Just got back from Hong Kong (Oct 22-26, 2025). Spent SGD $810 total for 4N5D – flights, hotel, food, transport, nightlife, everything. Solo trip mainly for hiking Dragon’s Back, checking out M+ Museum, and experiencing the nightlife around Lan Kwai Fong.
Been wanting to do Dragon’s Back for awhile now. Kept seeing it on Instagram – that ridge shot with the ocean on both sides. Plus needed a break from Singapore’s humidity and work burnout. Hong Kong in October is perfect – cooler weather, not raining everyday like here. Also wanted to test out my hiking gear before my next Japan trip in December.
Weather was mostly good except Saturday afternoon thunderstorm but I planned M+ Museum for that day anyway. Scoot had cheap flights at SGD $177, hotel was walking distance from North Point MTR. Cant complain about the total damage – around SGD $162/day including food and drinks.
Trip Summary
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Travel Dates | Oct 22-26, 2025 (Wed-Sun) |
| Duration | 4N5D |
| Flights | Scoot TR972/TR973, SGD $177.20 |
| Accommodation | Ibis Hong Kong North Point, SGD $96.50/night |
| Main Focus | Hiking, photography, nightlife, museums |
| Total Budget | SGD $810 (everything included) |
| Weather | 24-29°C, mostly sunny, 1 thunderstorm |
| Daily Average | SGD $162/day |
Source: Personal trip Oct 22-26, 2025; exchange rate HKD 1 = SGD $0.175 used for calculations
Where I Stayed – Ibis Hong Kong North Point
Stayed at Ibis Hong Kong North Point in North Point area. SGD $96.50/night × 4 nights = SGD $386 total.
Why I Picked This
Location was key – 3 min walk from North Point MTR station (Island Line). Could get anywhere fast. Central is 12 min on MTR, Tsim Sha Tsui is 15 min. North Point has alot of local restaurants and dai pai dongs – way cheaper than Causeway Bay or Central. No tourists walking around, so food prices were more reasonable.
Room was small (like 15 sqm maybe) but clean and had everything needed. Just needed a place to sleep anyway since I was out hiking and exploring most of the day. Free WiFi worked fine for uploading photos and checking Google Maps.
Value was solid – under SGD $100/night in Hong Kong is rare for October dates. Same dates at hotels in Causeway Bay were SGD $150-180/night, Tsim Sha Tsui was SGD $180-220/night.
Accommodation Comparison
| Hotel | Price/Night (SGD) | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibis North Point | $96.50 | 3 min to North Point MTR | Budget + local vibe |
| Mini Hotel Causeway Bay | $145 | 5 min to Causeway Bay MTR | Shopping access |
| Ibis Hong Kong Central | $165 | Sheung Wan MTR | Central nightlife access |
| Hotel ICON | $245 | TST waterfront | Harbour views + luxury |
Source: Booking.com prices checked Sept 2025 for Oct 22-26 dates
Day 1 – Oct 22 (Wed): Arrival + Victoria Harbour
Afternoon (2:30pm-7pm)
- 2:30 PM – Scoot TR972 departs Changi T1
- 6:35 PM – Land at Hong Kong International Airport T1
- 7:00 PM – Airport Express to Hong Kong Station (HKD 120 with Octopus ~SGD $21)
- 7:35 PM – Transfer to Island Line MTR to North Point (HKD 11 ~SGD $1.90)
- 8:00 PM – Check into Ibis North Point, drop bags
Evening (8pm-12am)
- 8:40 PM – Dinner @ Under Bridge Spicy Crab (HKD 280 for half crab + rice ~SGD $49)
- 10:00 PM – MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui (HKD 10 ~SGD $1.75)
- 10:15 PM – Walk Avenue of Stars + Symphony of Lights show (free)
- 11:15 PM – Drink @ Aqua Spirit rooftop bar (HKD 160 for cocktail ~SGD $28)
- 12:00 AM – MTR back to North Point (HKD 10)
So I’m walking out of the airport, the Airport Express is fast – 24 minutes to Hong Kong Station. Then transfer to Island Line is easy, everything in English. Get to hotel around 8 PM, room is tiny but whatever.
Under Bridge Spicy Crab was expensive but worth it for first night. Got the medium spice level – way spicier than Singapore chilli crab. The crab was super fresh, sauce was addictive. They give you mantou (fried buns) to soak up the sauce.
