About Macau
What to see and do in Macau
Weather in Macau
Airport in Macau
Visa
The Macau Special Administrative Region, commonly known as Macau or Macao, is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China, the other being Hong Kong. Macau lies on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, bordering Guangdong province in the north and facing the South China Sea in the east and south. The territory has thriving industries such as textiles, electronics and toys, and a notable tourist industry that boasts a wide range of hotels, resorts, stadiums, restaurants and casinos. This makes it one of the richest cities in the world.
Macau was both the first and the last European colony in China. Portuguese traders first settled in Macau in the 16th century and subsequently administered the region until the handover on December 20, 1999. The Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration and the Basic Law of Macau stipulate that Macau operates with a high degree of autonomy until at least 2049, fifty years after the transfer. Under the policy of "one country, two systems", the Central People's Government is responsible for the territory's defense and foreign affairs, while Macau maintains its own legal system, police force, monetary system, customs policy, immigration policy, and delegates to international organisations and events.
Macau (also spelt: Macao) (Aomen in Mandarin;) is a territory located in southeast China. Like its formerly British neighbour Hong Kong, Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. It has the highest population density among all the countries/regions in the world.
Statue in front of Sao Paulo Cathedral
Although known for gambling, Macau is extremely rich in attractions and oozing with atmosphere, thanks to hundreds of years of fusion between European and Chinese cultures.
Macau is a fascinating place to just walk around as the place is packed with churches, temples, fortresses and other old buildings bearing an interesting mix of Portuguese and Chinese characteristics. Besides buildings, there are also hundreds of narrow alleyways forming a maze in the old part of Macau where the people of Macau carry out businesses and work. If the sheer density of humans get to you, take a break and enjoy several pretty gardens or head to the island.
One of the interesting things to see in Macau is a statue of the Bodhisatta Avalokitesvara (known as kwoon yam in Cantonese) located next to the sea near the Sands Casino and MGM Grand. Despite being a Chinese deity, the statue is distinctly European in design and resembles the statues of the Virgin Mary you can find in Europe.
And if history is not your thing, there is the Macau Tower of awesome views and adventure sports, or Fisherman's Wharf to enjoy some theme-park activities and shopping.
You'll find most of the attractions in Macau Peninsula, but Taipa and Coloane, each with a pretty village, also draw hordes of visitors. Visit the Cotai reclaimed land area to see its transformation into the "Las Vegas Strip of the East". The Venetian is the most famous with its Venice-styled shopping mall with rivers running through, and is also currently the largest casino in the world.
Heritage
A large section of Macau Peninsula has been designated a
Unesco World Heritage site and 25 buildings and sites within the area
have been deemed to have cultural and historic significance. The sites are
listed in the Macau Peninsula page. One of the best ways to cover the
sights is to do the Macau Heritage Walk circuit.
Taipa Village and Coloane Village, previously inhabited by fishermen, are also interesting with their colonial-era shops and houses along narrow lanes.
The Historic Centre of Macau is an urban area within the old city of Macau spanning eight squares - Barra Square, Lilau Square, St. Augustine's Square, Senado Square, Cathedral Square, St. Dominic's Square, Company of Jesus Square and Com'es Square ' and 22 historic buildings ' A-Ma Temple, the Moorish Barracks, Mandarin's House, St. Lawrence's Church, St. Joseph's Seminary and Church, Dom Pedro V Theatre, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, St. Augustine's Church, the 'Leal Senado' Building, Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple, the Holy House of Mercy, the Cathedral, Lou Kau mansion, St. Dominic's Church, the Ruins of St. Paul's, Na Tcha Temple, a section of the Old City Walls, Mount Fortress, St. Anthony's Church, Casa Garden, the Protestant Cemetery, and Guia Fortress (including Guia Chapel and Lighthouse). This list includes the archaeological remains of the first western-style university in the Far East, the College of St. Paul, buildings that are still functioning according to their original purpose such as the first western-style theatre and the first modern lighthouse in China, and examples of late Qing merchants' homes.
The Historic Centre of Macau is the product of cultural exchange between East and West spanning over 400 years, and is currently the oldest, the most complete and consolidated array of European architectural legacy standing intact on Chinese territory today.
Museums
Macau has several museums. You can buy a pass that gets you into all Macau
museums, cheaper than the addition of individual admission fees if you want
to see several. The main museums, such as the Macau Museum, are in
Macau Peninsula although there are two museums on Taipa - the Museum of
Taipa and Coloane History and Taipa Houses Museum.
A-Ma Temple
The Historic Center of Macau. In July 2005, "The Historic Centre of Macau"
was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, recognizing the architectural
legacies interwoven in the midst of the original urban fabric of Macau,
a witness to successful East-West cultural co-existence. A-Ma Temple is
reputedly the place in Macau where the Portuguese first landed, and is the
starting point of this historical exploration.
Outside A-Ma Temple standing on the Portuguese-style cobbled road, the Temple consists of prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards built into the boulder-strewn hill connected by winding paths through moon gates and tiny gardens. At the entrance is a large rock on which a traditional sailing junk was etched over 400 years ago. On other boulders you can see red carved characters invoking the blessings of the gods. Chinese legend says that touching the top of the moon gate up the hill will bring good luck in love.
