When visiting one country, it is very important to know their rules and regulations, culture and tradition and even how they practice sustainable tourism. Hongkong and Macau are the places in East Asia which are known for amusement parks, entertainment and cultural heritage. 

​​

For smooth and respectful travel, here’s a help guide to the do’s and don’ts in Hong Kong and Macau

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Hongkong

 

DO’s

• Use an Octopus Card for easy access in transport (MTR and buses) and convenience stores.

• On elevators, be mindful to stand on the right, walk on the left. 

• People are very orderly so queue properly

• For local shops and markets, it is best if you carry and pay in small cash 

• Time is taken seriously - always be punctual

• Explore must-try local food 

• It is highly suggested to bring your own pocket tissues

• Always bring your passport - police may randomly approach tourists

 

DON'Ts

• Eating or drinking on the MTR (there’s a maximum penalty fine of HK$2,000)

• Be mindful, don’t talk loudly in public transport

• Littering has a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and potentially 6 months imprisonment.

• Follow pedestrian signals and strictly no jaywalk - there is a HK$2,000 fine

• Don’t expect locals to speak fluent English. 

​

Macau

​

DO’s

• Always carry your passport (casinos and hotels may look for it)

• For convenience, use free hotel shuttle buses

• Be mindful to respect heritage sites such as churches, ruins and temples

• Explore and try local specialties like egg tarts and pork chop buns 

• It is highly suggested to bring your own pocket tissues

• Carry cash - MOP/HKD (both currencies are widely accepted here)

​

DON'Ts

• Taking photos inside casinos (strictly prohibited)

• Under 21 years old is not allowed to gamble 

• Smoking in restricted areas (there’s a fine of MOP 1,500)

• Overly loud or disruptive in public places

• Ignoring dress codes in some upscale venues

 

​

How Sustainable Tourism Applies in Hong Kong & Macau

 

Hong Kong: Smart & Green Sustainable Tourism

​

1. Protecting Nature & Country Parks

​

​

 

 

 

 

There’s a balance between urban life and nature conservation. In fact, over 40% of land is protected as country parks. While areas like Hong Kong Global Geopark are preserved, and there’s a controlled development to protect biodiversity. 

 

2. World-Class Public Transport

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

 

​

 

Marked as one of the most efficient transport systems globally where there’s an extensive MTR, buses, trams and ferries. Hongkong reduces reliance on private cars and encourages low-carbon travel.

​

3. Waste Reduction Efforts

​









 

 

 

 

HongKong focuses on increasing plastic reduction. The country has recycling programs in public areas and hotels and strong campaigns encouraging sustainable tourism.
 

4. Green Hotels & Certification

​
 

​

 

 

 

​
 

 

Many hotels in Hongkong ensured eco-certifications (e.g., LEED). By practice, they focus on energy-saving, water conservation and reduced plastic use

​

5. Cultural Heritage Preservation

​




 

 

 

 

​


 

 

The country has efforts in restoration of heritage sites like Tai Kwun and adapting the reuse of historic buildings

Macau: Preserving Heritage and Practicing Sustainable Tourism

​

1. Protecting UNESCO Heritage Sites

​

 

​

​​

 

 

​

 

 

Macau Tourism supports cultural preservation and implements strict conservation rules for buildings and sites.

 

2. Free Shuttle System (Low Carbon Travel)

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

​





 

 

 

 

 

 

Macau provided free shuttle buses between hotels, ports, and attractions. This government program reduces the need for taxis and private vehicles.

​

3. Waste & Energy Management in Casinos

​
 

 

​



 

 

 

​




In Macau large resorts implement energy-efficient systems and waste reduction programs. Whereas, these sustainable tourism efforts integrated into the hospitality sector.

 

4. Sustainable Event & Tourism Management

 

 

 

 

​





 

Macau has controlled crowd management in busy areas and eco-friendly initiatives during festivals

 

The Key Differences 

​​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

ETA Travel is a company that advocates sustainable tourism. We educate travellers most especially those who booked a customized trip with us. More so how they practice sustainable tourism covering eco-friendly environment, local livelihood, community involvement, culture and heritage.​​

​

We asked a group of Filipino travellers (teachers from Iloilo National High School) who booked a 6D5N customized trip to Hong Kong and Macau. One of them is Ms. Leony Buenavista Bernadas, a seasoned educator from Iloilo National High School. Her awareness of sustainable tourism applies even in the simplest way through CLAYGO (Clean As You Go) - the practice of cleaning up, organizing, and disposing of waste properly.

​

​

​

​

 

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

Yep! a simple act can make a difference in attaining an eco-friendly environment.