Macao Guide 2017/2018

Macao 2017/ 18 Guide

COVER_V11.indd 15

10/26/17 04:42 PM

Welcome

East meets West Only 40 miles from Hong Kong, Macao’s unique Portuguese-Chinese heritage makes it a fascinating two or three-night add-on to any Asian itinerary or trip Down Under

L

ocated on South China’s Pearl River Delta, Macao has a long and fascinating history as an important trading centre. The Portuguese arrived in the region in the early 1500s before settling in Macao in 1557.

Today, Macao is a Special Administrative Region of China and the destination still bears testament to its Portuguese heritage, with both European and Chinese influences evident in everything from its stunning architecture to its sumptuous and unique cuisine.

A truly international destination, Macao effortlessly juxtaposes historic and futuristic, with ancient temples co-existing with slick skyscrapers. Best of all, everything is contained in a relatively

small area of just 30-square-kilometres. Visitors can leave the neon dazzle of the city and be in the lamp-lit streets of sleepy Coloane Village less than half an hour later.

Macao’s compact size certainly doesn’t stop it from hosting a huge array of attractions - from superb fusion food to vibrant nightlife and dazzling shows, world-class shopping to UNESCO World Heritage-listed architecture. Activities range from walking trails through beautiful hills to visiting giant pandas or experiencing the thrill of the world’s highest bungy jump.

Embrace the bright lights and glamour of Macao’s incredible luxury hotels and Michelin-star restaurants or relax in a Taipa pavement café as traditional Macao life passes by. Macao may be small but its possibilities are endless.

Published by BMI Publishing Ltd 2017, Suffolk House, George St, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1SR, UK. T: 020 8649 7233 | F: 020 8649 7234 E: enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk W: bmipublishing.co.uk; sellingtravel.co.uk.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Writers: Laura Gelder & Julie Baxter | Editorial Director: Steve Hartridge | Editor: Andy Hoskins Creative Director: Matt Bonner | Designer: Ross Clifford | Production Manager: Clare Hunter | Commercial Director: David Clare | Managing Director: Martin Steady.

Photography courtesy of the Macao Government Tourism Office, bigstockphoto.com & istockphoto.com

2 Macao

Welcome_Map_V3.indd 2

10/26/17 05:35 PM

w

ZHUHAI

Map Border Gate Beijing

Ilha Verde

Seoul

Mong Ha Fortress

Tokyo

CHINA Shanghai

CHINA

Hong Kong

Macao Ferry Terminal

MACAO

Inner Harbour

Hanoi

Bangkok

Macao Science Center

Nam Van Lake Sai Van Lake

PACIF IC OCEAN

Macao Manila

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

The Historic Centre of Macao

S OUT H CHIN A SEA

Kuala Lumpur Singapore

Van

- Taipa

Sai

Friendship Bridge

Macau

Macau Tower

0

1/2

Bridge

ge

Brid

4 6 8 10 12 14

Taipei

Reservoir

1 Mile

Taipa Ferry Terminal

Old Taipa Village

TAIPA

Macau International Airport

Macao by day

Explore the destination’s highlights and uncover a cultural melting pot COTAI

Macao by night

Discover a neon-lit wonderland which will excite and entertain

Food

Lotus Bridge

Ká-Hó Bay

Spectacular international dining in the home of fusion food Macao Giant Panda Pavilion

Events

Vibrant local feasts, international festivals and sporting events

Book it

How to twin-centre Macao plus accommodation options

Coloane Village

COLOANE

A-Ma Cultural Village

Hác-Sá Bay

Information

How to get to Macao and more essential facts

Cheoc Van Bay Macao 3

Welcome_Map_V3.indd 3

10/26/17 05:35 PM

Macao by day

Explore, delight and discover Walk in the footsteps of Macao’s fascinating past and uncover a melting pot of traditional and modern; east and west The historic centre of macao This atmospheric area is where east and west originally collided.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts 30 buildings and monuments of Chinese and Portuguese origin, linked by a maze of streets, alleys and picturesque piazzas.

