Macau

With Heritage dating back to eons ago, and mega casinos fitting seamlessly into the old cobbled UNESCO site, Macau really is the perfect blend.

The chink of money echoes from all the corners. The colors are a little bit louder, and the sounds are a little bit brighter. Lives are made here. Entities are also torn apart here. Macau is a tornado of emotions all jam-packed into one singular place. The Chinese don’t joke around with their gambling. Their games are not for the faint-hearted. Either be in it for the blood and money or leave. But this is not all.

The lush life of Macau is something to rival any other countries. The heritage dates back to eons ago. The Portuguese inspiration here shines right through. From steaming chicken dumplings to pastel de nata, there is everything you want to savor. The mega casinos fit seamlessly into the old cobbled UNESCO site clubbed with eroding Macanese houses and hidden boutiques. Macau is the perfect blend.

 

When to visit?

Spring travel to Macau is bliss. It is a general oceanic monsoon climate with each month bringing a twist of its own. The area is very wet during this weather. Make sure to carry an umbrella. Autumn is an enjoyable season too. The friendly, happy skies. Cool temperatures paired with a rare typhoon twist. This time is tourist friendly. December is also an excellent time to travel here. The 20^th is a significant day here. A lot of festivals and parades take place here. The area lights up like a Christmas tree.

 

Average cost per person

Most of the prices here share a common border with Hong Kong. The prices are not as high as some of the other cities. The trip to Macau and Hong Kong is a joint trip a lot of times. The flight takes about 20,000 to 25,000 rupees from you. The accommodation costs are not too high. In the most top of areas, the price could go up to about 4,000 for a night. The sightseeing here is not much also. The travel costs in the city might be a bit. The entire trip will not go above 50,000 to 60,000 per person.

 

Visa Requirements

All the people entering the area will have to have a valid passport and a visa or entry permit issued. It will be given for a tourist visit of not more than 30 days. Macau offers grants even on entering the city. There are three types of visas to open. These come under the categories like an individual, family passport, and group. You can get this through the embassy through an online process. The cost of attaining this is not too high.

 

Where to stay?

Macau city:

This part of the town is the place with the most action going on. It is all cobbled streets and eroding colorful houses. The Chinese inspired dwellings are something else altogether. It is the oldest area here. It is not only the most exciting but also has the best of the casinos. For first timers, this place is pure gold.

The city is not too flashy. It is compact and easy to navigate. It makes it easier for you to explore the rest of the area. The art deco buildings and quiet parks just amp this place up more.

Best Places to stay in Macau city

• SanVa Hostel
• Augusters Lodge
• Sintra Hotel
• Best Western Sun Hotel
• Grand Lisboa Hotel

 

Cotai:

 

This is the piece of land between the islands of Taipa and Coloane. It is also referred to as the Cotai strip. This is the big cat of all the other neighborhoods. Nothing lives up to the luxury element of this area. This strip of land is filled to the brim with the most luxurious of hotels and establishments. It is also home to the most glam of casinos.

It shows why this place is compared to Vegas. It is located at the south of Macau city. It is a perfect contrast to the old, rusty gold mine of Macau. But you are bound to find your favorite casino here.

Best Places to stay in Cotai

• Banyan Tree Macau
• Crown Towers Hotel
• Altira Macau
• The Venetian Macau
• Regis Macau

 

Taipa:

Taipa is an island near the peninsula that forms the Macau old city. Taipa and Coloane are mainly just sibling islands. They both depend on each other for survival. It is connected to the world by three bridges. The international airport lies here. Taipa is a remarkably active area.

Taipa is a fisherman’s paradise. There is a lot of historical connect when it comes to Taipa and fish and waters and handicrafts. There is a lot to see.

Best Places to stay in Taipa

• Inn Hotel
• Sheraton Grand
• Corad Macau
• The Ritz- Carlton
• Hotel Okura

 

Coloane:

A lot of this part of the city comes from Portuguese influence. Even its name. It literally translates to “Passing-road Ring.” The highest points in Macau lie here. Coloane and Taipa were separated only by Seac Pai Bay. There used to bridge connecting both places. But reclamation of land joined both areas together. The land piece formed is Cotai.

There is a seaside promenade here that creates the difference between China proper and Macau. The rectangular cobbled square here is one of the highlights.

Best Places to stay in Coloane

• The Parisian Macau
• Studio City Macau
• Grand Coloane Resort
• Pousada De Coloane
• Wynn Palace

 

 

Top Experiences

Black Sand

Hac Sa gives you the once in a lifetime experience of playing in the black sand. This is one of the most unique beaches ever seen. Due to the erosion of this and it is changing to yellow. Please go marvel at its charm before it goes away with the waves. This black beach is a ten on ten experience.

Sangria Bath

Everyone loves to savor a glass of sangria but have you ever thought of bathing in it? Don’t write it off just yet. It is known to be a very enriching and therapeutic experience. This forms a part of the Macanese Sangria ritual. There are extensive scrubbing and massage involved. You can also sip on glass along with this experience.

Bungy Jump

Macau is not for the faint-hearted. A lot of adrenaline junkies come here with crazed eyes to try this out. The world’s highest commercial bungy lies here. It is at the height of 764 ft and is the most terrifying experience. They also have skills like skywalk and others which are less scary.

Tea Culture

Spreading of tea culture throughout the world was the one task that the people of Macau took up very seriously. The Chinese have always had a different relationship with tea. Macau has a museum dedicated to the workings of tea called the Macau Tea Culture House. It is a must visit.

The House of Dancing Water

This is one of the biggest water-based shows in the entire world. It is a 250 million dollar show and will keep you coming back for more. It is an excellent mix of acrobatics and theatre and water stunts. This is just a unique experience for the senses.

 

 

Travel Smart:

• Bus

The public transport system here is very efficient. Even though it is difficult terrain to connect due to the land refill and the different islands, you will not even notice the difference. It is a great, seamless experience.

• Drive Left

The rest of China is a drive right road experience. The exception to this is Hong Kong and Macau. If you are driving from China, notice how the system from right to left drive changes so effortlessly. As a pedestrian make sure to look everywhere before crossing.

• Tips

Most restaurants and places here give a 10% service charge on your bills. Therefore, a tip is rendered useless. You could add change here and there to round it up, but nothing more than that is required.

• Open mind

This is known as the Vegas of the East. Keep that in mind before coming here. But it is not just that. There is a lot more to see. The place is full on UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 

Countries that can be clubbed together

Hong Kong

Bali

 

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