Hong Kong-Macau Series: Macau

In contrast with how organized our HK itinerary was, our Macau itinerary was merely a list of the places I thought would be interesting to see. Since Macau does not have a railway system like HK, buses and cabs are the common means of going around so I was a bit anxious about our day trip.

After breakfast, we started walking to look for China Ferry Terminal. However, I failed to get the exact address of the terminal so we ended up taking the longer route (or at least that's what I think); we ended up circumnavigating Kowloon Park instead of just passing through it. *facepalm*

Anyway, when we got to the terminal we bought our round trip tickets at HKD270 (take note that ticket prices are standard. No discount for children unless they're less than a year old). We got the 10:30 am schedule since it was already 10:00 am when we arrived. We also got an 'open' ticket which means we can return anytime not later than 10:30 pm. 

We immediately proceeded to the departure area, filled up the departure card, passed through immigration and followed the directions going to the berth. After 10 minutes we already boarded the ferry. After more than an hour we finally reached Macau! It was way colder than Hong Kong. 

From the terminal (took the left side), we walked for more than five minutes until we reached our first destination: Macau Fisherman's Wharf. This is a very nice place to take pictures. :)

We then crossed to Sands Hotel. A friend told me this is a sister hotel of The Venetian so we took a shuttle from here to the latter. Five to ten minutes later we arrived at the West Lobby of the hotel. We took some time to roam around and take in the opulence and grandeur of this place. 

Next agenda is to see the famous Grand Canal.

Truly a taste of Venice. :)

After our photo opps, it was time to go to City of Dreams. This is just across Venetian but you can still take the shuttle from the West Lobby if you don't want to go there by foot.

We were greeted by the Vquarium.

We followed the signs going to The Bubble to watch the famous Dragon's Treasure. There was a long queue and even though the show is free, you still have to get a stub from the ticketing booth. According to their interactive directory, the show is only 10 minutes long but waiting time is 30 minutes!

Again, clueless as to how to get to Point B from Point A, I asked around how to get to Senado Square and we were pointed to go downstairs and take the shuttle going to Hotel Sintra. A short walk from Sintra and we saw the signs pointing to Ruins of St. Paul and shortly reached Senado Square. 

Love the wave-patterned pavement and old world feel of this place. :)

Again, walked some more following the signs to the Ruins. 

 

Passed by the famous alley where we got to sample the delectable treats like beef jerky, peanut cookies and other sweets. We also bought a box of the famous Portuguese egg tarts from Pasteleria Koi Kei. 

Walked some more until we reached the steps of the ruins, took a picture, and literally went back to Senado right after to catch Bus No. 3 to go back to the ferry terminal. This is the only transporation cost we had in Macau. :) I think we paid MOP/HKD3 each.

We were supposed to go to Wynn to watch the Tree of Prosperity and Performance Lake but my companions were already too tired. We got the 7:00 PM trip and the waves were already big and strong during this time. My mom said many of the passengers were throwing up while I was soundly asleep. :p

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TIPS:

• When in doubt, ask. There are lots of Pinoys in Macau and Hong Kong. :)
• Follow the signs. It's almost everywhere and it's bilingual.
• Take advantage of the free shuttle and treats. ;)
• Enjoy! :D