Macao
Macao consists of two islands - the Peninsula and Taipa.
Most of its historical buildings are situated in the Peninsula, for example The Ruins of St Paul. And most of the well known hotels are located in Taipa, for example Galaxy Resort and Venetian.
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I finished my work at 8.06am and went to Praca Ferreira do Amaral 亚马喇前地, which is an interchange bus station right in front of Hotel Grand Lisboa. I planned to start my journey from Senado Square 议事厅前地, which is situated along Almeida Ribeiro (otherwise known as San Ma Lo) 新马路. I could choose to walk over from the bus station which will take approximately 10 minutes, but I was too lazy to do that. There are many buses that goes to the Almeida Ribeiro bus stop, including Bus 8A,26A and 33.
From Senado Square, we are able to explore to other historical / cultural attractions within walking distance. I would like to recommend a few mobile apps that will assist you in finding your way around Macau.
First of all, Google Maps. I can't live without Google Maps. It helped heaps as it is able to tract your current location and lead you towards your destination.
Secondly, the Macao government's Bus Information app - DSAT. It contains the routes of all buses that are operating in Macao, and also updates of the traffic conditions.
Thirdly, the Macau Easy Go app that helps you to check on which buses to take to reach your destination, which I find extremely helpful. Living in Macao, I always depended on this app to go around as well.
Most of its historical buildings are situated in the Peninsula, for example The Ruins of St Paul. And most of the well known hotels are located in Taipa, for example Galaxy Resort and Venetian.
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I finished my work at 8.06am and went to Praca Ferreira do Amaral 亚马喇前地, which is an interchange bus station right in front of Hotel Grand Lisboa. I planned to start my journey from Senado Square 议事厅前地, which is situated along Almeida Ribeiro (otherwise known as San Ma Lo) 新马路. I could choose to walk over from the bus station which will take approximately 10 minutes, but I was too lazy to do that. There are many buses that goes to the Almeida Ribeiro bus stop, including Bus 8A,26A and 33.
From Senado Square, we are able to explore to other historical / cultural attractions within walking distance. I would like to recommend a few mobile apps that will assist you in finding your way around Macau.
First of all, Google Maps. I can't live without Google Maps. It helped heaps as it is able to tract your current location and lead you towards your destination.
Secondly, the Macao government's Bus Information app - DSAT. It contains the routes of all buses that are operating in Macao, and also updates of the traffic conditions.
Thirdly, the Macau Easy Go app that helps you to check on which buses to take to reach your destination, which I find extremely helpful. Living in Macao, I always depended on this app to go around as well.
Senado Area
Fountain & Leal Senado Building 民政总署大楼 The first thing you see at Senado is the fountain in the middle of the square. Tourists and locals can be spotted sitting around the fountain relaxing and what not. Facing the fountain was the Leal Senado building (the white building in the picture). I did not enter the building on that day, but I did see what's inside a few months ago. It's a staircase that leads to a beautiful garden which is perfect for taking selfies. |
Cathedral 主教座堂
The Cathedral is still a functioning church situated just two minutes from St. Dominic's Church. You will pass by a small steep street with a few stalls selling curry fish balls. It's a very European styled area around the Cathedral that includes a small fountain and stone paved street. If you walk down the street on the right side of the Cathedral, you will see a stall right next to a parking entrance that sells the Egg Waffles 鸡蛋仔 and Squared Waffles 格仔饼. |
RDS Fried Chicken 大堂街炸鸡
Instead of going down the street on the right side of the Cathedral, you could walk ahead towards Rua da Se 大堂街 and you'll find a local shop selling fried chicken. You can choose to have the fried chicken only, or to have it with rice and spaghetti. I always bought a half chicken (MOP69) to be brought home and devour at my own pace.
Instead of going down the street on the right side of the Cathedral, you could walk ahead towards Rua da Se 大堂街 and you'll find a local shop selling fried chicken. You can choose to have the fried chicken only, or to have it with rice and spaghetti. I always bought a half chicken (MOP69) to be brought home and devour at my own pace.
Margaret's Cafe e Nata 玛嘉烈
This is one of the two most well known places for Portuguese egg tarts. The other shop is named Lord Stow's, and it will be mentioned in the Venetian Hotel listing below. Anyway, Margaret's offers sandwiches as well if you're not into their egg tarts. But I've frequented Margaret's mainly for their egg tarts because I love them!