Ruins of St. Paul’s All that remains of this iconic 17th century Jesuit church is the façade and grand staircase, but it’s still impressively imposing.

A-Ma Temple The oldest-surviving structure in Macao, built before a city even existed in the 1400s, is dedicated to A-Ma (also known as Mazu), the goddess of seafarers. The interior is inspired by Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

Senado Square A charming monochrome cobbled plaza surrounded by rainbowcoloured 19th century buildings and centred by a grand fountain.

Taipa Village Bursting with colour and character, Taipa island is joined to downtown Macao by three bridges. Wander through Taipa Village amongst old-fashioned twinkling street lamps and pretty hanging baskets, past traditional shops, pastel-hued villas, tiny temples and sweet-smelling bakeries wafting out the scent of the city’s famous almond cookies. Taipa Village is home to Rua do Cunha – known locally as ‘Food Street’ – which is a perfect place to taste Macao’s deliciously diverse culinary scene.

Coloane Sleepy Coloane Village is snugly enveloped in green hills and lined by a tranquil coastline with two beaches. The village’s central hub is the charming Portuguese-style Eduardo Marques Square, surrounded by cafés and restaurants where visitors can enjoy an al fresco lunch along the waterfront. For those seeking a more active escape, Coloane’s scenic hills and valleys also offer sports and activities including hiking and cycling as well as an 18-hole golf course with spectacular views.

4 Macao

Day final..indd 4

10/26/17 10:35 AM

Macao by day

Museums Macao is well endowed with high-quality museums. The city’s unique heritage can be discovered at the Macao Museum, while the Maritime Museum showcases its seafaring history and the Macao Museum of Art covers abstract, modern and traditional arts. Tech geeks will love Macao’s state-ofthe-art Science Center which boasts the world’s highest resolution 3D planetarium.

Clockwise from far left: The picture-perfect Macau Tower; temple incense spirals; a sleepy panda; a shopping trip; canoeing in Coloane; Travessa de Paixão

Shopping From bustling bargainbusting markets to slick malls and designer boutiques, Macao has plenty to lure shopaholics. The Historic Centre of Macao has streets lined with antique shops; clothing markets are found around São Domingos and in the Three Lamps district; and the Red Market is popular with foodies for its piles of fresh fish and exotic vegetables. In complete contrast, renowned designers from Armani to Versace grace glittering malls all over Macao.

Macau Tower For thrills and spills head to the Macau Tower. This 338-metre-high skyscraper offers panoramic views across the Pearl River Delta and a 360-degree revolving restaurant. For a more dramatic way to enjoy the views, adrenaline seekers can enjoy the world’s highest commercial bungy jump, as well as a Skyjump (a more controlled descent than bungy), Tower Climb (a 100-metre scramble up the communications mast to the very pinnacle) and Skywalk (a relaxed amble around the perimeter which can be done at night).

Macao Giant Panda Pavilion Macao’s cutest attraction are giant pandas Kai Kai and Xin Xin. The pair are found in their home nestled against a hillside in Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane. The happy couple gave birth to twin cubs in 2016 and the quintessentially Chinese family can be seen munching on bamboo in their naturally decorated home.

There are also cute little red pandas and the surrounding park has peacocks, monkeys and a toucan.

The great outdoors Scenic hills and valleys offer activities ranging from hiking to cycling.

Nature trails reward visitors with panoramic views and bikes are available to hire. Golfers can tee off at the Macau Golf and Country Club, or at Caesars Golf Macau. Head to Coloane’s beaches and inland lakes for activities including canoeing and windsurfing. step out, macao Featuring eight walking tour routes around Macao along with descriptions of tourism spots so that visitors can learn as they walk.

TOP TIP Discover the St Lazarus district, an Instagrammable area of cobbled streets away from the crowds, attracting creative types with its grand shuttered mansions and peaceful green courtyards.

