Macau
Nov 19th, 2005, 05:07 AM
#1
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Macau
Hi,
I will be leaving Guangzhuo (mainland China) for Macau by bus. Will spend 1 1/2 days (1 night) in Macau before taking the ferry over to Hong Kong for a week.
Questions, please:
1. Do I need to change money in Macau to MAO$ or is it possible/worthwhile to already buy HK$? Or should I just use the US$ Travellers Cheques that I will be travelling with?
2. Can anyone recommend a good 1-day tour of Macau, or a hotel and tour package deal for 1 night, 1 1/2 days?
3. If not a package, can anyone recommend a decent (clean and safe) 3* centrally located hotel in Macau? Or near the bus stop?
Any other suggestions, advice for the Macau portion of the trip is welcomed!!
I will be leaving Guangzhuo (mainland China) for Macau by bus. Will spend 1 1/2 days (1 night) in Macau before taking the ferry over to Hong Kong for a week.
Questions, please:
1. Do I need to change money in Macau to MAO$ or is it possible/worthwhile to already buy HK$? Or should I just use the US$ Travellers Cheques that I will be travelling with?
2. Can anyone recommend a good 1-day tour of Macau, or a hotel and tour package deal for 1 night, 1 1/2 days?
3. If not a package, can anyone recommend a decent (clean and safe) 3* centrally located hotel in Macau? Or near the bus stop?
Any other suggestions, advice for the Macau portion of the trip is welcomed!!
Nov 19th, 2005, 10:45 AM
#2
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1. The Macao Pacata (MOP) is pegged to just a few percent under HK$. And the HK$ is accepted everywhere in Macau as par. On the other hand, you cannot use MOP in Hong Kong.
So, if you have access to HK$ prior to getting to Macau, you may want to get HK$. I am not sure if one can easily convert US$ or other foreign currencies into HK$ in Macau, except in the casinos. The "official" currency in the casinos is HK$, not MOP.
If you have excess MOP at the end of your Macau stay, just exchange it to HK$ at any bank. You don't want to carry any MOP into Hong Kong, as banks in Hong Kong will give you a much worse rate.
Also, if you're using HK$ in Macau, ask for large change in HK$. The merchant should do that, except for coins.
2. There are various 1/2 day tours of Macau, but Macau is so small that tourists should just explore on their own. Especiallly if you want to see the older Portugese stuff. Many of the tours emphasize newer attractions built by the Macau SAR government in the last few years. I think that's missing the whole point of going to Macau. Taxis are very cheap.
[I'll try to give you some suggestions as for where to go later on.]
3. The bus from Guangzhou should simply drop you off at the border. You can easily take a taxi to anywhere in Macau on the other side. And hotels are very cheap, at least compared to Hong Kong. 3* to 4* for around US$50-60. If you're willing to spend a little more, you can get the better ones for ~$120 or so - like the Mandarin Oriental or the Landmark. Both convenient, and close to the ferry pier. For 3* that's convenient, my parents love the older Sintra.
So, if you have access to HK$ prior to getting to Macau, you may want to get HK$. I am not sure if one can easily convert US$ or other foreign currencies into HK$ in Macau, except in the casinos. The "official" currency in the casinos is HK$, not MOP.
If you have excess MOP at the end of your Macau stay, just exchange it to HK$ at any bank. You don't want to carry any MOP into Hong Kong, as banks in Hong Kong will give you a much worse rate.
Also, if you're using HK$ in Macau, ask for large change in HK$. The merchant should do that, except for coins.
2. There are various 1/2 day tours of Macau, but Macau is so small that tourists should just explore on their own. Especiallly if you want to see the older Portugese stuff. Many of the tours emphasize newer attractions built by the Macau SAR government in the last few years. I think that's missing the whole point of going to Macau. Taxis are very cheap.
[I'll try to give you some suggestions as for where to go later on.]
3. The bus from Guangzhou should simply drop you off at the border. You can easily take a taxi to anywhere in Macau on the other side. And hotels are very cheap, at least compared to Hong Kong. 3* to 4* for around US$50-60. If you're willing to spend a little more, you can get the better ones for ~$120 or so - like the Mandarin Oriental or the Landmark. Both convenient, and close to the ferry pier. For 3* that's convenient, my parents love the older Sintra.
Nov 19th, 2005, 11:58 AM
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Okay, I will actually make it more forceful. DO NOT TAKE ANY TOUR. Go on your own.
