Travel Guide: Singapore to Hong Kong
This guide covers essential information for traveling from Singapore to Hong Kong, including transportation options, visa requirements, best times to visit, and tips for a smooth trip.
1. Transportation Options
By Air
Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
Airlines: Multiple airlines operate direct flights, including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Scoot, and Hong Kong Airlines.
Airports:
Departure: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Arrival: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Cost: Economy round-trip tickets typically range from SGD 200 to SGD 500, depending on the season and booking time.
Frequency: Multiple daily flights, with over 20 direct flights per day.
Tips:
Book flights 2–3 months in advance for the best deals.
Changi Airport offers free Wi-Fi, lounges, and dining options for a comfortable pre-flight experience.
Hong Kong Airport has efficient immigration and transport links to the city.
By Sea (Cruise)
Duration: 3–5 days, depending on the cruise itinerary.
Options: Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises offer multi-day trips from Singapore to Hong Kong, often with stops in Vietnam or the Philippines.
Cost: Starts at SGD 800–1,500 per person, depending on cabin type and inclusions.
Tips:
Ideal for leisurely travel with onboard amenities like pools, restaurants, and entertainment.
Check visa requirements for any stopover countries.
By Land and Sea (Not Recommended)
Combining trains, buses, and ferries through Malaysia, Thailand, and mainland China is possible but complex and time-consuming (4–7 days). This involves multiple border crossings and is not practical for most travelers.
2. Visa Requirements
Singapore Citizens: No visa required for stays in Hong Kong up to 90 days.
Other Nationalities: Check Hong Kong’s Immigration Department website for visa-free access or visa-on-arrival eligibility. Most ASEAN, EU, US, and Commonwealth citizens enjoy visa-free entry for 14–90 days.
Tips:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the entry date.
Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation details.
3. Best Time to Visit
Hong Kong Weather:
Spring (Mar–May): Mild (18–25°C), pleasant for sightseeing.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool and dry (20–28°C), ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid (26–33°C), with occasional typhoons.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool (15–20°C), great for festivals like Chinese New Year.
Events:
Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb): Vibrant parades and markets.
Hong Kong Arts Festival (Feb/Mar): Cultural performances.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep/Oct): Lantern displays and mooncakes.
Tips: Avoid peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Christmas) for lower airfares and hotel rates.
4. Getting from Hong Kong Airport to the City
Airport Express Train: Fastest option (24 minutes to Central), costs HKD 115 (approx. SGD 20). Trains run every 10–12 minutes.
Taxis: HKD 250–300 to Central (approx. SGD 43–52), 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Buses: Cityflyer buses (e.g., A11, A21) cost HKD 33–40 (approx. SGD 6–7), 45–60 minutes to key areas.
Tips:
Purchase an Octopus Card (HKD 150, with HKD 100 usable credit) for seamless payments on public transport.
5. Currency and Payments
Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). 1 SGD ≈ 5.8 HKD (as of July 2025).
Payments: Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely accepted. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are common, but cash is useful for small vendors.
Tips: Exchange currency at banks or reputable money changers in Hong Kong for better rates than at the airport.
6. Top Attractions in Hong Kong
Victoria Peak: Stunning city skyline views, accessible by Peak Tram.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Walk along Victoria Harbour for the Symphony of Lights show (8 PM daily).
Lantau Island: Visit the Tian Tan Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 cable car.
Mong Kok Markets: Shop at Ladies’ Market and Temple Street Night Market.
Disneyland Hong Kong: Family-friendly theme park on Lantau Island.
Tips: Use the MTR (subway) for efficient travel between attractions.
7. Food and Dining
Must-Try Dishes: Dim sum, wonton noodles, roast goose, egg tarts, and milk tea.
Dining Areas:
Central and Causeway Bay: Upscale restaurants and international cuisine.
Sham Shui Po: Affordable local eats and Michelin-starred stalls.
Kowloon: Street food and dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls).
Tips: Try Michelin-recommended spots like Tim Ho Wan for dim sum or Yat Lok for roast goose.
8. Accommodation
Options:
Luxury: Iconic hotels like The Peninsula or Mandarin Oriental (SGD 300–600/night).
Mid-Range: Boutique hotels or chains like Holiday Inn Express (SGD 100–200/night).
Budget: Hostels or guesthouses in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok (SGD 50–100/night).
Tips: Book accommodations in advance during peak seasons. Central, Causeway Bay, or Tsim Sha Tsui are convenient for sightseeing.
9. Cultural Tips
Language: Cantonese is the primary language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Etiquette:
Queue orderly for public transport.
Avoid loud conversations in public spaces.
Tipping is not customary but appreciated (5–10% in restaurants if service isn’t included).
Safety: Hong Kong is generally safe, but stay vigilant in crowded areas like markets.
10. Packing Tips
Clothing: Light, breathable clothes for summer; layers for winter. Comfortable shoes for walking.
Essentials: Umbrella (for rain or sun), power adapter (Hong Kong uses Type G plugs), and a portable charger.
Tips: Pack light as Hong Kong has ample shopping opportunities.
11. Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
Morning: Arrive at HKG, transfer to hotel via Airport Express.
Afternoon: Visit Victoria Peak, explore Central’s shopping streets.
Evening: Enjoy Symphony of Lights at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
Day 2: Culture and History
Morning: Take the MTR to Lantau Island for Tian Tan Buddha and Ngong Ping 360.
Afternoon: Explore Wong Tai Sin Temple and Chi Lin Nunnery.
Evening: Shop and dine at Mong Kok’s night markets.
Day 3: Leisure and Departure
Morning: Visit Hong Kong Disneyland or relax at Repulse Bay.
Afternoon: Stroll through Hong Kong Park or shop in Causeway Bay.
Evening: Head to the airport for your return flight.
12. Useful Resources
Hong Kong Tourism Board: discoverhongkong.com for event updates and guides.
Transport Apps: MTR Mobile, Citymapper for navigation.
Emergency Numbers: 999 for police, fire, or ambulance.