Macau is a beautiful country to visit, but only a few, sadly, are able to hit the core of this charming land because of lack of time. Most people consider Macau as a side-trip attraction to Hong Kong. Apart from its mega-commercial, glaring Casinos and well... that's about it, the country is a land filled with utmost excitement that will surely tickle every traveler in search of a worldly experience. Now, I won’t be preaching here what else is
there to do besides the superb Venetian and Grand Lisboa but there are a few
more spots to check out which proves to let you in on the real secret to the great Macanese experience.
Spend all your money.
The best bet tip you’ll ever receive from those who just
came to Macau is to bring money and lots of it. Not because it's expensive but chances are, you will spending more than you should have.
Actually, transportation is free if you’re coming from the airport or the port
(just make any of those hotel casinos as your point of origin). Food is well-prepared and flavorful yet still affordable. Shopping ranges from affordable to super expensive. You can buy cheap shirts for less than $5. The problem is you want to spend all your money here. With all the zings in the world, the
greatest Macanese experience is to buy your dreams and splurge it all.
Try out authentic Chinese street food.
Although expensive restaurants offer the most exquisite
menu on the table, the street food along Senado Square proves to be a wealthy
experience in the taste bud department. I love everything I ate and I wanted to try so much more. The prices are dirt-cheap and serving is ample for two, most of the time. The aroma of
freshly cooked beans, dimsum and other stick food are enough to whet anyone's appetite. Take my word for it. With an empty stomach, head here and let yourself go ga-ga over the food variety you will see.
Pray.
The architectural style of the churches are predominantly
European baroque. Some are Goan (India), Oriental and tropical features. All of them, worthy of a picture-perfect postcard shot.
There's a kid in you that wants to play.
Surprisingly, tucked in little corners are novelty shops that sell stuff for kids and the kids at heart. These items are mostly limited-edition so chances are, once you've spotted something you fancy, never let it go. If only i had a few more bucks to spend, i would have taken home something to bring home to my little nephew. Great for souvenirs and a huge contrast to Macau's more mature reputation.
Join the festivities.
For ten days during February (Chinese New Year), you will get to see long dragons and lions dance on the streets. An assortment of lanterns, flowers and entertainment performers come alive in the most important squares of the city. Learn to put your hands together and close them while saying "Kung Hei Fat Choi". Also, don't forget to offer "Lai Si" which are red pockets containing money. All of these are the best ways to wish people good luck and prosperity.If it's alive during daytime, wait till you see the celebration at night as colorful and lit lanterns are everywhere.
A day is not enough but a day is also possible to get the best of Macau. Whether you're excited to visit those ridiculously posh casinos or go back in time through the small fishing villages on the other side of the coast, there's more to fun in store for you in the gaming capital of the world.The best advice you will ever receive from me is to plan ahead and get off-the beaten path as much as possible. That way, you will easily manage your time wisely while getting the most out of every experience you will get. Have fun in Macau!
http://www.facebook.com/pinoyboyjournals
Filipino travel journals about backpacking in the Philippines, Asia and Beyond!
Now i'm afraid to go to macau... hehe. I might spend all my money =). Nice church, it only has a front wall. I want to see this church when I visit Macau.
ReplyDeletethere is something charming about this place... and definitely its not those big shiny money stealers...
ReplyDeletesurely it deserves something more than a hongkong-sidetrip. its a destination in itself =)
we were able to cover most of the places here cause we spent 2 days here. Too bad there weren't any festivities back then. Pero meron naman
ReplyDeleteAsian Adult Convention.:p
Funny thing here Jerik, cause I only spent all my money for the bungy. haha. other than that, we hardly spent a cent in macau. But I'd like to go back to this region one of these days. Really beautiful place especially when the sky becomes indigo and yellow lights start to fill the structures in the Fisherman's wharf. :D
ReplyDeleteI miss the street food carts near st. paul! specially that porkchop bun! hehehe
ReplyDeleteI wanna go back to Macau at nighttime, I only took the daytrip, though I got a free lunch voucher at Galaxy Casino, I missed out on spending money on foods.
ReplyDelete@Leave the Cube You'll get by with less. Don't worry. The churches are beautiful, and so is the architecture. Let me know when you're hitting Macau town! Cheers!
ReplyDelete@pinoydaysleeper.com Bro, sometimes the places we often take for granted are the ones we can't forget.
ReplyDelete@killrfillr Good job! As with the Asian Adult Convention, too bad i missed that one. ha ha oh well, Macau's only a few hours away flight from Manila. Let me know when is the next. ha ha
ReplyDelete@Ed Buti ka pa nakapag-bungee jumping na! I haven't tried that but will have to do it real soon. Yes, i agree Macau is just unbelievable at night. Too beautiful for me. :)
ReplyDelete@RON | fliptravels.com Masyadong maraming masarap na food. ha ha But i'd have to give it to the sausages on stick + cold can of coke. Ayos na ako! he he
ReplyDelete@Markyramone Balik na pero i have to say bro, Thailand is waiting for you! Kelan biyahe mo?
ReplyDelete"Join the Sabongking.com, match betting with a minimum deposit of Php2000. Feel the excitement as it happens inside the cockpit.
ReplyDeleteBig bettors are rolling in! Be part of the actionand not a mere spectator! Be the SABONGKING! Start loading your Sabongking virtual points now.
Bigtime derbies. Big bettors. Clearest video. Sign up now at Sabongking.com and feel the adrenaline rush as you watch and place your bets.
A true gamecockers don't just watch. THEY BET. Start rolling in with a minimum of deposit Php2000."