Hi all,

Looking to plan a trip in 2017 to Asia, most likely around August. We will be flying from Australia and our arrival and exit has to be Singapore (so whatever we do, we will fly into Singapore, as our flight from Australia will be a frequent flyer redemption).

We plan to take around two weeks, so would like to spend 5-6 days in Singapore, before going to Hong Kong, spending about a week, and then returning to Singapore.

My concern is: are these destinations too similar? Is there enough to do for a week in both? I am reading up on each of the locations (I have been to Hong Kong for a couple of days before but not seen it extensively, and never been to Singapore, apart from transit), but I would be keen to hear thoughts on whether we should consider an alternative to Hong Kong...

Mainly we will be sightseeing, eating/dining and shopping. Not really into hiking.

Any thoughts appreciated

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...hing-green.cfm

Happy Travels!

Have been to both several times and I'd say you could spend a week in each place and venture to nearby places too.

From HK consider a day trip to Macau.

From Singapore, Melacca and KL are nearby. I personally don't care for many of the places I've been to in Malaysia. having said that. A Singapore - Melacca - KL (fly to HK from here) - HK itinerary will work well in a two week time frame. There are many other destinations you could combine with Singapore and HK instead of Melacca and KL.

Are Singapore and HK similar? In many respects, yes. Both cities rival each other. Both are world class cities for shopping and dinning.

Pity your ticket to Asia isn't an open jaw ticket, that would eliminate the need to backtrack to Singapore to return to Oz.

Yeah, unfortunately it will be Emirates, and they don't fly to HK from Australia.

Thanks for your feedback.

I just posted on a VERY full 4.5 days in Singapore:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...a-and-bali.cfm

Hope it gives you some ideas!

You could go to Penang in Malaysia for a few days from Singapore, some great old colonial buildings, good food and some nice shopping! 3 or 4 days there would be lovely.
I have been to Singapore many times and always find loads to do but I do always have a side trip too....
Last time I went to SP I visited the Changi POW museum, which was fascinating....

If it was my first trip to Asia, I'd try to get a little bit of variety. Hong Kong and Singapore are both former members of the British Commonwealth and both have heavy Chinese influence. While both are fascinating cities and I have enjoyed weeks in both, I'd want one destination to be more exotic. Also, you have chosen the two most expensive cities in Asia.

I'd choose one of those cities, Singapore since your flights go in and out of Singapore and add in a very different place. I agree with Smeagol that some time in Georgetown, Penang would be lovely. And I highly recommend Bangkok - a big city with an entirely different flavor from Singapore and Hong Kong. Also consider the wondrous temple ruins of Angkor in Cambodia - you can fly there from Singapore or from Bangkok. You could make an easy triangle route: Singapore, Siem Reap, Bangkok, back to Singapore and home.

Let me suggest you spend some time with our photos of SE Asia at www.marlandc,com See what appeals to you.

How wonderful to have two weeks to play with.