Earlier this year, I promised to lie low from my travel goals due to prioritization of “more important” matters. Twelve months later, I now have 8 local getaways and 5 trips abroad. From now on, I will no longer promise anything. LOL! As of writing, I still can’t believe that my 2019 has been filled with international trips that I’ve experienced as a first-timer. The highlights of which are the four seasons debut to various East Asian countries such as Winter in South Korea, Spring in Shanghai, China, Summer in Taiwan and most recently Autumn in Japan. That makes Macau and Hong Kong my fifth and last international trip for the year, all thanks to Cebu Pacific Air, the largest low-cost carrier in the Philippines.
Although I’ve already been to Macau and Hong Kong last 2015, it is actually my first time to visit these twin destinations in China via Macau as the port of entry. Positive, Macau has an international airport (Aeroporto Internacional de Macau) and good thing that it is very accessible from Visayas as Cebu Pacific Air flies to Macau direct from Cebu 4 times a week every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Macau’s year-round base fare is very affordable, so book a flight and experience 25 must-try activities for first-time travelers to Macau and Hong Kong.
Macau
Officially known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Macau is a special administrative region situated on the western side of the Pearl River estuary in Southern China.
Macau is definitely more than a side-trip destination to Hong Kong. Being the first and last European colony in China, Macau is a unique testament to the marriage of East and West cultures. From picturesque places to cultural reverie, Macau offers plenty of variety in its architecural landscape – a fruit of its cultural heritage.
My first visit in Macau was just a day trip from Hong Kong last 2015. We didn’t maximize our stay in Macau I supposed as my friend and I only toured two destinations that time. Clearly, we didn’t do our research. I actually never thought of revisiting Macau sooner but it seemed like Macau is calling me once again because there are still things to do, foods to eat, places to visit and even #MakeFirstMomentsHappen the second time around. Needless to say, this comeback trip to Macau is Juanderful; its beauty never ceases to amaze me.
1. Go casino-hopping
It there’s one thing that easily comes to my mind about Macau, it would be casino. Rightfully so, Macau has long been Asia’s gaming capital and is known as the “oriental Las Vegas” for its world-class casinos and top-notch hotels. As almost casino is located near to each other, you can actually go casino hopping and enjoy a variety of games from basic slot machines to poker, blackjack, roulette and baccarat.
2. Explore Macau via free Shuttle Buses
To tell you honestly, this particular transportation system is a life-saver for budget travelers. There’s no better way to tour around Macau on the cheap than to avail of the free rides from casino shuttles. Big casinos in Macau offer complimentary shuttle bus service and provide transport to and from China Border Gate, Macau International Airport, Macau and Taipa Ferry Terminals and major points of interest in Macau.
3. Shop ’til you drop at Shoppes
A little shopping spree at Sands Shoppes Macao won’t hurt, would it? Shoppes is the largest duty-free luxury shopping experience in Macao, with over 850 retailers featuring the world’s best duty free brands, all under one roof. Consisting of the interconnected Shoppes at Venetian, Shoppes at Four Seasons, Shoppes at Cotai Central and Shoppes at Parisian, with a total over 2 million square feet of opulent retail space.
4. Cruise the Grand Canal via a Gondola at the Venetian
You don’t have to be a gambler or a hotel guest to visit the Venetian. In their effort to diversify, a slew of non-gambling attractions like Grand Canal and gondola cruising added to the charm of Macau’s biggest hotel and casino. The grand canal is an artificial indoor canal wherein you can ride a gondola underneath a blue sky with an epic backdrop of Venetian Gothic architecture. It’s totally a must-try activity when in Macau, I must say!
5. Take a selfie at the Ruins of St. Paul’s
The Ruins of St. Paul’s is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the most iconic landmark of Macau to date. The Ruins of St. Paul’s is the remains of a 17th-century Catholic religious complex in Santo Antonio, Macau which include what was originally St. Paul’s College and the intricately carved southern stone façade of the Church of St. Paul, a 17th-century Portuguese church dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. The Ruins of St. Paul’s is at the end of a pedestrian-only historic precinct so the only way to get there is thru walking from Senado Square.
6. Free-tasting of Beef Jerky
On your way to the Ruins of St. Paul, it is a usual routine to encounter series of shops that offer free tasting of beef jerky and other Macanese delicacies. Beef jerky is heaven sent to health-conscious individuals as it is dubbed as the epitome of the low carb, high protein snack. As a first-time tourist in Macau, it’s definitely among the must-try foods to taste for FREE. Of course, no one is stopping you to purchase one or two as pasalubong to your friends and family because it’s really delicious.
