AmyHuang
Big day out in Macau
Being only 1 hour away from Hong Kong, Macau is a great day trip option if you find yourself out of things to do in Hong Kong.
A one way jetfoil ticket with TurboJET in economy start around HK$149, however I do recommend you take the Super class, which is HK$244 one way with which you enjoy comfortable seating and a light meal along the way.
Upon arriving in Macau you'll notice the heavy advertising for the various casinos in town. Here is a tip: all casino hotels offer complimentary shuttle service from the ferry terminal to the casinos so you can simply hop onto one, get yourself into town and start exploring. Then when you wish to come back, join the queue at one of the casinos for their shuttle back.
I found Macau rather conflicting. While it is a UNESCO world heritage centre, has embraced modernisation and capitalism in the fullest. Near the water, glamorous and expensive casinos lines the streets and provides a Las Vegas like atmosphere. A few blocks up, modern shopping centres stocked with the latest brands and designer stores fight the casinos for tourist dollars.
Above: Impressive fountain performance at the Wynn hotel Macau - sorry for missing the beginning and the end. My camera just wouldn't do what I want it to do!
Walk yet another couple of blocks however, you hit 'Largo do Senago' (Senate Square) where you'd think you've just arrived at somewhere right across the world. The old Portuguese influence has been preserved and walking through the alley ways it's hard not to imagine you might be walking down a high street somewhere in Europe.
All main historical attractions are all within walking distance from this square, including the ruins of St Paul's cathedral, one of the most famous landmark here in Macau, and St Augustine's church, nestled within a small corner among the run down residential flats. And in between all these heritage sites are old market alley ways typical to any Asian city, making it all very interesting to visit.
A one way jetfoil ticket with TurboJET in economy start around HK$149, however I do recommend you take the Super class, which is HK$244 one way with which you enjoy comfortable seating and a light meal along the way.
Upon arriving in Macau you'll notice the heavy advertising for the various casinos in town. Here is a tip: all casino hotels offer complimentary shuttle service from the ferry terminal to the casinos so you can simply hop onto one, get yourself into town and start exploring. Then when you wish to come back, join the queue at one of the casinos for their shuttle back.
I found Macau rather conflicting. While it is a UNESCO world heritage centre, has embraced modernisation and capitalism in the fullest. Near the water, glamorous and expensive casinos lines the streets and provides a Las Vegas like atmosphere. A few blocks up, modern shopping centres stocked with the latest brands and designer stores fight the casinos for tourist dollars.
The Grand Lisboa casino is visible from anywhere in Macau
Above: Impressive fountain performance at the Wynn hotel Macau - sorry for missing the beginning and the end. My camera just wouldn't do what I want it to do!
Walk yet another couple of blocks however, you hit 'Largo do Senago' (Senate Square) where you'd think you've just arrived at somewhere right across the world. The old Portuguese influence has been preserved and walking through the alley ways it's hard not to imagine you might be walking down a high street somewhere in Europe.
Ruins of St Paul's cathedral
All main historical attractions are all within walking distance from this square, including the ruins of St Paul's cathedral, one of the most famous landmark here in Macau, and St Augustine's church, nestled within a small corner among the run down residential flats. And in between all these heritage sites are old market alley ways typical to any Asian city, making it all very interesting to visit.
