Hong Kong Trip Solo 4D3N: A Malaysian's Adventure (From China)
Okay, so here's the lowdown on my solo trip to Hong Kong! Quick note: I'm based in Mainland China right now, so a lot of my Hong Kong itinerary came from my Mainland friends. Jom!
1. Visa
Applied on March 21st, got the acknowledgement letter on March 25th, and visa approved by April 16th. I was honest in my application - highlighting my solo travel experience and the many countries I've visited, including exploring half of Mainland China!
2. Flights & Accommodation
Initially booked a "pay later" flight with VNA and a refundable hotel for the visa application. Once the visa was in hand:
- Flew China Eastern 中国东方航空 from Shanghai (Return trip: RM 2,000).
- Booked a bed in a dorm at Yersinn 悦思 in Yau Ma Tei 油麻地 (3 nights: RM 800 - If you're with 2-3 pax, a private room also costs RM 800 for 3 nights).
3. Getting Around Hong Kong
Grabbed an Octopus card 八达通 directly at the airport. Comes with 150HKD usable credit and a 50HKD deposit. Top-ups are easy at convenience stores.
4. Itinerary
Day 1: Yau Ma Tei, Mongkok, Causeway Bay & Central
- Arrived in Hong Kong, took bus A21 to the hotel.
- Explored Yau Ma Tei 油麻地 area (check out the Yau Ma Tei Police Station 油麻地警署 - a popular TVB filming location!).
- Took the MTR to Mongkok 旺角, Exit B3, used the escalator, and headed to the pedestrian bridge for iconic street views.
- Went to Causeway Bay 铜锣湾 to catch the horse racing (Wednesdays only, foreigners get free entry!).
- Hopped on a Dingding tram 叮叮车 to Central 中环, then took the double-decker bus H2K 落日飞车 (41HKD) back near my hotel.
Day 2: Nathan Road & Disneyland!
- Walked along Nathan Road for photo ops.
- Hong Kong Disneyland (Tier 1 一级 ticket - pre-booked online for 472HKD). It wasn't crowded, so no need to queue! Rode almost every ride 2-3 times!
Day 3: Tsim Sha Tsui Focus!
- Visited Star Avenue 星光大道 (handprints of famous stars, snapped photos emulating the success of Li Ka-Shing).
- Checked out Harbour City 海港城 (super popular photo spot).
- Took the MTR to Central 中环 and rode the Hongkong Observation Wheel 香港摩天轮 (20HKD - bought the ticket on the spot).
- Took the Star Ferry 天星小轮 (5HKD) back to Tsim Sha Tsui for the light show.
Day 4: Kennedy Town & Cafes
- Explored Kennedy Town (Left at the MTR exit, headed up the stairs, passed the football and basketball courts).
- Visited Hongkong Be Happy Cafe.
- Grabbed a coffee at % Arabica Cafe.
- Wandered around Sheung Wan 上环 (every street is oh-so-Hong Kong!).
5. Food, Money Exchange & Mingling
Food
- 兴记 in Yau Ma Tei (~100HKD per person).
- A Taiwanese place near Yau Ma Tei MTR Exit C (~70HKD per person).
- 和顺记 in Yau Ma Tei (~60HKD per person).
- 深仔记 in Tsim Sha Tsui (~60HKD per person).
- 兴记咖啡 in Sheung Wan (~60HKD per person).
- Street food at Temple Street Night Market 庙街 (40HKD per item).
Money Exchange
Pre-booked everything I could in RMB, exchanged only 800HKD in cash and still had some left over.
Mingling
Switched between English and Mandarin, both worked great!
6. Final Thoughts
I managed to keep my expenses to around RM 6,000 for 4D3N (including Disneyland!), partly because I travelled from Mainland China. Even if you're flying from Malaysia, you can use this itinerary as inspiration for activities and food recommendations!
