Macau

Ferry service from Hong Kong using Turbo Jet

Date travelled: 15 May 2007

Known as the "Las Vegas of the East", and situated only 90 minutes by ferry from Hong Kong is the former Portuguese colony of Macau. The Special Administrative Region was handed back to China in 1999, and was the last European colony in Asia. British Citizens do not need a visa to visit Macau for up to 30 days. Due to Macau being a gambling haven, ferries from Hong Kong run every 15 minutes all day every day.

From the port, you can either take a taxi into town (30MOP - £2) or for a more scenic journey, take one of the many trishaw's that are awaiting you (150MOP - £10). The friendly riders will stop for photo opportunities, and give you a fascinating insight of Macau's history.

As you ride into town, you will see many big casinos along the way. The Sands Casino, built in 2004, is the largest casino in the world (as measured by total number of table games).


The Sands Casino.

Other famous casinos in Macau include the Wynn Macau, MGM Grand Macau, Caino Lisboa and Venetian Macau, and due to the millions of tourists from China visiting Macau for a quick flutter in these buildings, Macau is the highest-volume gambling centre in the world (yes higher then the more famous Las Vegas!)

After an enjoyable journey through the gambling strip, you will arrive at Largo do Senado, the main square. You would think you were in a Mediterranean town with the picturesque architecture.


Largo de Sanado.

In and around this square, you will find many bars, restaurants and banks. The currency of Macau is the Pataca, and the exchange is very similar with the Hong Kong Dollar, though many establishments, especially casinos, readily accept Hong Kong Dollars anyway.

Continue your walk through the small cobbled lanes, until you arrive at the ruins of Sao Paulo, bearing down on you. The ruins of the former cathedral, which was once the largest Catholic cathedral in Asia, was destroyed by fire from a typhoon in 1835. Now, only the south wall remains. Visitors can climb up the stairs to get a good vantage point of the whole city.


Ruins of Sao Paulo.

Next to the ruins is Fortress Hill, the home of the Macau museum. It is also home to a series of cannons, which were used only once when the Dutch invaded Macau in 1622.


The Fortress Cannon.

If you want to explore modern Macau, get yourself a taxi (30MOP), and head to Macau Tower, and take a ride to the observation deck (80MOP - just over £5) to witness fabulous views of the city, China and beyond.


View from Macau Tower.

So if you are in Hong Kong, or in China, and fancy a little day trip, or to get yourself another stamp in your passport, head to Macau.