Opposite the temple lies the Maritime Museum, featuring many aspects of Portuguese and Chinese maritime history covering the period from the Fifteenth to the Seventeenth Century. Several famous Portuguese restaurants are located nearby.
Moorish Barracks
Macau World Heritage sites will typically include churches, temples, gardens
and squares, and offers a real insight into old Macau. Chinese and
Portuguese architecture abounds - Moorish building.
In 1874, the Portuguese built a Moorish Barracks on the slopes of Barra Hill, opposite a demolished barrier, garrisoned by Indian soldiers. The two-storey brick and stone neo-classical structure with exotic Moorish influences now serves as the headquarters of the Macau Maritime Administration.
The Barracks are not open to the public but visitors can tour the verandah where the square and pointed ornaments on the parapet walls resemble mosaics and exude an impressively beautiful and subtle rhythm. The Moorish Barracks used to provide typhoon signals for fishermen many year ago.
To know more about the traditions and way of life of the fishermen in ancient Macau and southern China, it is well worth visiting the nearby Maritime Museum, which displays several types of ship from Portugal and China, plus instruments, and a typical fisherman's dwelling, where the whole family can be seen sharing the work tasks.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
Lilau Square
Fountain of Luso. In the distant past, well water was used for cooking and
drinking. It can also be found in Lilau Square and inside the Tap Seac
Gallery but both are under preservation orders for their historic and
cultural significance.
Lilau Square, inhabited by most Portuguese residents in earlier ages, retains traditional Portuguese construction and art deco design. The popular Portuguese phrase "One who drinks from Lilau never forgets Macau" expresses the locals' nostalgic attachment to this interesting Square.
Lilau Square is part of the "Historic Centre of Macau". The square supports two banyan trees over a hundred years old as well as Portuguese residential quarters with a typically Mediterranean atmosphere retaining later art deco influences contrasting strongly with the nearby traditional Chinese architecture of the Mandarin House.
Ten minutes' walk from A-Ma Temple finds the Lilau Square, Mandarin House, a traditional Chinese residential compound home of prominent Chinese literary figure Zheng Guanying built in 1881, and St. Lawrence's Church, built by the Jesuits in the mid-16th Century.
The Mandarin's House
Inscribed upon the World Heritage List, the Historic Centre of Macau
comprises churches, temples, squares, gardens and buildings, of which the
Mandarin's House and Lou Kau Mansion are the only traditional Chinese
residential buildings.
Situated on Travessa de Ant'nio da Silva, the Mandarin's House is a traditional 4,000 square metre Chinese-style compound made up of several courtyard houses featuring a mix of Chinese and Western detailing. The Mandarin's House was the residence of prominent Chinese literary figure Zheng Guanying who promoted major historic changes in China by writing a book here, which can be borrowed from the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library - the first to provide a garden for the leisurely enjoyment of readers.
In addition to its historic value, the Mandarin's House is a fine example of Qing Dynasty architecture, and although currently under renovation will be opened to the general public in the near future.
Lilau Square, St. Lawrence's Church, the Moorish Barracks and A-Ma Temple can be found nearby, illustrating Macau's multicultural background in a mix of striking architectural features.
Address: Trav. de Ant'nio da Silva, No. 10 Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
St. Lawrence's Church
The St. Lawrence's Church is also known as Feng Shun Tang or the Hall
of the Soothing Winds. In 258 AD, St. Lawrence was sentenced to death by
a Roman governor for helping the poor people with communion funding.
To commemorate his works, a statue of the saint, with bible
and rod in hand, stands solemnly in the church.
St. Lawrence's Church overlooks the southern coast of Macau, and is the place where the families of Portuguese sailors used to gather to pray and await the safe return of their loved ones. Nearby lies the A-Ma Temple, an edifice dedicated to the seafarers goddess from the early 16th Century.
The church is an imposing structure, standing in a garden filled with palm trees and can be approached from the rear or by way of a grand staircase and ornamental gate, to lend a dignified appearance.
A short stroll takes the visitor to Nam Van and Sai Van Lakes, where lovers and friends congregate for Indian, Italian and French cuisine - plus spectacular shows of cascading water and light from the Nam Van Lake Cybernetic Fountain.
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Mondays to Fridays) / 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Saturdays) / Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
Address: Rua de Sao Louren'o
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
St. Joseph's Seminary and Church
Established in 1728 and built in 1758, the old Seminary, together with
St. Paul's College, was the principal base for the missionary work undertaken
in China, Japan and elsewhere in the region. This church, together with the
Ruins of St. Paul's, is the only example of baroque architecture in China.
Inside the church, in one of the lateral altars, lies a fragment of bone from the arm of St. Francis Xavier, one of Macau's most precious religious relics and a revered item that formerly resided in the collection of the Church of Mater Dei (Ruins of St. Paul's).
