A lot of people compare Singapore and Hong Kong because they are both financial capitals of Asia, have a low tax rate, and because of their British influence of the past, many people speak English (although, arguably, Singaporeans speak it better). I’ve only been to HK a couple times, but I’d thought I’d give my take on these two cities.
Where to Party:
When I was moving to Singapore so many people told me, “you’re going to be SOOOO bored there! There’s NOTHING to do! There’s like only 5 bars in the whole city.” I heard this time and time again, and when I moved to Singapore I didn’t find that to be the case at all. I actually thought there were quite a few bars and different drinking areas. There’s Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, Arab Street, along the Bay, Duxton Hill. There’s even a street called Club street! Enough said. There’s lots of clubs as well including many rooftop clubs with great views so you get a variety of pub-like atmosphere or duhn duhn duhn techno clubbing scene.
Bang Bang Nightclub, Singapore (Can you spot me and Drew?)
Hong Kong, however, is often seen as the party city between the two – not because they have more bars and clubs but because of a few defining factors:
1. Alcohol is not as expensive in HK. When you are paying $20 for a beer of course Singapore is probably more boring -because you are limiting the amount you drink (once you live here that goes out the window and you think it’s perfectly normal to spend $200 at a bar for after work drinks).
2. There are after-clubs that stay open until 8-9 in the morning for the HK reveler, whereas in Singapore the party usually ends around 4 or 5 in the morning (which is late enough for me thanks!).
3. And this is probably the most defining of the party scene – you can easily get drugs in HK, where as in Singapore you can’t. Personally, this has no effect on me as I do not part take in that type of partying, but I’m sure those who do always feel like they are just missing a little something extra when they come to Singapore to party.
City Life:
When you walk around Hong Kong, you can feel the city life around you. The streets are small and cramped, there are tall buildings all around you, you are mostly in the shadows as the buildings block out sunlight on the streets. Singapore, although it’s a city, feels different. The streets are wide, and although there are tons of tall buildings, they are spaced out and you often get wide views.
Both cities have tons of new restaurant and boutique stores popping up, as well as tons of malls with all the big brands.
The Flat size in HK is shockingly tiny for the prices you pay. I would say rent is similar between the two cities, but in Singapore, you get what you pay for. Large bedrooms, a full kitchen, often 2 bathrooms. And not to mention a pool and gym as well. My friend’s apartment in Hong Kong is roughly the size of our master bedroom. I can’t imagine living in a tiny flat like that with more than one person.
Getting Outdoors:
There is something very dramatic about how the Hong Kong city skyline rises out of the steep mountains on Hong Kong island. However, unlike many other Asian cities that just keep expanding, Hong Kong protected it’s environment, and 80% of the island is actually protected nature areas. They also made getting outdoors very accessible. Victoria Peak and the Big Buddha are easily reached by train and cable cars. Around these points of interest are many different hiking trails. My friend who lives there says they often spend the weekend doing a new hike. In Singapore, there are tons of manicured parks with clearly defined paths but not many areas for true hiking. The only thing that comes close is Macritchie reservoir which makes you feel like you are ‘in the wilderness’ even though you are only a mile from the road.
HK Skyline
Early Morning Runs in Singapore
Culture:
I’m quite impressed with Singapore’s mix of different cultures. Walking around Little India feels completely different to walking around Chinatown, which feels completely different to walking around Arab street! I might not have explored HK enough, but I didn’t really experience different cultures there – just Chinese with English influence.
Singapore’s Chinatown
Traveling:
You can reach a handful of countries in less than 3 hours from Singapore including tropical paradises such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. In 4 hours you can reach the Philippines and HK itself. From HK you can go to many, many parts of China, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and that’s about it. If you want to see a lot of Asia, then Singapore is definitely the better jumping off point.
Both cities are worth at least a few days visit so hopefully the above helps paint a picture of each.
Chilli Crab Cupcakes 