Macao 5

Day final..indd 5

10/26/17 10:36 AM

Macao by night

Revel, excite and unwind From glittering nightlife to thrilling attractions and pampering spas, Macao has plenty to entertain you Shows The City of Dreams’ multi-million dollar resident show The House of Dancing Water is a Macao institution. A whimsical fairytale of a fisherman and a shipwrecked stranger transported to a magical kingdom, this 90-minute water-based spectacular features jawdropping acrobatics, as well as high-wire stunts, fountain effects and somersaulting motorcycles. Other venues regularly host pop and rock acts ranging from Madonna to the Rolling Stones and musicals from Broadway, the West End and beyond.

Bars From chilled out to frenetic; casual to dressed-to-impress – Macao has a full spectrum of nightlife vibes waiting to be discovered. For those who like to know where the locals go, the ‘everyone-knows-your-name’ atmosphere and tasty Irish pub grub at Old Taipa Tavern is a perfect match. If it’s opulence and glamour you’re looking for then head to The Four Seasons’ plush Bar Azul and its mesmerising neon lighting and rooftop vistas, or enjoy the traditional sophistication of the Macallan Whisky Bar at

Galaxy Macau, which offers 400 premium malts, leather couches and ornate chandeliers.

Clubs Macao has a vibrant dance scene which regularly welcomes DJs of international acclaim. The 30,000-square-foot Club Cubic is one of the largest hotspots in Asia, set over two floors in the City of Dreams and mixing a laser-lit dance pool with a gothic-style bar, as well as Asia’s first Perrier-Jouët Champagne Bar. Revellers can also dance the night away Ibiza-style at Pacha Macau in Studio City, or the quintessentially Asian-flavoured China Rouge, which is Art Deco-styled with a glamorous 1920s Shanghai feel.

Game on Macao’s casinos offer glitz on a grand scale, combining gaming tables and slot machines with opulent décor and world-class high-end art. Even those who aren’t the betting kind will find a buzzing and absorbing atmosphere and the perfect place for a spot of people watching.

6 Macao

Night_V3.indd 6

10/26/17 04:13 PM

Macao by night

Sparkling skyline When the sun goes down, Macao lights up! Its sparkling skyscrapers and luminous bridges sparkle into the waters of Praia Grande Bay making a spectacular expanse of shimmering light and hypnotic neon.

Clockwise from far left: The House of Dancing Water; traditonal Chinese lanterns; the Macao-Taipa bridge: Taipa Village with Cotai in the background; Macao’s sparkling skyline; the Golden Reel at Studio City Macau

Rooftop bars For eye-popping skyline views, hit one of the city’s rooftop bars. The ultrastylish rooftop 38 Lounge bar on the 38th floor of the Altira Hotel has both indoor and outdoor seating and live music, while Sky 21 features a chic lounge bar, al fresco dance floor and incredible views of the Macau Tower.

Light fantastic Macao’s hotels harness light to spectacular effect. The Wynn Macau’s Performance Lake puts on a light and water show using 800,000 gallons of water while The Parisian Macao’s half-size Eiffel Tower sparkles like diamonds every 15 minutes.

And relax...

As you would expect from a destination with such a wide choice of quality hotels, Macao is home to a host of elegant and peaceful spas offering a range of both deeply traditional and cuttingedge treatments from east and west designed to boost health and wellbeing - from Far Eastern relaxation techniques like reiki and herbal facials and body scrubs to Swedish massages and Thalassotherapy.

Wheely good fun The Golden Reel at Studio City Macau is the world’s highest figure of eight ferris wheel. The iconic landmark features 17 Steampunk-themed cabins, each accommodating up to 10 people and taking riders 130 metres up in the air to admire Macao both night and day. take flight The Batman Dark Flight, also at Studio City, is a 4D adventure using the latest inflight simulation technology and the very best in

audio design and visual graphics to transport riders into Gotham city. The multi-sensory, action-packed ‘flight’ puts Batman fans face-to-face with the hero’s super villain nemesis The Joker as well as other hair-raising encounters.

Adrenaline-inducing action For those feeling really brave, the Macau Tower’s famous bungy jump and its SkyWalk can also be experienced at night and both promise to get pulses raising as the glittering night skyline lends the experience an extra wow factor.

