldn't miss ?

10. Hong Kong Space Museum (Free on Wednesdays)

Now before you dismiss this as “just another boring museum”, let us tell you that this is worth a visit – especially with the little ones! The Space Museum is not just filled with exhibits but also interactive rides that will really immerse you in an out-of-this-world experience.

Credit: @louisa.rivera on Instagram

From walking on the moon to flying through the Grand Canyon, you can travel the world without leaving this dome! And to top it off, you can experience all this without paying a single cent ?

11. Symphony of lights

Free shows are pretty unheard of, especially when it’s featured on the Guinness World Records. But that’s exactly what the Symphony of Lights is! It’s the world’s largest permanent light and sound show, giving you the best views of Hong Kong’s gorgeous skyline. At 8pm everyday, Hong Kong’s skyline will light up and come to life – all for free?

#HHWT Tip: Get the best viewing spots at Harbour City Ocean Terminal! But do check the weather in advance as it was foggy when we went, so we did not manage to enjoy the full show.

12. Old Town Central

Spice up your Instagram feed with pictures at Hong Kong’s most Instagrammable spots! Old Town Central might be one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, but it’s actually known as one of the most hipster neighbourhoods in the city – all thanks to the beautiful street art here?

#HHWT Tip: There are 5 main routes to explore the best of this neighbourhood so we recommend downloading this map to help you plan your trip!

Some of the street art are a little washed out due to its age, giving a nostalgic vibe to the area? But there are many other walls which have been newly painted too. We were particularly blown away by the mural of Bruce Lee!

P.S. If you have some extra moolahs to spend, there are many quaint shops around the area that might catch your eye?

#HHWT Tip: Don't just stop there! Continue your art trail by visiting these 8 awesome spots which are sure to turn you into an art lover.

Affordable Must-Visit Attractions

While some of Hong Kong’s top attractions might not be free, they are still affordable. So you can still enjoy all that the city has to offer without burning a hole in your wallet!

13. Peak Galleria

Many tourists head up to the Peak for an amazing bird’s eye view of Hong Kong’s skyline. The tram up costs quite a bit along with the admission free to Sky Terrace 428 where many usually head to for the best views. What they don’t know is that there is another observation deck at the Peak that offers similar views, but is completely free!

Save more than HK$40 on the admission tickets to Sky Terrace by heading to the observation deck at Peak Galleria! We assure you that the view you see is just as amazing as the one at the Terrace ?

14. Hong Kong Observation Wheel

For a different yet equally breathtaking view of Hong Kong, take a ride in Hong Kong’s Observation Wheel! It costs a mere HK$20 for 3 rounds around the wheel which is worth it if you ask us.

We really enjoyed the ride – it was the perfect time and place to unwind, and just take in the skyline from the comfort of our seats ?

Budget Shopping Spots

The city is a shopping haven for all types of shoppers – and yes, budget shoppers included. To save even more, bring your own bag as most shops charge for plastic bags?

#HHWT Tip: These street markets can get a bit crowded so keep your belongings close to you for safety!

15. Ladies’ Market, Mong Kok

If you’re looking for something cheap and good for your loved ones back home, this is the place you should head to! The market is not exclusively for ladies though. It is populated with many Hong Kong souvenirs and at first look, the prices might put you off but it’s all about bargaining your way to the lowest price here.

The challenge about bargaining here is not the language barrier as most stall owners generally understand basic numbers and the English language, but they are quite firm in their sales.

P.S. Take your bargaining skills a notch higher by learning some useful Cantonese phrases! We've got just the guide you need ?

So be firm (but friendly!) and if it doesn’t work, just walk away as chances are, there are other shops selling what you’re looking for ?

#HHWT Tip: Love shopping? Make sure you check out these other hot shopping spots when in Hong Kong!

16. Sham Shui Po

Made up of 3 main shopping streets – Apliu Street (electronics), Toys Street and Yu Chau Street (wholesale fabrics), Sham Shui Po is perfect for budget shopaholics! Get tech products and accessories at discounted prices or purchase some of the high-quality fabrics here. If you have more time, you can even tailor-make your own clothes at an affordable price?

P.S. Find out what else to do in Sham Shui Po here.

#HHWT Tip: While you’re here, try out some yummy Muslim-friendly street snacks that won’t set you back too much!

We hope you’re convinced now that it’s possible to explore the best of Hong Kong in a comfortable and exciting way, without breaking your bank? Now there’s really no reason why you should put off a trip to the city anymore!

P.S. Ready for your Hong Kong adventure? Start planning your trip with our Hong Kong guides!

This article was brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.