Macau Hotel

The one thing I find difficult with Macau is that there are not many budget hotels (or good budget hotels)... well not in the websites I've searched, at least.

But anyway, since I came from the more cram hotels in Hong Kong, I was willing to spend a bit more to enjoy some extra space... and space I got!

Grandview Hotel Macau
142, Estrada Governador Albano de Oliveira, Taipa, Macau.
Tel : (853) 2883 7788

The location of this 4 star hotel is a bit off, as it's located in Taipa... but not a walking distance to the Cotai Strip (one has to take a 10-15 minutes taxi to the Venetian). It's also about 15 minutes ride to the old Macau as well.

However, what this hotel lacks is made up by first its spacious rooms. Well, I must say, I was lucky. Cos this is not the usual standard room I booked. In fact, I was 'upgraded' - partly because on weekdays, the hotels in Macau are not running in full capacity.

This is one of the more luxurious hotels I stayed - room wise... though price-wise, it's not too bad. I paid a total of MOP726 only to sleep on this big comfy bed for 2 nights!

But the weekend rates differ and though I had wanted to continue, however, the hotel was by then fully booked!

*Btw, this hotel serves good Mecanese African chicken! And the also offer free shuttle to/ from the jetty.

Hotel Hong Thai
Rua De Cinco De Outubro
No 117-179A Macau
Tel: (853) 71730899

With an unwilling heart, I had to move and find another hotel. Already tasting some 'luxury' from the previous hotel, that only made things more difficult! haha.

So searched I did... and I came across this hotel in the older city of Macau. The lobby looks pretty welcoming.

The room was rather basic - queen size bed, toilet attached, TV and a desk. This was way better than what I expected... clearing whatever thoughts of fearing-the-worst.

Everything seems perfect with this hotel - especially its super location, which is just 5 minutes walking distance to Senado Square.

The only drawback is that the hotel staffs are not friendly (though I somehow managed to make the receptionist smile on my last day!). And price wise, it's not that cheap afterall - at MOP900 for 2 nights (Friday/ Sat)! But it's the weekend and hotel rates on the weekends in Macau aren't cheap!

Well, this hotel post wraps up my Macau trip! It has been a long sharing of my wonderful experience... and I hope you enjoyed reading my journey in the China cities :)

 

Good Macau Food

Here's some 'must try' Macau food... some so-so, though many are really good Macau food!

1. Macau egg tart


The egg tart is most likely synonym to Macau. Everyone has been telling me to go try the egg tarts right from the start when I mentioned that I was going to Macau! So, that was my very first meal indeed!

Though egg tarts aren't my favourites, and I'm not sure if this is the best in town... but what I like is the setting of the old style like cafe where I ate it - Cafe Yong Kei at the old area of Taipa (btw, the name sounds so close to the restaurant in HK!).

2. Honey drink & Chicken Bun

One of the more authentic drinks - the honey drink, which I had at San Hou Lei Restaurant - in Taipa too.

They served the chicken burger/ bun as well, something Macau is also famous for apart from its tarts... though I wasn't really a big fan.

3. Beancurd

Just head to the lanes near the Senado Square and one can find many beancurd stalls. Most of them are pretty good in quality (very smooth). Though I think the ones a lil further a bit are cheaper.

4. BBQ Pork
The BBQ pork (bak kwa) is simply everywhere as well, with many stalls along the lane opposite the Senado Square selling them.

5. Almond Biscuit/ Almond Cookie

Along with the bbq pork, most sellers also sell the almond biscuits. I must say, they are quite nice indeed! (btw, these are suitable as gifts as they come nicely packed).

6. Peanut Biscuit

Another must try local biscuit - the peanut biscuit. Like most of the biscuits stalls, the guy does the biscuits fresh on the spot. (this is also at the same lane).

7. Pancake

This is not the best pancakes in the world. But with the stall's strategic location (right in the heart of Senado Square), and above-average taste, this pancakes make a good snack.

8. Mango Fruit Drink

Also at the lanes near the Senado Square is this stall (there's 2 actually) that sells this unique mango fruit drink. It was delicious and very refreshing, especially compared to the more common drinks around.

9. Steam Food/ Beef Offal

Apart from beef offal, these stalls also offer other type of food, which one picks in a basket. It is then cooked on the spot, and served in a plastic cup.

Trust me, it's yummy - just see the crowd! (I noticed this while I was having my afternoon snack... the queue never ends!).

10. Mecanese food

After I found out about the Mecanese culture, I then went hunting for Mecanese food. This was a higher end restaurant - O Portor Interior. With recommendations, I tried the Serradura (Cream & Biscuits Portugese Style), Cardo Verde (Portugese Green Soup) and Lulas Recheadas a Saloia (Stuffed Squid Saloia Style). However, the food wasn't that great despite the hefty price (in total of about MOP160+).

