Headed to Singapore and HK — tips?

[Anonymous]

In late September I’m headed to Singapore and Hong Kong for work for about 10 days.

I’ve been to a few countries in Asia before, but more than 20 years ago.

What are your tips for flying and travel as a now 50 something woman who already has sleep issues?

What should I buy in each country, if anything?

What would you see if you only had 1-2 days of tourist time in each place?

[Anonymous]

Singapore- get to a hawker center (not Newton), and find the stall with the longest line.

[Anonymous]

I loved Hong Kong. It’s been awhile but I remember enjoying eating and drinking in Kowloon a lot.

Not sure if you’ll have time, but taking a ferry to Lantau Island was really fascinating. I visited a monastery (believe it was Po Lin) where you could also partake in a meal made by the monks (all vegetarian and absolutely fresh and delicious). Just taking the ferry around the islands was really beautiful and an interesting way to get outside the city. It was a half a day trip so not really that much time.

I wish I could advise on jet lag. My jet lag is the worst when traveling to East Asia— both going there and for a week after coming home.

[Anonymous]

The 24-karat gold jewelry in Hong Kong is really lovely if you like the color.

[Anonymous]

Get a Singapore Sling at Raffles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a Singapore Sling at Raffles.

Overpriced tourist trap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Singapore- get to a hawker center (not Newton), and find the stall with the longest line.

Locals know which food is best. Long lines usually mean good food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The 24-karat gold jewelry in Hong Kong is really lovely if you like the color.

Be careful. In HK's touristy areas, like TST, the 24k gold might not be what it claims to be.

[Anonymous]

Be VERY VERY careful in HK now. It is very different from 20 years ago. Arbitrary arrests do happen. Do not say or do anything which mught be mis-understood as criticism of HK, of PRC, or of either government.

All the expats I used to know living in HK fled permanently during the pandemic, most went to SG and a handful went to TW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Singapore- get to a hawker center (not Newton), and find the stall with the longest line.

Locals know which food is best. Long lines usually mean good food.

Exactly. I was there many years ago, and the quality, array of options, and low price of the meals at the hawker centers blew me away. It's also just a cool and unique part of Singaporean culture.

[Anonymous]

Singapore
must try Mee Goreng- noodles dish
see Gardens by the bay and cloud forest.


Hong kong - see the fireworks

[Anonymous]

Went to both in 2018. Loved both!
Singapore. Agree hawker centers.

Hong Kong. Well the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Central is a must imo.

The most fascinating thing I saw in HK was the outdoor picnics only on Sundays in Central…thousands of Nannie’s, housekeepers enjoying their day off.

Consider walking tours in each city.

For the flight, business class and lie flat seats plus any sleep medication your doctor advises.

[Anonymous]

Wear compression socks!

[Anonymous]

Have fun OP! Both countries are great for tourists and have great markets, museums and botanic gardens depending on what you want to do. HK has Disney and Singapore has a tiny Universal if you're going with kids.

Singapore
Gardens by the Bay (particularly at night so you can do the free music/light show)

Hawker Center-Lau Pa Sat is the most touristy and thus easiest to identify the food, depending on how adventurous an eater you are. Newton is the one from Crazy Rich Asians and Maxwell is my favorite



HK
Victoria's Peak
Big Buddha
Ferry to one of the outer islands if you like more quiet/nature
Get DimSum (lots of options)

[Anonymous]

Hong Kong take the tram up to Victoria's Peak