Macau Travel Guide
Located on the southeastern coast of China, Macau is a former Portuguese colony that was returned to China in 1999. It is comprised of a peninsula and two islands in the Pearl River Delta of Guangdong Province. The city's past colonial heritage mixes beautifully with its oriental charm, making it a pleasant place to visit. Additionally, the casinos are a major attraction, along with beaches, fortresses, churches, temples, gardens, and excellent museums.
Getting There
Macau International Airport is located on Taipa Island and is conveniently connected to the peninsula by a new bridge and bus service. The airport serves flights mainly from China, including Beijing and Shanghai; however, there are also flights from several other destinations, including Taipei, Singapore, Seoul, Manila and Bangkok. A helicopter can take you the 64kms from Hong Kong to Macau in 20 minutes. Flights leave from Shun Tak Centre on Hong Kong Island every half hour from 10:00 to 23:00.
Alternatively, you can get to Macau from Hong Kong by high-speed jetfoil, which is the most popular means and leaves from Hong Kong Island waterfront every 15 mins.
Key Attractions
Starting in the north, the Barrier Gate separates China and Macau and has played an important part in the history of Macau. Another important sight is the Kun Iam Temple, which honours the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and is one of the earliest structures to be built in Macau. It was also where the famous Mong-Ha Sino-American treaty was signed.
Leal Senado Square is the busiest place in Macau and should not be missed. Here you can get great photos of the Portuguese heritage, evident in the colourful tiled pavements.
The Macau City Museum gives insight into Macaus history and explains the unique culture of the Macanese community. Also of interest are the Maritime Museum, the Grand Prix Museum and the Wine Museum.
There are several forts posted around the city, and together with Barra hill at the southern tip of the island, offer good views of this small intriguing 'European' enclave of China. Guia fort commands the best views, provided it isn't hazy and polluted, but Fortaleza de Monte is more central and easier to climb. It also sits beside one of the city's most memorable landmarks of it's Portuguese past - the preserved façade of the Ruinas de Sao Paulo - an early 17th century cathedral.
Out and About
The mega-metropolis of Hong Kong is just an hour away from Macau by ferry. Closer by, Macaus two islands (Taipa and Colôane) offer a pleasant respite. Taipa boasts an assortment of luxury hotels, Taipa Village with its quaint atmosphere, popular restaurants and colonial architecture, temples, as well as the Casa Museu da Taipa (Taipa House Museum), and the United Chinese Cemetery with its blend of Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist influences. Colôane is less developed than Taipa and offers some lovely beaches, eight marked hiking trails, and a traditional village. It is also relative free of development and the bustle of Macau.
Leisure Attractions
Perhaps the biggest attraction in Macau is the casinos and there are numerous gambling venues, some vast, others attached modestly to hotels. Today they are overwhelmed by Chinese tourists, but the city has plenty more to offer and is arguably the most popular 'fun' destination in the region.
For a little relaxation, head to The Docks, a string of sidewalk cafés and bars lining Avenida drive. Also relaxing is Lou Lim Iok Garden, which was built in the 19th century by a wealthy Chinese merchant and contains narrow, winding paths, bamboo groves and ponds filled with carp. As a duty-free port, Macau is known for its jewellery stores, as well as the savoury Portuguese wines, Chinese antiques and leather garments.