7. Enjoy the thrills of being on the edge of Macao Tower
As a self-proclaimed adventure enthusiast, it is in my bucket list to take an outdoor stroll around the outer rim of the Adventure Deck of Torre de Macau. Macau Tower is the only freestanding tower in the world where you can do Skywalk, SkyJump, Bungy Jump and Tower Climb all-in-one adventure high in the sky.
8. Visit the Kun Iam Statue at Macau Peninsula
Situated at the end of a 60-meter causeway jetting out into the outer harbor of Macau, the 20-meter tall bronze figure of Kun Iam is an unexplored but interesting seaside monument in Macau peninsula note-worthy to be visited once in your life. Also known as Guan Yin in Mandarin, Kun Iam is the Goddess of Love, Mercy, and Compassion, emerging from a 7-meter high lotus which represents a message of solidarity between locals, worshiped even beyond the scope of the Buddhist religion. The lotus houses a small library, a display of religious objects and a gallery detailing the construction drawings of the statue.
9. Stroll at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
One thing I observed about Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is that there are a lot of fishermen fishing around the area. Seems like a ghost town in the morning, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf is located near Macau (Outer Harbor) ferry terminal and it’s no wonder how it got its name. While the entertainment complex is free, being transported to the old times wherein you can feast your eyes on European-themed structures around the harborfront is priceless. Did I mention it’s instagram-worthy?
10. Fall in love with Eiffel Tower in Parisian
The Eiffel Tower in Parisian Hotel is the closest thing to the real Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. As the Parisian Macao puts it, “The City of Lights, the City of Love. Paris is at the heart of romance, and the Eiffel Tower is at the heart of Paris.” At The Parisian Macao, fall in love with the views of the city and hotel at the Observation Decks on levels 7 and 37 of Eiffel Tower. Rate starts at MOP 87 (for children – age 12 or under) and MOP 108 (for adults) and MOP 312 (Family Pack – 2 Adults & 2 Children).
11. Historical Walking at Senado Square
Senado Square (Largo de Senado), the city’s urban center, is the jump-off point of all things historical in Macau. You can start at Senado Square as your base for historical walk to the Historic Centre of Macau. A World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre of Macau is where you can find 25 monuments of historical and architectural importance, attesting to the unique interweaving of Portuguese and Chinese culture still celebrated in Macau.
12. Try the Famous Egg Tart
Your travel to Macau would not be complete without trying the popular Portuguese egg tart in Macau. Unrivaled in their delectability, egg tarts have become the city’s own edible icon. But with a growing number of choices, Lord Stow’s Bakery offers the tastiest tarts in my humble opinion. Home to the original Macau egg tarts (65 MOP for 6 pieces), they are baked fresh daily on site and are considered to be the best (local-approved). With their flaky pastry crusts, delicious egg custard centers and crispy creme brulee tops, they taste twice as nice when piping hot. 😍👌
How to Go to Hong Kong from Macau (or to Macau from Hong Kong )
13. Ride a Shuttle Ferry (for faster, cheaper and more convenient experience)
Hong Kong is very accessible from Macau and can easily be reached anywhere in Macau either thru shuttle ferry or bus. Both times, I tried the service of TurboJet and it’s so convenient, fast and affordable. I had a chat with a friend who admitted that the bus ride from Venetian (Macau) to Jordan (Hong Kong) costing 170 HKD one way is such a hassle (2 hours travel time while carrying baggage from all points ~parking, immigration, etc.) making the experience inconvenient, thus regrettable for trying it.
Travel time of TurboJet shuttle ferry from Macau (Outer Harbor) to Hong Kong (Kowloon) can take from 45 minutes to 1 hour for a discounted rate of 833 HKD for 3 pax (278 HKD or PHP 1,800 per person) round trip fare with its 3 travel companions for the fare of 2 promo. From November 29 to December 31, 2019, upon booking 2 sets of return ferry tickets at regular fare, you will be entitled to an additional 1 set of complimentary tickets for travel companion. Great savings!
Hong Kong
Officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (HKSAR), Hong Kong is a special administrative region on the eastern side of the Pearl Riverestuary in Southern China.
