"MACAU > A-MA-GAU" Ilha de Macau by RoyJava

Ilha de Macau Travel Guide: 63 reviews and 105 photos

What Is In A Name?

My brother houses at MACAU for quite a while. Until I got there for the first time in 2000 he had never heard anything about the name of AMA-GAU and the relation with MACAU. It's about the Taoistic spiritual way of view and the Portuguese way of thinking.

The Tao Te Ching, written c. 4th century BC, speaks of the feminine aspect like energy of accessible spirit. It is an age-old insight of ancient primeval ages ... and MACAU, Super City Casino Number One, got it in its name! Just don't know exactly the difference between Concelho de MACAU and Ilha de MACAU ...

The Temple of the Goddess A-MA has been regarded as one of the ancient temples in Macau today. From the temple's original name, A-Ma-Gau, meaning the Temple-bay of A-Ma, Macau derived its name. And A-MA is closely related with the Universal Goddess Quan Yin, the Macanese Kun Iam, the Chinese Miao-shan and the Japanese Kannon, so I hit this place more than once!

I do LOVE Goddesses!

Our last Macau-visit was at December 16, 2007... we stayed for about 12 days !!!
It was SUPER TRUPER ... G R E A T !!!

And, hopefully, we will visit Macau again in December 2008 ...

A-MA & KUN IAM

Thanks for visiting.

Macau - South-East Asia

welcome-billboard-airport-macau

Macau is a city on 3 small islands (Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane) in South-east of China, and West of Hong Kong. From today Airport Macau International you can reach Macau directly by the Friendship Bridge, no needs anymore to sail the ferry ship from Hong Kong.

Getting to Macau over sea has never been easier, with high-speed ferries now running from Hongkong to Macau. If you are in a small group try a flight by helicopter which is a viable alternative and, becoming increasingly popular for residents ... and visitors alike!

Heli Hong Kong

KUN IAM Statue

kun-iam-statue-macau

Some people think the KUN IAM Statue is a bizarre monument dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, emerging Venus-like from a 7 m.-high lotus, located in the Outer Harbour on a man-made island. The remarkable Lady, facing the city of Macau, is connected to the mainland by a 60 m.-long footbridge, free entrance.

I think the KUN IAM Ecumenical Centre is a magnificent fusion of Eastern mystery and Western art. The KUN IAM Statue, all in bronze, watches the Macau-centre in a mysterious way her visitors drawing near to her entrance within the dome-shaped lotus with 16 petals. Curious, dedicated, worshipping, or to pay a visit to conferences, exhibitions, films ... etc. I adore her!

Pros and Cons

Pros:A-MA - Casino - Colorful - Atmosphere - Legendary Past - Wonderful Food - Indonesian Similarity
Cons:Don't argue the past - Don't seize the future - There's The Casino For Now
In a nutshell:Going for the East - you'll find the West -> A-Ma-Gau

Intro Updated Sep 22, 2008
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Reviews (33)

Movies In English! Nightlife (3)

Tired of shows, gambling and the glitter & glamour? Come, let's go to the Cinema! If you want to watch a good movie... more travel advice

When Evening Falls Nightlife (3)

When evening falls at Macau it is not dark, sinister and dangerous. After sunset time the glitter and glamour will show... more travel advice

Friendship Bridge Off The Beaten Path (5)

Walking from Macau downtown to Outer Harbour you'll see the long highway bridges. They all connect Macau to Taipa. The... more travel advice

view-coloane-island-macau - Ilha de Macau

Worst Pollution Warnings Or Dangers (2)

I do feel sorry to place this topic here, but I guess it is a need. On the small island of Coloana, next to Macau... more travel advice

Things to Do (12)
See All COLOANE Island
Shopping (2)
See All Macau Largest Department Store
Favorites (3)
See All *D*U*R*I*A*N*

Restaurants (3)
See All MANGO on STICKY RICE
Local Customs (3)
See All Huge Incense
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Comments (10)

Ewingjr98 Jun 20, 2008 at 7:34 PM Report Abuse

Wow, you saw a lot more of Macau than I did in my short visit. Thanks for stopping by my Monterey page! ~Joe
SLLiew Sep 9, 2007 at 12:46 AM Report Abuse

Fun page of Macau. Bring back memories. Being to Macau a few times. It is amazing to have so much to do in this small little country. Gamble, beach and temple hopping. Cheers, SL
ukirsari Oct 16, 2006 at 6:58 AM Report Abuse

matur nuwun for sharing the tips, mas roy :) ohhh, ada kopi tubruk and ketan durian [opps ketan mango?], that's nice ... will feel very homey then :D
La_Holandesa Sep 19, 2006 at 1:45 PM Report Abuse

yayyy smell like hell!!! but it taste yummi. Durian i am talking about hahaha. Heyyy glad you had a great time w/your brother!! great to see the fotos!! veeel groetjes Anita :)
pepples46 Aug 30, 2006 at 2:27 PM Report Abuse

I find Macau very intriguing, portugues present's mingles with Asia's heritage..or the other way round. fine page
tini58de Aug 11, 2005 at 4:18 AM Report Abuse

Your view of Macau is totally different than what I saw there - so that was very interesting for me!
keeweechic Aug 3, 2004 at 9:30 PM Report Abuse

Great background and info on these interesting sites. An interesting time at the 'Sacred Spot'... I enjoyed Macau on the visits I made there.
ncfg Jul 29, 2004 at 11:06 AM Report Abuse

Very nice, i hope you add some more tips. Well done
Kristina1701 Jul 25, 2004 at 9:55 AM Report Abuse

really great start, very interesting, go on like that!
jadedmuse Jul 23, 2004 at 8:49 PM Report Abuse

This is great. Love the Tao Te Ching in the intro. Perfect. What an interesting experience you must have had.