Macau
Destination Guide

The Ultimate Guide Before You Plan for your Next Trip

You will never find a destination which is so tranquil and yet vibrant, so exotic and so within the reach of an Indian traveler. Located just 60 kilometers from the region of Hong Kong lies another magnificent former European colony. Macau was under the Portuguese rule till the year 1999 and you can still find strong colonial influence in the buildings and the architecture. With charming view of the sea and a truly cosmopolitan crowd this place has evolved into a fascinating holiday destination for the Indians. The place has charming viewpoints whilst there are some casinos and shopping centers to pamper you to the core.

Attractions in Macau

From ancient ruins to terrific beaches, from panoramic viewpoints to shopping on gondolas, the major tourist attractions of Macau will tempt you to explore the Vegas of Asia.

Kun Iam

The amalgamation of Buddhist and Taoist or in other words the Chinese and the Macanese is observed in this beautiful temple of Kun Iam. Dedicated to the Macanese Goddess of Mercy this temple was built back in the year 1627. However, findings can trace back the origin of this place to the 13th and 14th century. The place has significant Chinese influence as you find the three statues of Buddha along with some beautiful Chinese gardens in the surrounding. In the garden itself is a Tree of Loving Couples where young couples come to offer their prayers. In the vicinity of this place is the a Taoist temple called the Lin Fong Miu Temple which was built back in the year 1592.

St. Lawrence Church

Macau has a even balance when it comes to the cultural influence of the historic monuments. Whilst the Macanese sailors preferred to pray to the Taoist Gods of sea the Portuguese sailors of Macau came to this cathedral before each voyage. A wonderful piece of history represented in the form of a Neo-Classical architecture showcases the deep-rooted colonial history of the place. You can also witness some Baroque style of interior decor with its subtle European hint. However, over the years the church has included the local community of Macanese and now one of its prominent halls also has a Macanese name in the form of Feng Shun Tang.

Macau Canidrome Club

After savoring a bit of colonial history you can always enjoy the ravishing urban lifestyle of Macau. The Candimore Club is known for its greyhound racing facility and it is the only greyhound racing venue in entire Asia. This fact makes the club very popular amongst the European tourists. Even if you are not in a mood to gamble you can always book some of the VIP lounges and private boxes to enjoy a fascinating greyhound race. As many as 18 different greyhound races are organized in this club, every night, and you can have a full view of it along with suitable refreshments.

Mandarin’s House trict

No trip of Macau can be completed without a visit to its authentic Macanese origin stored in this charming house which is now converted into a museum. It all started when research scholar of the Qing dynasty of China came and settled in this isolated peninsula and since then Zheng Guanying and his family has influenced the Macanese culture by a great extent. The first authentic Mainland Chinese influence in this land is well-preserved in the form of a museum. The furniture, the works, and the books are all kept intact and interestingly this place is commonly known by its Portuguese name 'Casa Do Mandarim' .

The Venetian

The Venice themed gondola ride in Macau's main city is certainly a major attraction as far as the tourists are concerned. The lavish setting of the boats will allow you to enjoy a relaxing ride down the enchanting Cotai Strip and enjoy the exotic poolside experience. The entire area is lined with fabulous lounges, magnificent restaurants, and various flagship stores from where you can purchase branded clothes and garments. There are light-shows happening all around the place and also there are separate entertainment zone for both adults and children. The area also houses a large casino making it the ultimate destination to explore.

Macau Tower

The Macau Tower is certainly prominent landmark in the region and it also attracts many tourists throughout the year. This 338 meter long tower is not a mere architecture standing still by the edge of the water it is actually a treasure chest of guest entertainment. Not only that they will allow you to climb to the top but they will also encourage you to jump from it. Shocked? Well bungee jumping of course! If a bungee jump proves too much for you then you can opt for the stroll on the edge of the observation deck, thereby giving you the chills in your spine. You can have a fascinating view of the Pearl River Delta, the Macau Peninsula, Tapia, and also the Coloane islands. Up there in the tower there are top-notch Italian, French, and Chinese restaurants along with cafes and cinemas.

Senado Square

The urban ecstasy of Macau does not end in a gondola ride and a climb to the top of the tower because this historic square offers you the best of the old and the new. You can still view the colonial buildings of the Portuguese era one of the most prominent being the old Senate building which is now a Macau Municipal office. The building has been built in the year 1748 and there are also guided tours of the interiors which allows the tourists to witness the rich wood paneling of the Council Chamber and a massive Senate Chamber which houses about 50, 000 rare manuscripts some which are more than 500 years old. Whilst the building will take you down the road of the colonial past the outside will give you a sense of modern Macau with its fabulous garment shops and restaurants.

Fortaleza do Monte

Now if you really want to dig deep into Macau's colonial past then a trip to Fortaleza do Monte will show you how life used to be back in the 1600's. Also known as the Macau Museum this fortress was built back in the year 1626 and it served as a bastion of Portuguese military presence in China. Now this three-story building is converted into a fascinating museum housing artifacts from the colonial era and how the Chinese, Portuguese, and Macanese came together and lived in harmony in this beautiful peninsula. The Mount Fortress Garden, surrounding the museum, is also worth visiting with its ponds, flower-beds and Moorish style architectures beautifying the place.