The official Macau Tourism site is excellent, especially its page on walking tours:
http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/engli...gtour_en.phtml
Don't let the maps scare you. Macau is a very small place and distance is short. Now, I'd spend about one day in Macau, and perhaps half a day on Taipa and/or Coloane. Since you're arriving from Guangzhou, I assume you'll have your 1/2 day first, then full day.
Day 1. Go to the islands first. After checking in your hotel, go straight to Coloane and do the Coloane Walk on the page I gave you. [Bus is very cheap, but not very frequent. Taxi isn't expensive, especially if there are 3-4 of you.] Then, go back up one island to Taipa and do that Taipa walk. Have dinner at one of the Portugese restaurants on Rua da Cunha. [If you arrive Macau pretty late, then skip Coloane. Just do Taipa.] The casinos in Macau are open 24 hours, so visit one or two late night.
Day 2. Do the "St. Paul's and Camoes Garden" walk in reverse, by taking a taxi and start from the Camoes Garden. The Macau Museum inside the Monte Fort is not bad; it opens at 10am. Eventually, you'll end up at the Senate Square.
Then do the "Penha Peninsula" walk that ends at the excellent Maritime Museum. Get a taxi from there back to your hotel to pick up your bags for the ferry terminal.
If you have time left, or if these appeal to you, I'd also recommend the Guia Fort & Lighthouse, as well as the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden (both part of the "Guia Hill & Sao Lazaro" walk).
The official Macau Tourism site is excellent, especially its page on walking tours:
http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/engli...gtour_en.phtml
Don't let the maps scare you. Macau is a very small place and distance is short. Now, I'd spend about one day in Macau, and perhaps half a day on Taipa and/or Coloane. Since you're arriving from Guangzhou, I assume you'll have your 1/2 day first, then full day.
Day 1. Go to the islands first. After checking in your hotel, go straight to Coloane and do the Coloane Walk on the page I gave you. [Bus is very cheap, but not very frequent. Taxi isn't expensive, especially if there are 3-4 of you.] Then, go back up one island to Taipa and do that Taipa walk. Have dinner at one of the Portugese restaurants on Rua da Cunha. [If you arrive Macau pretty late, then skip Coloane. Just do Taipa.] The casinos in Macau are open 24 hours, so visit one or two late night.
Day 2. Do the "St. Paul's and Camoes Garden" walk in reverse, by taking a taxi and start from the Camoes Garden. The Macau Museum inside the Monte Fort is not bad; it opens at 10am. Eventually, you'll end up at the Senate Square.
Then do the "Penha Peninsula" walk that ends at the excellent Maritime Museum. Get a taxi from there back to your hotel to pick up your bags for the ferry terminal.
If you have time left, or if these appeal to you, I'd also recommend the Guia Fort & Lighthouse, as well as the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden (both part of the "Guia Hill & Sao Lazaro" walk).
Nov 19th, 2005, 12:04 PM
#4
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rkkwan,
Not quite clear on that: "If you have access to MOP$" - only if I buy them after entering Macau. Don't know the arithmetic: To pay for a double change from US$ to MOP to HK$, or to buy MOP and then to exchange them again to HK$/US$ before I leave? The exchange rate vs the service charges and extra costs of using the HK$ as if it was the same face value of the MOP in Macau? Did I explain that clearly?
The Sintra does look nice. They are asking HK$500(~US$72)just now for a standard room. Will have to write them and request rates for April, 2006, but it does look quite luxurious for the price.
Thanks for the tip about sight seeing. I do normally prefer to traipse around on my own, just thought that my time there is so limited it might be worthwhile. If it really is that small, and the better spots to visit are de-emphasized by the tours then you are right and I should do it on my own.
I saw on the Macau gov't site something about a World Heritage site... Would very much appreciate any additional suggestions on where to go, what to see.
Food? Like China? Avoid fresh vegetables/fruit and use only bottled water?
Much appareciated! Thank you.
Not quite clear on that: "If you have access to MOP$" - only if I buy them after entering Macau. Don't know the arithmetic: To pay for a double change from US$ to MOP to HK$, or to buy MOP and then to exchange them again to HK$/US$ before I leave? The exchange rate vs the service charges and extra costs of using the HK$ as if it was the same face value of the MOP in Macau? Did I explain that clearly?
The Sintra does look nice. They are asking HK$500(~US$72)just now for a standard room. Will have to write them and request rates for April, 2006, but it does look quite luxurious for the price.
Thanks for the tip about sight seeing. I do normally prefer to traipse around on my own, just thought that my time there is so limited it might be worthwhile. If it really is that small, and the better spots to visit are de-emphasized by the tours then you are right and I should do it on my own.
