If this isn’t already in your lengthy weekend vacation spot checklist, you gotta try these 15 issues to do right here.
We enter a packed noodle restaurant, the employees asks in rapid-fire Cantonese what we wish.
A half-hour later, we stroll alongside cobbled-stone streets, flanked by vibrant buildings and tiles resembling these in Lisbon.
That is Macao — it felt like we visited a number of international locations in a single.
For individuals who didn’t know, Macao is positioned alongside China’s southern coast, proper subsequent to Hong Kong. It was a Portuguese colony until 1999 — which resulted in an exquisite fusion of Asian and Western cultures!
For those who’ve already visited (and re-visited) locations like Bali and Bangkok for brief getaways, why not take into account Macao? It’s simply accessible with 4-hour direct flights out there every day, and there are greater than sufficient actions for a five-day keep.
Click on to leap to every part: For the Adventurers | For the Arts and Tradition Chasers | For the Hardcore Foodies
For the Adventurers
1) Macau Tower
Few journey parks are as epic as AJ Hackett’s Skypark in Macao. This playground for thrill-seekers has an superior view of town — from the highest part of Macau Tower (233m to 338m).
It’s most recognized for being house to the world’s highest business bungy (MOP$3,088) — at a ball-shrinking 233m drop. Our colleagues tried this again in 2016!
I wasn’t about to leap off a freaking tower, so we opted for the tamest exercise out there — the Skywalk (MOP$788). It wasn’t precisely a stroll within the park both, extra like a walk-233m-above-ground kinda expertise. No biggie.
Our information Jeff inspired us to take a seat on the edge, lean backwards, and even go hands-free. Chao acquired snug shortly, whereas I may solely handle a really slight 5° lean.
As a result of that wasn’t thrilling sufficient, Chao additionally took on the Tower Climb (MOP$2,488). This includes climbing 105m of inside and exterior ladders to get to the very prime of Macau Tower at 338m-high — you received’t get a greater view of town.
This expertise is exhilarating on one other degree (geddit) and even essentially the most hardcore adrenaline junkies will really feel their coronary heart bounce. There are two guides per group (max. 4 pax) and at present, there’s only one slot per day at 3PM.
Value: MOP$788 (Skywalk), MOP$1,888 (Tower Climb), MOP$3,088 (Bungy) — all packages incl. Gopro movies and pictures
Timings: Varies relying on attraction — Test the calendar and guide prematurely
Methods to get there: From Senado Sq., take bus 18B to Torre De Macau station (Google Maps)
2) Coloane Path
Picture credit score: @oanesmimi through Instagram
Whoever thought Macao didn’t have out of doors actions has most likely by no means heard of Coloane Path. It’s the longest strolling path in Macao — an 8.1km round-trip route circling the central space of Coloane Island.
This path will take up most of your day, passing a number of of Coloane’s sights, like Seac Pai Van Park and A-Ma Cultural Village. It begins at Estrada do Alto de Coloane and ends at Estrada do Alto de Coloane.
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Methods to get there: From Lord Stow’s Bakery Coloane, take bus 25 to
Est. Do Campo/ Psp-2 station then stroll 16min (1km) to the start line (Google Maps)
3) Hac Sá Lengthy Chao Kok Coastal Path
For those who’re pressed for time, take into account one in all Coloane’s shorter trails. We did the Hac Sá Lengthy Chao Kok Coastal Path, a chill 1.2km stroll alongside the coast simply off Hac Sá Seaside.
The comparatively flat path results in a hanging crimson pavilion — a fantastic place to look at the sundown!
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Methods to get there: From Lord Stow’s Bakery Coloane, take bus 26A to Hellene Backyard/Orchids Villa station (Google Maps)
4) Macao Large Panda Pavilion
Picture credit score: Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace
What’s higher than seeing lovable pandas? Seeing lovable pandas for free. You may go to 4 large pandas on the Macau Large Panda Pavilion in Seac Pai Van Park!
Apart from large pandas, there are different sights just like the Floral Backyard (house to bunnies and different small animals!) and a crimson panda exhibit.
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 1PM, 2PM – 5PM (Closed on Mon)
Methods to get there: From Lord Stow’s Bakery Coloane, take bus 25 to One Oasis / Mahogany Tower station (Google Maps)
For the Arts and Tradition Chasers
5) Historic Centre of Macao
A-ma Temple.
The Historic Centre of Macao is a set of 22 buildings which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage website.
They’re scattered across the Macao Peninsula (the principle island), principally inside strolling distance of one another. We managed to go to a majority of them — it was virtually like an island-wide treasure hunt!
