Macao (formerly spelled as Macau) was ruled by the Portuguese since 1887 until 1999. Throughout the 442 years of ruling, there is no doubt that there are many heritage and flavours of Portuguese fused with the Chinese culture that can be found in the architecture, street signs, food and more here.
I have never been to Macao before, although I do believe that Macao has more to offer than the eyes can see. If I have the chance to go there, here are my places to go to in Macao.
- Macao Tower
Perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks in Macao, the Macao Tower have been the venue for many international and regional events. There’s a lounge that awaits visitors to view the 360o of the whole Macao Peninsula, Taipa, Coloane and even China! I did some more digging online and found out that there’s also sky walking, sky jumping, bungee jumping and wall climbing available.
Ah-haa! Now that’s my kinda thing.
- Kun Iam Statue
The Kun Iam Statue is a 20 metre tall bronze statue, located on top of one of Macao’s finest temples – the Kun Iam Temple. The statue, emerging from a 7 metre high lotus is probably the only statue of the Goddess Of Mercy that is not facing the sea. Hence why it is unique.
- Macao Fisherman’s Wharf
The wharf is a complex built in the style of different seaports such as Cape Town, Amsterdam and Venice. It has 150 stores and restaurants. It is a waterfront with six rides, a slots hall, a 72-room hotel and a casino. Officially opened in 2006, it is Macao’s first ever cultural, themes and creative attraction for Macao’s tourism industry.
- Senado Square
This is one of the four most important squares in Macao and part of the UNESCO Historic Centre Of Macao World Heritage Site. It is situated in front of the Leal Senado Building, which is a meeting place for Chinese and Portuguese in the 16th to 18th centuries. After the square was remodelled with the wave-patterned mosaic of colored stones, the square became a busy place with many social and cultural activities.
During Chinese Spring Festival and Christmas, visitors can enjoy fireworks shows here too.
- City Of Dreams
The City Of Dreams is located along the Cotai strip in the Cotai reclamation area of Macao. The city is in the style of a podium, surrounded by 4 towers, namely the Hard Rock Hotel, Crown Towers Hotel, and 2 towers of the Grand Hyatt Macao. The city is easily accessible from Macao’s ferry terminals, border gates and airports.
In my case, I just would just like to go to the Hard Rock Cafe to buy some memorabilia.
Macao is having Macao Arts Festival from 30th April to 29th May. If you’re planning to go somewhere between these dates and are not sure where to go to, book a ticket to Macao and visit all the places above (and many many more!) when you’re there. You can check out www.icm.gov.mo/fam/27/en/ for more info on the shows, programs and dates.
If you ever have the chance to go to Macao, where would you like to go to and what would you like to do?
* Photos are from Google