Victoria Harbour at night is unreal. Symphony of Lights at 8 PM was decent – lasers from the buildings, music playing – but honestly just walking along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade with the skyline lit up was better for photos. The reflection on the water is insane.
Day 1 Total: HKD 591 (~SGD $103)
Day 2 – Oct 23 (Thu): Dragon’s Back Hike
Morning (7:30am-12:30pm)
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast @ local cafe near hotel (HKD 48 ~SGD $8.40)
- 8:15 AM – MTR to Shau Kei Wan (HKD 8 ~SGD $1.40)
- 8:50 AM – Bus #9 to To Tei Wan trailhead (HKD 7 ~SGD $1.20)
- 9:05 AM – Start Dragon’s Back hike
- 11:50 AM – Finish at Shek O Beach
Afternoon (12:30pm-5pm)
- 12:30 PM – Lunch @ Shek O Beach Cafe (HKD 102 ~SGD $18)
- 1:45 PM – Chill at beach, photos, beer (HKD 35 ~SGD $6)
- 3:45 PM – Minibus #9 back to Shau Kei Wan (HKD 10 ~SGD $1.75)
- 4:50 PM – Back to hotel, shower, rest
Evening (6:30pm-10pm)
- 6:30 PM – Dinner @ local dai pai dong North Point (HKD 92 ~SGD $16)
- 8:00 PM – Walk around Fortress Hill area
- 9:00 PM – Beer @ 7-Eleven, chill at hotel (HKD 22 ~SGD $3.85)
Dragon’s Back was amazing. The hike is 8.5 km, took me about 2 hours 45 minutes with photo stops. Starts with 300 stairs from the To Tei Wan bus stop which was brutal in the heat – took like 15 minutes non-stop climbing. But once you reach the ridge at 284m elevation, it’s mostly flat with gentle ups and downs.
Best part was the ridge walk – you can see Big Wave Bay on one side, Stanley on the other side, and the ocean everywhere you look. Trail was well-marked with concrete path most of the way, not too crowded on a Thursday morning. Brought 1.5L water, finished it all by the end.
Finished at Shek O Beach – beautiful quiet beach, barely any tourists on a weekday. White sand, clear water, mountains behind. Had fish & chips and a cold beer while looking at the water. Perfect end to the hike.
Day 2 Total: HKD 324 (~SGD $57)
Day 3 – Oct 24 (Fri): Central + LKF Nightlife
Morning (9am-12pm)
- 9:00 AM – Brunch @ NOC Coffee Co. Central (HKD 152 ~SGD $27)
- 10:45 AM – Explore PMQ creative mall (free entry)
- 11:45 AM – Walk to Tai Kwun heritage site (free entry)
Afternoon (12pm-6pm)
- 1:15 PM – Lunch @ Cornerstone (HKD 172 ~SGD $30)
- 3:00 PM – Graham Street murals + Man Mo Temple area street art (free)
- 4:45 PM – Coffee @ The Cupping Room (HKD 58 ~SGD $10)
- 5:45 PM – Back to hotel, shower, change for nightlife
Evening (7:30pm-2:30am)
- 7:30 PM – Dinner @ Chachawan Thai restaurant (HKD 298 ~SGD $52)
- 9:45 PM – Pre-drinks @ Stockton bar in Central (HKD 195 ~SGD $34)
- 11:15 PM – Dragon-i nightclub at LKF Tower (Entry free before 11:30pm, drinks HKD 210 ~SGD $37)
- 1:45 AM – Late night snack @ Lan Kwai Fong food stalls (HKD 65 ~SGD $11)
- 2:15 AM – Grab back to hotel (HKD 78 ~SGD $14)
PMQ and Tai Kwun were both free entry – great mix of old Hong Kong architecture with modern art galleries and cafes. PMQ had interesting local designer stores selling clothes and accessories, Tai Kwun had beautiful courtyard perfect for photos. The old police station buildings were restored really well.
Dragon-i at LKF Tower was packed on Friday night. They play mix of house, hip-hop, and Top 40 – good energy, international crowd. Free entry before 11:30 PM which saved money (after that it’s HKD 150-200 cover). Drinks were expensive (HKD 100-120 for beer, HKD 140-180 for cocktails) but expected for Lan Kwai Fong.