For those who’re missing time to go to all 22, listed here are the must-sees:
First is Ruins of St Paul’s — the landmark that seems in most of Macao’s postcards. It’s the facade of the Church of Mater Dei and the ruins of St. Paul’s Faculty, which had been destroyed in a fireplace in 1835.
It homes the Sacred Artwork Museum and Crypt, however we had been comfortable simply to admire the ruins from exterior.
Sacred Artwork Museum and Crypt
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Wed – Mon, final entry 5:30PM), 9AM – 2PM (Tue)
Methods to get there: 9min stroll from Senado Sq. (Google Maps)
Subsequent is Mount Fortress, positioned proper beside the Ruins of St Paul’s! This fortress was constructed from 1617 to 1626 and sits on the 52m-high Mount Hill, working as town’s foremost defence construction. It was armed with cannons, barracks and sufficient ammunition to endure a siege of as much as two years.
Mount Fortress
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Methods to get there: 1min stroll from Ruins of St Paul’s (Google Maps)
Senado Sq. is one other must-visit. It’s Macao’s city centre, the place lots of town’s festivities occur. Situated across the sq. are a few UNESCO Heritage-listed buildings — such because the Leal Senado Constructing, The Holy Home of Mercy and St. Dominic’s Church.
Senado Sq.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Methods to get there: 9min stroll from Ruins of St Paul’s (Google Maps)
6) teamLab Macao
Excellent news for many who wish to go to a teamLab however aren’t seeking to fly 7 hours to Tokyo — Macao has a teamLab of her personal! teamLab Macao occupies an enormous 5,000m2 area in The Venetian Macao, with over 10 interactive reveals.
One in all our favorite reveals titled Increasing Three-Dimensional Existence in Remodeling Area is full of large free-floating spheres that change colors! It’s like being in an enormous ball pit designed for Instagram pictures; we had lots of enjoyable right here.
It’s a further MOP$100 for entry to 3 new interactive installations — the Floating Flower Backyard, Massless Clouds and En TEA HOUSE. For those who’re already visiting teamLab Macao, would possibly as properly benefit from the full expertise.
The Massless Clouds exhibit is a room full of cleaning soap bubbles; like an enormous bubble bathtub. We suited up in raincoats and shoe covers (all supplied) and had been left to enterprise by way of the room of froth.
We additionally visited the Floating Flower Backyard, a beautiful three-dimensional show of orchids. Enjoyable reality: Roughly 10% of all plant species belong to the orchid household!
One of the crucial fascinating experiences right here was the En TEA HOUSE expertise. In a darkish room, we’re served a matcha ice cream and a drink. As soon as the tea is positioned on the desk, flowers begin to bloom. While you transfer the bowl, the flower petals scatter.
All year long, every month’s seasonal flowers will bloom. What’s unbelievable is that they’re not enjoying a pre-recorded video — the artwork is created by a pc program that constantly renders in actual time. 🤯
Entrance price: MOP$288 (~S$49), add-on expertise at MOP$100 (~S$17)
Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM (Final entry at 6:15PM), Closed on Wed
Methods to get there: Take bus 26A from Senado Sq. (38min) or a 16min taxi experience (Google Maps)
7) Taipa Village
A former fishing village, Taipa has been remodeled right into a hip neighbourhood with cafes, vibrant murals, and well-maintained historic landmarks. Our full checklist of issues to do in Taipa could be present in our Macao itinerary — however listed here are the highlights:
Among the best issues to do in Taipa Village is mural looking. There’s avenue artwork throughout Macao, however in my view, those at Taipa are essentially the most vibrant and well-preserved.
The murals above had been painted by native artists, which is a improbable technique to promote the native arts scene. From left to proper: Escada do Coxo, Travessa da Boa Vista and Rua Correia da Silva Nº 5.
In fact, you may’t go to Taipa with out strolling alongside Rua do Cunha. It’s Taipa’s foremost pedestrian avenue — full of eating places, bakeries and memento retailers!
Rua do Cunha
Opening hours: 24 hours — Most retailers open round 10AM
Methods to get there: 23min bus experience (bus 33) from Senado Sq. (Google Maps)
We additionally visited the Taipa Homes, a row of 5 pastel-coloured colonial homes alongside Avenida da Praia that had been in-built 1921. They had been the properties of senior civil servants, however the authorities had them revamped and opened to the general public in 1999.
