What neighboring Asian country would you rather travel to?

Hong Kong, and only as a result of a process of elimination.

South Korea is not tourist-friendly. Went there twice on business trips (first to the Hyundai plant, and the next to the Kia plant) and never really enjoyed any of the trips. Hard to get around in a nation where people have difficulty understanding, much less responding to, English-speaking individuals. Yes, even in a big, classy restaurant. What a pity, the country looks nice and interesting. Maybe I will only re-consider if I have a full-time tour guide.

Singapore is just too small for me. Doesn’t seem like there is anything I have yet to see or try there.

Hong Kong still offers some things and places undiscovered, even while I have been there a lot. And, of course, it is the door to even bigger excitement, surprises, and adventures (and maybe, misadventures) in the mainland.

What neighboring Asian country would you rather travel to?

–> i am planning to go to Thailand…since the supernatural and enigmatic beliefs are just around the corners…waiting to be discovered,…anticipating about the shock and amazement…

ahhh….the Exotic thailand!

Of these places, which one would you rather go on a vacation to? And what is your reason for choosing this place?

—> i would like to choose South Korea,…since i’ve been to Hong Kong to visit my friend last year, and i don’t want Sh8tgapore to be on my itinerary….you know why?….i can’t live by on the very strict and prerogative rules they implement!. No biking, No chewing Gum!, and probably you know the fact of Flor Contemplacion right?

You might wanna go to Singapore when the Universal Studios is finally open to the public..

I’m here in Thailand but I like Hong Kong better. Singapore is sooo Hot, hotter than Philippines.

TAIWAN,THE FOOD IS GOOD.
SOUTH KOREA,THE PEOPLE ARE RUDE ,THEY LOOK AT FILIPINOS AS DOMESTIC HELPERS.
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE ALLOW THOSE PEOPLE TO COME HERE.

None. None of those places represent “real” hard core asia to me; more like hybrid nations trying so hard to incorporate western culture to adulterate their native cultures. I would rather go to some parts of China, Indonesia, Malaysia or Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia. In these places, you will be forced to shake away your comfort zone of western familiarity.

Probably Singapore.

Great night life and spread in a variety of locations like Boat quay, orchard areas, Mohamed Sultan Rd, zouk. Short entrance queues too. English spoken widely, clean all around, Esplanade/Fullerton give a nice view in the evening. Tasty hawker centres for cheap grub (Satay!), but there’s loads of high-priced restos as well, worth a visit to Raffles when the jazz is on.

I prefer the cultural blend in Singapore than HK or Seoul. For example, i’d have little trouble finding “authentic” indian/malaysian/indonesian/hokkien/mandarin/japanese restaurants in sg, but it’d take more effort to locate the same authentic variety in the other two cities.

Shopping includes stylish speicified shopping malls to street stores in allocated areas. Also a broad enough variety than most countries for electronic goods, maybe not as advanced as Hong Kong, or as stylish as Korea, depends how picky you are I suppose. HK provides more “dirt” than sg or seoul, which is preferred by alot of travelers. There’s a place in Queensway that’s great for sports goods at bargainable prices. The mall designs are a bit creative too, Suntec and Ngee Ann City being the most interestingly designed to me.

Crime rate is really low in comparison which makes a big difference, traffic systems are well developed (majority of drivers disciplined), public transport is thoroughly networked if you don’t fancy driving around (There was this inside joke that it took 20 minutes max to get anywhere on the island). Cab drivers always run by the meter, though they shoot the rate up after 12 midnight I think.

Concert/Music/Cultural events are to look-out for, the city goes through great lengths to provide public entertainment on a regular basis. The WOMAD festival was always a worthwhile venue, with tons of food and drink stalls while listening/dancing on a grass hill. Otherwise there’s jazz festivals, beach foam parties, the recent F1 events of course, sport-related celebrations.

A Healthy lifestyle is also being encouraged, since Singapore has been promoting itself to be a green city for sometime now. With that you’ll get a barrage of extended, promenade type parks (East coast and Pulau Ubin), providing bicycles rollerblades for rent. In addition, you’ll never run out of public basketball courts, running tracks, sports fields. Otherwise you have the option for wakeboarding or windsurfing if you’re a little more adventurous. Sentosa island is great for kids, but don’t expect disney land wonders.

Above all, it’s a great gateway to alot of other neighboring countries Take a train, bus, cruise or fly to beaches in Malaysia and Thailand, Vietnam, Laos all at pretty reasonable prices. Boat rides to Bintan resorts or a short flight to Bali. This is essential since staying in Singapore for long periods can get really tedious due to it’s limited size (and lack of natural beaches and other formations :p).

Bad points: Humid all year round, lack of seasons makes it a little repetitive. Like the other commentators said, it’s not an ideal place if you want to strive away from the metropolitan/western scenario.

The strictness about spitting, chewing gums, walking on grass btw is exaggerated. Besides, if you’re a civil, well mannered person, don’t see why that would deter you from visiting sg. You are allowed to chew and posses gum as well, just not sell it.