Day 3 Total: HKD 1,228 (~SGD $215)
Day 4 – Oct 25 (Sat): M+ Museum + Saturday Night Out
Morning (9:30am-11:30am)
- 9:30 AM – Brunch @ Elephant Grounds Wan Chai (HKD 162 ~SGD $28)
- 11:00 AM – MTR to West Kowloon (HKD 12 ~SGD $2.10)
Afternoon (11:30am-5:30pm)
- 12:00 PM – M+ Museum entry (HKD 120 ~SGD $21)
- 12:00 PM – 4:15 PM – Explore M+ Museum (4 hours 15 min)
- 4:30 PM – Walk West Kowloon Art Park waterfront (free)
- 5:30 PM – Coffee @ % Arabica K11 Musea (HKD 62 ~SGD $11)
Evening (7pm-3:30am)
- 7:00 PM – Dinner @ Yardbird yakitori (HKD 435 ~SGD $76)
- 9:30 PM – Pre-drinks @ Sevva rooftop bar Central (HKD 180 ~SGD $31)
- 11:00 PM – VOLAR nightclub LKF (Entry HKD 150 with 1 drink ~SGD $26)
- 2:00 AM – CE LA VI rooftop for final drink (HKD 195 ~SGD $34)
- 3:00 AM – Grab to hotel (HKD 85 ~SGD $15)
M+ Museum was worth the HKD 120 entry. Spent over 4 hours there – contemporary art collection is world-class. Hong Kong art from 1950s to now, Chinese contemporary art, design section with chairs and posters. The rooftop deck on Level 5 has amazing harbour views, totally free once you’re inside. Good thing I went Saturday because it started raining around 3 PM, so staying indoors was perfect timing.
VOLAR is one of the main LKF clubs – plays mostly EDM and house music, gets very packed after midnight on Saturdays. Young crowd, lots of expats and locals mixed. CE LA VI on the rooftop has incredible city views – expensive drinks but worth it for the skyline photos at night.
Day 4 Total: HKD 1,401 (~SGD $245)
Day 5 – Oct 26 (Sun): Chill + Departure
Morning (9am-12pm)
- 9:00 AM – Brunch @ Feather & Bone North Point (HKD 172 ~SGD $30)
- 10:40 AM – Walk North Point waterfront promenade (free)
- 11:40 AM – Pack, check out of hotel
Afternoon (12pm-7:30pm)
- 12:00 PM – Leave hotel with luggage
- 12:15 PM – MTR to Hong Kong Station (HKD 11 ~SGD $1.90)
- 12:35 PM – Airport Express to HK Airport (HKD 120 ~SGD $21)
- 1:10 PM – Arrive airport, check-in for TR973
- 3:15 PM – Lunch at airport food court (HKD 98 ~SGD $17)
- 5:30 PM – Board Scoot TR973
- 7:30 PM – Land Singapore Changi T1
Feather & Bone is a butcher shop with attached cafe – great Western breakfast with quality bacon and eggs. North Point waterfront was quiet on Sunday morning, good for final harbour photos before leaving.
Day 5 Total: HKD 401 (~SGD $70)
Total Cost Breakdown
| Category | SGD | HKD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | $177.20 | – | Scoot roundtrip TR972/TR973 |
| Accommodation | $386.00 | – | 4 nights Ibis North Point |
| Transport | $52.10 | HKD 298 | Airport Express, MTR, buses, Grab |
| Food & Drinks | $134.05 | HKD 766 | Avg $26.80/day meals |
| Nightlife | $61.95 | HKD 354 | Bars, clubs, late night food |
| Activities | $21.00 | HKD 120 | M+ Museum only |
| Misc | $10.50 | HKD 60 | Snacks, water, tips |
| TOTAL | $810.00 | HKD 4,627 | 4N5D everything included |
Daily average: SGD $162/day
Could save money by:
- Eating more at local dai pai dongs instead of trendy cafes (save ~SGD $45)
- Skipping rooftop bars and sticking to regular bars (save ~SGD $55)
- Staying in hostel dorm bed in Tsim Sha Tsui (save ~SGD $120-150)
- Not going to clubs on Friday/Saturday nights (save ~SGD $60)
Budget version: ~SGD $545 | Mid-range: ~SGD $810 | Luxury: ~SGD $1,300+
Source: Personal spending tracked daily Oct 22-26, 2025; exchange rate HKD 1 = SGD $0.175 used throughout
Getting Around Hong Kong
Buy Octopus Card at airport arrival hall right after you clear immigration. I loaded HKD 300 at the machine, used HKD 298 for transport over 5 days, had HKD 2 left.