Although Hong Kong was severely affected by several crises, the latest of which is the extradition bill protests, there’s nothing that can stop us from enjoying the best of Hong Kong has to offer. However, if you are planning to visit Hong Kong anytime soon and searching for some tips from those who’d traveled Hong Kong recently, all I can say is that tourists are generally safe as the government police forces will not harm those people who pose no threat whatsoever (e.g., travelers, not rallyists). There are also schedule of protest activities around Hong Kong available on the internet so better be updated with those as well for additional precautionary measures.
That said, here’s the continuation of the listicle on must-try activities in Hong Kong for first-timers.
14. Appreciate the beauty of Hong Kong’s Skyline at the Peak Tower
Morning or night, the panoramic view of Hong Kong’s skyline is to die for. Sky Terrace 428 of the Peak Tower is situated 428 meters above sea level, making it the highest 360 degrees viewing terrace in Hong Kong. It offers the best view of the metro’s skyscrapers on the Kowloon side of the island.
15. Experience Riding the Peak Tram
The Peak Tram is a must-try activity when in Hong Kong. I’ve experienced this during my first visit in Hong Kong and tried it once again on my second trip and it still felt awesome. Unlike the local trams running along the middle of the streets of Hong Kong, the Peak Tram transport the guests upwards leading to the Peak Tower wherein you can enjoy the view of the city. Purchase the Peak Tram Sky Pass (return trip) for 99 HKD so you can experience 3-in-1 adventure such as the Peak Tram, plus Sky Terrace 428 and Hong Kong Sky Tour.
16. Enjoy the rides and attractions in Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
I’m not really a fan of amusement parks but when I travel with friends, this is one of the top choices in the itinerary. Outnumbered, I gave Disneyland Resort a shot just once in my life and I ended up having so much fun. With all the thrilling rides and magical attractions inside Disneyland, it is best toured whole day to fully enjoy what it offers.
16. Go Big at Quarry Bay Monster Building
Before this highly popular Instagram destination became known as Monster Building, it is just a regular yet incredibly dense and stacked flats called Yik Cheong Building and Montane Mansion. If you’ve seen some Hollywood blockbusters like Ghost in the Shell and Transformers: Age of Extinction, then you’ve probably seen all the action in this photogenic architecture as a perfect reflection of city’s famed urban density. Head to Quarry Bay because it is really worth the visit, I must say.
17. Encounter Real Monks at Po Lin Monastery
The remote Po Lin Monastery, hidden away by lush mountains, became a popular attraction when the extraordinary Tian Tan Buddha statue was erected in 1993. Sitting 34 meters high atop a lotus throne and facing north towards Mainland China, this majestic bronze Buddha draws pilgrims from all over Asia. If you’re lucky, pay respect to resident monks around the area when you encounter one.
18. Enjoy 360 view of HK via Ngong Ping Cable Car
The Ngong Ping Cable Car is definitely a must-try ride in Hong Kong. Located in Lantau Island, the Ngong Ping 360 is a gondola lift that provides a cable car facility connecting Tung Chung lower terminal (linked via MTR) to Ngong Ping Village, a commercialized village atop the Ngong Ping plateau to accomodate the influx of tourists now flocking to the Big Buddha of Po Lin Monastery. While comfortably riding the cable car, the mountain, sea and city views below are nothing but breathtaking.
19. Walling session at Causeway Bay
You could easily spend days (or nights) in Causeway Bay, one of the busiest neighborhoods on Hong Kong Island. It’s jam-packed with restaurants and shops ~ from gigantic shopping malls to local retailers, and from high-end fashion to affordable high-street offerings, Causeway Bay has it all. You can encounter lots of graffiti arts drawn on the street walls so don’t leave Causeway Bay without some cool walling sessions.
20. Food Trip at Mong Kok
Sampling local street food is a must on any visit to Hong Kong. In Mong Kok, you can find plenty of street-food stalls scattered on Sai Yeung Choi Street, Dundas Street, Fa Yuen Street and Soy Street. They are not limited to selling traditional Hong Kong-style snacks such as stinky tofu, fish balls, and fish sio mai, you can also try the world’s flavored xia long bao, traditional chinese noodles and cheese cap teas.
21. Battle some Pokemon in Times Square
Times Square is a sight you should not skip when exploring Hong Kong. But what if I tell you that there are cute Pokemon life-size figures being installed in various stalls around Times Square, would you think twice of visiting and battling with them the soonest? Seeing some Generation 1 starter Pokemons (i.e., Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle) and favorites (i.e., Pikachu and Eevee), the kid in me is totally stoked!
