After
invading Europe, Africa and the Caribbean the past few years, here I go with my
Asian Invasion and this year I’m starting off with Macau on Valentine’s Day.
Join me as I
take you on a day trip adventure in the so called ‘Vegas of the East’ and what
I describe to be as the ‘Little Europe in Asia’.
Macau is a city of duality with its fortresses, churches and
the cuisine of its former Portuguese colonial masters speak to an exceptionally
Mediterranean elegance on the China coast, combined with alleys, temples and
shrines. It is the only place in China where gaming and gambling is legal.
Formed by the islands of Taipa and Coloane wherein
Taipa used to be an island of duck farms and boat yards decades ago and the
small island of Coloane was a haven for pirates until 1910. Although luxurious
villas and hotels are now built on the islands, Macau still retains its old
ways of living.
Before going places in Macau, make sure to exchange
your money with their local currency which is MOP or Macau Pataca in other
cases they do accept Hong Kong dollars as well. ATM’s are just everywhere,
especially just outside Hotel Lisboa where you’ll find half a dozen.
You might want to check the weather too or you’ll be so
unprepared like me who brought some more leg warmers along the way as I wasn’t prepared
of the cold freezing weather of 6 degrees Celsius on the month of February.
Despite the freezing weather, nothing can stop me from
exploring this little piece of Europe in Asia. Here are the places not to miss
in Macau:
St. Paul Ruins – one of Macau’;s most famous landmark
which was originally built in the 17th century, destroyed by fire in
1835 and what remains today is the façade of the Church & St Paul’s
College. The façade sits on a small hill, with 66 stone steps leading up to it.
The carvings have Jesuit images with Oriental themes such as a woman stepping
on a seven-headed hydra, described by Chinese characters as “Holy Mother
tramples the heads of the dragon”. A few other carvings are the founders of the
Jesuit Order, the conquest of death by Jesus and at the very top, a dove with
wings outstretched. Going here, you can take any of these bus numbers 2, 5, 10,
18, 19 & 26A.
Senado Square – Macau’s urban center for centuries and
still remains to be a popular venue for celebrations as it is part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is covered with a wave-patterned montage colored
stones formed by the Portuguese. In 1940, there used to be a statue of a
Portuguese soldier named Mesquita who was responsible for the deaths of many
Chinese soldiers during the hostilities with the Qing Dynasty. There are
shopping centers and traditional Chinese Restaurants around the square. Going
here, you can take any bus with numbers 2, 5, 10, 18, 19 & 26A.
The Venetian Macau – the world’s largest casino and Asia’s most thrilling
entertainment destination with its lavish Italian marbled facilities, amenities
and attraction. Get overwhelmed over 350 international shops and boutiques, be
dazzled by the street performers, or take a ride on an authentic Venetian
gondola, all found inside the resort. Complimentary Venetian Shuttle Bus to
Venetian Macau from: the Airport, Gongbei Border Gate and at the Ferry
Terminal.
Macau Tower – is the 10th highest
freestanding tower in the world and 8th in Asia. Soaring 338 meters
above the city, its Observation Deck dominates the skyline and offers
breathtaking panoramic views of the Macau cityscape, China, the Pearl River and
some islands of Hong Kong on a clear day. There is a Revolving Restaurant which
seats 250 persons which takes 60 minutes to complete one revolution. If you are
that adventurous person like me, don’t miss out the World’s highest bungy jump
that will take you on a free fall at a speed of up to 200km/h wherein before landing
into a specially designed airbag, jumper will be able to experience a few air
rebounds. Going here, you can take any bus with numbers 9A, 18, 21, 23 &
32.
Kun Iam Statue – is the statue dedicated to the Goddess
of Mercy. Made of special bronze, the dome shape base like a lotus flower is a
center where information on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are available.
Going here you can take any bus with numbers 8, 12 & 17.
Wine and Grand Prix Museum – the only one of its kind
in Asia where visitors can understand the cultural importance of wine in the
Portuguese tradition, daily life and celebration rituals. Visitors can even
taste different types of wine in their wine tasting called “Prova de Vinhos”, a
matchless experience for only a small price. Meanwhile, the Grand Prix Museum
displays photos, videos, articles, cups, records of champions and other
commemorative items. Built in 1933 it is situated at the Tourism Activities
Center on Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes. Going here, you can take any bus with numbers
3, 10, 12, 17, 23 & 32.
City of Dreams – a must experience destination with its
rare integrated resort combining stimulating amusement, an incredible array of
accommodation, regional and international dining, as well as designer brand
shopping. There are two theatres, the first called “The Bubble” that currently
shows an immersive HD media projection entitles “The Dragons Treasure”. The
second, “The Dancing Water” theater that features an in-the-round water show,
the largest of its kind in the world. With The Bubble, a stunning multi-media
attraction and The Boulevard, a chic lifestyle zone surrounding entertainment,
restaurants and shopping boutiques. Complimentary City of Dreams Shuttle Bus to
City of Dreams from: the Airport, Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal, Taipa
Temporary Ferry Terminal, Macau Lotus Bridge Check Point, and Macau Barrier
Gate Check Point.
Macau Giant Panda Pavilion – nestled on the hillside at
Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane in a fan-shaped layout of about 3000 m2.
Two viewing paths of different elevations align along the front edge which
includes internal facilities such as the logistic center with panda dens,
bamboo-washing and storage quarters, feed preparation room and warehouse,
veterinarian clinic and others. Outside the park is a souvenir shop and some
snack shops and cafes in the vicinity.
Of course what’s a trip to Macau without trying their Macanese
Cuisine, a blend of Southern Chinese and Portuguese Cuisines, usually seasoned
with spices such as turmeric, coconut, milk, cinnamon, and bacalhau. Famous
dishes include Galinha a Portuguesa, Bacalhau, Pato De Cabidela, and Stir-Curry
Crab. The Pork Chop Bun is the most popular snack and desserts such as egg
tarts, ginger milk, and almond cake.
Let’s just say my 2-day stay in this little piece of
Europe in Macau has been short yet sweet. Plus don't miss out my feature in Macau Magazine this March 2014.
My 108 country for the record and
still counting ‘coz a lot of countries is yet to be unraveled by your
Globetrotter, Rheens.
As often as possible, while you’re young, go some place
you’ve never been before. Experience new
places and new things. You might find yourself with someone or somewhere that
makes you much happier than your previous circumstance. The Earth is so vast
with unique and beautiful places, why wouldn’t you want to go explore them?
