Macau, a Happening Destination

Experience the fascinating blend of 400 years of Portuguese influence and 3,000 years of Chinese influence in architecture, cuisine and customs of Macau.

Macau is where east meets west. A former Portuguese colony, Macau was handed back to China in December 1999. An important trading post of the European colonisers, Macau has had an eventful history since the latter half of the 16th century. The European influence due to its long and deep contact with Portugal and other European countries blends well with the Oriental charm.

Located on the south-eastern coast of China, at a distance of around 75 km west of Hong Kong and around 150 km off Guangzhou (Canton), Macau comprises a peninsula and two islands of a total area of 29.5 sq km. Though small, it bursts with history, culture, shopping and family entertainment.

The central focus of the town is the busy Senado Square. The Leal Senado and the church of St. Dominic, some of Macau's famous buildings surrounding the Square lend Mediterranean flavour to Macau.

Overlooking the busy town centre from their hillside perches the ever-impressive Ruins of St. Paul’s and the historic Mount Fortress offer a commanding view of the cityscape. The Museum of Macau, located within the fort takes one back to the times of the Portuguese rule.

For those who love history, a visit to the ever-lively A-Ma Temple is a must. 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 which is still functional.

Another unique attraction of Macau is the Fisherman’s Wharf, a theme park and complex with over 150 stores and restaurants built in the style of different coastal towns of the world like Miami, Cape Town, New Orleans, Amsterdam, Venice, Spain and the Italian Riviera. It also includes six rides, a slots hall, a 72-room hotel, and a casino.

With many world-class entertainment complexes, Macau is today the entertainment capital of Asia. It boasts of grand and luxurious casinos at par with Las Vegas. Other entertainment options include golf, spas, horseracing, greyhound racing and abundant nightlife.

Apart from the nightlife and the glittering shows, young adventurers can get an adrenaline rush at the Macau Tower by plunging down the world's highest commercial bungy jump at 233 m, sky jumping or by embarking on a sky walk along the tower's outer rim. Another highlight is the Macau Grand Prix held every November with races around a 3.8 miles circuit around the picturesque city.

Shopping is a key element of central city life. St. Dominic's Market fills the alleyways off Senado Square. 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.

Savour the sumptuous Macanese cuisine, a blend of southern Chinese and Portuguese cuisines. The most famous snack is the Portuguese-style egg tart. It is widely popular in Southeast Asia, especially in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The most famous Macanese dishes are the Galinha à Portuguesa, Bacalhau, Macanese chilli shrimps and stir-fried curry crab which are served with many local wines.

If a quick vacation is what you need, Macau is an ideal destination. With no visa required for Indians holidaying in Macau and great flight connections into Hong Kong, which is less than an hour’s ferry ride away from Macau, planning an exciting holiday here is most convenient.

Experience Macau on a spectacular and entertaining holiday that is specially packaged just for you with Mercury Travels! 

Magical Macau

Macau is a place where the east meets west. Experience the fascinating blend of 400 years of Portuguese influence and 3,000 years of Chinese influence in the architecture, cuisine and customs.
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!