Airport Express with Octopus Card costs HKD 120 one-way to Hong Kong Station (vs HKD 135 if you buy single journey ticket). Takes exactly 24 minutes. Then you transfer to MTR to your hotel area.
MTR is super efficient – trains every 2-3 minutes during peak hours, every 4-5 minutes off-peak. North Point to Central takes 12 minutes on Island Line, costs HKD 11. Everything has English signs and announcements so easy to navigate.
Common Routes from North Point
| From | To | Cost (HKD) | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Point | Central | 11 | 12 min | Island Line direct |
| North Point | Tsim Sha Tsui | 10 | 15 min | Island + Tsuen Wan Line |
| North Point | Causeway Bay | 5 | 3 min | Island Line 1 stop |
| Airport | Hong Kong Station | 120 | 24 min | Airport Express with Octopus |
| Shau Kei Wan | To Tei Wan (Bus 9) | 7 | 22 min | For Dragon’s Back hike |
Source: Personal usage Oct 2025, MTR official fares
Grab/Taxi Costs
Used Grab 3 times total. Typical costs:
LKF to North Point at 2-3 AM: HKD 75-85 (~SGD $13-15)
Shek O Beach to Shau Kei Wan: Would be HKD 95-110 (I took minibus instead for HKD 10)
Late night surge: Add 10-15% after midnight on weekends
My take: Use MTR for everything during operating hours (6am-1am). Only use Grab after 1 AM when MTR closes or if you’re really far from a station. MTR is way cheaper – HKD 10-12 vs HKD 75-85 for Grab.
Dragon’s Back Hike – Complete Guide
The hike everyone talks about when they visit Hong Kong. 8.5 km total distance, took me 2 hours 45 minutes with lots of photo stops.
Difficulty Level
Easy to moderate difficulty. The first 300 stairs from To Tei Wan bus stop to the ridge top is the hardest part – about 15 minutes of non-stop climbing with no breaks. Once you reach the ridge at 284m elevation, it’s mostly flat walking with gentle ups and downs.
Beginners can definitely do this. I saw families with kids around 8-10 years old, elderly hikers in their 60s-70s, people wearing just regular sneakers (not hiking boots). Just bring enough water and start early to avoid afternoon heat.
What To Bring
1.5L water minimum (I finished all of mine and was thirsty at the end)
Sunscreen and hat (zero shade on the ridge)
Light snacks (trail mix, energy bars, fruit)
Phone fully charged for photos (the views are insane)
Proper shoes recommended but regular sneakers work (trail is paved concrete)
Sunglasses (bright sun reflecting off the water)
Best Time To Go
Start between 8-9 AM. Gets very hot after 11 AM, crowded on weekends. I went Thursday morning around 9 AM – trail was quiet with maybe 15-20 other hikers, weather was perfect at 26°C.
Avoid: Weekends (packed), midday (too hot), rainy season June-August (slippery and no views).
Best months: October-December (cooler weather, clear skies).
The Complete Route
MTR to Shau Kei Wan station (Exit B)
Walk 2 min to bus stop on Shau Kei Wan Road
Take Bus #9 to To Tei Wan (last stop) – HKD 7, takes 22 min
Hike 8.5 km – 2 to 3 hours depending on pace
Finish at Shek O Beach OR Big Wave Bay
Minibus #9 back to Shau Kei Wan MTR – HKD 10
Total transport cost: HKD 17 (~SGD $3).
Why It’s Worth The Hype
The ridge walk is absolutely ridiculous. Ocean on both sides of you, Hong Kong Island stretched out infront, mountains behind you. It’s called Dragon’s Back because the ridge looks like a dragon’s spine when seen from above. Every few hundred meters there’s another viewpoint with different angles.
The contrast is wild – modern Hong Kong skyscrapers in the distance, but you’re walking on this natural ridge with just grass and rocks around you. Feels like you’re not even in a city.
