Martin um die Welt: 7) Macau - 2 small worlds on a small island

Mittwoch, 5. November 2014

7) Macau - 2 small worlds on a small island

When we arrived at Hongkong airport, we realized that we should have booked the airport-Macau ferry in advance. Unfortunately, it is not possible to take this ferry without pre-booking once you landed. Thus, we had to go to central piers by bus, which took us almost an hour. There we had lunch and went on a ferry to Macau. Prices were much higher than in Taiwan and people were considerably less friendly. In Macau we stayed at 5footway Inn. At the ferry terminal they explained us to take the free Sofitel shuttle bus... we were surprised but learned that it is common in Macau to use free hotel or casino shuttles even if you have no interest in these places. Our hotel was great for a hostel, disappointing for a hotel and even more disappointing for almost 100 EUR a night - still it was one of the cheaper places. Macau's old Portuguese central square was in walking distance (as is almost everything on Macau's main island). We felt very comfortable walking the old Portuguese streets... it was more like home and more inviting than the modern city structure in Taiwan. After McD dinner we visited the most famous Grand Lisboa casino. An impressive building but not very exciting inside. We would have been interested in playing a game or two if it wasn't for a minimum bet of 50 EUR. We jumped on a bus to Taipa and walked a bit around. Back on Macau main island we went up to the rooftop bar Sky21. The drinks were expensive, but we the impressive view was worth it.
The next morning (05.11.) we visited the old Portuguese center again. Walked up to the Guia Fort that offered great views too. Afterwards we payed a visit to the biggest tourist crowd in Macau in front of the ruins of St. Paul's church. All in all Macau has some impressive buildings and a cute Portuguese old center... thereby Macau displays different world and cultures in one place... I liked that while I disliked the prices and the money wasting glossy hotel and casino culture. We then took a ferry back to Hongkong.