I saw on the Macau gov't site something about a World Heritage site... Would very much appreciate any additional suggestions on where to go, what to see.
Food? Like China? Avoid fresh vegetables/fruit and use only bottled water?
Much appareciated! Thank you.
Nov 19th, 2005, 12:21 PM
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1. You should change just enough USD to MOP. Any extra, you change it to HK$ before you leave Macau. [If you can get HK$ before arriving into Macau, then just use HK$.]
Since the exchange rates among USD, HKD and MOP are extremely stable, you won't lose much by exchanging it at a bank. Change bureau will cost you more. Or just use an ATM.
Yeah, just use ATM to get MOP in Macau. Exchange the extra to HK$ before you get on the ferry.
2. I've always booked my Macau hotels at the ferry terminal in Hong Kong, and the rates there are the best. Since but since you're not arriving from HK, I don't know where would be a good place to book. But ~US$72 for the Sintra is not too bad. You can also try Asiarooms.com, which list it for $69, or Asia-hotels.com for $67.
An alternative is the Pousada de Sao Tiago, which is a small boutique hotel built in an old fort. Not the most convenient, but nice romantic place.
3. I wouldn't worry about food. As safe as Hong Kong. But in China/HK/Macau, don't drink water from the tap. Either boiled or bottled water. Fruits and vegetables are fine.
Since the exchange rates among USD, HKD and MOP are extremely stable, you won't lose much by exchanging it at a bank. Change bureau will cost you more. Or just use an ATM.
Yeah, just use ATM to get MOP in Macau. Exchange the extra to HK$ before you get on the ferry.
2. I've always booked my Macau hotels at the ferry terminal in Hong Kong, and the rates there are the best. Since but since you're not arriving from HK, I don't know where would be a good place to book. But ~US$72 for the Sintra is not too bad. You can also try Asiarooms.com, which list it for $69, or Asia-hotels.com for $67.
An alternative is the Pousada de Sao Tiago, which is a small boutique hotel built in an old fort. Not the most convenient, but nice romantic place.
3. I wouldn't worry about food. As safe as Hong Kong. But in China/HK/Macau, don't drink water from the tap. Either boiled or bottled water. Fruits and vegetables are fine.
Nov 19th, 2005, 12:45 PM
#6
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Marvelous! Thank you so much. I have Copied and Pasted all of the walking tours.
I do like your ideas!
Is English spoken in Macau? Will a taxi driver understand me or should I ask the hotel to write down my destinations for me, as in mainland China?
Thanks for the tips about the money. Will see if HK$ are available in Guangzhou before I leave.
Am off now to check out Asiarooms.com and Asia-hotels.com
Much appreciated.
I do like your ideas!
Is English spoken in Macau? Will a taxi driver understand me or should I ask the hotel to write down my destinations for me, as in mainland China?
Thanks for the tips about the money. Will see if HK$ are available in Guangzhou before I leave.
Am off now to check out Asiarooms.com and Asia-hotels.com
Much appreciated.
Nov 19th, 2005, 02:18 PM
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I'd get a map - either printouts from the internet or from the hotel - and just point to the locations you want to go. English level of cab drivers in Macau is lower than in Hong Kong.
Plus, street names are in Chinese/Portugese. No English on street signs.
Plus, street names are in Chinese/Portugese. No English on street signs.
Nov 19th, 2005, 03:05 PM
#8
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Thanks again. I did copy the maps from the walking tours site, but they are awful small and have no detail. Will search for better ones.
At least Portugese uses the Latin alphaebet.
I should be able to read those.
Have also sent off an inquiry re rates in April to the Asia-hotels site.
Thanks again.
At least Portugese uses the Latin alphaebet.
I should be able to read those.Have also sent off an inquiry re rates in April to the Asia-hotels site.
Thanks again.
Nov 19th, 2005, 07:00 PM
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About the Unesco World Heritage - this year (2005), center Macau is designated a World Heritage Site. Most of the stuff in those walks are within the zone.
Also, while that Macau walk page is already very thorogh, let me add a few things:
- Inside the Protestant Cemetary (across from Camoes Garden) is the grave of Robert Morrison. He was a early-19th C. Brit who was probably the first to publish a Chinese-English dictionary and to translate the Bible to Chinese. George Chinnery was also buried there.
- Look at the St. Paul's ruin facade carefully. You'll find Chinese charaters on it.
