"MACAU" Concelho de Macau by dmirebella

Concelho de Macau Travel Guide: 687 reviews and 2,385 photos

1000 yr old ship bell - Concelho de Macau

Macau Architectures

Macau is the blending ground for Chinese and European culture.

Like HK , Macau first encoutered its first settlers, however rather than the English it was the Portuguese that first landed at the mouth of the Pearl River near Macau.

These Portuguese traders signed an agreement with the Guangzhou officials to lease the Macau Peninsula. Since Chinese were not allowed to travel aboard at the time, Macau became a major trading center in Southeast Asia; until the British took control over Hong Kong in the mid-1800.

After the decline of being a major trade post, Macau's economy didn't revive until the legalization of gambling.

Under an agreement signed in 1987 by both the Portuguese and Chinese government, Macau has now returned back into the Chinese rule. Macau, like HK is granted the "Special Administrative Region" status for 50 years - to which Macau will retain a high degree of autonomy.

My own personal insights are memorable - Macau will always be one of my favourite countries to visit -and its not because of the legal gambling either! The both times I was in Macau - I did not even step into the casino's. Rather, I tried to check out the simplicity that is Macau.

I cant really quite remember the name of this church but it is situated at the foot of the St Paul's ruins foothills. Do note however that the overall structure still retains its original columns and at any one point, only 6 ppl are allowed to actually enter the upper decks.

Street lanes

If you are traveling to Hong Kong, why not take a side trip to this delightful little enclave? It will be a fun and exciting detour from the quick pace of Hong Kong. Macau is only 1 hr away by Turbojet and HKD as well as the local currency Pattaca is accepted all around.

Location.

Map from the Lonely Planet

Macau may have been handed back to China but its Portugese influence still remains strong.

Located approx 65km away from HK, its made up of two islands - Taipa and Coloane.

Macau is also known to be the 'Las Vegas' of Asia - as its primary current attraction is its legal gambling and casino attraction.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Can be a bit too laidback for a city slicker - different kind of charm

Last visit to Concelho de Macau: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Aug 27, 2004
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Reviews (8)

5 star Hotel with a nice view - Concelho de Macau

5 star Hotel with a nice view Hotels (1)

Situated nearly on top of the Penha Hill - it overlooks the Praia Grande Bay and the Macau Taipa Bridge. Hotel Ritz... more travel advice

Waiting for the bus near the Fort area - Concelho de Macau

General impression. Things to Do (3)

There is no specific place to state when visiting Macau - it simply has a very serene air about it ... It has always... more travel advice

Egg tarts anyone? Favorites (1)

Now.. how can I leave Macau without mentioning food.. and when I talk about food.. I think EGGTARTS!! The Porteguese... more travel advice

Buskers.. Off The Beaten Path (1)

As one walks to go towards the Ruins, by norm one usually meets buskers around. Its a nice experiance and after HK,... more travel advice

Nightlife (2)
See All Casino Lisboa Hotel

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Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 28, 2003

3 photos

St Paul's ruins

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Comments (10)

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dejavu2gb Mar 8, 2005 at 8:28 AM

Very helpful page on Macau. As I am going to Hong Kong in 2 days time I will have to visit it for a day. Thanks! :)
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aussiedoug Nov 8, 2004 at 3:30 AM

Never been to either H.K. or here, but I think I'd also prefer Macau. Have to agee with you Deepa!
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evona Oct 1, 2004 at 7:21 AM

Hi! I would like visit Makau one day. Greetings :)
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orlikins Aug 26, 2004 at 12:14 PM

great tips!
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elcbw Aug 5, 2004 at 8:54 PM

Yummy Yummy! Those Portugese egg tarts were great.
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quartinb Aug 5, 2004 at 8:48 PM

wich i could go there and have my own eggtarts:-))
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dsantosh May 16, 2004 at 9:54 PM

Nice page and tips..awaiting more. deepa had a great wekeend...l
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radz Apr 26, 2004 at 6:10 AM

Nice page.
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l_joo Mar 23, 2004 at 8:00 PM

Is this a recent trip? My Macau memory had gone but can still recall it was age 6.
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sahlenare Dec 28, 2003 at 7:23 AM

Finally pictures ;o)