Macau is just as unique from Mainland China as it is from Hong Kong. Many of my students assume it would be just like HK since it was a colony of a European power; however, it is so different.
First, a little history, Macau was a Portuguese territory for a few hundred years, nearly twice as long as Hong Kong was British. Because of this history, there was a lot of Catholic influence with many of the first colonizers being monks and missionaries.
This history gives Macau its unique culture, from its architecture to the language; everything is a hybrid of Chinese and Portuguese influences. Macau was given back to China in 1999 under very similar conditions to Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region.
Our trip to Macau was just a day long, and, unless you’re planning to do a bit of gambling, that was just enough time. We got to see and experience a lot of the history, see some casinos and not get tired with it, but got just enough to understand it and appreciate it.
The Main Attraction (for me anyway)
Macau’s main historical attraction is a huge UNESCO World Heritage area that includes a few old churches, residences and some very interesting history. The crown jewel is the façade of St. Paul’s cathedral at the top of a hill. The best way to reach this through Senado Square and the winding streets lined with old European architecture.
It is a beautiful place with a great mix of China and Europe. It shows how people with such diverse cultures and beliefs could live and work together with respect for each other. One great example of this is the small Chinese temple with incense burning right next to the ruins of the cathedral.
At the top of the hill next to the cathedral ruins is the old Monte Fort that now houses the Macau Museum. The museum is all about this merger and blending of two completely different cultures. It gave a great perspective on everything we were seeing.
The Island
Macau is made up of two areas, a peninsula and the island of Taipa, both pretty small and right across a small harbor to the mainland either connected directly or by bridge. The peninsula is the more developed part of the region with a lot of the history and original casinos. The island is where the airport is and the new development of mega-resort casinos. It is also home to some small fishing villages that seem untouched from the casino environment.
We took a bus to the far end of the island to the small village of Coloane. This small village showcases a similar mix of Chinese and Portuguese influences with both a small Catholic church and a Taoist temple. The architecture throughout the village also shows this with blends of Asian and European motifs, colors and elements.
On the top of the biggest hill of Taipa is a large and colorful temple dedicated to A-Ma, goddess of the sea. We went up on a free bus that takes you from a parking lot at the bottom of the hill, right next to the main road with public bus stops, up to the temple.
Also on the island are some other sights we didn’t get to see but if I went back I may, including the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion.
Casinos
No trip to Macau is complete without at least going into a couple of casinos, just like Vegas. Now, some say that Macau is the Las Vegas of Asia, but I don’t think it is quite there yet. Right now it is Reno. However, in a year or two when many of the ginormous mega-resorts are completed on the island, it may be better than Vegas.
On the peninsula is where a lot of the older casinos and their new incarnations are. These mostly focus on gambling not the entire entertainment package, hence Reno and not Vegas. These casinos are mostly owned by one man who had a monopoly in the Macau market until a few years back. That’s when some of the big chains started moving in.
The old ones include the Lisboa and the Grand Lisboa, both icons for Macau casinos. Some of the newer ones include the Wynn and Sands. Out on Taipa is a new development where Vegas-style mega-resort casinos are popping up, the most recognizable and seemingly the favorite being The Venetian. This is the area that feels like a strip of sorts is growing with more consideration for shopping, eating, entertainment and gambling.
Before we headed back to the ferry terminal to catch a boat to Shenzhen, we wandered the Venetian and had dinner in the food court. It is beautiful inside with the full ceiling frescos and rich architectural elements and has the signature canal. Biggest difference was the Chinese girl gondoliers with Italian names.
If you ever make it to Macau, be sure to take advantage of the free things like free bag check at many casinos and free shuttle buses from many casinos to others and to the airport and ferry terminal. It is also easy to get to, both from the Mainland and Hong Kong.
I enjoyed the day in Macau and may find myself back in the future. However, it can never compare with Hong Kong.
Nice pics. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
Posted by TJ Johnston | February 29, 2012, 3:11 amI should’ve visited Macau when I visited Hong Kong, but 4 days wasn’t enough to truly take in HK. Every corner has its own charm, and every street is teeming with culture. Macau and Hong Kong are very different, so indeed, they cannot be compared.
