The writer on a stroll around Senado Square
I LOVE to travel and explore new places.
Whether it’s a simple road trip or a visit to a foreign country, I would welcome it.
This time my restless feet took me to Hong Kong and Macau—by far the most memorable trip of my life.
Joining me were two cousins, Mary Bridgette Mahusay and Kristine Mae Grantoza, on their first international trip.
Not only did we have a wonderful time, but we also felt the essence of Filipino hospitality in every corner of these two Chinese speaking territories.
Yes, our dear Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) helped us get through the six-day trip.
My article today will highlight our Macau escapade.
Did you know that Macau is one of the easiest destinations for Filipino travelers?
First and foremost, it’s a visa free territory.
Macau, an autonomous region located at the Southern Coast of China, is only an hour away from Hong Kong by ferry.
Their currency is called Macanese Pataca.
Most of its locals speak Mandarin and Cantonese.
Since Macau was colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it has both Chinese and European influence, from food to architecture.
It has been described by many as the “Las Vegas of Asia” because of its luxury hotels and posh casinos.
The place looks even more beautiful at night because of the neon lights from the big buildings which constantly change colors.
If you’re planning a trip to Macau, here are things you can do in a day, especially if you are on a tight budget.
For starters, wear your most comfortable pair of shoes since the excursion requires a lot of walking.
Now pull up your smartphone and ready the Google Map application to help you explore the area.
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
1. Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
Who said you need to take a bus ride to have your first selfie in Macau?
Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is the nearest attraction to the Outer Harbour Terminal, a mere 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal located across the Sands Macao Hotel.
The Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is a theme entertainment complex.
Aside from the shops and casinos, what makes it attractive also are the Greek and Roman inspired amphitheaters.
2. Eiffel Tower replica
The mini Eiffel Tower experience at Parisian Macau
For sure, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, is one of your dream destinations.
If your funds aren’t quite there yet, in the meantime you can visit the replica of the Eiffel Tower at The Parisian Macao.
Now imagine being at the grounds of the City of Love.
Visitors pay an entrance fee of 100 Macanese Pataca, which gives you access to the observation deck where visitors can take a closer look and photos of the tower.
Budget travelers need not feel sorry for themselves though.
You can take photos of the tower as your background at no cost.
The perfect spot is across the Parisian Macao.
gondola rentals at the Venetian Macau
3. Gondola ride at The Venetian Macau
From France, let’s go to Italy.
Macau offers an experience similar to the popular Venice gondola ride at The Venetian Macao, one of the posh hotels in the area.
The gondola is a popular traditional boat ride on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.
The Macau version of the ride is just as romantic with the boatman (gondolier) serenading the guests.
A gondola ride at The Venetian Macao costs around 100 Macanese Pataca.
In our case, we opted to save our money for souvenirs.
Instead, we headed to The Venetian Macau where we saw its magnificent painted ceilings and grand pillars.
4. Senado Square
Another free must do in Macau is a visit to the Senado Square, also called the Largo do Senado.
A tourist attraction, it serves as a reminder of the Portuguese colonization of Macau.
Pastel-colored, neo-classical buildings enclose the square and here you’ll find high-end boutiques, currency exchange shops, a museum, and an old church.
Other historic buildings near Senado Square are the Leal Senado Building and Macau General Post Office.
The Venetian Macau
5. Ruins of St. Paul
Next stop was the iconic Ruins of St. Paul.
The facade, built in the 17th century, was intended for the Church of Mater Dei, but was damaged in a fire in the 1800s.
Before finding the spot, as guided by our app, we followed a path uphill through streets and passed by the Fortaleza de Monte, an old military center.
Not quite sure if we were on the right track, we asked some locals who were there.
Finally, after an hour, we arrived at the site thronged with tourists.
And then we discovered that the Ruins of St. Paul was two blocks away from the Senado Square.
Macau eats
* Portuguese egg tart
Even before we arrived in Macau, we’ve heard about their famous egg tarts. We had the chance to try them while waiting for a bus ride to San Malo.
The Portuguese egg tart is a small round crust filled with cream and egg custard.
It costs 10 Macanese Pataca a piece.
Free food tasting in food stalls near the Ruins of St Paul
There are cheaper egg tarts sold near the Ruins of the St. Paul at 8 Macanese Pataca per piece.
* Free taste
No need to spend much if you want to taste Macau’s delicacies.
It’s such a delight to walk around the Ruins of St. Paul. Some stores would offer a free taste of their products to entice tourists to buy them.
Ask to take another bite if you wish.
We tried the popular hot and spicy pork and beef jerkys, and even the roasted boar.
The meat, cut into strips, were juicy.
Aside from the jerkys, we tasted the white round shape cookie and pastries.