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I apologize for the blurry pictures, it's all due to my oily hands from the egg tarts. They sell local beverage in there as well, just look at the menu behind the counter and make your choice!
The egg tarts are sold at MOP 10 each, but if you buy a box of 6 egg tarts, it'll only cost MOP55. I always go after work, which is around 8.30am when they just started business to avoid the insane queue.
One thing to be prepared for though, is their server's attitude. I once arrived at a female staff shouting at a guest, and she proceeded by nagging under her breath of how everybody is stupid and all. I mean, seriously? But I did visit the shop another time and saw their supposedly lady boss standing at the counter and all servers had on their friendliest face ever. If only the lady boss sees what actually happens behind her back...
The egg tarts are sold at MOP 10 each, but if you buy a box of 6 egg tarts, it'll only cost MOP55. I always go after work, which is around 8.30am when they just started business to avoid the insane queue.
One thing to be prepared for though, is their server's attitude. I once arrived at a female staff shouting at a guest, and she proceeded by nagging under her breath of how everybody is stupid and all. I mean, seriously? But I did visit the shop another time and saw their supposedly lady boss standing at the counter and all servers had on their friendliest face ever. If only the lady boss sees what actually happens behind her back...
Ruins of St. Paul 大三巴牌坊
There are directions all around the area which shows you the way to the famous attractions, which includes the Ruins of St Paul, obviously. It is the iconic architecture in Macao that everybody flocks to look at. The metal gate in the middle will be opened for visiting at 9am. When you enter you'll see a wide patio with the ruin's history hung on the walls. You can enter the exhibition area at the end of the patio (free entrance) where you'll find some artifacts from the Church of St. Paul itself. From the ruins, you can see the Na Tcha Temple on the left and the Macao Museum & Fort on your right. |
Camoes Garden 白鸽巢公园
It is a quite famous garden in Macao where the locals goes for morning exercises and evening walks. The area isn't too big, but it's sufficient with the different areas and trails around the garden. I chose to walk towards the fountain as shown on the map at the entrance. You can also see direction poles around to guide you as well. |
Cafe Nam Ping 南屏雅敘 This is a very famous cafe that sells local Macao breakfast dishes. Their egg tarts were awesome however I didn't get the chance to grab one. The servers had to fight for you with the other servers just so you can get a taste of it. I had their milk tea and their Nam Ping Macaroni which includes an egg, char sieu and ham. It's Macao comfort food. When you enter, just find yourself a seat. If all the tables are occupied, you can go upstairs which is usually emptier. The menu is placed under the glass sheet of the table, the server will take your order shortly after you're seated. When you're done with your meal, just signal the server and they will come to count you bill. On your way down, they will shout out the amount of your bill to the cashier below and you just pay to the cashier. On the menu, you can see a few dishes that states Nam Ping, it just means that that dish will consist of egg, ham and char sieu. If you're there with a few people, you should also try their Nam Ping Sandwich, Fried Ham & Egg Toast, Souffle Bun and definitely their egg tarts. Fight for it, it's gonna be worth it. |
Lai Kei Sorvetes 礼记雪糕
This ice cream shop is a little further away from the Senado Area. You need to locate Rua do Campo 水坑尾, and you should see a McDonald's on your left. From there walk straight down the road for about 5-7 minutes. and you'll find Lai Kei on your right.
This ice cream shop is a little further away from the Senado Area. You need to locate Rua do Campo 水坑尾, and you should see a McDonald's on your left. From there walk straight down the road for about 5-7 minutes. and you'll find Lai Kei on your right.
It looked like a classic hongkie/macanese styled cafe. Pick your own seats and the menu can be found under the table glass.
Choose what you want and place your order with the lady who'll approach your table. They're famous for their ice cream waffle sandwiches, but I went for only the ice cream balls and iced pineapple drink. |
It's very refreshing for a hot day, but I can't say that it's super awesome or what not. I mean, it's a local ice cream parlor, so just come over and try what the locals has to offer!
Barra Stretch
I call the area the Barra Stretch as it's a long street that aligns with several tourist attractions which end with the Barra Temple. The attractions were traced on the Macao Government's Step Out travel program. You can see signage along the street that shows the map of the area and guides on how to reach them.
