Macau- Las Vegas of Asia!
My family was going for a 6 days trip to Zhu Hai and Macau. They spent the first day traveling, 2 days in Zhu Hai and last 3 days in Macau. Decided to join them on their last 3 days but I bought the wrong air ticket, end up spending another night alone in Macau.How much did I spend?
FlightAirAsia Promo: RM564.80 (Roundtrip)
Sim Card / WiFi
Upon your arrival, should hear people shouting or promoting the tourist sim card. It's MOP100 for 3 days and MOP120 for 4 days with unlimited data. There are sim card vending machines which sell at the same price too. I bought a 3 days tourist sim card with unlimited data (MOP100) from one of the ladies, she changed the sim card and activated it for me. Everything was done within 5 minutes. I trusted the lady and saw "unlimited data" was stated on the sim pack, hence, I did not bother to ask for more and used the data like there's no tomorrow.
3 days tourist sim card with unlimited data
- Unlimited Mobile Data Usage in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau (3 Days)
- Over 4 million unlimited CTM Greater China Wi-Fi Hotspot (3 Days)
- Local Wi-Fi hotspots include Wi-Fi Bus + moving hotspots, 7 Eleven (Macau) & Circle K (Macau).
- When the data usage in Mainland China, Hong Kong and/or Macau reaches 2GB within 3 days (72 hours), the data transmission speed (Upload and Download) will automatically adjust to not lower than 256 kbps.
- Local Voice Airtime is $0.40(MOP /Minute).
Accommodation
Day 1 to 3: Grand Lapa Macau 金麗華酒店 , 5 Star Hotel (About RM600/night, double twin bed)
Day 4: Ole London Hotel 奥莱英京, 3 Star Hotel (RM257.95/night, one twin bed)
Transportation
- Taxi: MOP17 flag fall
We were separated into 2 taxi (8 people), and we got the same "story". We believed and agreed to let the driver dropped us somewhere to have dinner, but we end up spending more than MOP1000 in one of the restaurants and it took us about 10-15 minutes walk from the restaurant to Rua Do Chuha. facepalm
- Public Bus: MOP6 Flat Fare
- Casino Free Shuttle Bus
Weather
It's summertime! Hot and humid. July to September might be filled with frequent cyclones. We were lucky that there were no rains during our trip to Macau, but the weather was crazy hot.Extra information
- Power plug: Type G plug adapter (same as Malaysia)
- Google Map: This is very important! I relied on the map during my last day of the trip when I was alone. I also google searched for the distance from a place to another place to get the directions and bus number.
- Language: Most of the people speak Cantonese and Mandarin. Barely understand English. There are 3 languages (Cantonese, Chinese, Portuguese) for the announcement in the bus and 2 languages (Chinese and Portuguese) for street signboard.
- Currency: MOP (Macanese Pataca), HKD (Hong Kong Dollar) - Both can be used in Macau, paying MOP and HKD together for one bill is acceptable too. RMB (Renminbi) is not acceptable.
Itinerary
Macau, a coastal city consists of Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island, Coloane Village and Cotai. I've visited most of the places except for places in Coloane Village.Day 1 : 24/8/2018
1. Ruins of St Paul's 大三巴牌坊
Macau's most famous landmark. It's a 17th-century church that was burned down in 1835, leaving only the huge beautiful facade and the stairways that attract many tourists. It's really crowded regardless morning or evening, impossible to take a photo without anyone photo-bombing. The main thing to do is to enjoy and appreciate the baroque architecture in the Far East. Street foods are everywhere along the way to the Ruins of St Paul. Grab a drink or finger food!Cost: Free admission
Transportation: By taxi from Grand Lapa (MOP33), about 10 minutes ride. Bus: 3, 3X, 4, 6A, 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 26AT, 33, N1A
Duration: 15 - 30 minutes
2. Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt 天主教藝術博物館和墓室
It's just right behind of the facade, the inner area of Ruin of St Paul's. There are the remaining tomb, relics of Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs, historical value and paintings. We enjoyed the air conditioner in the museum so much as we were roasted up by the heat of summer!Cost: Free admission
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Operation Hours: 9am - 6pm
3.Fortaleza do Monte 大炮台
Located next to Ruins of St Paul's, the historical military center of Macau with currently features a public park, an observatory, and the Macau Museum. The incline is pretty high but the top of the views are rewarding. We get to enjoy the spectacular Macau views and there are cannons on several sides. Other than that, there's nothing much here to do unless you choose to enter the Macau Museum to gain some insights of Macau history.Cost: Free admission (Except for the Macao Museum)
Duration: 30 minutes Macao Museum 澳門博物館
Operation Hours: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Tuesday)
4. Senado Square 議事亭前地
Perfect place to unwind with some food and shopping. You can find food samplings in most of the shops along the street at Senado Square. I love the Portuguese influence architectural design and the culture here but it was crowded - all the time!Cost: Free admission (Bring extra cash for street food/shopping)
Transportation: 10 minutes walk from Grand Lisboa 新葡京/ take a bus to Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro 澳門新馬路 ( Senado Square is on your right)
Duration: 1-2 hours
#MeganTravelTips: Most of the retails opened around 10:30 am or 11.30am, and close about 7 pm!