Church Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (entrance from the side of Rua do Semin'rio)
St. Joseph's Seminary not open to public
Address: Rua do Seminario Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
Dom Pedro V Theatre
First Western Theatre in China. Dom Pedro V Theatre was built in
1860 and was the first venue in Asia to stage Puccini's iconic
"Madame Butterfly". The theatre - built to commemorate
King Dom Pedro V of Portugal - features a ballroom, library and
nooker room for the entertainment of the glitterati.
A public restaurant is attached. The theatre has a large entrance
hall with elegant chandelier and sweeping red velvet curtains.
Nearby, you will find the cobble-stoned St. Augustine's Square, a traditional Portuguese-style streetscape surrounded by the World Heritage sites of St. Joseph's Seminary and Church, St. Augustine's Church and the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library.
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is now a subunit of the Macau Central
Library was established about 1894. In 1918, Hong Kong businessman
Sir Robert Ho Tung bought the building and converted it into a splendid
mansion. He died in 1955, bequeathing the building to the
Macau Government as a public library. Three years later,
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library was officially opened to the public.
The library has a European appeal, and is set amid peaceful gardens. After extensive renovation, a newly-equipped 4-storey building was built beside the old structure to capture the maximum amount of natural light, from which readers can view the buildings of Macau's Historic Centre nearby. The old building contains many ancient books published in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and an exhibition gallery. The two buildings occupy a gross area of over 30,000 square feet and can seat some 400 people, making it the largest library in Macau.
The library allows readers to eat and talk in special areas; readers can also listen to music and watch movies in the AV room.
In celebration of the 140th Anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is hosting an Exhibition of Publications about Dr. Sun Yatsen, featuring valuable publications and bibliographies of the Father of China.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,
Sunday - 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: Dom Pedro V Theatre Square, No. 3
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2837 7117
http://www.library.gov.mo
St. Augustine's Macau's First Church for English Mass. In the 16th Century, churches started to be built in Macau for Christians. On Cal'ada de Santo Agostinho stands St. Augustine's Church, a simple, neoclassical church of the period; in fact, clergymen had to cover the open roof whenever it rained.
As Portugal's first settlement on the China coast in 1557, Macau was expected to be a bastion of the Christian religion as well as a trading post and was honoured as the 'City of the Name of God, Macau'. Priests residing in Macau came from Europe and held mass in the Portuguese and English languages. In fact, St. Augustine's Church was the first church to hold mass in English. Gradually, the Cantonese dialect was introduced for the citizens of Macau.
In the environs of St. Augustine's Church, you can discover the cobblestoned square of the church set in a traditional Portuguese-style streetscape surrounded by the World Heritage sites of St. Joseph's Seminary and the Sir Robert Ho Tung Library. Walk just down the hill, however, and you will find yourself in Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, one of the busiest streets in the territory.
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address: No. 2, St. Augustine's Square
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2851 0331
"leal Senado" Building
Key to Macau's History
The "Leal Senado" Building - regarded as the most outstanding example
of Portuguese architecture in the territory - is located in the heart of Macau,
just opposite the UNESCO World Heritage - listed Senado Square,
and serves as a municipal chamber today.
A gallery occupies the ground floor and has hosted numerous exhibitions
since
opening in 1985, including the major Collective Exhibition of Macau Artists
every December. The first floor public library has amassed a valuable
literary collection spanning the 17th Century to the 1950s, including the
"A Abelha da China" newspaper, which, established in 1822,
was the first Macau paper and the first foreign language paper to appear
in China.
The Leal Senado Building offers two 45-minute guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00pm to 4:35pm that expound upon the architecture and history of this important and historic building.
Address: Av. Almeida Ribeiro No. 163
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2833 7676
Senado Square The "Maritime" Squares of Macau. Squares and piazzas all around the world cater to the "Caf' Society", where visitors and locals can sit at a table and watch the world go by over a cup of coffee, and in Macau there is no shortage of squares, which these days are usually paved in elegant wavy patterns featuring marine creatures, inspired by the tones and materials of Portugal. These attractively paved meeting places can be found in Senado Square, Barra Square, Lilau Square, St. Augustine's Square, St. Dominic's Square, Cathedral Square, Cam'es Square and the Company of Jesus Square.
One of the most famous venues in Macau, the classically constructed Senado Square should not be missed. Its famous fountain has been renovated several times, and currently a celestial globe as used by pioneering Portuguese seamen can be seen in the middle of the fountain, a captivating sight under lighting at night. The Square is a popular place for holding all sorts of cultural events, especially at this time of year.
Senado Square also boasts a rich architectural tradition - St. Dominic's Church, the Holy House of Mercy, Leal Senado Building and Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple reflect the correlation of modernity and cultural exchange of East and West.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple
The Feast of the Drunken Dragon is held on the eighth day of the fourth
month of the lunar calendar, and attracts many visitors - especially
photographers - to Sam Kai Vui Kun to watch the drunken dragon dance.
The Feast of Kuan Tai is held on the thirteenth day of the fifth month of the
lunar calendar, on which occasion performances of Chinese opera are held
in a specially constructed bamboo shed outside the temple of
Sam Kai Vui Kun.