St. Joseph's Seminary & Church
圣若瑟修院及圣堂 This church was built in 1758 and still held sessions. It has a beautiful interior but I did not capture any pictures of it as I felt inappropriate to do so.. There's a exhibition center to the right of the compound where you can find figures and paintings of Jesus Christ and his mother, Mary. |
Dom Pedro V Theater 伯多禄五世戏院
The theater was located in the area between Senado Area and Barra Stretch. It was built in 1860 and was the very first western style theater. You can enter the building (free entrance) and witness the theater hall from a distance. You can see rows of red theater chairs lining in front of the stage, and you can head upstairs to look at the theater from a different perspective. |
Lilau Square 亚婆井前地
The Lilau Square is right next to The Mandarin's House. It was built at the natural spring and was the main source of fresh water to the citizens in Macao back in the days..
The Lilau Square is right next to The Mandarin's House. It was built at the natural spring and was the main source of fresh water to the citizens in Macao back in the days..
The Chapel of Lady Penha and Bishop's Residence 西望洋圣堂及主教私邸
The Chapel is located up a short slope street behind Lilau Square. Since it is situated up the hill, the scenery of Macao can be seen clearly from up here. It seemed to be a popular place for wedding photo shoots as well. Church sessions are still held in here. |
Barra / A-Ma Temple 妈阁庙/妈祖庙
It has been said that Macao's name derives from this Temple. Its Chinese name is read as 'Ma Ge' Temple, which sounds like Macao. This temple has existed way before Macao was founded. Story tells that the founder of Macao saw this temple as he landed and decided to name the country after it. |
Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen 孙逸仙大马路
After A-Ma Temple, I went to the Barra Bus Station at the opposite side of the road to get a bus towards Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen. I took Bus 10A and stopped at the Av. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen/Sands M259 bus stop. I crossed the street and walked towards the Fisherman's Wharf.
Macao Fisherman's Wharf 澳门渔人码头
The Fisherman's Wharf is a European styled park that houses a lot of casinos, restaurants and hotels. As you enter from the main gate, you'll see a replica of the Rome Colosseum which is kind of awesome cause it looks really grand. There are seats that are facing the center stage of the Colosseum but it was forbidden from visitors. The day I visited the Wharf was also the first day of the giant yellow duck event in Macao. The square was dotted with booths that sells duck themed stuff.
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At the wharf, you'll be able to feel the western influence from the colors and structures of the buildings and cafes. I felt comfortable being in this environment cause I always lean more towards westernized thingies in my life.
Running Man Korea did a scene in the wharf back in 2013 as well. |
Macao Science Center 澳门科学教育馆
The Science Center is situated 5-7 minutes walk away from the Fisherman's Wharf. You can spot a huge dinosaur sculpture in the middle of the round-about at the entrance. The entrance fee is MOP25 for adults. You can purchase separate tickets for their 3D/2D shows at limited timings. |
I reached the Science Center at 2.50pm and there was a 3D show at 3pm (Dinosaur's Dusk). I purchased the 3D tickets at MOP80 and the cashier asked for my student ID. I smiled and said I don't have one. She looked at me and asked how old am I, so I answered 25. She smiled and asked if I've already bought the tickets into their exhibition center, in which I said no. I asked if I could buy it from her as well. She didn't respond to that but when she presented my tickets, she gave me a free entrance ticket into their exhibition and said: 'This is for you'. I was very surprised and only managed to stifle a soft thank you and walked away. After that I regretted that I should have thanked her more enthusiastically. THANK YOU MS. CASHIER LADY!
The 3D show was 45 minutes long, and if you have time constraint, don't bother watching it cause it isn't worth the time. The exhibition center consist of many levels to ascend to, including interactive games at every level. By the end of your journey up, you'll be entering a observation deck that overlooks the city.
