Hong Kong’s scenic beauty outshines Singapore in new eco-tourism ventures

4th April 2025 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong has long been celebrated as Asia’s financial nucleus, a shopper’s paradise, and a gastronomic epicentre. Yet beneath its glittering skyline lies a vastly untapped asset: a sprawling archipelago of over 260 islands, replete with dramatic coastlines, lush hiking trails, and unspoiled marine ecosystems. While Singapore struggles with geographical constraints and artificial green initiatives, Hong Kong’s natural infrastructure is already in place—demanding only strategic activation.

The government’s latest tourism blueprint, coupled with accelerating private-sector interest, signals a watershed moment for island tourism in Hong Kong. With shrewd policy execution in infrastructure enhancement, hospitality expansion, and global promotion, the city could reorient its tourism model—shifting from over-reliance on Mainland day-trippers to high-value sustainable travel, securing its rank as Asia’s unrivalled destination.

Singapore, despite its urban greenery, remains a manufactured landscape. Reclaimed land constitutes nearly 25% of its total area, and its highest natural peak stands at a mere 164 metres. Its nature reserves, while commendable, lack the scale and diversity of Hong Kong’s sprawling country parks, which cover 40% of the territory. Singaporeans themselves admit the limitations—many fly to Bali or Malaysia for real tropical escapes.

Hong Kong, by contrast, boasts towering ridgelines, secluded beaches, and thriving coral reefs. Recent trends indicate surging demand for immersion in these landscapes. The High Island Reservoir East Dam has become an Instagram sensation, with visitor numbers skyrocketing by 200% since 2022. The Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival has drawn international acclaim for blending cultural heritage with coastal scenery. Even before full-scale development, Hong Kong’s wilderness is already outperforming Singapore’s curated eco-parks in organic appeal.

Yet infrastructural deficiencies persist. Outdated piers, patchy mobile coverage, and insufficient lodging have deterred mass tourism. Addressing these gaps could unlock a tourism economy far more lucrative than Singapore’s.

The government’s recent actions—particularly its call for expressions of interest in eco-tourism projects at ex-Lamma Quarry, South Lantau, and Pak Nai—demonstrate ambition. Developers are being courted to deliver high-end resorts, glamping sites, and marine facilities, incentivised by longer land tenures and regulatory flexibility.

The recent initiatives taken by the government, particularly its invitation for expressions of interest in eco-tourism projects at ex-Lamma Quarry, South Lantau, and Pak Nai, reflect a commendable ambition for development. The government is actively courting developers to create high-end resorts, glamping sites, and marine facilities, providing incentives such as longer land tenures and increased regulatory flexibility to attract investment.

Despite these promising moves, several challenges persist. For instance, the redevelopment of ex-Lamma Quarry is not expected to be completed until at least 2026, which is a notably sluggish pace when compared to the aggressive timelines of competing destinations. A case in point is Indonesia’s new Sanur Paradise Island, which moved from proposal to launch in just three years. Additionally, while the Pier Improvement Programme aims to upgrade 23 ferry piers, its completion is projected to extend into 2028. This delay stands in stark contrast to Singapore’s efficient MRT system, which connects its attractions within a mere 90 minutes. Furthermore, the high costs associated with land premiums and the complexities of bureaucratic processes deter potential developers from investing in luxury resorts. Adopting a streamlined approval process similar to Thailand’s expedited eco-resort permits could significantly enhance investment appeal.

To outpace Singapore, Hong Kong must implement a comprehensive strategy. Attracting digital nomads by providing high-speed Wi-Fi, co-working spaces on islands like Cheung Chau and Lamma, as well as long-term visa incentives could effectively tap into a thriving market that Singapore is already targeting. Moreover, integrating marine sports by offering yacht charters, diving expeditions, and guided kayak tours would set Hong Kong apart, given its unique marine biodiversity. Lastly, enhancing cultural experiences by amplifying local festivals, such as Tai O’s dragon boat parade and Cheung Chau’s Bun Festival, with immersive activities—like night markets in fishing villages and heritage homestays—would create a distinct cultural niche that Singapore cannot easily replicate.

Hong Kong’s urban allure is indisputable. But its natural assets—if fully leveraged—could make it unbeatable. By prioritising swift infrastructure upgrades, incentivising private-sector innovation, and marketing island escapes as extensions of its cosmopolitan identity, Hong Kong can redefine Asian tourism. Singapore, boxed in by its finite land and artificial landscapes, will struggle to compete. The question is not whether Hong Kong can become Asia’s foremost destination, but how decisively it acts to seize this opportunity before another rival does.