Sam Kai Vui Kun is also known as Kuan Tai Temple and has been located on the site of the old bazaar near Senado Square and Rua dos Mercadores for over two centuries. Originally, it was a meeting place for merchants, and the surrounding area - Rua dos Mercadores, Rua dos Ervanarios and Rua das Estalagens - served as the centre of Chinese trading in the city. In later years, a statue commemorating Kuan Tai was placed at Sam Kai Vui Kun, attracting many devotees. Commercial activities no longer converge in the area, and the serenity of the temple has gradually returned.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
Holy House of Mercy
First Charity Association of Macau. Macau is famous for its Grand Prix,
Wine, Communications and Tea museums, as well as many others, but it
often surprises visitors to learn that Macau also has a museum of charity.
The Holy House of Mercy exhibits historical pieces and objects of
religious art that pinpoint the meeting of different cultures. Located in a
quiet lane just off Senado Square in the centre of the city, the House is
often overlooked and mistaken for a government office.
The neo-classical Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa de Misericordia) was the first charity association to be established in Macau, and houses the needy elderly in Our Lady of Mercy Home for the Aged free of charge. Macau's first lottery tickets were also launched by the Holy House of Mercy for charity purposes (you can see original tickets at "A Retrospect in Raffle - Exhibition of Rare and Old Lottery Tickets" in the Taipa Houses Museum until October).
On the second floor of the Holy House of Mercy, you can find the skull, cross and full-length oil painting of Dorn Belchior Carneiro, the founder of the institution, plus a bronze bell from the old St. Raphael Hospital, which was founded by Carneiro in the 16th Century. Various artifacts are on display in the small museum. At the end of the adjoining Alley of Mercy stands a bronze statue of Dorn Belchior Carneiro.
Museum of the Holy House of Mercy
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed on Sundays & public holidays)
Address: Travessa da Misericordia, No 2
Admission: MOP$5
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2857 3938, 8399 6699
Cathedral
The word "Cathedral" comes from the ancient Greek "Kathedra" or "Seat"
in English. In the early years of the church, only the 12 disciples and their
descendents could minister the communion by passing the "Seat" from
one minister to another.
Situated near Rua de S. Domingos, the Cathedral is located on the top of the nearby paved hill. Here, Midnight Mass is held at Christmas and the Procession of the Passion of Our Lord is enacted every year. Next to the Cathedral stands the timelessly beautiful Bishop's Palace. Although the Cathedral is not the biggest church in Macau, it is certainly one of the grandest.
In 1575, the Catholic church was established in Macau - named the City of the Name of God - and promptly became the centre of Catholicism in Asia. In 1576, the Cathedral was built and many important relics of the 16th & 17th Century are stored here.
The Cathedral square has recently been refurbished, and an imposing fountain added, providing a convenient spot for residents and visitors to relax in comfort. Less than 2 minutes walk from the Cathedral lie the major thoroughfares of Rua de S. Domingos, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Avenida de Praia Grande.
Lou Kau Mansion
Lou Kau Mansion was built in 1889 as a two-storey traditional gray-brick
courtyard house with the architectural characteristics of a typical "Xiguan"
or Chinese residential building. The mansion was the home of Lou Va Shio,
a prominent Chinese merchant who owned several imposing properties
in the city.
Lou Kau Mansion - listed in the Historic Centre of Macau - is located at 7, Travessa da Se in the centre of the old Christian City and combines the characteristics of Eastern and Western architectural design like gray-brick walls, windows and fences of Chinese design and Western ceiling.
Macau Orchestra has held several mini concerts in the mansion, featuring in particular Cantonese music.
Lou Kau Mansion Opening Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays)
Free Admission & Guided Tour
Organizer: Cultural Affairs Bureau
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
http://www.icm.gov.mo
Concerts at St. Dominic's Church St. Dominic's Church is one of the intriguing performance venues for the yearly held Macau International Music Festival (MIMF) . Despite its dramatic past, St. Dominic's Church now serves as a serene, inviting setting for performances attended over the years by almost half a million music lovers.
St. Dominic's Church has an imposing fa'ade of cream-coloured stone with white stucco mouldings and green-shuttered windows. Inside, white pillars support a flat ceiling and apron balconies hug the walls. The bell tower, at the back of the building, has been converted into a small museum housing a 'Treasure of Sacred Art' exhibiting a collection of some 300 artifacts.
Ruins of St. Paul's
Only a magnificent stone fa'ade and grand staircase remain of the iconic
Church of St. Paul's. The church was built in 1602 next to the Jesuit College of
St. Paul's, the first Western college in Asia where missionaries studied
Chinese before serving at the Ming Court in Beijing as astronomers
and mathematicians.
In 1835, a fire razed both the college and the church, leaving only the dramatic fa'ade standing in four colonnaded tiers, complete with carvings and statues. The unique architecture of St Paul's Church recalls the style of the European Renaissance and Asian architecture in an intoxicating mix of Chinese and Western elements.
Today, many music performances are held at the Ruins of St. Paul's, which, with its stairs and dramatic setting, lends itself as a natural stage. Within the precincts of Ruins of St. Paul's lies the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt. The Museum exhibits religious paintings, statues and sacred objects from Churches in Macau while in the crypt adjacent to the Museum the visitor can observe the relics of martyrs from Japan and Vietnam.
Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Admission free
Na Tcha Temple Integrated Cultures. A combination of Portuguese and Chinese nuances marks the uniqueness of the Macanese. Two temples are dedicated to Na Tcha, one of which is located near the Ruins of St. Paul's.
Na Tcha Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul's are both part of the Historic Centre of Macau but reflect profoundly different cultures, a uniqueness that can also be found in the territory's food, religion and other cultural mores.
Na Tcha Temple is a small, simple, peaceful place founded over 400 years ago; it remains of strong historic value and is inseparable from the daily life of Macau's citizens.
Na Tcha Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul's stand close enough for a great picture, astonishing proof of integrated cultures.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
Section of the Old City Walls
A "Section of the old city walls" comprises part of the Historic Centre of Macau -
inscribed on the World Heritage list - and was constructed at its oldest point
in 1569. During that turbulent period, the Chinese government opposed the
construction of city walls and they were broken down a number of times,
although the incumbent Portuguese administration continued its construction
until 1632 when the city walls and fortresses in the north of the city were reconstructed.
A map from that period reveals that other than the Inner Harbour in the west
Macau was totally ringed by walls and fortifications. Today, the remaining wall
measures just 18.5m long, 5.6m high and roughly 1m wide.
This wall, located near Na Tcha Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul's, bears evidence of local artisanship and materials, especially the use of a solid compound named "chunambo", which was an elaborate mixture of clay, soil, sand, rice straw, crushed rocks and oyster shells compacted in successive layers.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
http://www.icm.gov.mo
Mount Fortress
The First Western Fortress in China. The 17th Century Mount Fortress
occupies a hilltop on the peninsula of Macau and is one of the most ancient
Western fortresses in China.
Some 300 years ago, during the height of the Ming Dynasty and before the Ruins of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church was severely damaged by fire, the Mount Fortress solemnly guarded the city. In 1998, the three-level Macau Museum was built into the fortress hill and it is now considered a major tourist attraction.
In the foothills east of Monte Fort you will find the Fortress Corridor, occupying the middle ground between Macau Museum and St. Lazarus' pedestrian zone. The Monte Fort is sited near the city centre and is a popular venue for events such as this year's "20th Macau International Music Festival".
Macau Museum
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (No admission after 5:30 p.m.,
closed on Mondays)
Admission: MOP$15 (Free on 15th of every month)
Fortress Corridor
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Admission free
Convenient access from the rear of Kiang Wu Hospital and Caminho
dos Artilheiros
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2835 7911 / 2833 5141
St. Anthony's Church
The Church of Flowers. St. Anthony's Church is often referred to as
Fa Vong Tong (Church of Flowers). In fact, St. Anthony was a "military" saint,
a Captain in the Portuguese army and is revered as the Saint of Marriage
by Catholics. Consequently, many wedding ceremonies are held in the church,
which was constructed during the period of 1558 to 1560, and, with St. Lawrence's
Church and the Cathedral, is one of the oldest churches in Macau.
In nearby Cam'es Garden many residents take exercise every day, and it is here that the statue of Lu's de Cam'es reposes, honouring the most famous Portuguese poet to live in Macau. Beside the garden lies the old Protestant Cemetery, where some of Macau's most famous residents are buried including George Chinnery, whose wonderful China Coast paintings hang in the Museum of Art. Robert Morrison, the Christian preacher who first interpreted the Bible into Chinese, also lies buried here.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2857 3732
Camoes Square, Casa Garden & the Protestant Cemetery Camoes Garden at Camoes Square is one of the largest and most secluded parks in Macau. Adjacent to the Casa Garden and the famous Protestant Cemetery, this serene area is frequented by Tai Chi groups, aerobics practitioners and avid people-watchers. Chinese of all ages jog, stretch and stroll through the park from dawn to dusk.
The renowned Portuguese poet Lu's de Camoes, for whom the park was named, lived in the vicinity and completed his national epic "Os Lus'das" in Macau. As a wealthy Portuguese kept many pigeons near the park, the local people call it White Pigeons' Nest. A small bronze statute of Camoes can be found in the park grotto and at the far end of the garden is a fountain with a bronze sculpture entitled "Embrace" signifying the centuries' old friendship between Portugal and China.
Nearby, Casa Garden, a southern European style building built in 1770 was originally the residence of a wealthy Portuguese merchant and today serves as the headquarters of the Orient Foundation, a private cultural institution involved in local and regional community and cultural affairs. The Protestant Cemetery abutting the Casa Garden is the final resting place of many famous Westerners including Robert Morrison, who first translated the Bible into Chinese, and the accomplished Irish China-trade artist George Chinnery.
Opening Hours:
Casa Garden: gallery - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.(Closed on Saturdays,
Sundays & public holidays); garden - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Protestant Cemetery: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Please be quiet while visiting)
Camoes Garden: 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily
Guia Fortress, Guia Chapel and Lighthouse The Guia Fortress - together with the Guia Lighthouse and Guia Chapel - is one of the listed sites of the Historic Centre of Macau. The Lighthouse has stood on the peak of Guia Hill for over 140 years and is the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast and the oldest in the Far East. A lantern is installed on top of the circular observation platform, and the light transmitter is reached by a flight of spiral stairs inside. While access is not usually allowed to the tower, the Macau Port Authority will open it to the public on May 20 & 21. From this viewpoint, the whole of the Peninsula and the Historic Centre of Macau can be seen.
