Macau

A View of the Ruins of St. Paul from Senado Square, Macau. November 2012

If you are looking for a quick trip that may take at least a day or two to explore, Macau is one of those highly recommended cities to visit within Asia. Located just southwest of Hong Kong separated by the Pearl River Delta, Macau is one of the two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China. The city has garnered a reputation for being the "Las Vegas of the Far East" as it is internationally famous for casinos, resorts, entertainment centers, and everything else that attracts people to the city, all while maintaining a cultural environment that recognizes its historical roots.

Once under Portuguese rule until transfer of power to China in 1999, Macau has its share of influence from its previous colony, as evidenced by the three languages that they often display on roads and buildings (English and Chinese being the other two), and at the same time the architecture and food on display in the city. Going around Macau is so quick and easy, you don't really have to spend much on public transportation. You can hop on and off at almost any casino shuttle service and it is absolutely FREE!

How to Get There

• By Plane. Aircraft flying directly to the city state arrive at Macau International Airport. There are a number of budget airlines that fly straight there like AirAsia and Cebu Pacific.

• By Sea. From Hong Kong, take a fast ferry to Macau and you reach your destination in about an hour. Trips are scheduled almost every hour, so you don't have to wait long if you missed a trip.

Where to Stay

Based on experience, I never got to spend the night in Macau as my trip around the city lasted for only a day. You may do so if schedule is tight, but for a better experience, you may opt to spend the night at these places.

• Cotai Strip. This is a term that is referred to the strip of hotels and casinos that line up and resembles like the one in Las Vegas. Checking in on one of these hotels may not be recommended for the budget traveler for obvious reasons. But if you are feeling lucky to spend the night at any resort of your choice while going downstairs for a game of black jack, then may the odds be in your favor!

• Taipa. Budget hotels may be found within the area, while most of them are scattered all across the city. Defining "budget" may be difficult for the frugal traveler especially in Macau, based on experiences by my friends who also vacationed there, so you may want to avoid wasting your time looking for one that fits right for you. 

What to Do

The Venetian Macao

• Casino Hopping within the City. Macau earned is reputation as the "Las Vegas of the Far East" with 33 casinos on location, of which the biggest of them all - and even in the world - is the Venetian Macao. You can freely move around the casinos found either on the Cotai Strip (Four Seasons, City of Dreams and Sands Cotai Central as examples) or on the Macau Peninsula (like the Casino Lisboa, MGM and Wynn). You may even ride on the free shuttle services that take you one place to another. Experience the city at night and you will be blinded with the neon and flashing lights and the temptations that lure you into the gaming arenas. At The Venetian Macao, expect an Italian style hotel and casino suited for guests, tourists and gamblers that resemble Venice, Italy with a ceiling that confuses you on what time it really is. Your watch can come in handy on your visit.

• Visit the Ruins of St. Paul. Behind all those casinos lies an iconic landmark that every tourist in Macau ought to visit. A 16th-century complex in Macau that once stood the Cathedral of St. Paul, the Ruins are are reminder of the of one of the largest Catholic churches of Asia and a legacy that stands tall for the world to see even today. Preservation of the Ruins has been maintained up to this day as it continues to be a symbol of Macau. Getting there is easy with available cabs and buses, and it's only walking distance from the next one on our list, which is...

• Walk around Senado Square. This beautiful town square located just nearby the Ruins of St. Paul houses traditional Portuguese architecture and mosaic. Back in the days under Portuguese rule, the Square was once the official civic area of Macau. Today, things have turned around and it has become a popular tourist attraction with a lot of sights of a European environment within your midst. What I enjoyed most walking down the Square is the abundance of "free taste" from breads to Portuguese egg tarts and all kinds of pastries around, even without any commitment to purchase one!

Kun Iam Statue

• Gaze upon the Kun Iam Statue. This bronze statue that represents the Goddess of Mercy measures up to 20 meters tall. What makes this statue interesting is its positioning: the statue stands on top of a dome that is shaped like a lotus flower, and it faces the city of Macau as a sign that she is protecting it. A visit here would show your sign of reverence on this statue.

• Pay your respects at the A-Ma Temple. I got the chance to visit one of the oldest and famous Taoist temples in Macau. The temple was built in 1488 dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of fishermen. It is relevant in the city's history as the name Macau is thought to be taken from the name of the temple when the Portuguese arriving at the shores outside the temple asked the natives of the place they were in. Your visit in the temple will be met with locals and tourists paying respects in any way possible and in accordance to Taoist tradition.

• Bungee Jump from Macau Tower. For daredevils looking for something extreme in a tiny city like Macau, this is the place to go. Standing at 338 meters, Macau Tower hosts an observation deck with panoramic views of the city, to go along with restaurants, shopping centers and adventurous activities like the sky walk and the bungee jump. The Jump is measured at 233 meters, the 2nd highest skyjump in the world, and it is certainly a must-do if conquering heights is your hobby.

• Have a food trip. With Macau having a Portuguese influence on culture, you can certainly tell by the food they serve in most restaurants. A fusion of Asian and European dishes are well served here, and there is a lot for your stomach to enjoy if you are a food lover. Highly recommended: the Portuguese egg tart.

Where to Go Next