Singapore or Hong Kong?

Old Oct 26th, 2004, 05:19 PM
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Singapore or Hong Kong?

I am planning a vacation for May 2005 to Bali but realize that from LAX I have to stop over in either Singapore or Hong Kong.

Having never been in Asia, I don't know which would be the better place to stay the first (2) nights and then onto Bali for (10) and then back for (1).

Any preferences over Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 06:54 PM
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Overall, Singapore Air gets better ratings than Cathay Pacific. Also, I think Singapore is a better combination with Bali - you'll get your long flight over with and will have just a short hop to Bali. Singapore is also a more manageable city for just a few days, Hong Kong can be pretty overwhelming for such a short stay.
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 07:41 PM
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kathie is right and two days in singapore would be lovely to catch up with yourself...plus the bonus day at the end...
HK is worth more days than that...
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 07:58 PM
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No reason not to stop over in Hong Kong for even just 1 or 2 days. Though Singapore is just an excellent choice too.

If you fly SQ's LAX-SIN non-stop, you get wider seats and more legroom with the "Executive Economy" class. Though they will cost a little more.
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Old Oct 26th, 2004, 11:33 PM
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Service on SQ beats Cathay anyday and nowadays they are also flying better aircrafts so guess this points u towards Singapore for your layover as well...
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 12:29 AM
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Two days is pretty brief in either, so I think it is a bit of a toss up in terms of how much you can see in either. Both will be hot and humid in May so there is no preference weather-wise.

Are the prices the same?

Are both offering non-stop flights from your home airport to HK and Sing and back? If not, which is offering the flight with the fewest connections? If you have to change once or more, that only makes a long flight longer. Look at overall flight times as well, from the west coast of the US, you usually are on the Sing flight about 2-3 hours longer than the HK flight. When flying via the Pacific from the west coast of the US, there is also a bit of backtracking in going from Sing to Bali, as Bali is east of Singapore.

Can you get non-stop flights to Bali on both from HK and Sing? If you have to change in Jakarta that will add to your overall flight time.

Do their frequent flier programs have partner airlines which you are more likely to use? You will be getting a lot of miles for this trip, so it may make a difference to you if you can use the miles for trips on other airlines or to other destinations on the same airline. Check their program rules and partners.

In the most recent Conde Nast poll, Cathay made the top ten and did very well and in fact beat out Singapore in the seat comfort class, an important consideration on long-haul flights. I think the service is very good.
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 04:16 AM
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Since Cicerone brought it up, I'd be more specific.

- Auntylynne says she's flying from LAX.

- SQ has the non-stop A340-500 service to SIN. This one has the Executive Economy seats, which of course beats regular SQ or CX coach, but cost more.

- SQ also has a 777-200 service via Taipei, as well as a 747-400 service via Tokyo daily. This will mean 2 stops to get to Bali, but the price should be similar to CX.

- CX flies LAX-HKG twice daily, recently with 747-400s. Problem is that probably due to heavy cargo load, these flights often won't make it non-stop, as scheduled. Instead, they may make a fuel stop, usually in Taipei, especially in the winter months where there's strong headwind.

- SQ have multiple daily departures from SIN to Denpasar/Bali, and takes about 2.5 hours. CX has one per day, I believe, 4.5 hours.

- Both have about the same type of service in coach.

- Both airlines have their own FF programs, and both are part of worldwide alliance (CX belongs to oneworld, SQ Star Alliance). However, almost all of the lower fares on either airline do not earn you mileage on their partner's FF programs. So forget earning AA miles on CX, or UA miles on SQ. Many CX fares don't even earn its own AsiaMiles. [Not sure about SQ's Krisflyer program.] If you want miles, consider flying NW, UA, or other airlines at least most of the way.