Instead, for a better deal of Mecanese food, I'd go with the African chicken served at the hotel I stayed - Grandview Hotel Macau. Now, that is one dish I'd recommend - for first, it's delicious and secondly, it's really unique!

And talking bout hotels, that's up next! (the finale of my Macau trip!)

Macau Church

Apart from the many World Heritage sites & the many casinos, Macau should also be very known for its many churches... some of which are in fact, listed together under the World Heritage.

These churches do give one an impression of anything but China, or for that matter, Asia. It does feel like in a 'foreign' land!

Here's a list of the churches I saw in Macau, with some interesting information I gathered (which I think will fill the meaning behind these unique structures).


St. Dominic's Church - it was here that the first Portuguese newspaper was published in China, A Abelha da China (The China Bee).

The inside of the church is much more grand with the the tall pillars & arches.


St Lawrence's Church - one of the oldest churches in Macau (built in 1560, but this building is from 1846). I love this building for where it is located, not quite surrounded by many buildings around it - making it stand tall, on its own.

St. Anthony's Church - another one of Macau's oldest church, which was initially built on bamboo & wood (1560). However, this structure is rather new - 1930, after many reconstructions.

St. Augustine's Church - the church that maintains the tradition of organising the Easter Procession through the city (I wonder how the already busy & colourful streets of Macau will look during this period). :)

Holy House Of Mercy - this is not a church, but was built to house social welfare organisations (and which still functions till today).

These churches plus the many other structures of both old & new that I've been seeing in Macau sure got my legs tired. Never have I walked so much on a holiday compared to that 4 days!

But of course, the pictures and memories sure are worth the walk. And, there's a bit more of Macau to come... :)

Macau World Heritage

One most likely do not come to Macau for its historical past... but will most likely still bump into a few of Macau's heritage sites.

Well, it makes sense, as this is no ordinary heritage sites... but in fact, when combined together, these sites are listed under the Macau World Heritage. Yes, the Historic Centre of Macau was successfully inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2005, making it the 31st site in China to be granted this status.

Here are the many sites that makes Macau somewhat a unique China city.

1. Senado Square

It's the heart of Macau for centuries, even till today. This place is so un-China, with its beautiful Meditarranean buildings that comes with interesting looking windows. And this is where modern & old somehow blend together (note: lots of shopping here).

2. Ruins Of St. Paul

This magnificient blend of European and Chinese architecture is actually the facade of a burnt down church - Church Of St Paul (built in 1602-1640). But unlike any other still standing churches in Macau, this one seems to be the 'face' of Macau. Going to Macau without this photo makes one's trip incomplete.

And walking up the stairs towards the facade, just turn back and see the view of Macau - of the old buidlings in the front, and the many new structures at the back.

3. Mount Fortress

This fortress built on Macao Hill is meant to be a defense to the Dutch invasion in 1622. This fort is actually just walking distance from the Ruins of St Paul, but it's not as crowded.

And it has a more rounded and better view of the city.

But what I like most of all is this cafe just at the foot of the fort. This rather cute old style cafe is well decorated as in the old times, with its blue-white tiles still intact.

4. Lou Kau Mansion

It may not appeal from the outside, and I myself didn't know how special this building was at first... simply passing by, and only went in on the way back when I realised what it was.

If the outside of this Chinese merchan't mansion (built in 1889) is rather bland, but the inside is totally different, and quite grand. Beautifully refurbished, this mansion carries a fair bit of antique furniture.

The tall ceiling and wide space gives this mansion a spacious feel. Btw, this is a stationed person doing wood carving.

5. Casa Garden

For another glimpse of the homes of the rich, there is Casa Garden... the former residence of a wealthy Portuguese merchant, Manuel Pereira (built in 1770).

Too bad that when I visited, the place was locked. But just from the exterior, one can know that this building will be another big house, and most likely beautifully restored as well (or if not yet, will definitely be when it is!).

6. Dom Pedro V Theatre

Big tall pillars with 3 archways, each measuring 3 metres wide by 6 metres high, makes this performance centre another architectural icon in Macau.

The theatre is China's first western-style theatre. And interestingly till today, the place holds performances for the public (that is the time to actually see the inside).

7. A Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple existed before Macau came into existence. The name Macau/ Macao is believed to derive from the Chinese A-Ma-Gau meaning 'Bay of A-Ma' - which is where A-Ma Temple is located. This temple is an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs.

For non Chinese, this temple would be quite an eye opener of what a small yet grand Chinese temple can look like. But even for the Chinese, the huge joss sticks with Chinese characters or the coil shaped joss sticks hanged on the ceilings make this a nice cultural view.