TOP TIP The Experience Macao app is packed with tips on where to eat, where to stay and how to get the most out of Macao, plus offline maps, audio guides and an augmented reality function Macao 7

Night_V3.indd 7

10/26/17 04:13 PM

Food

Fusion flavours Macao’s multicultural mix can be tasted in its exotic dishes, which make up a melting pot of flavours and a gastronomic paradise Melt in THE mouth Macanese When the Portuguese settlers arrived in Macao in the 16th century they brought food, not only from their home country, but from all their trading stops en-route to China, resulting in the unique Macanese cuisine – one of the world’s first fusion cuisines! It combines elements of Portuguese, Indian, South American, Malaysian and African influences with local Chinese traditions.

Fresh flavours Fresh seafood is found on most menus alongside chicken and duck. Chilli, turmeric and coconut feature heavily and dishes are often baked or stewed for long periods of time to allow their flavour to develop.

Top dishes Popular Macanese dishes include Galinha à Portuguesa – chicken baked with potatoes, onions, egg, saffron and turmeric and Tacho, a hearty Portuguese stew packed with Chinese meats and vegetables.

Chinese Cuisine Macao is home to a wide range of Chinese restaurants offering delicious Cantonese and other regional Chinese cuisine. Visitors can tuck into traditional fare at buzzing eateries and sample a range of gourmet highlights, such as Peking duck, the clay-baked beggar’s chicken and the sociable Chinese hotpot. Delicious dim sum is a time-honoured afternoon ritual in Macao, which has a reputation for offering some of the best in southern China. For a high-end dim sum experience, three Michelin-star restaurant The Eight’s lunchtime menu offers over 50 different kinds of dim sum including intricately-designed goldfish-shaped dumplings.

Portuguese Cuisine Macao is also home to some of the best and most authentic Portuguese food outside of Portugal and specialities are usually washed down with excellent Portuguese vintages. There are plenty of classic Portuguese restaurants on the peninsula and on the islands of Taipa and Coloane, often tucked down atmospheric little side streets with red check table cloths. Mediterranean menu

8 Macao

Food.indd 8

10/26/17 04:14 PM

Food

Something sweet?

Head to a pastelaria, or pastry shop! The Rua de São Paulo, leading to the Ruins of St. Paul’s from Macao’s Old City, has many – all wafting out enticing smells. The acclaimed Koi Kei Bakery sells Macanese specialities like freshly-baked almond cookies, egg rolls, peanut candy and sesame sweets.

The most famous treat is the flaky pastel de nata (Portuguese egg custard tart). It’s available all over Macao but the most iconic bakery is Lord Stow’s, which was opened by Englishman Andrew Stow in 1989 and now has several branches.

Snack time A snack safari is the best way to get Macao’s full flavour. A local favourite is pork chop bun, marinated tender meat on a crusty chewy bun. Pork and beef jerky, seasoned with chilli or sweetened, is a good gift to take home. Chinese teahouses and Portuguesestyle cafés are where locals relax, gossip and conduct business, sipping a brew over some yum cha.

Clockwise from far left: Taipa Village dining, mouth-watering Macanese dishes; rice dumplings; goldfish-shaped dim sum from The Eight; pasteis de nata

highlights include bacalhau (salted codfish) grilled sausage and caldo verde (green soup).

Portuguese, Chinese and other foods, reflecting Macao’s multicultural heritage.

Fine Dining Testament to its reputation as one of the region’s greatest food destinations, there are no less than 19 Michelin-starred restaurants in Macao. This includes the prestigious three-star restaurant Robuchon au Dôme, offering contemporary French cuisine together with a collection of over 7,000 wines. The latest additions are Lai Heen, Pearl Dragon and Ying, all serving up sumptuous Cantonese. Meanwhile, Feng Wei Ju, a Hunanese and Sichuan restaurant and Japanese restaurant Mizumi have both added a second star.