Every of them has a unique use — one now homes the Macanese Dwelling Museum, which you’ll be able to go to free of charge to study extra about Macao’s previous as a Portuguese colony. One other is known as the Artistic Casa, a bookstore and present store with an exhibition area upstairs.
Taipa Homes
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM, Closed on Mon
Methods to get there: 7min stroll from Rua do Cunha (Google Maps)
8) Classic Purchasing
Macao’s metropolis centre can also be house to a number of classic and thrift retailers, tucked away in shophouses alongside aspect alleys. We visited Classic Pepperland, which sells numerous vibrant clothes and jewelry.
Classic Pepperland
Opening hours: 2PM – 7PM (Mon – Fri), 12PM – 8PM (Sat – Solar)
Methods to get there: 10min stroll from Senado Sq. (Google Maps)
Close by is Classic Market Macau, a two-storey classic haven promoting retro clothes, handmade hats and extra. Even in case you’re not seeking to purchase something, it’s at all times enjoyable to browse!
Classic Market
Opening hours: 12PM – 8PM
Methods to get there: 11min stroll from Senado Sq. (Google Maps)
9) A-ma Cultural Village
Picture credit score: @armonteiro.images through Instagram
A-ma Cultural Village is a sprawling 7,000m2 complicated devoted to A-ma (or Mazu), the goddess of seafarers.
It stands in the course of Coloane Island and options Tin Hau Palace and a Drum Tower amongst different pavilions and gates. Guests can take a brief hike as much as see the world’s tallest statue of A-ma (20m!) plus a panoramic view of Coloane.
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Methods to get there: 11min taxi experience from Lord Stow’s Bakery Coloane (Google Maps)
For the Hardcore Foodies
10) Fernando’s
Situated simply off Hac Sa Seaside in Coloane, Fernando’s has been serving yummy Portuguese meals since 1986! It’s well-liked amongst each locals and vacationers; the principle eating room was packed after we visited on a weekday.
We ordered a half-portion every of their signature Fernando-style clams (MOP$136), charcoal grilled rooster (MOP$133) and fried prawns with garlic (MOP$168).
Whereas ready for our mains, we loved a few Tremendous Bocks (a beer from Portugal) and complimentary freshly baked bread. The tasty meals mixed with a full of life restaurant environment made this arguably our favorite meal in Macao!
Value: ~MOP$230/pax (~S$39)
Opening hours: 12PM – 9:30PM
Methods to get there: 22min bus from Coloane Library (Google Maps)
11) Lung Wah Tea Home
Tucked away on the second flooring of an previous shophouse is a conventional Cantonese tea home that’s been serving dim sum and zhi char dishes since 1962.
The eating space appears to be like extra like somebody’s home slightly than a restaurant — the proprietor proudly shows his assortment of work and antiques throughout!
The menu is written in conventional Chinese language — so we needed to rely upon a mix of Google Translate and on-line photos to order. We acquired siu mai, pork ribs, custard buns and char siew baos which amounted to MOP$160.
I fairly loved the primary three dishes, however the char siew baos didn’t have sufficient filling in my view.
Value: ~MOP$80/pax (~S$14) — Money solely
Opening hours: 8AM – 2PM
Methods to get there: From Senado Sq., take bus 33 to Alm. Lacerda/ Mercado Vermelho station then stroll 3min (Google Maps)
12) Lord Stow’s Bakery
In Macao, there’s no greater family title than Lord Stow’s Bakery. Englishman Andrew Stow is called the creator of Macao’s egg tart — the federal government truly gave him an award for this.
The unique bakery in Coloane Village was based in 1989 and so they’ve since expanded to a number of retailers in Macao and abroad! Their egg tarts are deliciously creamy, we ended up shopping for 5 extra bins to take house.
Value: MOP$65 (~S$11) for a field of six egg tarts
Opening hours: 7AM – 9PM
Methods to get there: 3min wak from Coloane Library (Google Maps)
13) Lai Kei Sorvettes
For old-school desserts, head to Lai Kei Sorvettes. This third-generation dessert parlour has been round for 80 years and takes satisfaction in recent, selfmade ice cream. They proudly show their historical past — with pictures and authentic ice cream packaging (designed by the founder) adorning the store!
They’ve caught to nostalgic, no-frills desserts like ice cream sodas, milkshakes and drinks. It’s additionally actually moderately priced — we had a fruit sundae (MOP$28), coconut ice cream (MOP$14) and two drinks (MOP$22 every).