Kun Iam

St. Lawrence Church

Macau Canidrome Club

Mandarin’s House trict

The Venetian

Macau Tower

Senado Square

Fortaleza do Monte

Kun Iam

St. Lawrence Church

Macau Canidrome Club

Mandarin’s House trict

Hac Sa Beach

Macau is not just a province boasting its urban lavishness but it also has its natural side. This huge natural beach by the coast of the Coloane Island attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The shoreline and the beachfront of this fabulous black sand beach is very charming as you can witness the most gorgeous sunset of your life. There are changing rooms available for the tourists in case you decide to jump on the sea and have a swim. There are various beach toys available for the kids also. Read more Nearby the beach there is the Hac Sa Park which has guestrooms where you can stay and relax. The Hac Sa Restaurant is also very popular amongst the tourist for its Macanese and Chinese delicacies. Read less

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

If you are traveling to Macau with your family then a visit to the Seac Pai Van Park at the Coloane Island is a must. Located there is this lovely zoo which attracts both children and the adults. Inside the zoo is the tourists' favorite Giant Panda Pavilion. This huge park entirely dedicated to the preservation and breeding of giant pandas. However, the zoo is not only dedicated to one species because you will find many other animals in the form of gorillas, red pandas, flamingos, tapirs, and many other exciting animals. The large land cover of this place will allow you to observe the animals in peace.

Fisherman’s Wharf

This themed shopping mall by the edge of the sea is the ultimate fun and frolic destination for families with kids. This place contains a park which was designed in the model of the Euramerican fisherman’s wharfs and the entire area is spread across 28 acres which gives you ample of space to have fun. Your kids will definitely love this place as it contains a separate video game section with varieties of entertainment available for the kids. There is also a water performance area and a amphitheater. Every inch of this place evokes a sense of entertainment as there are various battle ship models, artificial volcanoes and water-falls.

Taipa Village

It is not entirely a village anymore as the modern architecture and influx of urban people have made the place a modern hub. The place houses the famous Senado Square along with many other colonial landmarks. The place also has a huge collection of shopping centers. But what makes the place a must-visit for the tourists is the large variety of street food stalls. Starting from Portuguese to Macanese and even Chinese authentic foods are available in these stalls. You will get the Chinese dried meats, the Portuguese pork buns and egg tarts, the famous musang kind ice-cream and many more delicacies.

Macau Wine Museum

No evidence of a Portuguese colonial influence can be complete without finding out the fascinating wine cellars. The Spanish and the Portuguese are well-known for their love for wine and this wine museum of Macau showcases a glimpse of that. The wine museum showcases the different stages of the journey of wine manufacturing. Spread across an area of 1400 square meters this place houses many varieties of Spanish and Portuguese wines and there are almost 1115 different bottles of red and white. A separate section of this museum is also dedicated to Grand Prix Formula One racing and you can witness the Formula 1 cars driven by Michael Schumacher there.

In the Spotlight

Since Macau as a region has experienced multi-cultural influences it has left deep impact on its dinning scene also. There are traditional Portuguese eateries along with Michelin-starred Chinese restaurants. There are also some authentic Macanese restaurants serving the well-known fusion foods and once you reach Macau you will be definitely spoilt for choices. The mix of west and the east had never made such a beautiful blend in the culinary scene of any country.

Clube Militar de Macau : What used to be a military club in the colonial era has now converted into a fine eatery for the tourists and the locals alike. Read More

The decor of the place exudes a very old and warm charm as you can still find the teak-wood flooring and the long windows which will remind you of the colonial era. This is one of the few places now left in Macau which serves authentic Portuguese cuisine and what is even more fabulous about this place is that it has a fantastic wine collection. The place offers a perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a nice afternoon lunch, away from the hustle of the main city. Read less

Albergue 1601 : This charming little eatery set in the courtyard of an old colonial building can easily be considered as a hidden gem of the region. Read More

You can easily make the mistake of thinking that you are in Europe and not in Asia because of the classic art-deco setting of the place. The patio furniture and outdoor sheds will offer you a nice time. The place serving both Portuguese and Manganese foods shares the joint love for pork of the two cultures. Whilst the range of seafood will surely blow your mind you should definitely miss out on the opportunity of having the crispy skin pork, which is the specialty of this place. Read less

Robuchon au Dôme : It is not only the Portuguese who have impacted the dinning scene of Macau as you can still find some fabulous French themed restaurants like this one. Read More

This three-Michelin star winning eatery was in fact the first fine dining restaurant in entire Macau. They offer a set lunch menu which can be easily regarded as the best French course in entire Asia with the classics like braised duck and foi gras included in the list. The wine list something to dig into as with 14,500 different labels it is really a treat. The restaurant also runs a small desserts' trolley allowing the guests to choose from the various french cakes and tarts and the entire scene is quite appealing and story-book like. Read less