Finish at Shek O Beach – white sand, clear blue water, barely any tourists on weekdays. I had lunch and a cold beer there while looking at the ocean. Perfect way to end a hike.
Source: Personal hike Oct 23, 2025; difficulty rating from multiple hiking sources
M+ Museum Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s new contemporary art museum in West Kowloon. Opened November 2021, now one of Asia’s largest and top art museums.
Entry Cost & Hours
Entry: HKD 120 as of June 2025 (they reduced it from HKD 140). Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM. Friday and Saturday till 8 PM. Closed Mondays. Free entry on first Wednesday of each month after 6 PM.
What’s Inside
Spent 4 hours 15 minutes there, still didnt see every single gallery. The permanent collection covers:
Hong Kong visual culture (1950s to now)
Chinese contemporary art
Asian modern and contemporary art
Design & architecture exhibition (furniture, posters, industrial design)
Moving image gallery (video art and film installations)
Rooftop deck on Level 5 has free harbour views once you’re inside – you can see the whole Kowloon skyline and Victoria Harbour. Really good for photos, especially around 5-6 PM for sunset.
Why You Should Go
If you like contemporary art, this is world-class level – comparable to Tate Modern in London or MoMA in New York. If you dont really care about art, the architecture alone is worth seeing – massive concrete building right on the harbour waterfront designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
Plus it’s perfect for rainy days or when you need air-con break from the heat. I went Saturday when it was thunderstorming outside – stayed dry and cool for 4+ hours while exploring the galleries.
The design section was surprisingly interesting even for non-art people – they have evolution of Hong Kong street signs, old movie posters, vintage furniture from the 60s-80s.
Source: Personal visit Oct 25, 2025; pricing from M+ official website and Klook
Hong Kong Nightlife – Lan Kwai Fong Guide
LKF (Lan Kwai Fong) in Central is the main nightlife area – dozens of bars and clubs stacked on top of each other on narrow uphill streets.
Popular Clubs
Dragon-i (LKF Tower): One of Hong Kong’s most famous clubs since 2001. Plays house, hip-hop, and Top 40. Free entry before 11:30 PM on Fridays, HKD 150-200 after. Gets packed after midnight. International crowd, lots of expats and locals mixed. Beer HKD 100-120, cocktails HKD 140-180.
VOLAR (basement on Wyndham St): Underground club playing EDM, house, and techno depending on the DJ. Entry HKD 150 with 1 drink on Saturdays, sometimes free before 11 PM on Fridays. Younger crowd in their 20s-30s. Gets very sweaty and packed after midnight.
FINDS (Chinachem Tower): Upscale club with dress code (no shorts/sandals). Plays house and R&B. Entry HKD 200-300 with drinks. Older crowd late 20s to 40s, more sophisticated vibe.
CE LA VI (at the top of California Tower): Rooftop bar and club on 32nd floor with incredible skyline views. Expensive (cocktails HKD 180-220) but worth it for the views. Dress code enforced. Open till 2 AM.
Popular Bars
Sevva (Prince’s Building): Rooftop terrace bar with harbour views. Cocktails HKD 150-180. Good for pre-drinks before clubs. Great sunset views around 6-7 PM.
Aqua Spirit (29th/30th floor TST): Another rooftop bar in Tsim Sha Tsui with views of Hong Kong Island skyline. Cocktails HKD 160-200. Perfect for first night to see the city lit up.
Stockton (Soho area): More chill bar in Soho, less touristy than LKF proper. Beer HKD 60-80, cocktails HKD 100-120. Good music, friendly crowd.
Typical Costs for Night Out
- Club entry: Free before 11-11:30 PM, HKD 150-250 after (usually includes 1-2 drinks)
- Beer in clubs: HKD 100-120 (~SGD $17-21)
- Cocktails in clubs: HKD 140-180 (~SGD $24-31)
- Rooftop bar cocktails: HKD 150-220 (~SGD $26-38)
- Late night food stalls outside LKF: HKD 40-80 (~SGD $7-14)
Money-saving tips:
- Arrive at clubs before 11 PM for free entry (saves HKD 150-200)
- Pre-drink at 7-Eleven – beer is HKD 15-25 vs HKD 100-120 in clubs
- Happy hours 5-8 PM at most bars (cocktails HKD 60-80)
- Stick to one area (LKF or TST) to avoid Grab costs between them
Peak hours: 11:30 PM – 2:30 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Clubs start filling up around 11 PM, peak crowd 12-1 AM. Most clubs close 3-4 AM (earlier than Singapore’s 6 AM).