5. St. Dominic's Church 玫瑰堂
A baroque style church located right in the heart of Senado Square. Press the doorbell and enter through the east side door to enjoy the interior of St. Dominic's Church. Cost: Free admission Operation Hours: 10am - 6pm
6. Grand Lisboa Casino 新葡京
One of Asia's finest and largest LED Dome casino hotel with exquisite design. It's located in the center of Macau Peninsular and it's the tallest building in Macau. Mum and I entered the casino to have a look. I got stopped at the security check due to my "underage look" HAHA!Transportation: 10 minutes walk from Senado Square / Free shuttle bus from Ferry Terminals and China Border Gate / Take a public bus
Operation Hours: 24 hours
Day 2: 25/8/2018
7. Macau Tower 澳門旅遊塔
388 meters tower, the landmark of Macau. Bungee Jump, Sky Walk, Sky Jump, Tower Climb...we chose Sky Walk! Haha! Got my Sky Walk ticket from Klook at only RM300 instead of RM400+. I chose the earliest timing to avoid crowds. It's a 15 to 20 minutes open air walk around the outer rim of the Macau Tower. We were asked to pose at different positions for photo taking. After sky walking, we went to the observatory level to enjoy the beautiful city views.Transportation: by taxi from Grand Lapa (MOP30)/ Bus 5, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 26, 32, 73 / Free Shuttle Bus
Duration: 2-3 hours (Including Sky walk)
view from the top
Free shuttle bus is provided
8. Studio City 新濠影滙
Asia's first leisure resort with two hotel towers connected by the first figure 8 Ferris Wheel - Golden Reel. The 15 minutes ride will take you up to 130 meters, it's best to go for an evening ride to catch the sunset. Unfortunately, we missed it. The sun was hiding behind the fluffy clouds. Another attraction is Batman Dark Flight! We enjoyed so much but it's only a 7 minutes ride which we thought it should be longer. This is my first 4D ride without the need of wearing 3D glasses. Pretty impressive! Don't forget to walk out to the garden for a magnificent view of Studio City! Transportation: Free shuttle bus from the main transport hubs (Macau Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal) or Macau TowerCost: Golden Reel (MOP100) , Batman Dark Flight (MOP150) , Foods are pricey
Duration: 2-3 hours (Including Golden Reel and Batman Ride)
Batman ride
Golden Reel
9. Galaxy Macau 澳門銀河綜合渡假城
One of the casino resorts! Go to the main Lobby for the Diamond Show!Transportation: Free shuttle bus from the main transport hubs (Macau Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal)
Star world and Broadway Macau Galaxy Macau Diamond Show
Diamond show
10. The Venetian Macao 澳門威尼斯人
Another luxury casino resort in Macau resembles the romantic streets and canal of Venice, Italy. The lobby filled with Vatican's frescoes and a gondolier will serenade you during your romantic ride at the Venetian.Transportation: Free shuttle bus from the main transport hubs (Macau Ferry Terminal, Macau International Airport, Taipa Ferry Terminal)
Cost: Gondola ride - Adults (MOP128) , Kids (MOP98)
11. The Parisian Macao 澳門巴黎人
A 5-star luxury French theme hotel with the iconic Macau Eiffel Tower.
Day 3: 26/8/2018
12. Macau Fisherman's Wharf 澳門漁人碼頭
Largest leisure complex and various worldwide themes architectures. The entrance replicates the Colosseum in Rome and the pastel colors buildings are great for photos! There are shops, restaurants and the Babylon Casino.Transportation: 5 minutes walk from Grand Lapa Macau / 5 minutes walk from Macau Ferry Terminal
Cost: Free admission
Duration: 1 hour (walk around and take photos)
13. Macao Science Center 澳門科學館
14 exhibits arranged in upward spirals. All the activities are specifically designed for children. It's fun to bring children along but it was super crowded! There were so many kids running around and queuing up for different activities.Transportation: 10 minutes walk from Macau Fisherman's Wharf
Cost: MOP15
Duration: 2-3 hours
Day 4: 27/8/2018
14. Rua da Felicidade 福隆新街
The old street was known as "street of joy" or " red street" with its origin as a place for prostitution, drinking, gambling, and opium. It's now one of the most popular streets for delicious local delicacies and souvenirs. The doors and windows are all painted with red.Cost: Free admission (Bring extra cash for food and souvenirs)
Duration: 1-2 hours
#MeganTravelTips: Most of the retails opened around 11 am or 11.30am. I was there at 10 am but most of the shops were not opened.
15. Love Lane (Travessa da Paixão) 戀愛巷
A special spot for photography session if you're going to Ruins of St Paul's! The street is just right next to the beautiful facade. It's a small alley with pastel colors building. Find your special one here if fate is around, Haha! I've missed out this beautiful alley during my visit to the Ruins of St Paul's on the first day, hence, I came here on purpose since I was having my brunch in Senado Square.
16. Rua do Cunha 官也街 -"food street"
A narrow pedestrian street in Vila da Taipa for street foods and souvenirs.
Transportation: Take a bus from Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro 澳門新馬路 (bus 33, MOP6) / 10 minutes walk from Galaxy Macau
Cost: Free admission (Bring extra cash for food and souvenirs)
Duration: 1-2 hours
#MeganTravelTips Most of the retails opened around 10:30am or 11.30am, and close about 7pm.
17. Kun Iam Statue - Last minute plan
The 20m tall Kun Iam statue stands on a small island. There's nothing at the surrounding except for sea view and the majestic Kun Iam Statue (God of Mercy). Worth a brief viewing. It would be better to visit if you're around Macau Peninsular as it's nearer. I was wandering around Galaxy Macau and found out that the hotel provides free shuttle bus to Star World which is only 10 minutes walk to Kun Iam Status.
Cost: Free admission
Transportation: 10 minutes walk from Star World
Duration: 15-30 minutes
That's all for my 4 days 3 nights trip in Macau. It's free and easy, no jam-packed schedule, a very relaxing trip.
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