Why go to Macao
Macao is one of the most exciting destinations in the Far East and the perfect stopover if you are looking to explore Asia or travelling onwards to Australasia. Only 40 miles from Hong Kong, and with connections in just over an hour by high-speed ferry, accessing this destination couldn’t be easier.
Macau Giant Panda at ‘Parque de Seac Pai van Macau’
Where is Macao
Macao lies 40 miles south west of Hong Kong on the south eastern coast of mainland China in the Pearl River Delta. It borders China’s Guangdong province in the north and is surrounded by the South China Sea.
How Big is Macao
Macao’s total land area is around 30 square kilometres, around a quarter of the size of Jersey. It is comprised of a peninsula and two islands.
Getting to Macao
Most UK visitors arrive with flights via Hong Kong. The flight takes around 12 hours with Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic or British Airways offering a direct service into Hong Kong.
Flying Cathay Pacific is truly awesome, a really good product. The cabin crew are charming and so efficient; the food is delicious. The best thing is that on arrival in Hong Kong just clear customs and immigration and take the 70-minute high speed ferry ride direct from Hong Kong Airport to Macao.
Cathay Pacific have direct flights to Hong Kong
Macao also has its own airport, making travel between Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Mainland China, and other countries in the Far East so easy.
Visa requirements
British passport holders do not need a visa for entry to Macao for stays of up to six months. But you must make sure that you have six months validity on your passport from the departure date from Macao. For the most up-to-date travel information always check the Foreign travel advice – GOV.UK website.
Getting understood in Macao
Although Chinese (Cantonese) and Portuguese are the official languages of Macao. You will find that English is commonly spoken in commerce, trade, and the tourism industry.
Climate
Macao enjoys a subtropical climate with average annual temperature of just over 20°C and humidity generally high. Winter is from January to March and is dry and cooler with average temperatures around 15°C while spring averages 22°C.
Summer is hot and humid with average temperatures around 28°C and occasional typhoons between May and September. October to December is a pleasant time to visit when it is sunny and comfortably warm at around 23°C average.
History
Historically, Macao was inhabited by Cantonese farmers and fishermen. The Portuguese settlers arrived in the 1500s and changed Macao’s fortunes forever. Macao quickly became a significant trading post linking Europe with China and Japan.
Ruins of St Pauls, Macau
The establishment of Hong Kong in the mid-19th century, saw many foreign merchants leave Macao. However, Macao continued to develop and attracted a growing number of travellers, amongst them a significant number of writers and artists.
Modern Macao
Nowadays, Macao offers visitors a contemporary city established while retaining many of its historic sectors. The Macao skyline is dominated by modern skyscrapers, stunning hotels, and casinos. Contrasting this modern take is the Historic Centre which was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005.
Macao offers you a combination of a vibrant city centre, a fascinating history and culture, excellent tourism products and an awesome countryside, all combining to offer visitors a unique Asian Holiday experience.
Photo: Macao Government Tourism Office
Why go to Macao
There’s nowhere else in the Far East like Macao. Its blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage is unique, as illustrated by the local architecture and its cuisine. Macao offers a variety of both Macanese and Portuguese dishes, simply delicious.
Macao is often referred to as: ‘Asia’s Las Vegas’. The gambling industry is now reputed to be seven times bigger than that of Las Vegas. James Bond fans will remember Macau as the setting for ‘Skyfall’. Macao hosts a variety of excellent shows including ‘The House of Dancing Water’.
Plan a holiday to Macao and enjoy all that this awesome destination has to offer. I would recommend a minimum of 3 days if you have the time. Macao is also ideal for those looking to break a journey to Australasia or while exploring the Far East. Macao is the perfect destination for a twin-centre holiday with Hong Kong.
Enjoying the sound of Macao? Read my next Blog post coming soon: ‘What to See and Do in Macao’.