Source: Personal experience Oct 24-25, 2025; pricing verified via online sources and bar menus
What I Wish I Knew Before Going
- North Point vs Causeway Bay for hotel – Staying in North Point saved me SGD $200-250 vs Causeway Bay hotels. Only 3 minutes further on MTR but way cheaper food options everywhere. The dai pai dongs (street food stalls) near North Point market have meals for HKD 60-90 vs HKD 120-180 in Causeway Bay. Would definitely stay North Point again.
- Dragon’s Back timing is critical – Start by 9 AM latest, earlier is better. I started at 9:05 AM and the ridge was getting really hot by 11:30 AM. Earlier start = cooler weather + better light for photos + way fewer people on the trail. Plus you finish by lunch time and have whole afternoon free.
- LKF clubs free entry timing – Most clubs in Lan Kwai Fong are free entry before 11 or 11:30 PM, then charge HKD 150-250 after that time. Just arrive by 10:45 PM, get stamped, save the cover charge. Entry fees usually include 1-2 drinks anyway but still – free is free.
- Octopus Card top-up amount – Load HKD 300-350 at airport for 5 days if you’re using public transport everywhere. I loaded HKD 300, used HKD 298, was perfect. You can use Octopus at 7-Eleven, Starbucks, McDonald’s, vending machines too – way more convenient than carrying cash for small purchases.
- M+ Museum needs serious time – Dont rush M+ Museum thinking you can do it in 2 hours. Plan minimum 3 hours, ideally 4-5 hours if you actually like art. I thought 2 hours would be enough, ended up staying 4+ hours and still didnt see some galleries properly. The moving image section alone can take 1+ hours if you watch the video installations.
Hong Kong vs Singapore – Quick Comparison
| Factor | Hong Kong | Singapore | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Food Cost | HKD 60-90 dai pai dong meals | SGD $5-8 hawker meals | Tie (similar) |
| Western Food | HKD 150-180 brunch | SGD $22-28 brunch | Similar pricing |
| Transport | MTR + Octopus, very efficient | MRT same efficiency | Tie |
| Hiking Access | Dragon’s Back 45 min from Central | MacRitchie, Bukit Timah (smaller trails) | HK |
| Nightlife Hours | Clubs close 3-4 AM | Clubs till 6 AM | SG |
| October Weather | 24-29°C, less humid | 27-31°C, very humid | HK (cooler) |
| Budget/Day | SGD $160-180 mid-range | SGD $180-220 same level | HK (slightly cheaper) |
Common Questions
How much should I budget per day in Hong Kong?
I spent SGD $162/day for mid-range travel (decent 3-star hotel, mix of local and Western food, some nightlife included). Budget travelers can do SGD $100-120/day (hostel dorms, mostly local food, no bars/clubs). Luxury is SGD $250-300+/day (4-5 star hotels, fine dining, rooftop bars every night).
Breakdown of my SGD $162/day:
Accommodation: $96.50/night
Food: $26.80/day (breakfast $8-10, lunch $15-20, dinner $20-30)
Transport: $10-13/day (MTR + occasional Grab)
Activities: $4-5/day (only paid for M+ Museum)
Nightlife: $12-15/day averaged out (some nights $50+, some nights $0)
Is Dragon’s Back hike difficult for beginners?
No, it’s easy to moderate and totally doable for beginners. The first 300 stairs are tough but only take 15 minutes max. After that it’s mostly flat ridge walking with gentle ups and downs. I saw families with young kids (8-10 years old), elderly hikers in their 60s-70s, and people in regular sneakers all completing it fine.
Just bring enough water (1.5L minimum), start early (before 9 AM), wear sunscreen, and take breaks when needed. The trail is paved concrete for most of it, not rough terrain. Total distance 8.5 km takes 2-3 hours depending on how many photo stops you make.
Best time of year to visit Hong Kong?
October to December hands down. October is perfect – cooler weather (24-29°C vs Singapore’s 27-31°C), way less rain than summer, not as cold as January-February. I went late October and weather was great except one thunderstorm on Saturday.
