Claire

Hi all, this is my first time posting here. <BR> <BR>We are planning a family trip (me, husb., 13 and 10 yr old boys) for February 2002. We have one week. Choice is between Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia. Any opinions / suggestions as to the best choice? My personal preference is Hong Kong - I have "old" family ties there (no-one still living, unfortunately), also the sights and shopping (!) - would this be the best of the three? We have to book fairly quickly as it's going to be ff flights. Also, what will the weather be like in February? <BR> <BR>BTW - we're travelling from the UK. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Neil

Hi Claire <BR>My wife and I was in Hong Kong Later end of dec 2000,the weather was shirt sleave but humid, their seems to be a constant smog hanging around which I believe is caused by industrial and domestic polution, but it did'nt inder the experience, for shopping try Nathan Road Kowloon's main drag, but watch out for the guys who try to pull you into the taylors, for made to measure clothing, sometimes they can get a bit pushy, but if you just say no and mean it and carry on ealking you should be o.k.For night time shopping try Temple Street market which opens every night at 10pm, and goes through to the early hours, How are you at haggling? great fun and expected, great bargins to be had.For the kids their,s Ocean park,middle kingdom, and waterworld,sort of disney land but smaller, take a trip on the star ferry the kids will love it and its cheap, but thats the only thing that is,eating out is about the same as England if not slightly dearer, but their's lots of variety,even Mc-donalds everywere you turn. <BR>Dont know about Singapore, were off their May 2002. <BR>Hope alls what you expected when you make your choice, <BR>Neil

lynn

Claire - <BR> <BR>Without doubt go to Hong Kong. <BR> <BR>I can't comment on Malaysia personally (except for a few hours spent in Johor Bahru) but I don't think it would be ideal. <BR> <BR>Singapore is very clean but so sterile an environment, I don't think it's nearly as interesting as Hong Kong. Also, it's hot and humid to the extreme. Think sauna, even in February. <BR> <BR>Hong Kong has some of the best shopping in Asia although I don't think Nathan Road is the best place. Temple Street night market is great (I haven't been since 1999 but it opened at sunset then) and Ladies' Market is excellent for good knock-off purses and watches. It opens around Noon-1pm and goes until Midnight-ish. <BR> <BR>Don't forget to catch the view from Victoria Peak. Take the Peak Tram up and a taxi down. <BR> <BR>Hong Kong all the way! <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR

Elaine

Claire, <BR>I've been to all 3 places (HK and Malaysia as recently as May this year)and they all have lots to recommend them to family visitors, although I would hesitate to fly 14 hours each way myself for the sake of a week's holiday, never mind subject a couple of kids to it. <BR>However, if you've got your heart set on HK (and it certainly sounds like it) then some good "family" places to visit would be Ocean Park, Lamma Island, Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and Victoria Peak - and don't forget to use the Star Ferry as often as possible. Try and steer clear of the organised coach trips, which could be pretty boring for your kids, but an evening boat trip to the Jumbo floating restaurant might go down well. <BR>As for shopping - well, the world's your oyster (Roltex that is), from the tacky rip-off designer labels in the Ladies' market to the real thing in the shops down Nathan Road and around the Mandarin Oriental, plus everything in between. I bought a great pair of jeans - just the right weight for the hot, humid weather - for less than 10 quid, including free shortening. <BR>Have a great time!

mast

Hi Claire, <BR> <BR>Singapore is having a Singapore Great Sale right now, if you like shopping then this is the best time to go. Orchard Road and Marina Square are the main shopping area. <BR>Most people come to Singapore for the foo9d and to experience the mixture of different culture. You can find every kind of food in Singapore, and the best normally is those found in the hawker centre, they are cheap and tasty. Newton Circle is the most famous among some others which many locals will recommend. Try chicken rice, fried kway teow, satay, BBQ seafood, prawn noodle, roast duck, royi-john..........a plate of chicken rice plus a dink will cost you only one pound in a hawker centre and to me they taste much better than a 10 pounds meal in a restaurant. <BR>Go to little india, geylang, china town sentosa 9under water world especiallly), zoo, bird park, night safari and find some time to hunt for some cheap electonic goods. there is a mega store located at serangoon road----mustafa and it is really huge and sell everything cheap. but don't go to Lucky Plaza as there are many complaints regarding prices and services. <BR>It is true that Singapore is a modern city but it is safe and convenient. Almost everyone understand English and if you can stay two nights that will be a good experience. <BR>enjoy! <BR> <BR>mast

Dawn

why not combine Singapore with Malaysia? Some malaysian destinations change at Singapore so it will not cost any extra. Singapore for 2 days should mean that you will see everything you want. Try Penang after. It's a great place to go to and the weather is at its best then. Singapore will be very humid then though. Like the last poster I would say that it it is a long way to go for one week- can you manage even another couple of days? It would not add to your costs as it is ridiculously cheap to eat over there. Eat at the hawkers stalls - food is of high quality and a meal will cost £3 ,although you can honestly eat for £1!Do NOT waste money by eating in the hotel, it's not worth the extra and anyway you miss out in all the fun!

Dawn

forgot to say- if your boys are into computer games or music you will save a fortune. Cds cost £1 or £2!!

Sarah

I don't have to tell you that if 'the kids get bored' it makes your vacation loussy. Although HKG and Singapore are tempting I'd persoanlly go for Malaysia. Shopping in KL is far far cheaper than Hong Kong, Singapore interesting but for 2-3 days absolute max, with kids it is ok for a day or so, Malaysia on the other hand is more adveturous, Penang, Langkawi, jungles,treking,beaches and islands, more of a vacation. I doubt the kids fancy shopping malls too much! Why not try Penang/Langkawi plus KL. Then everyone is happy. <BR>Notice you did not mention Thailand as an option, have you considored it? <BR>Anyway d enjoy whichever you choose. <BR>d