MACAU - A heritage of two cultures. Review on Macau

Its been quite sometime since I had participated in MS. Here is a write up on a place that I visited recently. I really enjoyed this place with my wife. My friend's family also accompanied us. Nice getaway from traumatic daily routines.

General Info

Macau is a very small place located on the delta of Pearl river in South China Sea. It carries the image of being the first European settlement in far east and was colonized by the Portuguese. It was handed over to China in December 1999 and since then has been a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Macau comprises of a 3 small islands, called Macau, Taipa and Coloane and are connected via bridges. The climate here is subtropical and humidity is more on the higher side. The local currency is PATACA (MOP) but HKD is accepted in all places. People do understand English but its better to have Chinese versions of all information. Always hold a map in Chinese while asking directions. Beware some locals might refuse to even speak to you.

(Courtesy: https://cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mc.html).

Getting there

By Air

Air Macau is the official airlines of Macau that flies from major cities in mainland China and from Taipei.

More details->https://airmacau.com.mo. Details about other flights to Macau->https://macau-airport.com.

Helicopter rides are available from Hong Kong. It takes around 15 minutes to travel and service is available between 9.00 am to 10.30 pm once every 30 minutes. More details->https://helihongkong.com.

By Sea

A high speed ferry is available between Macau and Hong Kong. It also operates between other places in China. This ferry operates between the ferry terminals in Hong Kong and Macau. The journey time is roughly 60 minutes. More details->https://turbojet.com.hk.

Getting Around

Buses are the best way to get around in Macau. The distance between any two places are not too far. The fares in buses are fixed and maximum fare is about MOP5.00. Tender exact change as no balance is returned. Request for a bus route map at any tourist office and it would help you a lot to travel.

Most of the places are walkable. Hence you could walk off in good company. Searching places with a map is always fun.

Taxis cost on the higher side and can be used for commuting at peak times only. The flat start meter is at MOP10.00. Every luggage placed in the boot carries a surcharge of MOP3.00.

Hotels

Hotels are a plenty in Macau and they are scattered in both Macau and Taipa islands. Most of them are good 4* hotels and have excellent service. The one I stayed in was in Taipa, called as Taipa Square. Believe me it was one of the exquisite hotels I've stayed in.

Food

We've heard that any traveller could get a variety of western, chinese and portuguese food. Being strict vegetarians we had to pack chappathis and tamarind rice that lasted for dinner for 2 days. We did find a couple of Indian hotels, one in Macau, a Nepali restaurant called Kathmandu Cuisine located just near Leal Senado and other one in Taipa, Indian Garden. McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Pizzas are also available.

Outing

Macau can be covered in a maximum of one day, mostly by walk/local transport.

A Ma Temple

The oldest Chinese temple in Macao with parts of it dating back over 600 years. Legend has it that a poor girl miraculously saved a ship from a vicious storm, and where the ship landed a temple was built in her honor. The girl mysteriously disappeared only to reappear at the temple as A-Ma, the Goddess of the Sea and Queen of Heaven.

Maritime museum

The National Maritime museum located next to the temple.You get the bus route pamphlet is available here at the souvenir shop for free. Be sure to ask the officer for one.

Leal Senado

The former Loyal Senate, an exemplary example of Portuguese architecture. We had time to just see it from the outside. May be worth spending 15-30 minutes inside. Catch the bus 10, 18, 19 near A Ma temple on the opposite side of the road.

Senado Square

The shopping place of Macau located in the heart of the city. Just opposite to the Leal Senado. A wonderful place to be in. Got lots of shops, restaurants and hang-out places. Worth spending lots of time.

Shopping

Shopping paradise of Macau is near Leal Senado Square. A bunch of shops on the platform of the roads are good places to bargain and get cheap (but lasting) clothes.

St. Domingo's Church

Located in Senado Square, this was built in the early 17th century.

St. Paul's ruins

A 5-10 minutes walk from Senado Square through the busy streets would lead you to the symbol of Macau. All that remains now is a great stone facade and grand staircase to visit the top of the facade. The church was destroyed by fire about 150 years ago. Some of the remains were restored and an art museum was formed out of it. Walk up the stair case and view the entire city from there. Its an ecstatic view and nice one for a few snaps.

Monte Fort and National museum

Situated just next to the ruins, its an old fort. The entrance of the fort and the staircase that leads to the second level are a good experience. This fort is a public park today and it was used in defence only once in 17th century. The grotto at the entrance of the park is nice. The view from the top of the fort is exquisite. The National museum situated atop the fort relives all memories of Macau.

Lou Lim Leok Gardens

Its an ideal point for relaxing in this city. Its a 20 min walk from the Monte Fort. Ask locals for direction.

Guia Fort/Light House

Another fort in Macao built on the highest point in Macao. The lighthouse that stands in this port is the oldest in coastal China and its light is visible for 20 miles. A typhoon alert post is also available here. This place is filled with people who jog, walk or workout. The fort/lighthouse was closed when we visited it.

Macau Tower

Macau tower stands a whopping 334m above ground and the main observation deck is at 233m. The most enthralling experience would have been the Skywalk at the outer rim of the observation deck at 233m above ground in the open air. There is no handrail and people are tied to a railing that has pulleys running above their head. The last set of people would be allowed to walk at 7.45 pm, weather permitting. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE. More details https://macaotower.com.mo.

Golden Lotus and A Ma Statue

The Golden Lotus is the symbol of Macao. An exquisitely lighted fountain is available at the foot of the Macao tower. Worth spending 15 mins of your evening here. A Ma Statue is situated near the Macao Tower beside the road leading to the city. Nice place to spend sometime in the evening.

Macau is also a Gambler's heaven and is filled with lots of casinos. We chose not to venture into one but feel that we definitely missed out on a good adventure. We also visited Hong Kong for a day after spending in Macao. Either way, you are sure to enjoy this place especially for the serenity that it offers.