Posted by Gel | February 29, 2012, 3:15 amAn amazing place
Posted by DoF@theinfill | February 29, 2012, 3:17 amBeautiful shots, and I love the mini history lesson…brilliant!
And by the way, I just happen to live in Reno. We have a spectacular climate and the abundant fun gaming destinations, though that’s not the city’s focus…as you noted. So if Macau is more like Reno, then I say “Good for it!”
Posted by Mikalee Byerman | February 29, 2012, 3:22 amMikalee, I spent a lot of time in Reno for work over the last few years, and was in Macau in November… I thought the casino area of Macau totally eclipsed Vegas, but the rest of it was more down to earth like Reno. It’s a great place to visit, but you definitely have to be prepared for it (and I missed the Grand Prix by one day
)
I agree, the shots are wonderful!
Posted by Tall Pajama Man | February 29, 2012, 10:51 amPerfect post! I now have jet lag!
Posted by The Hook | February 29, 2012, 3:38 amThe Venetian is really wonderful
Posted by Cathy | February 29, 2012, 3:44 amWow, looks so interesting and colorful. Beautiful post.
val
http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com
Posted by valentinedee | February 29, 2012, 3:56 amnice clicks !
Posted by Jayati | February 29, 2012, 4:07 amWe went to the casino in Macau and once we entered i had feeling everything stopped – we were the only females in the betting room…I am not sure if that is because the time of day ( night) – it was two in the morning or because women are not part of the gambling game…anyway we didn’t like it as it was too dark, full of man in leather jackets and full of cigarette fumes… we left without placing a bet…in las vegas i stayed all night betting without any discomfort…
Posted by ReadyClickAndGo | February 29, 2012, 4:09 amNicely done! Keep it up!
Posted by Justin Earl | February 29, 2012, 4:33 amI was there in 2005, and I visited/photographed some of the same sites. Great pics!
Posted by Rev. Nadine Drayton-Keen | February 29, 2012, 5:00 amCongrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Posted by midnitechef | February 29, 2012, 5:17 amThanks for sharing sites from somewhere I doubt I will get a chance to see.
Posted by aFrankAngle | February 29, 2012, 6:09 amI have wanted to go here ever since I saw Anthony Bourdain feature it on Travel Channel. Lucky!
Posted by beautiful life and style | February 29, 2012, 6:13 amNice photos. Like you, I prefer the historical and architectural elements of a destination. The China and Europe cultural mix is apparent in your snapshots. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy gambling and especially the fanfare that is Vegas, but a city like Macau seems to have more to offer. I’ll certainly put a pin on the travel map for the future. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
Posted by Cabbie Notes | February 29, 2012, 6:26 amwow the casinos look just like the ones in Las Vegas
Posted by beauty toast | February 29, 2012, 6:27 amvery well captured photos…
Posted by maejane28 | February 29, 2012, 7:35 amTrue. Macau is good for a day trip and it is uncomparable to HK.
Posted by twyankeesfan | February 29, 2012, 7:43 amI’m a little disappointed I missed out on Macau when I was in Hong Kong! Great post and photos! I’ll make it a point to stop by Macau the next time Im in Asia.
Posted by loveantoinette | February 29, 2012, 8:13 amReally nice post. I especially like the collage style of the photos. Makes me feel like I’m reading a magazine.
Posted by Alexandra | February 29, 2012, 8:24 amA wonderful collection of beautiful photos, an indepth study of Macau. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by roberto88264 | February 29, 2012, 8:25 amMacau is a nice place to visit when it’s a first time visiting Hong Kong. However, it is a big saddening to see the casinos bringing in tourists that do not pay much respect to the UNESCO heritage.
Posted by Frances antoinette | February 29, 2012, 9:18 amWow, such beautiful photos! I am a WordPress photographer as well, so I just love posts like this. Great job, keep it up!
Posted by Aaron Cohen Photography | February 29, 2012, 9:27 amSadly, I have never heard of this place till now. And now I must visit someday. Sounds like there’s a lot of rich culture there.
Posted by shinganist | February 29, 2012, 9:39 amBeautiful pictures !