If flying in coach, I would definitely base my decision based on schedule, and not service.
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 04:39 AM
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You should also check out EVA Air. They fly out of LA and they do go to Bali. This is the official airline of Taiwan. I have flown them- their Evergreen deluxe Class- to Bangkok and it was great. We are flying them again when we go to Manila in feb. (Like Business class but very affordable). You can earn Continental Miles (and maybe miles on some of the other partners of Continental). Their service is much better than any American airline but probably not quite as good as SQ (hey - no one is better than SQ). Check out their fares and sachedules and see if they have a better fit. Coach or Evergreen deluxe.
They are at www.evaair.com
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 06:18 AM
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I don't think EVA is the official airline of Taiwan. China Airlines were for many years the defacto flag carrier, and is mostly owned by the national government and Kuomintang. But while the current government favors EVA, it's still just one of two major international carriers of Taiwan. It is part of the giant Evergreen shipping group.
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 06:23 AM
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Singapore Air and Singapore! Happy Travels!
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 08:55 PM
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hmmmm....a choice between two top notch air carriers and two great destinations.

Although opinions will vary and there are certainly loyalists out there, as you are picking between two top airlines I'd let the scheduling and fares make the decision if I were you. You don't mention what class of service you are looking at, but if it's coach CX doesn't have a "more room" type coach offering and SQ does.

Personally, I like First and Business for both of them - either way you can't go wrong.

With regard to the question of Hong Kong vs Singapore, I would suggest doing a bit of reading and deciding which has more appeal for you. Singapore is not particulary "Asian", to me it feels quite European in terms of some of the neighborhoods and architecture.

Hong Kong is much more "chinese" although not as much so as Beijing or Guilin, Xian, etc.

Singapore is remarkably clean, you can eat anywhere, english is everywhere...its safe and easy to navigate. It has nice gardens and attractions. I like Singapore, however, it has a slightly less than "real" quality to it, IMHO...it's just too....not sure how to explain it.

Hong Kong has more of a busy energy (to me) and if feels more real. It too is a very safe city and easy to navigate with good public transportation and plenty of easy to follow signs with English.

You might check out the destination forums hear of Fodors or www.discoverhongkong.com and www.visitsingapore.com to help familiarize yourself to the attractions of these two cities and make your decision once you have more info.

You can also post again here, but in order to help you best, we'd need to know what sorts of things you might enjoy (vs just asking which is a better place to stay for a night or two).
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Old Oct 27th, 2004, 11:03 PM
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Hong Kong wins hands down! Singapore has lost its cultural identity and Hong Kong is well, fabulous. 10 days in Bali....unfortunately, inmho, would not entertain that idea at all. Especially considering the security problems there. It is only a matter of time (imho) before it is targeted again by Muslim extremists. I sincerely hope I am wrong!
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Old Oct 28th, 2004, 04:21 AM
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If you really like to shop and eat chinese food then I would reduce the time in Bali to 7 days and increase the time in Hong Kong. Don't rule out EVA Air until you check the schedule and fare- both for coach and their Evergreen Deluxe Class. My sense is that a lot of people don't know about EVA and their Evergreen Deluxe Class Option- I'm glad I found out as its the only way I will travel to Asia- business class like confort for a little more thanh coach prices and ff miles on Continental as well- life is good!
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Old Oct 28th, 2004, 05:37 AM
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Well, lots of mixed reviews. cjbryant's almost mirrors what my friend who happens to be from Hong Kong told me. She said that Singapore is a nice, clean place but not all that of an Asian experience. In her words, is just like "anytown USA". She thought for my first time to Asia, HK would be a better experience. I am giving that a lot of thought.

The flights in cost, being direct with not stops for both Singapore and HK are very similar. I'm not really looking for a lot of action or scads of good store shopping when I vacation. At least not yet. My husband and I just like to experience different places and relax. I would like to get a gentle fee for my first trip to that side of the continent. I have in mind to spend 2 weeks in China as another vacation.

As far as what type of seats we chose, always coach. We are not ones to pour a lot of money into our airline seats. I will spend more for a direct, not stop over or connection flights vs. all kinds of stop and changes in a better class of seats. I also like to my money more towards the accommodations. Rather than staying deluxe or superior, maybe staying luxury depending on the deals out there with Luxury Link and Priceline.