The yellow duck event was held at the Science Center as well, so I was able to take a few pictures of it up high. |
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Rubber Duck 大黄鸭
This is a May event in Macao where the giant rubber duck tour arrived at Macao Science Center on 29th April. The duck still lay flat on the water when I arrived around 3pm. I went to visit the science center until 5pm, and the duck was up and ready when I came out. There's a cute ducky bus at the roadside as well. |
Kun Iam Statue & Ecumenical Center
观音像及佛教文化中心 Alright, I didn't go to the Kun Iam Statue on this day cause it's closed on Fridays, I went there on the second day but I figure I'll put it here cause it's along Sun Yat Sen as well. The statue was 20m tall and appears to be standing on the lotus flower overlooking the sea. Underneath the statue will be the ecumenical center that houses some artifacts and books on Buddhism. |
Taipa 氹仔
I took the Galaxy Shuttle that is available at Star World Hotel / San Ma Lo towards Galaxy Resort in Taipa. It's a 15 minutes complimentary bus ride where their representatives will be stationed at the stand to control the crowd and queue. I prefers to take the shuttles whenever possible cause it's more oriented and you're guaranteed a seat, unlike public buses.
Galaxy Resort 澳门银河综合度假村
The Galaxy Resort houses a few hotels that is connected with a shopping mall that is filled with branded outlets. Their two main attractions is their Diamond Lobby and Crystal Lobby. |
I tried to take a nice video of the Diamond show but stupid people just keeps crossing in front of my camera even when they clearly know that I'm video recording. Yeah keep living like that, imbecile!
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In Venetian, you can seek out the super famous Portugese Egg Tart cafe - Lord Stow's Bakery. They have a main cafe as well as two other small stalls in the hotel. It costs MOP10 each but it's really really good.
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Venetian 澳门威尼斯人
The Venetian is the all famous hotel that was featured in many movies and advertisements. Remember the Korean drama Boys Over Flowers 花样男子 staring Lee MinHo 李敏镐? And David Beckham shot an advert here as well. I've always thought the sky was real, but it isn't. It's just wallpaper. But it's still awesome. |
Day 2
Sorry guys, I'd need to postpone Day 2 for a while cause I was feeling uncomfortable after drinking with my friends on Day 1. We actually went for a second round at a bar near my friend's place, and I drank a little too much. I was surprised that I felt dizzy at the 4th pint, only then I realized I did not ate before the drinking session. Sigh. See you guys in a while!
Taipa 氹仔
Casas - Museu da Taipa 龙环葡韻住宅式博物馆
I took bus MT4 and alighted at Est. Baia N. S. Esperanca/Quartel 望德圣母湾大马路/军营, I then walked down the road until I'm at the pedestrian overhead bridge. There's a moving walkway at the foot of the bridge, and you'll just have to get on it and it will bring you towards the Taipa Museums. There's a huge garden for recreation purpose as well.
I took bus MT4 and alighted at Est. Baia N. S. Esperanca/Quartel 望德圣母湾大马路/军营, I then walked down the road until I'm at the pedestrian overhead bridge. There's a moving walkway at the foot of the bridge, and you'll just have to get on it and it will bring you towards the Taipa Museums. There's a huge garden for recreation purpose as well.
There are 3 museums that you can visit with an entrance fee. I did not enter this time because I've entered once before and it's just old furniture displays and maybe some artifacts..
Rua do Cunha 官也街
I ventured into Rua do Cunha which is just a staircase away from Largo do Carmo. This street offers many choices of traditional bakeries and souvenir shops to shop in. I just realized The Lord Stow which is known for their Portuguese Egg Tarts has opened a branch here as well. There are a few Portuguese restaurants in this vicinity as well. |
Tai Lei Loi Kei 大利来记
Tai Lei Loi Kei is SUPER famous for their pork chop buns 猪扒包. Pork chop buns are not my favorite because the first time I had it was from some other stall and their buns was too crisp to the point that it hurts the roof of my mouth. So I've always been very skeptical of pork chop buns and they will never be my first menu choice. But hey, since I'm at the place where the buns are the top seller, it wouldn't make sense not to try it right? So I ordered the pork chop bun and iced milk tea. My meal costs MOP56. |
City of Dreams 新濠天地
The City of Dreams (COD) comprises of three hotels: The Crown, Grand Hyatt and Hard Rock Hotel. I did not visit all three cause there aren't much things to see in the property. Hard Rock Hotel houses the all famous Cubic Club which is very popular among the locals. I'll post up pictures if I happen to visit some time soon. Grand Hyatt has the The House of Dancing Water which features dance and music performance by a group of professionally trained dancers and stunt performers. |