A whole world of food It is not just Macanese, Portuguese and Chinese cuisine that makes Macao a paradise for food lovers. Cuisine from around the world is readily available in the city and visitors will find plenty of excellent restaurants serving Italian, French, Spanish and more.

Rua do Cunha This narrow pedestrian street in Taipa Village is known locally as ‘Food Street’ and is the perfect place to discover Macao’s diverse food scene. The bustling strip is packed with shops selling delicacies cheek by jowl, as well as restaurants serving

Visit gastronomy.gov.mo to explore Macao’s legendary food scene

TOP TIP As well as being a colourful guide to the region’s cuisine, the Flavours of Macao app shares recipes from renowned TV chefs including Ken Hom and Ching He Huang Macao 9

Food.indd 9

10/26/17 04:14 PM

Events

Top events & celebrations There’s always cause for cheer in Macao, whether it’s a local feast or an international film festival – get involved!

Chinese New Year

January/February

This vibrant and joyful festival of new beginnings celebrated across Asia sees the largest migration of people on earth! In Macao elaborate parades fill the streets, the auspicious colour red envelops the city and fireworks illuminate the sky, with the scent of fire crackers mingling with delicious frying dumplings and other delicacies. Musicians, dancers and other performers gather to display their skills and long dragon dances are put on.

Macao Arts Festival

May

Attracting international performers from the worlds of dance, theatre, art, music and circus, this is a vibrant celebration. In the past visitors have enjoyed everything from an energetic dance performance to a unique drama, plus unconventional city tours or thought-provoking dramas. Events are held in and around Macao’s stunning historic buildings, making for a dramatic stage set.

Macao International Dragon Boat Races

draws huge crowds who gather to watch their chosen team paddle furiously to the finish.

Feast of the Drunken Dragon

May/June

The festival commemorates the story of a Buddhist monk who slayed a sea dragon, thus saving the community from a deadly plague. The quirky local celebration takes place on the evening of the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar and sees local fishmongers and fishermen parade tipsily through the streets with a wooden dragon, distributing free ‘longevity rice’ and showering themselves in Shaoxing rice wine.

Macao International Fireworks Display Contest

September/October

This pyrotechnics contest is held on the Macau Tower shorefront and is a hefty display of explosive might – one of the best of its kind in the world. International explosive experts gather to battle it out to dazzle the crowds against the glittering urban backdrop.

May/June

Mid Autumn Festival

The sound of the rhythmic drum beats across the water and the sight of these colourful boats has to make it the most iconic sport in Asia – it dates back 2,000 years after all! This energetic spectacle takes place at the picturesque Nam Van lake and

This is one of the most important events in the Chinese calendar and the moon takes centre-stage. It takes place when it’s at its biggest and most luminous. Pretty coloured paper lanterns glow all

September/October

10 Macao

events_final_V4.indd 10

10/26/17 05:45 PM

Events

Clockwise from far left: paper lanterns light the streets at Chinese New Year; the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest; illuminations on the Ruins of St. Paul’s; dragon boat racers paddling to the finish; the Macau Grand Prix

over the city and mooncakes (a pastry filled with sweet lotus paste) are the star snack.

Macao International Music Festival

October

This event has been running for more than 30 years and features a spellbinding programme of events showcasing talent in music ranging from solo singers and musicians to choirs and orchestras.

A huge array of genres from east and west is covered, including Cantonese opera and Chinese folk music, blues, jazz and more.

Macau Grand Prix

November

This high-octane event draws the world’s attention and is the only street circuit racing event where both car and motorcycle races are held. The notorious Guia circuit winds through the city with tight corners and uncompromising barriers making it one of the most challenging in the world and a hair-raising spectacle to boot.

Macao Light Festival

December

Macao’s stunning skyline dazzles at the best of times but at this

time of year the city gets a luminous makeover thanks to hightech illuminations and 3D video projections which are harnessed to transform well known streets and buildings into works of art during the festive season. All visitors need to do to see this unique spectacle is walk the streets of the city.

International Film Festival & Awards Macao

December

Launched in 2016, this prestigious and star-studded event is a thrilling showcase of film, with audiences drawn by the chance to discover the exciting and diverse programme of world cinema. Featuring great directors and movie stars, it is also a meeting place for Asian and western film makers.