Avoid:
June to August (too hot 30-33°C, very humid, typhoon season, heavy rain)
January-February (cold 15-20°C, need jacket, gray skies)
Golden Week first week of October (packed with Chinese tourists, prices spike)
Best: Late October, November, early December – perfect weather, clear skies, comfortable for hiking and walking around.
How many days do I need for Hong Kong?
Minimum 3 full days to see the highlights (Dragon’s Back, Victoria Peak or M+ Museum, one night at LKF, harbour views). I did 4N5D which felt right – enough time for Dragon’s Back hike, M+ Museum, Victoria Harbour, two nights of nightlife, plus one buffer day for shopping or relaxing.
If you want to add Victoria Peak, Lantau Island Big Buddha, day trip to Macau, or Disneyland, then plan 5-7 days. For just city highlights, 3-4 days is perfect. Less than 3 days feels too rushed – you’ll spend half your time just traveling to/from airport.
Where should I stay in Hong Kong?
I stayed North Point and would 100% stay there again – budget-friendly (under SGD $100/night), 3 min walk to MTR, tons of local food everywhere. Feels like real Hong Kong, not touristy at all.
Other good areas:
Causeway Bay: More expensive (SGD $145-180/night), shopping access, more restaurants, younger vibe
Tsim Sha Tsui: Harbour views, close to Avenue of Stars, touristy, pricier (SGD $180-250/night)
Central/Sheung Wan: Walking distance to LKF nightlife, expensive (SGD $165-200/night), convenient for work travelers
Mong Kok: Cheapest area (SGD $70-90/night), very local/chaotic, far from main attractions
Skip: Kowloon City (too far from everything), Lantau Island (isolated), Tung Chung (just airport hotels).
Is the Octopus Card worth getting?
Yes, 100% get it at the airport immediately. Load HKD 300-350 for a 5-day trip. It works on all MTR trains, buses, trams, ferries, Airport Express (saves money vs regular tickets). Also works at 7-Eleven, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Circle K, vending machines, and even some restaurants.
Way easier than buying tickets every time or carrying cash for small purchases. When you leave Hong Kong, you can get refund of unused balance at any MTR station or at the airport (they charge HKD 9 admin fee if you’ve had the card less than 3 months).
I loaded HKD 300, used exactly HKD 298 for transport over 5 days, which was perfect amount.
Do I need to book M+ Museum tickets in advance?
No need to book in advance unless you’re going on a major public holiday or special exhibition opening. I bought my ticket at the entrance on Saturday afternoon, walked straight in with zero queue. Entry is HKD 120.
The museum is huge so even when busy, it doesn’t feel crowded inside the galleries. Same-day tickets are totally fine for 95% of visits. Only exception: First Wednesday of the month (free entry after 6 PM) gets packed – for that, maybe go earlier in the day and pay the HKD 120.
How expensive is Hong Kong nightlife compared to Singapore?
Pretty similar or slightly cheaper actually. LKF clubs have free entry before 11-11:30 PM (vs Clarke Quay clubs often charging $20-30 even early). After that, HKD 150-200 cover (~SGD $26-35) which includes 1-2 drinks.
Drink prices:
HK clubs: HKD 100-120 beer, HKD 140-180 cocktails (~SGD $17-21 beer, $24-31 cocktails)
SG clubs: SGD $15-18 beer, $18-25 cocktails
Rooftop bars in Hong Kong are pricier (HKD 150-220 for cocktails ~SGD $26-38) but views are insane.
Money-saving tip: Pre-drink at 7-Eleven in both cities – beer is HKD 15-25 in HK (~SGD $3-4) vs SGD $4-6 in Singapore. Then just buy 1-2 drinks in the club to maintain your vibe.
Can I use Grab in Hong Kong?
Yes Grab works in Hong Kong but it’s more expensive than Singapore proportionally. I used it 3 times total – LKF to North Point at 2-3 AM cost HKD 75-85 (~SGD $13-15). In Singapore that same distance (Clarke Quay to Hougang) would be around SGD $15-18.
MTR stops at 1 AM so you need Grab/taxi for late nights after clubbing. During the day just use MTR for everything – way cheaper. North Point to Central is HKD 11 (~SGD $1.90) on MTR vs HKD 75-80 (~SGD $13-14) on Grab. Only use Grab when MTR is closed or if you’re really far from a station.
Is Hong Kong safe for solo travelers?