The Guia Chapel was originally established by nuns who resided at the site before establishing the Convent of St. Clare. Frescoes were uncovered inside the Chapel during routine conservation work, depicting representations of both Western and Chinese themes and motifs of religious and mythological inspiration that are a perfect example of Macau's multicultural society. Guia Fortress, along with the chapel and lighthouse are symbols of Macau's maritime, military and missionary past.
Visitors can reach Guia Hill by taxi or by a short cable car ride from the entrance of Flora Garden, on top of which stands not only the Guia Fortress but four underground tunnels that served as air raid shelters and extend in all directions. Opened to the public in 2005, the longest tunnel measures 456 metres while the shortest is 47 metres.
Guia Lighthouse
opens to public on designated days only.
Telephone enquiries: (853) 2859 5481
Our Lady of Guia Chapel
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Telephone enquiries: (853) 8399 6699
Gambling, Casinos
Gambling is Macau's biggest industry and busloads arrive daily from
mainland China to try their luck. In addition, many Hong Kongers arrive on
weekends with the same aim. For many years, the Casino Lisboa was the
most famous and a landmark well known to people outside Macau,
but it is being eclipsed by Sands Casino which opened in 2004.
Most casinos are located along the waterfront on the southern side of Macau Peninsula. North of the Lisboa is a strip with many smaller casinos, a number of hotels and bars, and quite a few restaurants. This can be one of the more interesting areas of Macau; among other things it has quite a good Indian restaurant and several Portuguese ones. However, parts of it are also fairly sleazy, with lots of hookers and touts, so some caution is in order. New casinos have also opened in the area called NAPE south of Avenida de Amizade, including Wynn Macau and Sands Macau.
All this is going to be overtaken by the new development on the Cotai Strip, which is being made into "The Las Vegas Strip of the East". The biggest casino in the world, Venetian Macao has started operations here in August 2007 and many others will follow. There are also several casinos on Taipa, including the Crown Macau.
There are ATMs available at either casino as well as forex facilities to change your money. Gamblers are required to be at least 18 years of age to be allowed to play. Interestingly, local civil servants are not allowed to enter the casinos with the exception of the first three days of the Chinese new year.
Greyhound Racing
Another popular form of gambling in Macau is greyhound racing,
where people bet on dogs in the same way that many people in other
countries bet on horses. The minimum bet is 10 patacas and payouts
can be made in both Macanese Patacas and Hong Kong Dollars.
Go Karting
There is a go-kart track on the southern end of Cotai.
Adventure Activities The Macau Tower is the place to head to for those who want to indulge in heart-stopping activities. On offer are bungee jumping , a walk around the rim, and bouldering and sport climbing at the tower's base.
Swimming
Macau's two beaches - Hac Sa (black sand) and Cheoc Van (bamboo bay) -
are located on the southern side of Coloane island. They are very popular
and are frequented by locals and visitors, especially at the weekend.
Besides beaches, there are several public swimming pools all over Macau. All high-end hotels also have swimming pools.
Hiking/Cycling
There are opportunities for hiking and cycling on the relatively rural islands
of Taipa and Coloane.
Bowling
There is a bowling centre of international standard which was constructed in
2005 for the East Asian Games
at the Macau Dome in Cotai area.
Macau has a tropical monsoon climate influenced greatly by oceans. The cold Northeast Monsoon from China's mainland and the Southeast and Southwest Monsoons from the ocean dominate this region by turns and therefore Macau's climate has the features of both continent and ocean climates.
The average annual temperature in Macau is about 22 C and there are about 100 days with high temperature over 30 C. Therefore Macau features a long summer period. The cold days with the average temperature under 10 C is less than 30 days and the average temperature of the lowest month is still above 3 C, which means there's no extreme coldness in Macau.
January to February is the coldest period in Macau when the cold air from Siberia going down via the northern continent and arriving at the peninsular. Sometimes the temperature plummets to 10 C below zero. Woolen clothes and overcoats are necessary to keep warm for travelers wanting to spend this period in the city.
Macau's spring is from March to April when the southeast winds bring warm and humidity to area. Despite of a few periods of fog and rain, the days filled with pleasant sunshine are typically accompanied with mild nighttime temperatures. Travelers should be sure to pack sweatshirts and light jackets.
Beginning in May, Macau's summer season usually lasts through September. The extreme high temperatures and heavy humidity bring many rainstorms, thunderstorms and even disastrous waterspouts. The months from July to September might be filled with frequent cyclones. Travelers should attempt to avoid the typhoon season and stay at home when storms and cyclones come. T-shirt and light cottons are suitable for the hot and humid days and raingear is an additional must.
