How to do Hong Kong on a budget

Hong Kong is famous for its shopping and is not known for being exactly cheap. So I was a bit nervous about how I would survive my days in Hong Kong.

 Now, there isn't much you can do about the hostel prices, I found a bed in a dorm room, in downtown Hong Kong, in the Kowloon side, for HK$11 (12 SEK/Euro 1) per night. Now, it was a hostel in true Hong Kong style, where the bathrooms were so small you could barely close the door behind you and the shower was a hose over the toilet. But it had warm water, the beds clean sheets and most importantly it gives you an opportunity to save on transport. I was within walking distance to the harbor where ferries to Hong Kong Island and Macau went on a daily basis.

The harbor area is also where the famous light show takes place every day at around 8pm. The best part of it - it's free. I got down there in time for sunset and stayed until the show, which would have been fine if I wasn't in shorts and flipflops and as soon as the sun went down it got seriously cold. But the show was very nice and I was very lucky to also to catch the last show of the Pulse show which was a 3D show in celebration of the Chinese New Year. 

Exploring Hong Kong island and the Peak is a must. The cheapest (and most scenic) way to travel across to the island is by ferry, one way is HK$2.50 (3 SEK/ 0.30 EURO). Now to get to the peak you can either take the tram, which has an average waiting time of an hour or you can walk which is also about an hour, it's free and you have some amazing scenery as you climb that massive hill. Most of the climb is in the shade from the trees but it is still a steep climb, though bring a jumper as it gets super windy at the top! The views from up here are simply breathtaking. 

On the island side there are also several markets to explore - now this is the place where you can barter and maybe find some cheaper clothes and souvenirs. Not to mention the famous Man Mo Temple which is located right in between the financial buildings, the little small alleys with street stalls and the new hip "Soho" inspired cafes and restaurants. 

But perhaps my favorite venture was to the markets back on Kowloon side. The famous Temple Street Night market where you should barter hard. I managed to go down between 35-50% on everything I found there and at one point had a lady shouting at me as I left, woops. 

Or another of my day time favorites was the markets in Mong Kok, the Ladies market and next to that the best street ever if you are looking for sports good, Fa Yuen St, had what felt like a never ending row of sports goods. Or if you are looking for something less ordinary there was the Flower market and Goldfish Street market, yes, it's exactly what it sounds like! 

In terms of doing food on a budget it is easy, especially if you are liking your dumplings. Hong Kong has some fantastic contemporary restaurants but if you are on a budget you want to end up where the locals go and that is not hard because there are plenty of little restaurant corners where with the help of pictures on the menu you will have no problem ordering whatever takes your fancy. And do not underestimate 7eleven I spent HK$9 (10 SEK/ 1 EURO) for two pork buns for breakfast every day! 

Like so many other big cities, there is always a park around to wander, read and just people watch - all free activities! In Hong Kong there is the beautiful Kowloon Park in downtown Kowloon. 

All in all, if you are on a budget, don't fear Hong Kong. It is definitely doable and can become as cheap or expensive as you like, it all depends if you can resist the shopping and be able to stick to the cheaper local restaurants. I can't wait to go back because Hong Kong is definitely a place that I will go back to as there are so many islands to explore and so much else to do, from trekking to kayaking, sailing and of course island hop.