By Rory Boland
Hong Kong/Macau Travel Expert, about.com
I’m going to lay my cards on the table early, when it comes to Hong Kong vs Singapore, I’m completely biased and I’ve only got one answer to the question should I visit Hong Kong or Singapore, and that’s Hong Kong. Below you’ll find out why.
Hong Kong Pros:
Sights
This is where Hong Kong really blows away Singapore. From temples to skyscraping temples
to capitalism, through colonial buildings and world class museums, Hong
Kong is packed with sights. The mix of the traditional with the modern
in Hong Kong makes for a powerful combination, and the city has a far
richer history to be explored. Singapore’s sights can feel a little like
Disneyland, well preserved and well displayed, but dead. The markets,
temples and fishing villages of Hong Kong are very much alive.
Conversely, Singapore has done more about preserving its colonial
heritage in recent years, and has a good selection of British era
sights.
Restaurants
Both cities are superb for food, and you’ll find an outrageous selection of cuisine in either location.
Hong Kong however excels at Cantonese food,
it is simply better here than anywhere else in the world. Hong Kongers
consider eating out a right and the sheer amount of restaurants is
breathtaking. It’s estimated there are more eateries in Hong Kong per
head than anywhere else in the world. In addition to an unrivalled
choice of Chinese cuisine, from Hainan to Harbin, Hong Kong is also home
to the best, award-winning restaurants in Asia. Well, maybe Japan.
Transport
Hong
Kong may have the world’s best public transport system. Cheap, clean
and efficient, there really are few faults. Ferries, buses, trams and
the subway are all well interconnected and serve just about the whole
territory. Singapore is certainly no slouch in the transport department
and is also very easy to get around, assisted by its relatively compact
size.
Kids
With Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland
both in the city, Singapore really can’t rival Hong Kong here.
Singapore does at least have good, green open spaces, but for kid
friendly activities Hong Kong is head and shoulders above Singapore.
Shopping
Few
cities in the world can rival Hong Kong when it comes to shopping,
certainly not Singapore. For the average shopper Singapore has plenty to
offer, but for those who want to get serious, Hong Kong is a punters
paradise. From the traditional markets to the multiplex malls and swanky
boutiques your plastic will take quite a beating in Hong Kong. The
bargain centre of Shenzhen, just across the border, is an added bonus.
Singapore Pros
Friendly
Now
this is going to be controversial, Singaporeans are more polite and
friendly. Although they won’t ever be voted the world’s friendliest
nation the difference between Singapore and Hong Kong is noticeable.
Hong KOngers, at least at first, are all business.
English
That’s
right, despite Hong Kong being British owned up until 1997, the level
of spoken English in the city really has dropped considerably.
Singaporeans are much better, with English widely spoken. Of course,
you’re generally not going to have major difficulties in Hong Kong with English either.
Environment
Singapore
is very much the town garden to Hong Kong’s urban jungle. Parks are
everywhere in Singapore and the city is more relaxed for it. Visitors to
Singapore also don’t have to wallow in the semi permanent smog that
cloaks Hong Kong. That said, Hong Kong outdoes Singapore for hiking and
walking outside the city.
Bottom Line
Singapore is
an excellent city in its own right but just can’t stand up to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is simply bigger and brighter, and, for most people, better.