And if lucky, one can catch the Chinese opera, which when I went was held just in front of the temple.

8. Lilau Square

This area comprise the first Portuguese residential quarters in Macau. Walking in this place again feels so different from the typical China city... with a feel of walking on a foreign land - and this is Macau.

9. Moorish Barracks

Another interesting building with unique architecture, this building was constructed to accommodate an Indian regiment from Goa appointed to reinforce Macau’s police force.

The unique architecture style of Mughal influences adds to the many different archictectural influences in Macau.

10. Sir Robert Ho Tung Library

This building initially built as residence for Dona Carolina Cunha (built in 1894). It was then purchased by Hong Kong businessman Sir Robert Ho Tung in 1918, as a retreat place during World War 2. He dontated the building as a library in his will in 1955.

This library is pretty cool - making all those new giant libraries to shame. Fist, it has a very welcoming courtyard. And the inner part of the library is quite modern - a good mix of conserving the old with modern times.

11. Leal Senado Building

Just opposite the Senando Square is Macau’s original municipal chamber. The building unique architecture includes a coutryard garden, a grand ceremonial meeting room and a carved library styled after the library of Mafra Convent in Portugal (no photos allowed in the library), plus a small chapel.

Actually what draw me to this building is the old style tiles nicely decorated on the stairs leading to the library. Plus, one gets a good view of Senado Square at the opposite!

12 & 13. Na Tcha Temple & Old City Wall

The petite temple situated just behind the Ruins of St. Paul’s is another example of 'multi cultural' & multi architectural Macau. Despite its size, this temple is really worth every shot of where size doesn't matter.

Beside it, lies a section of the Old City Wall. Apart from its time (built in 1569), this is similar to what the Portugese do in places they conquer.


Walking through the World Heritage zone in Macau sure is a long walk (took me 3 days in segments), but I think worth every moment. This walk made me appreciate Macau much more - it does show a more wholesome & different perspective of this China city, something that is much more rich & diverse in culture & architecture.


*There's many more buildings listed under the Macau World Heritage sites - including the many old & grand churches around the city. That is up next! :)

*I also passed by the Mandarin house, but like a few buildings in the heritage zone, they were closed for renovations.

Venetian Macau

Heard so much & seen so many pictures of the Venetian Macau - so it definitely was on my must see places in Macau.

I knew that i was in for some grand display of some sorts, and true to form, it was - right from the taxi stand. Just see the magnificent paintings of the ceilings on the top.

The beautiful ceilings continue to awe visitors - from the main entrance all the way passing by the Venetian Macau casino. Yes, one is to walk through it to get to the shopping area. (Was not allowed to take any photos of the casino though).

More beautiful ceilings await me further on at the mall. This painting sure is a sight to behold!

Actually the whole shopping area is quite interesting. It's really a make up fantasy land with river canals and unique architectural shops to resemble the old buildings. Shoppers are in for a ride as well, with many shops - from middle to high end brands.

Every turn and corner of this huge mall is different. And one is to just continue walking in this big mall to view it all - to which i think many visitors will.

But of course, those wanting a different experience, one can opt for a ride on the canals through the Venetian gondola where one will glide through the 'mini town' passing by the restaurants, cafes, shops and go under the many bridges... and to top it, with the friendly gondoliers singing as well!

And just like all other malls, the Venetian shopping center comes with a food court - the Festivita Food Court. But the difference here - first, one eat with a good view of the surrounding buildings. And two, the food court has many different foods of Asia - which is a big plus in Macau/ China.

Finally, there's free performances all over the mall. But one is to just know when to catch them (or bump into them). This gives the feel of a big theme park - where these performers are like the 'stars' of the place, with good attention by passerby each time they perform or walk pass by!

However, for a more permanent performance (and which comes with a price that is), there is the also must-watch Zaia Cirque du Soleil. This high end street performance meet circus show is quite amazing, though it wasn't my best Cirque du Soleil performance.

Overall, the experience in the Venetian Macau is quite something... truly an experience that have set a new standard in malls in Asia. Truly, a must visit in Macau... and if I may add, an attraction to go to Macau itself).


*Besides bumping into them on the pathways of the mall, one catch a regular performance of the street performers (called the Streetmospher performers) at:
St. Mark's Square | Monday - Sunday: 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Near Shop 2709 | Monday - Sunday: 3:30pm and 8:00pm

*The Venetian Macau casino is apparently the largest in the world currently.

*There's actually many more things at the Venetian Macau - including hotel or things for the families, kids and other performances (eg invited star performances). Full details at Venetian Macau.