Posted by Lulu Simawati | February 29, 2012, 9:53 amWow you’re talking me into going there! I’ve really wanted to visit Asia, but haven’t had a chance yet. I really like the way you laid out the areas history. I just researched MGM, which acquired one of those “ginormous” resorts and is constructing it.
Posted by brianschwantner | February 29, 2012, 10:13 amI am glad I’ve read this – wonderful snapshots, as well.
Posted by Eileen黃愛玲 | February 29, 2012, 10:24 amamazing place,, someday i’ll be there…heuheu…
Posted by diongedean | February 29, 2012, 11:32 amMuito interessante!
Posted by matasnativas | February 29, 2012, 11:35 amThanks so much for such a great post! Heading to hong kong very soon!!!
Posted by danielandkellytravel | February 29, 2012, 12:24 pmThis is a great post! I went to Macau in 2004, and though I was old enough to remember it, I wish I would’ve appreciated it a bit more. Is Macau still “dirty” (as the Hong Kongers call it)?
Posted by Whitney Woo | February 29, 2012, 12:57 pmNice post.
I was in Macau in 2008. Great place with a subtle blend of history and culture; been to the casinos though I did not try my luck…
Had real fun doing shopping, though.
Posted by Chito L. Aguilar | February 29, 2012, 1:26 pmNice photos! I went to Hong Kong for a weekend in December but didn’t have enough time to visit Macau. I hope to make it back sometime.
Jimmy
http://www.slightlyreworded.wordpress.com
Posted by slightlyreworded | February 29, 2012, 1:37 pmLovely post! Personally I’ve always had a soft spot for Macau even though I have more ties with Hong Kong. For me, Macau seemed less polluted, more open and less congested with people, although the quantity of motorcycles could be really annoying. Haven’t been back to either cities in about 4 years, but you’ve got to take advantage of the food in Macau! I swear, I would go back there just for the food, it’s incredible.
Posted by Siv | February 29, 2012, 2:21 pmGreat shots! I’m heading to Hong Kong end of April and will most likely make a trip to Macau – thanks for this!
Posted by the French Coast | February 29, 2012, 2:25 pmAwesome.
Posted by friendlymedia01 | February 29, 2012, 2:27 pmi love your story-telling, macau is indeed one of the places that i want to travel.. thank you for sharing these wonderful photos.
Posted by starlight | February 29, 2012, 3:19 pmnice trip ^^
Posted by bondanphotoworks | February 29, 2012, 4:27 pmNice pictures you have there. Marvelous!
Posted by john1985tan | February 29, 2012, 7:13 pmVery nice post. Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed! We loved Macau too and wrote about it too…nice to see some similar pictures. Here is our entry: http://millayt.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/macau-vegas-of-the-east/
We did think it had passed Vegas in terms of money coming in!
Posted by millayt | February 29, 2012, 7:16 pmAny pictures of Sands the Casino?
Posted by tam | February 29, 2012, 7:16 pmSome amazing photography. Loved Macau, great mix of culture and glitz. Especially loved the world’s largest bungee jump there!
Posted by nihaoxiongmao | February 29, 2012, 7:19 pmI love the colourful image of the dragon excellent.
Posted by alldigital photography | February 29, 2012, 7:30 pmGr8 captures !! I’ve only seen Macau in movies and pics !! Would love to go there soon
Cheers
And please check out my latest post on love – http://raajtram.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/let-the-time-decide/
Posted by Raaj Trambadia | February 29, 2012, 7:44 pmBeautifully capture the common places of HK.
Posted by Rosy | February 29, 2012, 8:14 pmAhh This post brings back memories. I went for Christmas and immigration was 6 hours long. But Lord Stow’s Egg Tarts made the trip worthwhile. They were heavenly!
xxx
Renee
http://chienna.wordpress.com/
Posted by chienna | February 29, 2012, 9:24 pmas beautiful as vegas indeed! one of the must-visit places in asia.
Posted by worldnewsflash | February 29, 2012, 10:11 pmIt was fun to read this post – I love visiting UNESCO sites.