TOP TIP Check out the What’s on Macao app for a diary of events, performances, exhibitions and attractions. It functions off-line so you know where it’s kicking off when you’re out Macao 11

events_final_V4.indd 11

10/26/17 05:45 PM

Book it

The perfect trip Macao’s vibrant culture and impressive hotel portfolio makes for a perfect addition to an Asian itinerary or a great stopover Twin-centre Macao, now!

Macao is a fascinating addition to an Asian itinerary and a great stopover for travellers heading to Australasia. The destination pairs perfectly with other touring points as an international hub offering a unique Portuguese-Chinese heritage. It’s also the perfect urban contrast to a beach-based holiday.

Special cities Only 40 miles apart, Hong Kong and Macao both offer a tantalising slice of Cantonese culture with contrasting influences from Britain and Portugal respectively.

Mainland match China’s mega metropolises and ancient imperial traditions are an enthralling and lively mix while Macao’s unique atmosphere makes for an interesting contrast.

Southeast Asia spice Foodies who adore this region’s famously good food will be

interested to discover Macao’s unique fusion cuisine, Macanese, and its international dining scene, while its urban vibe contrasts well with the region’s beaches.

Half-way Down Under Half-way on the Kangaroo route, Macao is the perfect stopover for those travelling to Australia or New Zealand. Thrill seekers heading to the home of bungy can try the world’s highest at the Macau Tower.

World-leading accommodation Macao’s accommodation options really do cover all bases, tastes and budgets but – it has to be said – the five-star options are unbeatable and they continue to grow.

Internationally-acclaimed names in hospitality abound and include Mandarin Oriental, MGM, Sofitel, Sheraton, Banyan Tree, Ritz-Carlton, Holiday Inn, Conrad and Marriott alongside local favourites such as the lotus-shaped Grand Lisboa and the Grand Lapa.

12 Macao

12-13_Accommodation_V3.indd 12

10/26/17 04:18 PM

Book it

Coming soon…

The 13 This Cotai property will feature 200 exclusive villas of up to 30,000 square feet, Baroque-inspired interiors, 24-hour butler service, complimentary transfers in its Rolls-Royce Phantoms and six restaurants.

Clockwise from far left: looking out over Macao; The Parisian Macao; Galaxy Macau’s Aquatic Adventiure River Ride; balcony views from the Macau Roosevelt; Taipa Village street life; traditional-style decor at the Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16

MGM Cotai Set to hold 1,400 rooms and suites, a selection of highend dining options and retail and entertainment facilities, including Asia’s first dynamic theatre.

Grand Lisboa Palace Three hotels in one: Grand Lisboa Palace Hotel, Palazzo Versace Macao and the Karl Lagerfeld Hotel. The design will be inspired by the Palace of Versailles and traditional Chinese motifs. Expect Michelin-starred restaurants and a themed shopping mall.

Morpheus An addition to the City of Dreams Macau designed by Zaha Hadid: 780-rooms, nine villas, many eateries and an infinity pool on the top floor.

the first Resort Macao is also known for extensive resort-style properties offering a host of dining and entertainment options. Additions to its dazzling portfolio in 2016 included The Wynn Palace, an explosion of colour and opulence with a huge Performance Lake circled by a cable car while The Parisian Macao boasts a luxurious shopping mall, water park and half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Studio City’s host of entertainment options are topped off by the Golden Reel; Galaxy Macau is home to the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool and Skytop Aquatic Adventure River Ride; and the four hotels at Sands Cotai Central offer 6,200 hotel rooms and over 150 boutiques and galleries.

Local vibes Those who crave a more authentic atmosphere can book into one of Macao’s traditional Portuguese Pousadas. Set on a hillside, the Pousada de Mong-Ha was a 19th century fortress while Pousada de Coloane’s air-conditioned rooms have private balconies overlooking the South China Sea or China’s mountains.

