0 New Year in Hong Kong 2013

Parties, Pints and Countdowns for December 31st in Hong Kong



Not to be confused with Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, which is the biggest celebration of the year, New Year in Hong Kong, meaning December 31st, is also the source of big parties and even bigger hangovers. Below, you’ll find our top recommendations, from Hong Kong’s own Times Square to club parties, to enjoy the countdown.



1. Victoria Harbour New Years Celebration
Arguably more enjoyable than the Times Square celebrations above, the New Year fireworks over the buildings of Hong Kong Island are truly spectacular. Best viewed from Victoria Harbor on one of the all-in food and drink cruises, the skyscraper skyline, the most spectacular in the world, is the backdrop for a spectacular light, sound and firework show. If you can’t make it onto a boat, the views from the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui are equally impressive.



2. Times Square New Years Countdown
The grandstand event of Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Times Square countdown, like its inspiration, is the focal point for those who want to join a crowd as the clock ticks down. There will be live music and entertainment before 2012 rolls around. Be warned, the crowds are immense and you should leave yourself around an hour to reach the centre of the celebrations.



3. Fancy Dinners in Luxury Hotels
If you fancy something more luxurious on New Years Eve, most of the city’s luxury hotels will be laying on equally luxury set dinners. These will not come cheap and you can expect to pay around $100 at the bottom end of the scale. What you will get is a fine meal, usually free drinks and often exquisite views of the harbour fireworks without having to suffer the crowds. Some of the hottest tickets in town include the Grand Old Dame of Hong Kong hotels - The Peninsula - and the Four Seasons - whose restaurants have been collecting Michelin Stars in recent years.

4. New Year Parties in Lan Kwai Fong
Focal point for the city’s revellers, New Years Eve is the biggest party of the year in Lan Kwai Fong. Most places will be charging a heavy cover charge and many will ‘all in’ deals, as in you give them basically all your money and you get a buffet and free drinks. Again, the crowds here can be suffocating, but if you’re with a group and intent on a good time the streets and bars on Lan Kwai Fong are your best bet. One suggestion is to take a few beers from the nearby 7-Eleven and just drink on the street, which is where everything else will be. The big name parties include Drop, Dragon-I and, in Tsim Sha Tsui, Aqua.

Detail: New Year in Hong Kong 2013

0 Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Singapore 2013

Whether you’re up for some overnight beach raves or a tamer brand of fun, the island state has all the action you’ll need to welcome the new year in style. From Sentosa Island to Marina Bay, Singapore is primed to ring in 2013 with a bang.

Marina Bay Fireworks



A crazy pyrotechnic show will be set off from Esplanade Bridge and will be visible across the entire district. One of the best vantage points will be the Marina Bay floating platform, but you might want to get there early to reserve a space. Merlion Park is also a good place to watch the spectacle and near enough the launch area to hear the boom of each firework. The Fullerton Hotel is a great place to stay during the celebration, providing a front row seat to the sky-lit evening.

Take a spin on the Singapore Flyer



Party on at Siloso Beach

This 1.2 km beach has been sectioned off into five distinct party zones, each filled with concerts, music, dancing, eating and fringe activities like firewalking. And hey, if the countdown is getting too hot for you, why not dip in the giant foam pool to cool off? Don’t forget to don your board shorts and bikinis for a quick splash.

Marvel at the Christmas lights on Orchard Road

This 2.2 km-long shoppers’ paradise is bedecked with blue, purple and pink lights, holiday decor and massive Christmas trees. The Hotel Royal Singapore is just one of many accommodations near Orchard Road that will delight anyone who wants to stay in the middle of the action.

Skate at the Marina Bay Sands

A 600 m2 ice rink is spacious enough to support hundreds of amateur and experienced skaters. Adults can skate for S$7 an hour while children get to skate for S$6 an hour, exclusive of skate rentals and other related fees. All in all, a great New Year’s activity at Singapore’s newest iconic landmark.

Dine at the Clarke Quay Countdown



If you wish to avoid huge crowds on December 31, Clarke Quay’s restaurants, bars and clubs, provide a more intimate milieu. There is also the Christmas Weekend Bazaar for celebrants who wish to do a little post-yuletide shopping.

Not only is this a great place to witness the New Year’s fireworks show, The Flyer also provides a whole night of entertainment for customers. Fine dining, romantic music and various activities await those who place their reservations on New Year’s Eve. Without a doubt, the Singapore Flyer promises a very memorable night on December 31.

Join the Ultimate Circus Mayhem

Held in Central Square, this event will feature jugglers, tightrope walkers and other circus mainstays while groovy music blasts through the speakers.

Mix with locals at the Labrador Park Countdown



This get-together was organized by the Radin Mas Citizens’ Consultative Committee and the Hua Yuan Association to get various immigrant communities to assemble for an overnight celebration. The goal this year is to gather 10,000 celebrants from 10:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Both new residents and permanent citizens are especially invited to attend.

Singapore is a perfect city to ring in the New Year but crowds will be thick, so plan ahead if you want a hassle-free celebration.

Detail: Celebrate New Year’s Eve In Singapore 2013