Posted by Traveling Saver | February 29, 2012, 10:41 pmAs a Macanese person, I am always grateful when someone separates Macau’s cultural identity from that of Hong Kong. I would just like to point out a small bit of misinformation here (pedantic, I know…)
Macau actually consists of three parts: the Macau peninsula, Taipa island, and Coloane island. It is easy to mesh Taipa island and Coloane together because they are now joined by a giant strip of reclaimed land, where giant Casinos like the Venetian are. This strip has been oh-so-originally called Cotai. A-ma is actually on Coloane island. I don’t condemn you for getting things mixed up a bit, especially if you only had one day there.
I’m guessing you didn’t get to see Taipa village. It’s at the south end of the island (near Cotai) and has a few independent shops, as well as a few tourist traps.
If you ever curious about patuá (the old Macanese language, essentially a sino-portuguese creole barely spoke today) you can go to vimeo and search “patua macau”. This should give you two videos in patua with subtitles.
Posted by davbi | February 29, 2012, 10:43 pmThank you for the information. I do remember the new casino development area being called the Cotai Strip, but I didn’t know it was man-made land connecting two islands.
Posted by kevinearl | March 1, 2012, 9:50 pmWow, Macau was a Portuguese territory. I wonder if some still speak the language? … I doubt it
Cheers and congrats
-Ron
Posted by How To Be A DJ | February 29, 2012, 11:10 pmThat was some beautiful work of arts!
Posted by Miriam | February 29, 2012, 11:24 pmWhat great photographs. I saw Anthony Bourdain’s show from Macau and he thinks the food is great, and that’s good enough for me. The downside of Bourdain’s show is that you don’t see some of the country’s beauty. You’ve made up for that. Nice post!
Posted by schwitters57 | February 29, 2012, 11:31 pmLove the beautiful pictures!
Posted by Undomesticated Housewife | February 29, 2012, 11:36 pmWow,beautiful place
Posted by Waheda Farhana | February 29, 2012, 11:54 pmHey, thanks a bunch for posting! I love your writing style–concise and full of interesting tidbits.
Macau brings back some memories, especially the cathedral and the casinos. Definitely a place rich with influences from a variety of cultures.
Looking forward to going back one day. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by Romantic Asian Guy | March 1, 2012, 12:05 amBeautiful photos! Macau seems less vulgar than Las Vegas, which is a plus. Also, I think Kim Jong-il of N. Korea’s oldest son lived in Macau for a while in exile.
Posted by Smaktakula | March 1, 2012, 1:49 amWow! I’m always kicking myself for not having visited Macau when we lived in Singapore. It seems like such a unique place.
Posted by Ammon | March 1, 2012, 2:13 amMore like Reno??? Just FYI there is more money gambled away in Macau than in Las Vegas already.
Posted by China Traveller | March 1, 2012, 2:28 amI also was there and in Hong Kong and i wish to go there again
Posted by orifiell | March 1, 2012, 3:56 amHaha
Reading this again with my friend 
And just to let you know, I’ve just started a new PhotoBlog!!
Here’s the first post – http://raajclicks.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/oh-i-love-my-laptop/
Posted by Raaj Trambadia | March 1, 2012, 4:02 amسبحن الله
Posted by ruslanshidiq | March 1, 2012, 1:23 pmReblogged this on Ruslanshidiq's Blog and commented:
patut untuk dikunjungi gan
Posted by ruslanshidiq | March 1, 2012, 1:24 pmNice post! My family is taking a trip around the world and we’ve visited Malacca and Penang, both considerably influenced by colonialism. They are full of old, whitewashed buildings that are quite beautiful. I would love to visit Macau one day!
http://www.oneworld4girls.wordpress.com
Posted by One World, 4 Girls | March 1, 2012, 4:53 pmnice view!
Posted by physicos | March 1, 2012, 4:57 pmAmazing but also sad to see for an architect. I would rather see the effort and money go to build something relevant to the culture and environment of that region.
Posted by fadi hudhud | March 1, 2012, 6:27 pmReblogged this on faizkeroro30 and commented:
wonderful Macau
Posted by faizmurfid | March 1, 2012, 9:57 pmgood insights to the place…..
Posted by Indranil Saha (sahaindranil.com) | March 5, 2012, 3:22 am