The other issue I'd like to address is about the terrorist activity Bali experienced in 2002. I realize that many of you who post on this board live in areas outside the U.S. I live in Los Angeles county where gang fire and racial strife is a common occurence. Should I mention 911? I live in a country that was hit hard and continue to go on with my life. I am not going to let anyone or anything stop me from enjoying life. For that matter, my life is in danger everyone time I go see one of my customers in a gang infected area of South East Los Angeles. God help me if I'm in those areas after 6pm. It's real.

My husband and I were given so many warnings about bandits when we traveled this past summer to Costa Rica. Watch your bags, check your wallet, don't trust anyone, anywhere. Thank goodness I am not someone who allows others to make me paranoid. Yes, the information was useful,but did I worry my pretty little head every step of the way in CR? No. We came back with all our limbs and belongings.

To wrap this up, thanks to all of you. I'm still gathering the facts. I am for sure going to Bali for (10) days - no more, no less. This may seem long and boring to some, but my husband and I are the kind that can have fun on a deserted island for (10) days. Anything is better than the daily grind!

Lynne
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Old Oct 28th, 2004, 11:41 AM
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I think you'll have a wonderful time on Bali. My first trip there was 9 nights, and my second trip there was a similar length of time. There are plenty of things to do and see.

If you intend your next trip to Asia to be to China, that may influence where you what to stop over. You'll likely go to Hong Kong as part of that trip, so you may want to experience a few days in Singapore this trip.

Both are fascinating cities and you'll enjoy which ever one you choose.
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Old Oct 28th, 2004, 03:04 PM
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Auntylynne-have a great time wherever you go!
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Old Nov 3rd, 2004, 07:24 AM
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I am leaning towards Hong Kong although Singapore is calling my name as well. I've got to confirm these reservations fast. The plane is already pretty full on Cathay Pacific.

Both destinations are non-stop. I am leaning towards HK because from LAX its about 14.5 hours vs. Singapore which is 17+. I realize if chose the latter, our plane ride to Bali would be very short. But since my husband is a smoker, I better break it up a little for him.

Prices from LAX to either Singapore or HK are very similar. I think HK is $100 more. Each will cost around $1,500/pp (including Bali). I have searched the internet endlessly with China Air, Eva Air, UA, AA, etc. to make these flights cheaper but just can't do it. I can get LAX to HK on UA for around $900/pp but HK to Bali is at least that much on Cathay Pacific. I am willing to pay more for non stop flights as my previous post indicated. I wish I could afford to fly in business class, but the price jumps tremendously. I am going to book these directly over the internet with Cathay Pacific. Any thoughts on that? Since I live in L.A. I could go to a tour operator in Chinatown or even Monterey Park but would that person even save me money?

Another thing, does anyone think its crazy to get hotel rooms for Hong Kong with Priceline by the way? I use them domestically for business travel and love the thrill of getting a 5 star hotel for so cheap. Just wasn't sure about internationally.

Thanks to all for your feedback.

Lynne
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Old Nov 3rd, 2004, 08:02 AM
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$1,500 for this trip is way too much. You can get better from a travel agent from Chinatown, or other agents that specialize in Asian travel.

Cathay Pacific hasn't announced an All-Asia Pass for 2005, I believe, but for the last couple of years, you can fly from LAX-HKG plus a whole bunch of Asian destination for just US$999 plus a little of tax. Including Bali. As long as you depart the US by mid-May.
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Old Nov 3rd, 2004, 08:05 AM
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As for Priceline, the hotel choices in Hong Kong aren't that great. And just 4 zones total, so really can't get good deals. And from the winning bids I see at biddingfortravel.com, you may save perhaps 30-40% if you're lucky, unlike the 70-80% discount I can regularly get here in the US.
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Old Nov 3rd, 2004, 08:45 AM
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Singapore Air is a better airline but Cathay is a very good one.

Hong Kong is a much more interesting city. Singapore has virtually no "culture" -- it's very antiseptic.Just a lot of shopping malls where you see the same things you see in America. I find it the dullest city in asia.

Hong Kong is exciting and vibrant and still has some chinese culture. Much better place to stop over in.
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