Day Trip from Hong Kong: Macau

Just a day trip away from Hong Kong is China’s other “special administrative region” — the former Portuguese colony of Macau. Although it is so close, the city is surprisingly different from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. It can easily be reached by a ferry from the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui for less than $150 HK, or US $20, one way. The hour-long ride is quite comfortable even in the budget class, and those prone to seasickness will be glad to know that water is fairly calm on a fine day.

Upon arrival in Macau at the ferry terminal, it’s best to take a city bus to the old town center. (On my recent trip there, I attempted to walk and then ran out of sidewalks on the busy streets.) This journey brings travelers from a very modern-looking city to one of several Spanish-style squares, remnants of several hundred years of Portuguese rule.

The old town, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, reminds me of photos I’ve seen of Mexico or Central America. The buildings are painted bright pinks and yellows, with lovely white trim and shutters. As you walk through the pedestrian stone streets, suddenly you come upon little piazzas with palm trees or giant banyans and iron lampposts. There are Vespas everywhere, and just a general feeling of Europeanness that is warmer and softer than Hong Kong’s Western aspects.

A main attraction in the old town is the ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which almost burned to the ground in 1835. Now all that remains of the old church is its façade, which sits atop several steep flights of stairs, and the mosaic floor behind it. Visitors can climb up on the façade, which provides a nice panorama of Macau, or journey down into a crypt where remains are on display in glass cases.

In the streets around the old city center, there are numerous stores of an interesting kind. They could almost be called bakeries, except that, in addition to pastries, their other main product is dried meat of all varieties. In wandering from one of these shops to the next, it is almost possible to make a meal of all the free samples! They sell cashew and almond candies similar to peanut brittle, several varieties of shortbread cookies, flaky nut pastries and the most amazing almond cookies I’ve ever eaten. They are the hardest, densest cookies, very grainy in fact; but the explosion of almond flavor in your mouth as you eat them is extraordinary. When eaten warm, they are truly spectacular.

Macau is also known for its Portuguese egg tarts, which are available at every turn – I even saw them at a casino. The tarts are about the size of a muffin cup, and consist of a warm, slightly sweet egg custard filling surrounded by a flaky pastry. Anyone who enjoys flan or crème brulee will like the egg tarts, although they are not quite so rich as those desserts.

In addition to its Portuguese heritage, Macau’s other main attraction is its many gambling establishments. Areas of the city are quite Las Vegas-esque with flashing neon lights and casino after casino. There is even a casino modeled after the swimming complex, nicknamed the “Water Cube,” from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. Many of the casinos offer free shuttle buses to and from the ferry pier, so it might even be possible for sightseers to plan their trip around the city via free transport.

Macau is certainly an easy day trip from Hong Kong or mainland China’s Guangdong Province. However, those wishing to stay longer could find plenty to do by taking in a show at a casino, enjoying the views from the 1,107-foot tall Macau Tower or simply discovering the charms of a city where East meets West.