After the hard summer, the intense southwest winds disappear and the winds from the northern continent bring this region a mild autumn with cool days between later September and October. This, typically, is the most comfortable time of year for traveling. For the spring and autumn periods, sweaters and jackets are a good idea for heading out after hours.
Starting in November, temperatures gradually drop, as the cold period begins again.
Typhoons
During the storm season (especially July through September), Macau Observatory
(Direccao dos Servicos Meteorologicos e Geofisicos) issues typhoon warnings
an average of six times a year. You can check current forecasts and historical
weather information on the website of Service of Macau Meteorological Bureau
at http://www.smg.gov.mo/e_index.php.
January 18 C to 13 C
February 18 C to 13 C
March 21 C to 16 C
April 24 C to 20 C
May 28 C to 24 C
June 31 C to 26 C
July 32 C to 27 C
August 32 C to 27 C
September 30 C to 26 C
October 28 C to 23 C
November 24 C to 18 C
December 19 C to 14 C
Severe weather
There is a risk of typhoons, mainly between July and September. A system of typhoon warnings is in place that are issued by the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau and are broadcast widely on television and radio:
The typhoon warning system is basically a copy of the system used in Hong Kong.
Number 1: tropical cyclone is within 800 km of Macau
Number 3: tropical cyclone is likely to bring winds of 41-62 km/h to Macau, with gusts of 110 km/h (usually issued when the typhoon is within 300 km of Macau)
Number 8: tropical cyclone is nearing Macau, bringing with it winds of 63-117 km/h, and gusts of up to 180 km/h
Number 9: the centre of the tropical cyclone is approaching Macau and it is expected that Macau will be severely affected
Number 10: the centre of the tropical cyclone will hit Macau directly, with mean wind speed over 118 km/h and intense gusts
During a number 8, 9 or 10 typhoon everything in Macau shuts down (all schools, all government departments, and the large majority of work places and shops). People stay home and it is not advisable to venture outside as there is the risk of injury or worse from flying debris.
Remarks: One unexpected cause of sickness in Macau is the extreme temperature change between 35 C (95 F) humid summer weather outdoors and 18 C (65 F) air-conditioned buildings. Some people experience cold symptoms after moving between the two extremes often; it is not unusual to wear a sweater or covering to stay warm indoors, and it is therefore usually good advice to carry a long-sleeve item of clothing when expecting to visit air-conditioned places for extended periods of time.
Whilst tap water is technically safe to drink (taste aside), most locals boil or filter their water or buy inexpensive bottled water which you are also ecommended to do so.
Because of recent concerns about SARS and the threat of Avian Flu, good personal hygiene is strongly advisable. Wash hands before eating and after returning from public areas to your place of accommodation.
There have been some cases of Dengue fever in recent years. The government has pro-actively sprayed insecticide in areas where there is the potential of mosquito breeding, so this risk is largely contained. However it is best to avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellent and/or wearing long clothing, especially at dusk.
When eating sea-food make sure the food is properly cooked as you may otherwise end up with an upset stomach or worse.
Macau International Airport (Portuguese: Aeroporto Internacional de Macau) (IATA: MFM, ICAO: VMMC) situated at the eastern end of Taipa island and neighbouring waters, is the only airport in Macau, which opened for commercial operations in November 1995. Since then the airport has been a common transfer point for people traveling between mainland China and Taiwan, as well as a passenger hub for destinations in China and Southeast Asia. During 2006, the airport handled 5 million passengers and 220,000 tonnes of cargo.
As in Hong Kong, Macau has its own immigration policies and is a separate customs territory from mainland China. Travellers between Macau and mainland China need to go through immigration and customs checks. Flights between Macau and mainland China are therefore treated as international flights. Macau International Airport located on the east side of the outlying island of Taipa, Macau International Airport (MFM) has convenient transfers between the air and ferry services in the region. The airport runway is on a narrow strip of reclaimed land and is connected to Taipa by two bridges.
lights leaving Macau International Airport take passengers directly to most destinations in this region and there are scheduled airlines between Macau and cities in mainland China including Beijing, Shanghai, Haikou, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Fuzhou and Chengdu and Taibei and Gaoxiong in Taiwan as well as Seoul and Inchon in Korean, Bangkok, Manila, Singapore and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Travelers can also catch connecting flights to other parts of Asia, Europe and America.
The airport is a fifteen-minute drive from the Macau Ferry Terminal and a twenty-minute drive from the Barrier Gate. It is quite easy for travelers to either catch a ferry service to Hong Kong or take a land trip by bus to Guangzhou. For travelers who wish to enter Shenzhen, a five minute car drive from the airport via the Lotus Bridge will reach the border of Guangdong Province. Enquiry: (853)861111 or for more information please visit www.macau-airport.com
A full range of facilities including shops, restaurants, enquiry counters, banks and postal services are available in the Airport Building. Taxis and the special airport line API provide passengers with a convenient means of transfer to city hotels, the Macau Ferry Terminal, the Barrier Gate and other venues.
Departure Tax Passengers aged two years and over are required to pay MOP$ 90 (about 12 USD) airport departure tax. Those passengers who are passing through on connecting flights for other destinations are charged only MOP$ 40(about 5USD).