Very safe, one of the safest cities in Asia. I walked around North Point, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and LKF at all hours including 2-3 AM after clubs by myself. Never felt unsafe once. MTR is clean and efficient even late at night around midnight. People generally mind their own business.
Keep normal travel awareness – dont flash expensive stuff, watch your bag in crowded MTR during rush hour, dont leave phone on table at outdoor cafes. But overall way safer than most cities. Crime rate is very low, violent crime against tourists is basically non-existent.
Women solo travelers: Hong Kong is very safe even at night. I saw many solo female travelers walking around LKF area past midnight, taking MTR late, etc.
What about WiFi and mobile data in Hong Kong?
Hotel WiFi at Ibis was fine for basic stuff – checking Google Maps, uploading photos to Instagram, WhatsApp messages. Speed was decent around 15-20 Mbps.
For mobile data, you can:
Buy tourist SIM card at airport – HKD 88-138 for 5-8 days with 5-15GB data
Use roaming – check your Singapore telco (Singtel/Starhub/M1) for HK data packs
Pocket WiFi rental – around HKD 40-60/day
I used Singtel roaming – SGD $15 for 5 days unlimited data. Worked perfectly everywhere, 4G coverage was excellent even on Dragon’s Back hiking trail. MTR stations all have free WiFi too but tourist SIM or roaming is way more convenient.
Final Verdict – 4.5/5
Hong Kong in late October was exactly what I needed – cooler weather escape from Singapore, amazing hike with ocean views, solid nightlife scene, world-class museum, and didnt break the bank.
What I loved:
- Dragon’s Back hike totally delivered on the Instagram hype – ridge views were insane, finishing at Shek O Beach was perfect
- North Point location saved me SGD $200-250 vs Causeway Bay while still being super convenient (3 min to MTR, 12 min to Central)
- M+ Museum was world-class – spent 4+ hours there, rooftop deck harbour views were free bonus
- LKF nightlife was packed and fun – Dragon-i and VOLAR both delivered, free entry before 11:30 PM saved money
- October weather was perfect – 24-29°C way less humid than Singapore, only one thunderstorm on Saturday
What could be better:
- Under Bridge Spicy Crab was delicious but expensive (HKD 280 for half crab ~SGD $49) – local seafood is pricey
- Western brunch prices in Central/Wan Chai (SGD $25-30) basically same as Singapore after conversion
- Clubs close at 3-4 AM vs Singapore’s 6 AM – night ends earlier, less afterparty options
- Saturday thunderstorm limited outdoor plans but M+ Museum was perfect backup (silver lining I guess)
Rating: 4.5/5
The missing 0.5 points is just Western food and nightlife drink prices – basically same as Singapore after conversion, was hoping for it to be cheaper. If trendy cafe brunch was HKD 100 instead of HKD 150-170, this would be a perfect 5/5 trip.
Who Should Go To Hong Kong?
Go if:
- You want accessible hiking near a major city – Dragon’s Back is only 45 min from Central business district
- You like contemporary art and museums – M+ is truly world-class, rivals any Western art museum
- You’re okay spending SGD $160-180/day for mid-range travel (cheaper than Tokyo/Seoul, similar to Bangkok)
- You want cooler weather break from Singapore humidity – October to December is 4-5°C cooler
- You enjoy nightlife – LKF has 20+ clubs and bars within walking distance, very convenient
Skip if:
- You need proper beach vacation – Shek O Beach is nice but Hong Kong is city-focused, go Phuket/Bali instead
- Total budget under SGD $400 – realistically need minimum SGD $550-600 for 4N5D including flights from Singapore
- You hate crowds and tourists – MTR during rush hour and tourist areas (TST, Causeway Bay) are packed on weekends
- You’re going June to August – way too hot and humid (30-33°C), plus typhoon season and heavy rain
Better alternatives if:
- Want cheaper hiking destination? → Taipei (similar hiking, cheaper food, SGD $600 for 4N5D)
- Want beach focus? → Phuket or Krabi (SGD $550-700 for 4N5D beach resorts with better beaches)
- Want more nightlife hours? → Bangkok (clubs till 4-6 AM, cheaper drinks, SGD $500-600 for 4N5D)
- Want easier hiking? → Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Tabur, cheaper everything, SGD $450-550 for 4N5D)
