Dec
09
2008
Macao - Part II (Going Places)
Posted by: desmond-t in Activities, Entertainment, TravelThe first thing when you hear the word “Macao” or “Macau”, what does your brain interpret?
Honestly, it is none other than C-A-S-I-N-O, rite?
FYI, Macau consistst of three islands, The Macau Peninsula as the main island and also The Isles of Taipa (Cotai Strip) and Coloane that are closely linked by bridges. This Special Administration Region (S.A.R) of Macao is indeed famous of being the tourist spot for gambling and gaming. Otherwise, it is also known as the “Las Vegas” of Asia. The latest addition of casino is of course The Venetian Macao, yet another multi-million investment by Las Vegas tycoon Sheldon Adelson.
There’s so many casinos in this tourism-based island. Every 5 mins of walk around the Macao Peninsula, you will bump into another entrance of casino. Even when you walked into a hotel, you will eventually be led into the casino first, before you can get yourself registered for a room. Gambling comes first, then only accomodation.
The best thing is that the hotel concierge and the casino stewards really treat you with first class services, even if you are not gambling, or just pretending to be gambling. They serve you with fruit juices and snacks, all free of charge, just as long as you are eligible to enter the casino. Nice huh? Myself and my family went to most of the well known casinos like The Venetian Macao, MGM Grand, Wynn, Casino Lisboa, Grand Lisboa Casino. Just entertain ourselves with some petty bets, so that I can proudly tell my friends and relatives that I’ve gambled in Macao before! LOL
Too bad I can’t snap any pictures in the casino. Out of so many casinos, The Venetian Macao has the largest casino I reckon, too huge that most of the rooms are not occupied most of the time. The nicest ambience would be the Wynn Casino because it is so classical and furnished with the American accent and stylish. The Grand Lisboa has the most gambling games I think. They have 3 (or 4, I forget already hehe) levels of casinos, they even have the game “Guess How Many Kacang” that is covered by the cup! HOLY MOLY COW! All those Chinamen grouped and yelled like market…just like the roadside gambling stalls in the old time TVB drama.
The stores above are actually providing pawning services and money lenders. If you are out-of-credit, the pawnshop and the local money lender is everywhere as well. Seriously, I think gambling is too commercialized here. Every hotel promotes “responsible gambling” ethiques by handling out brochures, the locals out there are opening pawnshops which are so nicely decorated, just like a hotel!
Alright, we shall proceed. Next destination…
The Ruins of St. Paul - The Ultimate Landmark of Macau.
If you miss this place, then you are officially being excluded from the team “I travelled to Macau before”. Seriously, this is a must-go place in Macau. Not that if you’re not a Christian and you might not be interested, it is the journey to the destination that makes it interesting.
The path to the Ruins of St. Paul is obviously commercialized as well. So famous even the Julian Cheung and Charmaine Sheh TVB Drama “Return of Cuckoo” or “Ou Moon Kai” in Cantonese was filmed here. There are a lot interesting shoplots all the way up to the foothill of the area. Nice local delicacies (will elaborate in Macao - Part III) and also souvenier stores are available.
p/s: Beware of pickpockets, the crowd is usually so packed that you can easily spot many of the tourists lost their belongings and stranded at the sides.
Another place would be the Promenade of Macao Peninsula. Just before you begin walking up to the Ruins of St. Paul, you will reach this huge meeting point which is surrounded by old vintage buildings that are so well preserved. This is where the famous HK Triad Movie “Young & Dangerous III” was filmed, where San Kai of Hung Hing triad killed her half-Taiwanese-half-Japanese lover, LOL.
So, you must be wondering, how to get to all these places? It is pretty simple actually. If you are staying in the heart of the city, it is all within walking distance. For me, I stayed at The Venetian Macao which is on the Taipa isle, so I had to take the free hotel shuttle bus to the city and walk from the hotels to the Promenade. You will find many shops to eat on the way (again, will elaborate the food in my next post).
What else to see in Macao? Hmm, there are also some interesting places like this Kuan Yin statue built by the sea just opposite the MGM Grand Hotel. Or you can even try to go to the Fisherman’s Wharf exhibition centre which is kinda near the Casino Lisboa.
Frankly, I actually go to travel with a hungry stomach waiting to savour all the food tempting me as I walk down the streets. Instead of going to visit old temples and churches, I rather go to eat those local delicacies… so if you find that you may need more explanation of going places, kindly go to www.macau.com as they are the official travelling guide.
Your most anticipated food entry is coming up next… Macao - Part III (THE FOOD)
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I’m thinking of portugese tart when I heard the word ‘macau’. Haha… I luv to eat.. .
allie’s last blog post..Kafe Kheng Pin
desmond-t: Yeah! Portuguese tart!!! I love to eat too hehehe…Stay tuned!
i didnt know that Macau is such a nice place to visit… i only know got casino lol…
vincent2903’s last blog post..Jaya Jusco, Bukit Tinggi
desmond-t: Well, now you know dude… Check out more of my blog and you will know even more hehe
so many nice places to go! the ruins looked impressive.
desmond-t: Hmm Macao’s most famous landmark ma… actually what’s left is just a plain wall…
Nice pictures!! I’ve never been to Macau, but I’d like to certainly (someday LOL).
The Ruins of St.Paul is gorgeous! I haven’t seen that view for quite a whilea actually.
Interesting blog you’ve got there!
Gorgeous Ol’Eve’s last blog post..Art Planet
desmond-t: Very flattered with your compliments. Macau is indeed a very nice place to visit.
The picture would be nicer if u switch MGM Grand and cuisine oriental picture placement..hehehe
desmond-t: Wah, ada orang lepas belajar photoshop can teach teach me adeee Lo hehehe good good…me cin cai do only…where got time to think think hahaha