I was invited by the Macau Government Tourism Office-Philippines (MGTO) together with other travel writers and bloggers for a familiarization tour to this interesting place last May and it was a beautiful experience with its cuisine, glitz and old world charm. After one has visited most of the major sights, there are still some sidetrips that the traveler and tourist can do: museums, night walks, markets and beautiful modern architecture.
A night walk in Macau is always a pleasant endeavor. The night is cool and in this gambling mecca, the citylights are beautiful to look at. Neon, magical fountains, and casino brand names surrounded by dancing lights are marvelously built.
Or one can go to the many casino hotels in several areas and see spectacular productions. The best thing? These are free: City of Dreams’s Dragon’s Treasures and the Tree of Prosperity at Wynn Macau are just some of the come ons.
Gucci, Mui Mui, Fendi, Chanel… the list can go on and on but lets admit it, where the easy flow of money goes, so does fashion and shopping. From high priced designer brands to bargain shopping, Macau has lots to offer.
For the fashionista, latest collections from designers abound in the many boutiques and malls. If you’ve got money to burn, then splurge to your hearts content. Macau is a shopping mecca too.
The Macau Grand Prix Museum (entrance of HK$10, opening hours: 10am-6pm. Closed on Tuesdays) is a Formula 3 and 1 enthusiast’s heaven. Built in 1993, it showcases the Macau Grand Prix, one of the world’s popular racing circuit which is known for its difficult route, bends and narrow streets.
Would you believe that it has a special exhibit of Filipino Arsenia ‘Dodjie’ Laurel, winner in the 1962 and 1963 Formula 3 races, perhaps, the highest accolade of any Pinoy racers to date. It was also here in Macau that he died during the 1967 grand prix.
Be prepared to be a kid again as the Macau Science Center (Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, Macau Science Center. Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets are only available up to 5.30 p.m., closed on Thursdays and Lunar New Year’s Eve, open on Public Holidays) delights and explains basic science truths with their interactive installations.
It has spectacular video shows at the Planetarium and its cone shaped building has tiers of different showcases open to the public. For me? I just like the I.M. Pei architecture.
Its the thrill of a lifetime and Macau Tower (also Macau Sky Tower) is the highest bungee jumping venue in the world at 223 meters (outer rim). Opened in 2001, the 338 meter (1,109ft) structure serves not only for entertainment but also as a telecoms broadcasting center.
It has a revolving restaurant with cuisines from different parts of the world, shops, and entertainment center. At the top, glass floors give that added thrill with panoramic views of Macau.
Fascinated by Macau. It’s still not the kind of place people immediately think of as a travel destination, but it’s on my list. Thanks for writing about it 🙂
made me crave to hunt cheap flights.
@JP, you should travel bai 🙂
@chris, yes, there’s more to Macau beyond the casinos. in fact, its a bit surprising on what you will find there 🙂