Indonesia Expat
Travel

The Many Faces Of Macao

Walking at the Top of Macao
Walking at the Top of Macao

When people think of Macao, they often picture glittering hotels and resorts. However, there’s so much more to explore in Macao, and every time I visit, I find myself wanting to return.

As you wander through Macao, you’ll notice that all the signs are written in two languages: Chinese and Portuguese. Macao was a Portuguese colony for over 400 years before becoming a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China in 1999. This fusion of cultures, which has developed over centuries, is still visible today in many aspects of the city.

Walking Through History

One of the best places to experience Macao’s historical buildings, like the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, and catch a glimpse of the city’s past is in Coloane Village. The cobblestone streets, colourful Portuguese-style buildings, and traditional Chinese temples, like the Tam Kung Temple, present an intriguing cultural blend. Don’t miss Lord Stow’s Bakery, where the famous Portuguese egg tarts have become a legendary part of Macao’s cuisine.

From Coloane Village, you can continue your journey to Guanye Street, an area packed with local shops and cafes. Here, you can sample many of the local snacks that make for great souvenirs. You can also enjoy experiences like the classic printing workshop in this bustling area.

Speaking of Macao, there’s one iconic spot that everyone must visit: The Ruins of St. Paul’s. This unique structure is what remains of a church after a fire in 1835 destroyed most of it, leaving only the front façade. The surviving façade still features beautiful Portuguese-style carvings with Asian influences, offering a glimpse into the city’s layered history.

Walking at the Top of Macao

One building in Macao always stands out from the rest: Macau Tower. This 338-meter-high landmark offers thrilling experiences. If bungee jumping feels too extreme, you can try the Skywalk, a stroll along a platform around the observation deck at a height of 233 meters.

Before trying the Skywalk, you might feel nervous about how high the platform is, but rest assured—the AJ Hackett safety standards are world-class. With a harness and safety rope attached, and guided by experienced professionals, you’ll soon find yourself relaxed and enjoying this adrenaline-filled experience. For me, it was an exhilarating adventure!

A Trip to London

Arriving at The Londoner Macao feels like stepping into London itself. Iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus, and even the classic London Bus are all here! The Londoner is an integrated resort with shopping, hotels, and entertainment, including the Harry Potter Experience.

If you’re a Potterhead, don’t miss this. The exhibition and various games will bring back the magic of the Harry Potter universe, making fans relive the joy of the series.

A Visual Experience

TeamLab always provides a fascinating visual journey, and I didn’t expect to experience it so comfortably in Macao. Not many people know that Macao also has a TeamLab Experience, featuring digital installations across different themed rooms. It’s a captivating sequence of visual storytelling that you won’t want to miss.

A Culinary Heaven

I recently had the best roast duck in Macao! If you want to savour Northern Chinese cuisine, North Palace at The Londoner Macao is the top recommendation. The Beijing roast duck and Inner Mongolian lamb dishes were simply divine.

For Portuguese cuisine, stop by Fernando’s Restaurant. With a cosy vibe, it offers fresh seafood and perfectly grilled meats. For a taste of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, visit Zam Zam Restaurant, where you can enjoy dishes like samosas, paneer tikka, butter chicken, and biryani.

You can also explore Portuguese-Macao fusion cuisine at Andaz Kitchen. Chef Andre Lai’s menu highlights fresh seafood with dishes like charcoal-grilled octopus with potato foam and confit or Portuguese seafood rice with lobster, crab, mussels, and clams.

Comfort food is easy to find in Macao as well. At Chalou in Grand Lisboa Palace, you’ll find a luxurious Cantonese ambience that reminds me of classic Hong Kong films. Simple dishes like fish tofu were so delicious, we couldn’t stop eating!

Enjoying Macao’s Glow

There’s no denying that Macao’s illuminated resorts are one of its defining characteristics, and the best time to enjoy these stunningly lit buildings is at night. We explored luxury hotels and resorts like MGM, Galaxy Macau, Wynn Palace, and The Londoner on an Open Top Bus Tour, which was the perfect way to wrap up the day!

I was fortunate to receive an invitation from the Macao Government Tourism Office to join their media familiarisation tour.

Macao is a place where multiculturalism shines, where you can step back into the past and simultaneously enjoy the modern world. It’s a city that combines glamour with comfort, always making me want to return. Truly, Experience Macao Limited Edition!

You’re Welcome to Join. Now, it’s your turn to join and enjoy a similar experience in Macao! 

Participate in answering 3 questions daily during the #MacaoLimitedEdition campaign period for a chance to win one of 100 unique Macao experiences. Answer three questions correctly to unlock an exclusive Macao holiday designed for you and your loved ones. Each correct response brings you closer to an extraordinary Macao adventure.

For more information on this campaign and updates on Macao, follow @visitmacao on Instagram!

Let’s enjoy the Limited Edition experience in Macao!

@marischkaprue

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