Latest additions The 223-room Legend Palace Hotel is inspired by 18th century Monte Carlo and helpfully located next to the Macao Ferry Terminal. Many guestrooms and suites come with butler and limousine service and on site are bars, restaurants, shops, a fitness centre and a pool with stylish cabanas.

The five-star Macau Roosevelt in Taipa has 368 rooms set in a 12-storey tower. Its décor is retro Hollywood glam and it features a private VIP club with wine bar and cigar lounge and an open-air swimming pool overlooking the Macau Jockey Club.

TOP TIP Macao’s unique mix of east and west, old and new, makes it the perfect pairing with other destinations in the region. It’s also the perfect urban contrast to a beach holiday Information is based on third party sources at time of going to press. Details and dates may change.

Macao 13

12-13_Accommodation_V3.indd 13

10/26/17 04:18 PM

Information

Getting there GEOGRAPHY Macao, like Hong Kong, is a Special Administrative Region of China. Only 11 square miles, it is connected to Mainland China and made up of the Macao peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane.

BY AIR Macau International Airport has direct flights to regional destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Danang, Siem Reap, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and many cities in China. However, most UK visitors fly to Hong Kong and take the one-hour fast ferry ride direct from the airport or downtown from Shun Tak Centre Ferry Terminal.

There are direct flights from the UK to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific from Heathrow (five times daily), from Gatwick (daily), from Manchester (daily) and from Dublin (four times weekly from June 2018). There are also direct flights with British Airways (twice-daily from Heathrow) and with Virgin Atlantic (daily from Heathrow).

IN STYLE Want to make a real impact when you arrive in Macao? Book a helicopter transfer from Hong Kong. The scenic flight takes about 15 minutes and gives a bird’s eye view of both destinations.

GETTING AROUND Macao is an incredibly walkable city, with apps helping tourists find their way between attractions. Public transport is efficient and comfortable, with air-conditioned buses running all the over the city and linking the islands. Metered taxis are on-hand and reasonably priced and car hire is available. For a more novel way of getting from A to B, pedicabs can be flagged down on the waterfront.

HONG KONG-ZHUHAI-MACAO BRIDGE At 55km long, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be one of the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge-cum-tunnel roads, linking Hong Kong with Macao and Zhuhai (opening date to be confirmed).

14 Macao

14_15_Information_V4.indd 14

10/26/17 05:44 PM

Information

NEED TO KNOW Time Zone GMT +8 hours

Language Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, English is widely spoken.

Clockwise from far left: The Kun Iam Statue; bikes in Taipa Village; the fast ferry; the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge; Portuguese tiles; local life; pedicabs

Currency The Macao Pataca - but the Hong Kong dollar is also accepted and has almost the same value.

Visa None required for British passport holders visiting for up to six months. Passports must be valid for six months.

Climate Macao can be visited all year-round. The destination has a moderate to hot climate and an average annual temperature of around 20C July is the warmest month, when the temperature averages 28 C. Winter is cooler and dry and the coldest month is January, although even then the average temperature is 14C. Typhoons are possible May to September. October to December is a pleasant time to visit and spring also has warm day time temperatures in the low 20s.

Health No vaccinations are required for Macao but Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended and insect repellent is a good thing to pack. Contact your health centre for specific advice and visit fco.gov.uk for the latest travel advice.

MORE INFORMATION Contact the Macao Government Tourism Office – UK & Ireland Representative: E: macao@humewhitehead.co.uk T: 0203 375 4058 W: macaotourism.gov.mo Information is based on third party sources at time of going to press. Details and dates may change.

Macao 15

14_15_Information_V4.indd 15

10/26/17 05:44 PM

macaotourism.gov.mo 0203 375 4058 Macao Government Tourism Office UK & Ireland Representative 4th Floor 45-51 Whitfield Street London W1T 4HD 1st Floor Chester House 21-27 George Street Oxford OX1 2AU

Facebook.com/MacaoUK

COVER_V11.indd 14

Twitter.com/MacaoUK

Instagram.com/MacaoUK

10/26/17 04:42 PM