Macau is My Europe: A Quick Travel Guide

I brandish a less expensive but equally impressive travel. The Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, and Venice of the East that is, Macau.

As I stepped out of the outer harbour from a sea travel from Hong Kong, I already knew I was entering a traveler- friendly place. Macau tourism has invested on the idea of providing shuttle bus for tourists and travelers for free. These shuttle buses are stationed outside ferries and airport which visitors can ride on towards their specific destinations- Venetian Macau, Grand Lisboa, and the likes. The only one thing travelers would probably spend abundantly on aside from gambling, is the hotels. Most hotels and inns in Macau are seemingly more expensive than the ones in Hong Kong.

On board the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau

Turbo Jet ride from Hong Kong to Macau

Macau was under Portuguese colonial tyranny since the mid 16th century  and only regained its liberty in the late '90s. But the repercussions of the Portuguese occupation is still visible all over the country- from the name of the streets, to the buildings, and even to some of the practices. It is the only place in China where gambling is allowed because it flourished there since the 1800's.

Macau's Portuguese influence evident on buildings

It is an expansive and complex mixture of western and Cantonese culture that it's practically best to pay for tour guides if you you are the type who doesn't have an ample background on both. 

:: Traveler's Note: Some local tour guides offer their services for a bit more expensive price than the others. Its inclusive of instructions on how to get to a certain spot however they will not accompany you there. There are also other tour guides who are outfitted with the language and the place who offer service that includes instructions, all- day tour together with them, and other fun experiences (free registration and game at the casino, for example). Best to ask for their services first before you hand out your cash. The secret to having queer eye for your perfect tour guide is to never pre-judge whatever race they may belong. Some of the races you would more likely ignore are the ones who will give you the best of service. So no prejudices ::

I had long since hoped for months- long backpack across Europe-- and this portion of my life list-- has been fulfilled by my travel in Macau. More like a trailer of what I'm going to see in the west.

Galaxy Macau

At first I thought I was seeing Westminster Abbey in London. Galaxy Macau is a resort located in Cotai, one of the major islands in Macau. Its structural design is patterned after the Gothic architecture of pointed arches and rose windows. 

The Fortune Diamond in the Dancing fountain is probably the best attraction of the resort. Others are its globally competitive cinemas and casinos. 

Venetian Macao

Monte Carlo of the East

The Venetian Macao is one of the most frequented luxury resort hotel and casino in Macau for its Italian streetmosphere. It features one, among its other best highlights, the famous Venetian gondola ride at its three indoor canals and outdoor lagoon. Real gondoliers serenade you under romantic Italian blue sky.  

Gondola ride

It has a predominantly Renaissance-period architectural design, with top acts and performers, and international cuisine.

Venetian Macao lobby

One thing I had so much heart for was having to steal an Eat, Pray, Love scene in this area while eating gelato beside a warm- smiling nun.

Venetian lunch! Delizioso!

:: Traveler's Note: Venetian Macao food stalls serve enormous amount of food- Korean, Cantonese, Filipino, French, and of course Italian, etc. You might consider not to order too much ::

Sands Macau

It is another resort hotel and casino located in the  Macau peninsula.

Chinese Heritage

Bizarre live statue that moves when people approach! He's a Filipino, by the way!

City of Dreams Macau

A resort and casino located directly opposite of Venetian Macao. One of their latest installation is the Vquarium that features four video walls of larger-than-life mermaids that swim onscreen.

Senado Square

Or the Largo de Senado is a paved area in the Portuguese colony. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From Senado Square towards the Ruins of St. Paul are budget items sold along street sides, from Macau keychains, to t-shirts, to their bestselling delicacies- Macanese tapa and egg tarts.

Ruins of St. Paul

The Ruins is one of Macau's tourist symbol. It is located in Monte Fort, a walking distance from the Senado Square. Stands a front facade and stone stairs which are the only remains of St. Paul Church when it caught fire in 1835 for the third time.

Fisherman's Wharf

The wharf is another attraction of Macau. It's near the Hong Kong- Macau Pier. It features restaurants and buildings designed after different roadstead such as Cape Town, Amsterdam, and Venice-- an East meets West kind of place.

Macau Tower

A thousand and a hundred feet high tower and probably the only thing in Macau I had not dare try. I chickened out![upset stomach*] The second highest skyjump in the world after Vegas is done there by AJ Hackett from the tower's outer rim at 233 meters. I would have probably fainted just by the thought of it. Yes, I fear heights extremely like that.

The tower stands 338-meter atop Pearl River Delta. Aside from being a center of broadcasting and telecommunication, it has shops, gluttonous cuisines, and activities for spine-tingling fiends of great-god summits.

The next time I go there, I might try to outstrip my fears by dining at the 360 degree Cafe' and desensitize with a 360 full view of the city and the casinos for starters. Probably the best place to end a tour in Macau, often. Tee hee!











Photo Credits:
1st photo, Macau Tower- asiarooms (dot) com
last photo, 360 cafe- macautower (dot) com (dot) mo