Macau, in colonial times, was ruled by Portugal. Set on the coast of China, this sleepy city has a history that speaks volumes. One of only two special administrative regions in China, Macau has its own government, currency, and industry.
Taipa is another outlying island of Macau like Coloane Island. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, this island of Taipa was composed of two islands and a sheltered port that served as a place where ships dropped their anchor to engage in trade with mainland China. There were also smaller shipping vessels that carried different products such as opium and other produce up the Pearl River to reach Canton. On the way back, these vessels in turn carry items like silk, porcelain, coffee or tea that they will carry on their journey for export to other parts of the world.
Currently, Taipa is still considered a gateway to other countries ever since the Macau International Airport started its operations. Aside from trade, Taipa is a highly popular destination among tourists who find themselves in colourful Macau. This is because there are so many interesting things to see in this enthralling island. The island is considered an excellent choice for sightseeing opportunities and the entire place can be explored either on foot or even on a cycle.
Coloane Island would have to be included in any traveler’s itinerary in Macau. According to history books and brochures on Macau, Coloane Island used to be just an uninhabited bay, rocky hillside, deep caverns, and a wooded area covered by thick vegetation and trees. At the time when Macau was the core of trading activities between the West and China, a lot of pirates built their headquarters on Coloane Island as it seemed that the island was scary enough to discourage trespassers. Obviously, Coloane Island has already evolved to the attractive island that it is today. Coloane Island is making its mark as a favorite tourist destination in Macau because of its nice beaches, trekking pathways or trails, and numerous open-air offerings.
More and more people are heading to Macau for their vacations. This is not in the bit surprising as there are a lot of wonderful things to see and experience in this former Portuguese colony. Tourists can visit any of the sacred temples, walk around Senado Square, check out museums, or go take a dip in Macau’s beaches. With all these exciting stops, it is important for all travelers in Macau to know the different modes of transportation to take while touring this vibrant and colorful city.
First and foremost, there are different ways to reach Macau. If by air, there are a number of airlines that service this line headed by the flag carrier, Air Macau Company Limited or simply Air Macau. This airline operates to a total of twelve destinations in China plus other international countries.
Do you dream of traveling to Venice and walk along alleys that are bursting with distinct European culture? If your answer is yes then we have something in common. Venice is part of my bucket list that seem to grow longer and longer each day with every travel article that I read and with every traveler I meet.
People travel for different reasons. Some travel to take photos of notable landmarks and popular tourist attractions. Some do so to immerse themselves in different cultures and meet the locals of each country that they visit. There will be individuals who ride that plane to some far off destination to go on a gastronomic adventure and taste the sumptuous cuisines of different countries. Of course, folks can travel to head to the beach to relax and rejuvenate under the energizing heat of the sun.
Contrary to some first impressions of Macau, this charming tourist destination has several lovely beaches to offer to beach bummers from all over the world. These beaches can actually be placed in the top five list of attractions that one must make time to visit while in Macau. The coast of Macau, composed of the isthmus plus the islands of Coloane and Taipa, measures a total of about 41 kilometers. The entire stretch of the coastline beaded with a lot of beautiful beaches that are ideal for anyone who are looking for some peace and quiet.
It was love at first sight for me the first time I had the chance to go to Macau. I can still remember my anticipation and excitement as my plane sashayed along the runaway upon touchdown before it came to a complete stop about a kilometer away from the main airport terminal. One of the things that must be done whenever you find yourself in a new country is to visit the Visitors’ Center at the airport or at the ferry terminal. You can get copies of maps, information materials, promotional booklets or coupons, and visitors’ welcome kits among others when you drop by the Visitors’ Center. If you don’t have a place to stay yet, you can also inquire at the center and they would be glad to suggest several hotels like the Hotel Sintra Macau.
Over the years, these forts evolved into tourist attractions not only because of what they symbolize in Macau’s colorful history but because of their interesting architecture and traditional designs. These forts are also usually located near museums, churches and even some gardens which make them accessible to tourists.
Here are some remarkable fortresses in Macau that you can include in your itineraries:
The famous Grand Prix Museum of Macau opened its doors to the public in 1993 in time for the 40th anniversary celebration of the Macau Grand Prix, an annual event that is held every November that showcases a variety of car and motorbike events. The Grand Prix was born in 1954 mainly because of the excitement and eagerness of a select group of people who were into racing. Furthermore, this museum was established in order to give extra promotion for the Macau Grand Prix in the hope to attracting more tourists to come, visit and join in the celebration. At present, this event draws in thousands of people, specifically racing fanatics, to Macau.
Your trip to Macau will not be complete without visiting the different Temples. When it comes to preserving religion, Macau was able to splendidly preserve the classic architectural designs of traditional temples. By doing so, future generations are given the opportunity to take a peek into old beliefs, traditions, and practices of diverse religions that have been passed on from one generation to another. In one swift tour, visitors are presented with temples that have been built to pay homage to the gods of Buddhism, Taoism, among others.
A-MA TEMPLE (Barra Point) – This particular temple has been playing an important role in the way of life of seafarers’ as early as the 16th century. As a matter of fact, the name “Macau” was based on the name “A-Ma-Gau.” According to the famous legend, a little girl name A-Ma was taken onboard a boat by a fisherman who took pity on her when all the other rich boat owners refused to accept her. A storm tore the boats at sea except for the boat of the kind-hearted fisherman who welcomed A-Ma. When their boat arrived in Macau, A-Ma suddenly vanished then came back as a goddess. The fishermen then decided to build a temple on the exact spot where the goddess reappeared.
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