22. Stage Your Selfies in Artistic Stairs at Tsim Sha Tsui
When a simple and regular-looking stairway became a big blank canvass, any artist can turn it into beautiful display of an instagramable attraction. Just like this beautifully painted stairs in Tsim Sha Tsui, with the trick of optical illusion, entices you to stop, appreciate the craft and stage your selfies. It’s definitely for free.
23. Try some Chinese cuisines and Tong Lai Cha at Tai Hing
When in Hong Kong, try some authentic Chinese cuisines at Tai Hing, Sheung Wan. Experience the rich taste of these popular trio: Hainanese chicken, Roasted Pork or Chinese roasted goose and pair it with tong lai cha, a classic milk tea without black pearls and ice cubes externally surrounds the cup.
24. Marvel at the Scenic Night view at Victoria Harbor
Share a moment straight out of a movie on this Chinese junk sailing on Victoria Harbor and enjoy the view of Kowloon. This stunning night view right here is totally not to be missed when visiting Hong Kong, either observing at the port or aboard the popular Aqualuna.
25. Re-enact Some Romantic Bar Scenes from “Hello, Love, Goodbye” film
What better way to end this listicle with a quote from Hello, Love, Goodbye: “May mga lugar na pangmatagalan. May mga lugar na dinadaanan lang. Parang Hong Kong. Kaya bawat oras dapat sulitin mo dahil walang nagtatagal dito. Hong Kong is a place where no one stays still…Pero isang araw, you will meet someone. And for a while, time just stops..” – Joy Fabregas
Visit Mine Bar at Hong Kong’s premier nightlife destination, Lan Kwai Fong, as the shooting location of Hello, Love, Goodbye film where Joy (Kathryn Bernardo) and Ethan (Alden Richards) first met.
Travel Budget Hacks in Macau and Hong Kong
When it comes to budget travel hacks, I can totally say Macau fits the bill. Surprisingly true, Macau is the best destination to visit that costs absolutely nothing. Yep, there are at least five (5) things that are totally FREE in Macau, to wit:
1️⃣ Shuttle Buses (transportation anywhere you go)
2️⃣ WiFi Connection (city itself is a big hot spot)
3️⃣ Tourist Spots Entrance (unlimited photo ops)
4️⃣ Hotel Merchandise (souvenirs for loved ones)
5️⃣ Macau Delicacies (snacks during the trip)
Now I know why they say the best things are free. 😍👌
While in Hong Kong, save on cost for transportation and items on retail or food shops, purchase octopus card to be used as payment for MTR rides and restaurants for easier transaction. Visit Giordano store in Central, especially flocked by Filipinos for its cheap-than-regular offerings (e.g., 99 HKD for three t-shirts) and H&M in Causeway Bay (e.g., 50 HKD for a jacket).
Where To Stay in Macau
Macau may be known for its luxurious hotels and casinos but it doesn’t equate to absence of budget accommodations to select from. You can choose from these top 5 budget accommodations in Macau, to wit:
Where To Stay in Hong Kong
During my first visit in Hong Kong, my friend and I stayed in Chungking Mansions in Tsim Sha Tsui. The room is very small, but it’s the cheapest and most popular accommodation that time so we didn’t really mind because we were on a budget trip. To our advantage, Chungking Mansions is located very close to the TST Station of the MTR and accessible via airport buses (A21 No14-Bus Stop).
On our recent trip, we booked at Silka West Kowloon Hotel in Tai Kok Tsui. The room is bigger, with wifi connection, walking distance to MTR stations and the city’s liveliest districts, Mong Kok and better overall experience. For discounted rates, you may check these websites, to wit: agoda, booking and traveloka.
Sample 4D3N Macau + Hong Kong Itinerary
- Day 1 – Macau Tower and Casino Hopping
- Day 2 – Hong Kong City Tour
- Day 3 – Ngong Ping 360 and HK Disneyland Resort
- Day 4 – Macau Harbor and Historical Walking Tour
There you have it mates! Do you find the listicle above helpful? Which activity do you find fit in your particular trip? Share your comments below and spread this travel guide to your families and friends. To fully enjoy your trip, make sure to book cheap flights to Macau and Hong Kong via Cebu Pacific Air. =)