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.

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