- The guide mentioned it, but if you go up to the Ghia Fort, make sure you go inside the small church next to the ligthhouse. Beautiful frescoes that were uncovered just a couple of years ago behind layers of paint.
Now, even if you don't gamble, do visit the casino at the Hotel de Lisboa. It's really a sight to be seen.
Also, while that Macau walk page is already very thorogh, let me add a few things:
- Inside the Protestant Cemetary (across from Camoes Garden) is the grave of Robert Morrison. He was a early-19th C. Brit who was probably the first to publish a Chinese-English dictionary and to translate the Bible to Chinese. George Chinnery was also buried there.
- Look at the St. Paul's ruin facade carefully. You'll find Chinese charaters on it.
- The guide mentioned it, but if you go up to the Ghia Fort, make sure you go inside the small church next to the ligthhouse. Beautiful frescoes that were uncovered just a couple of years ago behind layers of paint.
Now, even if you don't gamble, do visit the casino at the Hotel de Lisboa. It's really a sight to be seen.
Nov 19th, 2005, 10:40 PM
#10
It was two years ago, but when I arrived in Macau I stopped at a currency exchange booth. The two US$100 bills I presented were rejected, but they did exchange a $50 bill. The Ben F.s had pen marks on them or something. The Macau Jockey Club racetrack on Taipa accepted them.
If you have leftover MOP, you can exchange it at the Lisboa casino. I exchanged my MJC winnnings in MOP there for US$ and HK$.
The Lisboa casino is indeed a sight to be seen. I played two hands of blackjack there. It's pretty hardcore. Don't take photos on the casino floor or the security person will demand to review the digital images on your camera with you and delete the ones from there (this is not an entirely negative experience if the security person turns out to be a knockout Chinese woman).
If you have leftover MOP, you can exchange it at the Lisboa casino. I exchanged my MJC winnnings in MOP there for US$ and HK$.
The Lisboa casino is indeed a sight to be seen. I played two hands of blackjack there. It's pretty hardcore. Don't take photos on the casino floor or the security person will demand to review the digital images on your camera with you and delete the ones from there (this is not an entirely negative experience if the security person turns out to be a knockout Chinese woman).
Nov 20th, 2005, 07:01 AM
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Well thanks for the info. Actually not only don't I gamble but as a woman solo traveller it never occured to me to go into a casino! Is it really worth taking a look at it? Do I need to dress up? I'm not planning on taking a skirt along LOL
Glad to have the extra tips on the walks. That is something I am looking forward to - it is my favorite way of travelling in any new place, just walking along with a good written guide to explain what it is thatt I am seeing.
Can't seem to find a decent street map on the internet. The one in my LP China Guide is as good as any I have seen - and that it not detailed enough. Are they available there in the tourist info office?
Glad to have the extra tips on the walks. That is something I am looking forward to - it is my favorite way of travelling in any new place, just walking along with a good written guide to explain what it is thatt I am seeing.
Can't seem to find a decent street map on the internet. The one in my LP China Guide is as good as any I have seen - and that it not detailed enough. Are they available there in the tourist info office?
Nov 20th, 2005, 08:09 AM
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You should be able to pick up a free map at the hotel. Those with ads - just like in major cities of Europe/US. In fact, I have one in my hand right now.
Yes, do go to the casino at Hotel Lisboa to take a look. You need to show ID (if you are young, or if you look young.
), and again don't take your camera out. Just look at the gamblers and the way they play. It's really a sight. I am not sure about the location, but I think in the ground floor of the casino/hotel complex you may also find lots of hookers from around the world waiting for business. [Well, I guess you won't be interested in that either.]
I've said this before, but Macau is really two places in one. Most visitors only see the casinos/nightclubs/women. But there are all these historical buildings/churches/temples which few pay attention. That lighthouse is the first along the Chinese coast. Many of the forts and churches have been around for 400 years, way before there was a Hong Kong next door.
Yes, do go to the casino at Hotel Lisboa to take a look. You need to show ID (if you are young, or if you look young.
), and again don't take your camera out. Just look at the gamblers and the way they play. It's really a sight. I am not sure about the location, but I think in the ground floor of the casino/hotel complex you may also find lots of hookers from around the world waiting for business. [Well, I guess you won't be interested in that either.]I've said this before, but Macau is really two places in one. Most visitors only see the casinos/nightclubs/women. But there are all these historical buildings/churches/temples which few pay attention. That lighthouse is the first along the Chinese coast. Many of the forts and churches have been around for 400 years, way before there was a Hong Kong next door.
- I am a grandma !!
