I like Hongkong!

My friends cannot understand why my wife and I keep going back to Hongkong for our vacation. The reason is very simple. We like Hongkong! This city is so vibrant and alive there is never a dull moment the moment you set foot in Hongkong. But each and every time I ask myself why Singapore, for all its so-called efficiency and meritocracy, can never be like Hongkong. Hongkong does things the simple, so often the practical way. Take transportation as just one example.

Yes, Singapore has its mass transit rail, just like Hongkong. Its network of buses and taxis, just like Hongkong. A world class airport, just like Hongkong. The similarities end here, unfortunately.

Hongkong's Airport Express offers travellers an attractive, yet economical alternative mode of transport to the city center. The smooth hassle-free ride to Kowloon Station takes only 22 minutes. Hongkong Station is another 8 minutes away. Return flight home baggages can be checked-in at either station 24 hours in advance.

MTR trains arrive promptly at 2-minute intervals during peak hours; 3-4 minutes during off-peak hours. Each station typically has 8-10 exits reaching out in all directions conveniently taking you pretty close to where you want to go without the need for crossing streets or using overhead bridges.

At The Merton Tower where we stayed the last time, we had at our disposal several modes of transport to choose, depending on where we want to go, the time of day, and the weather. The furthest option is just 80 metres away.

Taxis are easily available even during the morning rush hour. A tram ride costs a flat HK$2 and takes you to a town as remote and far away as Shaukeiwan (an hour's ride from Kennedy Town). If you take the upper deck, the experience (especially for a first-timer) is palpable.

Buses are available in several options and fares vary depending on whether they are single or double deckers, 14-, 16- or multi-seaters, whether they are "X" (or express) buses or buses that twist and turn into narrow streets of the smaller towns. The 16-seater "54" bus, for example, takes you to the Bus Interchange (next to IFC Building) for a flat fee of HK6 with fewer than 8 stops in between for the purpose of either picking up or dropping off passengers. The 14-seater "green" or "red" bus charges a fixed start-to-end fare, which is adjusted on a reducing scale along the way. The Octopus card is used for the "green" bus.

Crossing the channel is just as convenient and economical. The 10-minute Star Ferry boat ride from Sheung Wan Pier takes you right to the door step of Kowloon's Harbour City for a flat fee of just HK$4. The sight of Hongkong's skyline on both sides of the channel is simply breathtaking.

With so many modes of transport available at one disposal, who needs a car in Hongkong? Rain or shine, peak or off-peak hours, taxis are everywhere. As for the buses, there is no need for bus lanes to confuse road-users or further complicate an already complicated traffic situation in Singapore. If you ask me, we don't need a columbo-plan minister and his team of president's scholars to solve our traffic puzzle; just keep things simple and practical.

Writer's email: peterchanglc@gmail.com