Value: From MOP$14 (~S$2.40) for a single scoop
Opening hours: 12PM – 7PM
Methods to get there: 11min stroll from Senado Sq. (Google Maps)
14) 金利麵食 Noodles
金利麵食 Noodles is a well-liked curry noodle joint advisable to us by our buddy Clarence, who grew up in Macao.
He instructed us to order the meat brisket noodles, but it surely offered out after we arrived at round midday. So we ordered small parts of the pork slice and rooster curry noodles as an alternative — the broth is sort of a thinner curry and was actually tasty.
For those who’ve acquired a giant urge for food, get the combo! It’s a much bigger bowl with two meats (you may combine and match) for simply MOP$47.
Value: From MOP$32 (~S$4) for a small bowl
Opening hours: 7:45AM – 4:45PM
Methods to get there: From Senado Sq., take bus 21A or 26A to Edf. Chun Leong station (Google Maps)
15) Cafe Vong Kei
For well-known pork chop buns in Taipa Village, head to Cafe Vong Kei! This nook retailer has been round since 1958, with vibrant retro-style murals adorning the outside.
We acquired their signature pork chop bun (MOP$53), bo lo bao (pineapple bun, MOP$18) and selfmade milk tea and low (MOP$28 every). I anticipated extra bread than pork, however as an alternative acquired a beneficiant serving of pork steak spilling out of the bun.
Value: From MOP$18 (S$3)
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM (Solar – Fri), 7AM – 6PM (Sat)
Methods to get there: 1min stroll from Rua do Cunha (Google Maps)
Every day Flights from Singapore to Macao
So, is Macao the following go-to lengthy weekend getaway vacation spot?
After visiting Macao for myself, the reply is unquestionably sure. There are greater than sufficient issues to do in Macao for a 4 or five-day journey, with a superb mixture of chill and energetic actions.
For these contemplating a visit to Macao — Scoot affords every day 4-hour direct flights from Singapore to Macao (one-way fare from S$177*). *Taxes included, phrases and journey intervals apply.
As a frequent traveller, Scoot’s 10kg carry-on baggage allowance is one thing I actually recognize. It’s 3kg greater than most airways! The additional allowance is at all times welcome — particularly in case you’re planning to journey with out check-in baggage, or in case you’re like us and carry fairly a little bit of digicam gear.
Scoot affords a spread of add-on meals like laksa, nasi lemak and black pepper beef rice — all elements are Halal-certified. Meal units embody a dessert or snack; we acquired ice cream from Udders on our flight there and a pack of cookies on the way in which again 😋
One of the best half about that is, you solely must take one or two days off — try our 2024 lengthy weekend information to seek out the perfect dates for a visit to Macao 😉
Suggestions for Planning Your First Journey to Macao
The place to remain in Macao: If it’s your first time in Macao, we advocate staying close to Senado Sq.. It’s within the centre of Macao Peninsula (the principle island) and is inside strolling distance to a number of different landmarks, with frequent buses to Taipa and Coloane.
Listed here are some lodging choices positioned close to Senado Sq.:
Funds: Cities Properly Motel (from ~S$75/evening for a Twin Room)
Mid-range: Caravel Lodge (from ~S$115/evening for a Commonplace Double Room)
Luxurious: Grand Lisboa Lodge (from ~S$274/evening for a Deluxe Twin Room)
Connectivity: Hong Kong and Macao 15-day E-SIM with limitless knowledge and 15GB high-speed knowledge (S$23.90)
Getting round: One of the simplest ways to get round Macao is by bus (MOP$6 no matter distance), which is frequent. Except you’ve a neighborhood transport card, cost is through money — no change is given.
There’s no Seize or Uber in Macao, however you may flag a taxi (MOP$19 for the primary 1.6km, MOP$2 added for each 240m after).
*Professional-tip: Obtain Macao bus app and Macao Taxi Fare app beforehand.
Fee: Macao has her personal foreign money — the Macanese Pataca (MOP) — which is pegged to the Hong Kong greenback (HKD). The alternate charge is MOP103.20 to HKD100. This implies you need to use HKD in Macao; I even used a mixture of HKD and MOP at occasions.
Sights like Skypark Macau and established eating places like A Lorcha settle for card funds, however bakeries and small eateries solely settle for money — so it’s good to convey some.
Lastly, try our full five-day Macao itinerary — it consists of extra issues to do in Macao plus our funds breakdown.
Know of different cool issues to do in Macao? Share with us within the feedback under!
This put up was dropped at you by Scoot and the Macao Authorities Tourism Workplace.
Notice: Costs are correct on the level of publishing and are topic to vary.
