[Nortrav goes International] Hong Kong - Day 4: Macau

The most common side trip for Hong Kong Travellers is Macau.

Welcome to Day 4 in Hong Kong. Today, we're going to Macau.

Macau is 1 hour trip to Hong Kong, and it's one of the most popular side trip for Hong Kong travellers. If you don't have plans to visit Hong Kong, or you just want to visit the Casino in Macau, you may fly directly to Macau.

How to get here? (From Hong Kong)
The Hong Kong - Zhuhai - Macau bridge was not yet open when we get there. So, the best way to get to Macau is by ferry. You may ride a ferry at Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal if you're staying in Kowloon, or HK-Macau Ferry Terminal if you're staying in Hong Kong island. For our case, we're at the Kowloon.

You also have two options to get to Macau. If you want to see the historical side of Macau, go to Macau Peninsula. If you want to go to Casino, go to Macau - Taipa.

Macau Ferry Terminal

We're here in Macau Peninsula, now it's time to explore the Historical side of the city.

Fisherman's Wharf Macau

Roman Amphitheater

You may thought that we are now in Rome's Colosseum, but no, we're still in Macau. Welcome to Fisherman's Wharf, a hotel, convention and entertainment complex in Se, Macau. To get here from the Ferry Terminal, ride a bus or take a walk because its very near to the Ferry Terminal.

Roman Amphitheater - Back Stage

Among all the attractions in Fisherman's Wharf is the Roman Amphitheater. It's an outdoor Colosseum which is designed for concerts. And yes, we're still in Macau.

Grand Lisboa

After a tour in Fisherman's Wharf, it's time for a bus ride and make our way to the Macau's Tallest Building. The 258 meter Grand Lisboa.

Grand Lisboa

Also located in Se, Macau. The building itself is so unique, and it looks like a lotus flower. And makes me think, how did they built it? But anyway, let's go inside the building.

Inside the lobby, you will already see some arts and sculptures. You may also see (I don't have a picture of it) the 218 carat Diamond, the World's Largest Diamond.

Grand Lisboa Lobby

The picture below is the Mammoth Tusk Carving of the Great Wall. 236 cm in height, 228 cm in lenght and 53 cm in width.

A Fine Mammoth Tusk Carving of the Great Wall.

 Let's take a closer look.

This is another tusk carving. the Fine Mammoth Tusk Carving of Monkey King. 180 cm high (including the base), and 137 cm in length.

Fine Mammoth Tusk Carving of Monkey King

 There's also these carvings made out of gold.

And the Grand Lisboa Palace.

Grand Lisboa Palace

A-Ma Temple
After a quick tour to Grand Lisboa, it's time for another bus ride to A-Ma Temple. The temple is located in Sao Lorenco, Macau. Built in 1488 and one of the oldest Temple in Macau. It has its Classic Chinese Architectural Complex and rich Chinese culture. Also, there's a lot of scriptures written at the stones along the way (Source: travelchinaguide.com). A lot of people gather here to offer prayers.

A-Ma Temple

Outside the A-Ma temple, you will clearly see here the Guangdong Province, located in Mainland China.

Guangdong Province, China

According to the tour guide, you can get there by bus (and a Chinese Visa if you are a tourist).

Senado Square
After a bus ride from A-Ma temple, it's time to visit another historical place in Macau, the Senado Square. Located in Se, Macau and it is one of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macau World Heritage Site. A place that looks like you are in Portugal (historically, the Portuguese established a settlement here in Macau).

Senado Square

This is the Saint Dominic Church, located also at Senado Square and this is also included in UNESCO World Heritage Site.

St. Dominic Church

There's stores along the way.

Ruins of Saint Paul
This is my favorite part of the tour. The church was built in 1602 and was finished in 1640. The church was made of wood with granite facade. But in 1835, the church was burned down. Today, it is one of the UNESCO Heritage Site (Source: theculturetrip.com). To preserve this historic site, they've added a bracing at the rear of the wall to prevent collapse.

Ruins of Saint Paul

A closer look to the Ruins of Saint Paul

Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt 
Underneath the Ruins of Saint Paul is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt. As you step down and enter the museum, you will see the religious artifacts. At the center of the museum is a granite rock which lies the remains of the tomb (Source: macaumuseum.gov.mo). I don't have a pictures of the remains, it is my sign of respects to them. Meanwhile I have here some pictures of some artifacts. Make sure that you turn off your camera flash before taking pictures.

Jorge Alvarez
After a quick tour, it's time to go back to the streets of Macau. But before going to Taipa, allow me to introduce to you Jorge Alvarez. The first Portuguese explorer to reach China (Source: wikipedia.org).

Jorge Alvarez

Ilhas Island
Get ready to ride a Hotel Shuttle bus as we are going to the island of Ilhas, Ilhas Island is consist of three cities, Taipa, Cotai and Coloane. Cotai is where the well known hotels are located. This includes Venetian, Parisian, Wynn. MGM and more.

Cotai Strip

Wynn Palace
First stop, Wynn Palace. One of the famous attraction here is the dancing fountain. To see it in an extraordinary view, you may ride a cable car traversing the entire hotel.

Wynn Palace

 Inside the Cable Car, you will clearly see the dancing fountain. There's also music inside which is synchronous to the fountains.

Dancing Fountain

 The Venetian

Venetian

Want to go to Italy? But you are in Macau, so what do we do? Go to Venetian. Once you go inside, this is where you will be stunned by its beauty.

Cloud Effects

No, you're not outside the building. Also no, your not in an open space. You're inside the building with Cloud Effects so that you feel that its sunny day even though it's already night time outside.

Cloud Effects

That's not all, it has the remarkable Venice Canal. There's also a boat ride and experience Venice in Macau.

Venice Canal

Boat Ride

Inside Venice

The Parisian

Just beside the Venetian Hotel is Parisian Hotel. You will pass through a walkway going to Parisian.

Welcome to Paris, but in Macau. The Parisian has its french designed hotel and of course, they have Eiffel Tower.

Parisian

Inside, you will feel like your in France. Also, there's paintings at the ceiling.

Frence Style Lobby

Paintings at the Ceiling

 And did I mention that we've met Napoleon Bonaparte here.

Napoleon Bonaparte

And here is the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Eiffel Tower

Macau has jampacked with cool attractions and historical culture. It's a must see and should be at your travel list. As the day ends, its time to go back to Hong Kong. Ride a Hotel Shuttle Bus to Taipa Ferry Terminal and Ride a Ferry to Hong Kong.

Cotai Ferry

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Travel Tip
- HK$ is accepted in Macau, but there are some restrictions (Refer to tripadvisor.com)
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That is the end of Day 4, stay tuned for Day 5.