A former Portuguese colony, Macau was handed back to China in December 1999. Comprising a total area of 29.2 sq km, it consists of a peninsula and two islands. Though small, it is full of history, culture, shopping and entertainment. The central focus is the busySenado Square. This very Mediterranean town square is surrounded by some of Macau's most famous buildings, including the Leal Senado (Loyal Senate Building) and the church of St. Dominic.
Overlooking the busy town centre from their hillside perches are the ever-impressive Ruins of St. Paul’s and the historic Mount Fortress that offers a commanding view of the cityscape. TheMuseum of Macau, located within the fort enclosure, is great for some more of that essential Macanese history.
If you love history, you could also visit the St Anthony Church built with bamboo in 1560 and the ever-lively A-Ma Temple. Many say the name ‘Macau’ was derived from the Chinese ‘A-Ma-Gau’ meaning ‘Bay of A-Ma’, referring to A-Ma Temple. Another must-see is the imposing Guia Fortress, within which lie the Guia Chapel and Guia Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the coast of China. The city also boasts of many other fine churches, old Chinese houses and colonial Portuguese mansions.
Another unique attraction of Macau is the theme park Fisherman’s Wharf. Three major themes of the complex are: Dynasty Wharf, East meets West Wharf and Legend Wharf. The Dynasty Wharf encapsulates Chinese history and culture in the form of traditional items sold in the exhibition. East meets West Wharf has Vulcania, a 40m tall replica volcano which 'erupts' every evening and inside of which the 'River of Fire' white-water and 'Dragon Quest' rollercoaster rides are housed. The exterior of Vulcania includes walkways styled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The Legend Wharf comprises a complex of 150 shops, hotels, restaurants and a casino themed on coastal towns including Miami, Cape Town,New Orleans, Amsterdam, Venice, Spain, Portugal and the Italian Riviera.
With many world-class entertainment complexes, Macau is today the entertainment capital of Asia. Home to gaming since the mid 19th century, it boasts of grand and luxurious casinos that put Las Vegas to shame. Other entertainment options include golf, spas, horseracing, greyhound racing and abundant nightlife. One of the highlights is the Macau Grand Prix with races around a 3.8 miles circuit around the picturesque city.
Macau’s Grand Prix draws international crowd to Macau every November. It is the ‘World’s only International Street Circuit’ race which features both car and motorcycle races. Over 200 competitors comprising World’s Formula 3 and racing drivers, as well as road and endurance racing motorcycle drivers, descend on Macau for participating in the Grand Prix.
Shopping is a key element of central city life. St. Dominic's Marketfills the alleyways off the Senado Square. Other roads leading off the square are full of shops selling everything from factory overruns to the designer gear. The items one can buy here range from clothes, silk, jewellery, toys, electronic gadgets, antiques, porcelain, watches and cashmere shawls. Gold shops by the dozen line the main thoroughfare running between the square and the Leal Senado.
Shopping, along with the unique ambience that is a mix of the contemporary and the Colonial period, makes Macau an ideal tourist destination. With time it has successfully evolved and adapted to other cultures and lifestyle.
If a quick vacation is what you need, Macau is an ideal destination. With little or no pre-travel formalities, you could plan an exciting holiday to Macau easily and conveniently. It is a mere half an hour ferry ride away from Hong Kong. Flight connections into Hong Kong are good and there is no visa required for holidaying in Macau.
A holiday in Macau is truly spectacular and entertaining. Experience Macau on a holiday that is specially crafted just for you!
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