Macau, Hong Kong

We did just that. One morning while still jet lagging ( waking up too early ) we decided to go for a day trip on a whim.

Arrived at the Ferry terminal with our passports on Canton road at around 7, bought the tickets ( about 300 HKd something per person return ) took the 8:30ish jet/hydro foil.

Once arrived ,had to line up a bit at the Macau immigration. Picked up a couple maps at the arrival lobby, headed out and to the left side we took a bus ( $ 3 something per person, they accept HKD on par ) and went to see St Paul ruin. Had some light breakfast there, took the bus back to the ferry, got off and took the free shuttle bus to the Venetian Casino resort. Major shopping and photo taking experience. Any big labels that warrant shops in HK you will find it there all under one roof. Fantastic food court. This Venetian has 2 canals btw, huge place. Of course we got lost a few times.

Took off from Venetians via shuttle and went to Sands Casino ... did not like it, more for gamblers. Then took another shuttle back to the ferry and shuttled again to various casinos, MGM ( we loved that ) Wynn .

Took the ferry back to HK around 8:30 PM and had dinner in Tsim Sha Tsui upon arrival.

Fantasic. Legs and feet were sore from walking but will do that again next time.

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Take a day trip to Macau (Macao) when you are having a vacation in Hong Kong. It is just an hour cruise by hydrofoil which itself is a great experience! Among the attractions in Macau are the popular Ruins of St. Paul's Church, Leal Senado, Jai Alai Palace Stadium to watch the fastest ball game in the world, Sun Yat Sen Memorial House, a number of museums, churches, cathedral and ancient Chinese temples.

For those who prefer to see more or do in Macau, there are many small and large international hotels in Macau to suit your budget. Macau is also a haven for gamblers as several large casinos are located in the international hotels.

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If you fancy a bit of a Change when visiting Hong Kong, then you could consider visiting Macau for a day or two.
Ferries depart every half hour during the day and early evening, and arrive in Macau in under 80 minutes.
Ferries depart from the China Ferry Terminal In Tsin Sha Tsui in Kowloon.

There is a fair bit to see in Macau, so I will allocate a full day or if you fancy staying over in one of the many nice casino hotels to break up the journey.

For more Information on Macau, please refer to my Macau page.

If you have time, take a day trip to Macau. A former Portugese colony this is evident in the lovely architecture there. The main plaza is very pleasant for a stroll or if you are so inclined, head to the casinos and try your luck.
To get to Macau there are jetfoils leaving the Hong Kong ferry terminal every 15 minutes.
The trip takes about 1 hour and the fare is aprx $20 US one way.

I took a high speed Jet foil to the city of Macau, which at that time a colony of Portugal. The boat rocked and rocked skimming over the water...I shouldn't have eaten the hotdog. Thank god there was a barf bag in front of my chair. Wow! I didn't have to use it. Since 1999 Macau has been given back to mainland China.

Macau boast a fine indoor/outdoor restarant, Fernando's where I had a nice picture of Sangria and fried shrimps...uummmm!

If you have the time, plan a day trip to Macau. Once a Portuguese colony, it was recently given back to China. The hydrofoil ride takes about 1 hour from Central. You can book a tour from Hong Kong or once there, take a taxi to the ruins of Sao Paul (St Paul's Church). From there you can wander around the streets and wonderful shops that Macau has to offer. Prices are very good compared to Hong Kong. They will even ship furniture for you.
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The architecture has a definite Portuguese influence. Make sure you book a return time for your ferry as many locals go to Macau for gambling at the casino. If you can, book a first class ticket, not only is this a more comfortable ride 'upstairs' but you also get a free ice cream both ways. There are day tours to Macau from Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong can be hectic. After a few days of constant rush, it's a good idea to take the jetfoil for the one-hour trip across the Pearl River estuary to the former Portuguese colony of Macao. If you come to gamble, don't expect the sophistication of Monte Carlo or the fun of Las Vegas. The Chinese take their gambling seriously. Better still, leave the punters to their gambling and just enjoy wandering around Macao. Nowadays you can even get a visa at the border gate and spend a couple of hours in the 'real' China.

Macau. An hour's boat ride from Hong Kong, on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta lies the Portugese-owned city of Macau, with a charm all of its own. Visit Barrier Gate (the official crossing point to China), the Temple of Kun Yam (Goddess of Mercy), the Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Penha Hill, the Taipa Bridge and end your day at the Lisboa Casino.