Riquexo : Now if you feel like having traditional Macanese food instead of classic European delicacy then Riquexo is definitely the place for you. Read More

The restaurant is actually run by a well-known local chef who is popularly known as the 'Godmother of Macanese cuisine'. This canteen-style eatery has a happy buzz as the outdoor furniture are occupied by the tourists and the locals. You will find all kind of classic Macanese cuisines in this pocket-friendly restaurant. You should definitely try the minchi with steamed rice menu, which is a very famous crispy pork dish served with potatoes and it is an absolute favourite amongst the locals. Read less

Antonio : Set in the heart of the Taipa Village is this old Portuguese restaurant which with its white, yellow, and blue tiles had kept intact the authentic Iberian flavors, for decades now. Read More

There are various Portuguese style paintings hanging from the wall and all throughout the years the place has maintained the old colonial charm. Some of the delicacies served here are the African chicken which is served with garlic, onion, chilies, and rich creamy coconut sauce along with the traditional Portuguese duck rice. The chef here has won multiple awards over the last few years and the crowd which visits this place is also quite charming. Read less

The official currency of Macau is Macanese Patacas. It is often denoted by MOP$. There are many Forex offices in Delhi which will help you to convert your INRs to MOPs. However, if you are planning on visiting Macau, via Hong Kong, then you can get your HKD$ converted to MOPs also. Cash is very much in circulation as far as Macau is concerned as hotels, restaurants, ferries, parks, and taxis will liked to be paid in cash. That is why it is important that you either convert your HKDs to MOPs before coming to Macau or bring all the remaining HKDs to enjoy a nice vacation in Macau.

Special Tips

Many areas of Macau still accepts HKDs and so if you are unable to convert, you can pay them by that.
Like for instance taxis and certain restaurants will take the HKD 500 note. However, they will charge you on a 1:1 ratio forgoing the conversion rate of 1:1.03.
However, since the vendors will give you back MOPs in change of HKDs it is wise that you convert your money to MOPs before you travel to Macau.
In order to get through your visa process you need to have HKD or MOP in cash in hand so that they do not have any doubt about your financial credibility.

Entertainment & Event

Mixed traditions and rich harvests of Chinese Medicinal Plants make Macau a fantastic place to visit.

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Some claim that the vigorous process of urbanization has robbed Macau from its rich animal and plant habitats. However, as a tourist you can still find some exotic creatures dwelling in the National Parks and the forestland of Macau. The green areas of Macau are filled with mosses and ferns along with many non-flowering plants. There are also some mangrove forestation observed along the streaks of water surrounding the peninsula. Macau is also known for its huge collection of Chinese Medicinal Plants as over the years the Chinese doctors had depended on this peninsula to supply them with the exotic herbs.

The fauna scene of Macau is not very varied in comparison to other countries of Asia but nonetheless they have various kinds of insects, birds like purple herons, eastern great egret with its yellow bills, bitterns, spoonbills and many more. There are wild cats observed in some parts of Macau whilst crocodiles are also quite common in the villages. There are also some giant pandas, tapirs, and other exotic animals preserved well in some of the national parks of the country.
Festivals

Festivals

Festivals

Macau celebrates both the Chinese and Portuguese festivals and mixed together it creates quite a vibrant scene. Like for instance the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn celebrations are quite famous in Macau. But the fun loving Macanese people also have some other forms of festivals and competitions which are unique to the peninsula. For instance the firework competitions along with the Trophy Design competition are some of the unique festivals being celebrated in Macau. Like in Mainland China, Macau also has a Dragon Boat competition.

The Macau Food Festival is definitely a festival for everyone as different forms of Portuguese and Chinese culinary items are kept on display in various stalls for the visitors to buy and enjoy. Held during the month of December the Macau Light Festival is also a vibrant occasion. Then there is the Macau International Music Festival where musicians from all over China and other parts of Asia come and perform. The Latin City Parade through Macau also adds color to the lives of the people of the region as they celebrate their deep-rooted Portuguese connection.
culture

culture

Culture

The Macanese people share a mixed Portuguese and Chinese ancestry and over the years they have created a unique set of culture and customs which makes the peninsula an interesting place to visit. The Macanese language is also a mix between the traditional Portuguese creole language and Chinese . The ethnic Macanese language is now becoming endangered as it is spoken by very few number of people all over the region. That is why UNESCO is making an effort to preserve the culture and heritage. The main languages spoken in the region are Chinese, Portuguese, and English.

The Euro-Chinese influence on the Macanese culture has also impacted the food scene of the region. That is why the Macanese cuisine contains a mix of European cooking traditions like roasting, grilling, and baking along with some traditional Chinese ingredients like soya sauce, garlic, and onions. This mix culture of Macau has evolved over the years and had made the people more open and accepting of the foreigners. That is why Macanese people are humble and friendly and they welcome Indians with open arms.