Ticket Reservation For ticket reservations, please dial (853)3965555. Air Macau counters are located on the 2nd floor of Airport Building (Departure) and No. 398 Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assump''o, R/C in the city area.
Airport Transport
Express Bus - Two customs, one checkpoint
Express Bus is a new a time saving service which provides a quick Land-to-Air or Air-to-Land transport service between Macau International Airport and Macau Ferry Terminal by freeing Express Bus passengers from immigration and custom procedures and luggage handling.
Airlines and other destination of Macau:
AirAsia, Thai AirAsia Kuala Lumpur-Sepang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi
Air China, Beijing-Capital
Air Macau, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Beijing-Capital, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kaoshiung, Kunming, Manila, Nanjing, Osaka-Kansai, Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai-Pudong, Taipei-Taoyuan, Xiamen
Bangkok Airways, Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi
Cebu Pacific, Clark, Manila
China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai-Pudong
East Star Airlines, Wuhan
EVA Air , Kaoshiung, Taipei-Taoyuan
Jetstar Asia Airways, Singapore
Malaysia Airlines, Kuala Lumpur-Sepang
Philippine Airlines, Manila
Shanghai Airlines, Shanghai Pudong
Spirit of Manila Airlines, Clark
Tiger Airways, Singapore
TransAsia Airways, Kaoshiung, Taipei-Taoyuan
Viva Macau, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Sydney, Tokyo-Narita
Xiamen Airlines, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Xiamen
Cargo airlines in Macau:
The following cargo airlines serve Macau International Airport (as of October 2007):
Air Macau
EVA Air Cargo
Shanghai Airlines Cargo
Singapore Airlines Cargo
AirAsia
MK Airlines Ltd. (T/A British Global)
Terminated services The following airlines previously served Macau International Airport:
Air Koryo (Pyongyang)
Asiana Airlines (Seoul-Gimpo)
Hainan Airlines (Beijing)
Korean Air (Busan, Seoul-Gimpo)
SilkAir (Singapore)
TAP Portugal (Bangkok-Don Mueang, Brussels, Istanbul-Atat'rk, Lisbon)
Viva Macau (Busan, Haiphong, Phuket, Mal')
Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
To get into Macau, all visitors must hold a passport or a valid travel document. If travel arrangements are made through an agent, the visa processing is handled by Macau tour operators.
A.Visas are required by all visitors except:
a) Residents of Macau;
b) Nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Croatia, Czech, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and the United Kingdom(6 months) for a stay up to 90 days;
c) Nationals of Australia, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America and Uruguay for a stay up to 30 days;
d) Nationals of China with valid Macau entry/depart documents, including residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas Chinese for a stay of up to 30 days;
e) The "Hong Kong Identity Card" (with symbol "*", "***" or "R"), "Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card" or "Hong Kong Reentry Permit" holders may stay in Macau for a maximum period of one year.
f) Holders of Diplomatic Passport or "Laissez Passer" issued by the United Nations.
g) Holders of Consulate/Diplomatic documents issued by the Macau SAR or Hong Kong SAR.
B.Visas can be obtained from the Immigration Services through Embassies/Consulates of the PRC and should be used within the validity, the visa is expired after the valid date.
C.Visas are also available on arrival in Macau at the Immigration Services for a period of 30 days.
There are three types:
Individual - MOP$100, for individual traveller for a single stay of up to 30 days in Macau, children under 12 years of age pay MOP$50.
Family - MOP$200 for couples, husband travelling with wife and or children (under 12 years of age) of same surname or on proof of their relationship.
Group - MOP$50 per person for bonafide groups of 10 or more and children aged 12 or under.
For further information, please call the Macau Immigration Services of Public Security Police Force: (Macau Area code) 853 - 2872 5488 or visit the website: www.fsm.gov.mo
For those who want to travel to mainland China, visas may be obtained at any of the China Travel Service (CTS) offices counters in Macau (the main branch is located at Rua de Nagazaki, 35 ?tel.853-2870 0888) or at the Gongbei Immigration and Customs (after the Border Gate) .
Portuguese passport holders who need the consulate's assistance may go to the Portuguese Consulate located at Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva, 45, or call Tel: (853) 2835 6660/1/2 or fax: (853) 2835 6658.
On arrival in Macau Visitors are usually subject only to routine inspections. The importation of firearms without special permission is not allowed as well as other illegal and dangerous items. Drug trafficking is punished by law!
Other items are not restricted nor subject to the importation duties, providing they are carried in reasonable quantities and contents.
More information: http://www.customs.gov.mo
On departure in Macau There are no export duties in Macau: antiques, gold, jewelry, radios and cameras among other items are duty free articles.
However, Hong Kong SAR customs authorities will allow visitors, aged 18 or above, one litre of alcoholic liquor and 60 cigarettes or 15 cigars or 75 grammes of other manufactured tobacco into the Hong Kong SAR duty free. Visitors holding Hong Kong Identity Cards must have spent 24 hours or longer outside Hong Kong in order to be qualified for the above duty-free concessions.
Macau requires a departure fee of MOP$19, which is normally included in the ferry ticket price.