| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
Hanging from China's gigantic underbelly on its southeastern coast, Macau covers all of 28.6 sq. km (11.4 sq. miles). About 64km (40 miles) west of Hong Kong across the Pearl River Estuary, it served as Portugal's last holdout in Asia until 1999, when it was handed back to China. Portugal's other former Asian strongholds, Goa and Malacca, had long before been claimed by neighboring powers. With its unique mixture of Portuguese and Chinese cultures, Macau makes an interesting day trip or overnight stay if you want to get away from the bustle of Hong Kong. Although Macau's rising reputation as a gambling and shopping mecca -- spurred by the grand openings of ever larger and grander casinos with equally ostentatious shopping malls -- is a major attraction for many, the city also has its fair share of beaches, fortresses, churches, temples, gardens, and excellent museums to explore. What's more, although prices have risen sharply the past few years, Macau is still a bargain compared to Hong Kong, especially when it comes to dining and accommodations (you can bask in luxury in Macau for a fraction of what you'd pay in the former British colony). And finally, Macanese cuisine, unique to Macau and combining ingredients from former Portuguese trading ports from around the world, is both inexpensive and delicious, especially when accompanied with Portuguese wine. If you're looking for a vacation from your vacation, I heartily recommend Macau. Macau Today Macau is no l
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | Long before this tiny patch of land became associated with Portugal, Macau was a haven for seafarers. Pirates and fishermen alike sought refuge from typhoons within Macau's natural harbors and small inlets. Bringing their beliefs with them, these seafarers built a temple to their goddess of safe passage, A-Ma . From this springs the name " A-Ma-Gau " (Bay of A-Ma), the forerunner of the modern name of Macau. It was not until 1557, after many protracted rounds of negotiation with the Chinese, that the Portuguese rented the Macau peninsula as a trading base. In exchange, the Portuguese had to evict the marauding pirates from the surrounding seas. A fair price, some would say, since this could only have served Portuguese interests. Once legally established in Macau, the Portuguese set about establishing trade routes. Since imperial decree forbade Chinese citizens to leave China, the Portuguese acted as sole agents for mainland traders. No doubt the barrier gate saw many a trader passing through into China. The most lucrative trade route started with Chinese silks and porcelains to India’s west coast, where the Portuguese exchanged goods for textiles. The sea merchants then took their cargo of fabrics to Malacca, another one of their Asian outposts, before departing to Japan with cargo of aromatic woods and spices. After a trading stop in the land of the rising sun, it was back to Macau, laden down with beautiful lacquer-ware, intricate fans, swords and silver
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| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | Getting There: By Air: The Macau International Airport ( +853 861 111/ http://www.macau-airport.com ) is located on Taipa Island and is 15 minutes away from the Macau Ferry Terminal. The Airport provides service to and from international destinations via airlines including: AirAsia Airlines ( +603 8660 4343/ http://www.airasia.com ) Air Macau ( http://www.airmacau.com.mo ) Air China ( http://www.airchina.com.cn ) China Eastern Airlines ( http://www.ce-air.com ) East Asia Airlines ( http://www.helihongkong.com ) Eva Airways ( http://www.evaair.com.tw ) JetAsia ( http://www.jetasia.com ) Shanghai Airlines ( http://www.shanghai-air.com ) Tiger Airways ( http://www.tigerairways.com ) Transasia Airways ( http://www.tna.com.tw ) Xiamen Airlines ( http://www.xiamenair.com.cn ) The Airport Bus ( AP1 ) is located outside the terminal and stops at select major hotels throughout the city. TCM ( +853 271 122 ) and Transmac ( +853 850 060 ) buses stop outside the arrival hall and provide service into the city. Black ( +853 398 8800 ) and Yellow ( +853 519 519 ) taxis are readily available outside the Airport . A surcharge and fee for each piece of luggage is included. Car rental companies at the Macau Airport include: Avis ( +853 336 789/ http://www.avis.com ) Happy Mokes ( +853 439 393 ) By Bus: The Kee Kwan Motor Road Co ( +853 933 888 ) offers bu
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | Macau is shedding its image as a sleepy colonial backwater and is poised to take East Asia by storm with its revamped, high-octane, post-colonial image. No longer will this historic city be viewed simply as a weekend refuge from the packed Hong Kong markets, nightclubs and restaurants. The all-new Macau Special Administrative Region, having relinquished ties to its former colonizers, is planning to usurp its Pearl River Delta neighbors as the most exciting environment for rest and recreation in the region. Gambling The casinos may lack the glamor of Las Vegas and the Euro-chic of Monte Carlo, but for fast-paced, bare-knuckled energy, you can not beat an evening in one of the territory’s thriving gambling houses. Try your hand at blackjack at the posh tables in the Mandarin Hotel or join the throngs hunched over the roulette wheel in the punters’ palace, the Casino Lisboa . You are unlikely to break the bank, but with some smart play, you might earn enough to cover the cost of a few drinks in the bar. Festivals For a change of pace, coincide your visit with one of the many colorful festivals that mark Macau’s packed schedule throughout the year. The Macanese love a good procession and they celebrate several religious anniversaries with parades, fireworks, and moonlit pageants during the busy spiritual season. Highlights include the parades accompanying the anniversary of Our Lord of Passos in February, Camoes Day in June, dedicated to the spirit of
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