Asian Paradises

— M a c a o — – 91 – www.paradises.com Just 60 kilometres from Hong Kong in the Pearl River Delta region near China's Guangdong province, Macao is easily accessible by ferry from Hong Kong. While Macao is tiny, just less than 30 square kilometres, you will be in awe of its luxurious hotels, indulgent spas, elegant shopping malls, vibrant nightlife, restaurants and spectacular live shows. History For over 400 years, from the 16th century until 1999, when it became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China, Macao was a prosperous Portuguese territory. Today the remnants of this once thriving colonial era still captivate and enthrall visitors. Visa Visa is required for Australian and New Zealand Passport holders and most nationalities. Getting there Ferries operate every 15-30minutes from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to Macao. Frequent services operate from Hong Kong International Airport to Macao from 10am to 10pm daily. Currency The Pataca (MOP$) is Macao's official currency, but the (HK$) is also accepted in Macao. Food Macanese food, which is a fusion of Portuguese, African, Southeast Asian and Chinese cooking, has gained international recognition after being enjoyed by travellers for decades. Macao is definitely a city on the move, but it never loses its unique blend of Chinese and European cultures. In recent years, Macao has become firmly planted on the map as one of the world's culinary destinations—following an inf lux of internationally renowned restaurant brands from around the world and celebrity chefs that take Macao's gastronomic scene to new heights. Among the popular Macanese and Portuguese restaurants are Litoral, Oporto and A Lorcha, all within a close walk of A-Ma Temple. Make sure to order the spicy African Chicken and perhaps the local dessert Serradura or Macao Egg Tarts from the original Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane. Within a close distance of Senado Square are the popular Escada and Platao while in the old Taipa village there's O Manel and the more upmarket Antonio's. On Coloane, is Miramar, Portuguese dining. Both on the peninsula and along the neon-lit Cotai Strip there are a number of quality fine dining restaurants within the giant precincts. Among them the three Michelin-starred Robuchon au Dome (French style) and the two Michelin-starred The Eight (Chinese style), both within the Grand Lisboa. Across at Cotai are such fashionable restaurants as Messa9 and Beijing Kitchen, to name just two. Things to see and do From the bygone days when Portuguese traders established Macao as a gateway to the Orient, this famous centre has charmed the world with its east- meets-west attractions and cultural values. Today, Macao thrives on old- meets-new characteristics, its recent contemporary additions complementing the peninsula's historic legacies, many of which are protected by UNESCO World Heritage status. Take a stroll along the narrow streets and through the colourful squares of old Macao and you will see beautiful Portuguese architecture alongside centuries-old Chinese temples and gardens. And shaping the newfound landscape of this fascinating centre are large neon-lit precincts, a majority found on reclaimed land, the Cotai Strip which links the Macao islands of Taipa and Coloane. Senado Square is among a host of districts which are as fascinating as the iconic Ruins of St Paul's, once the largest Catholic Church in Asia. Also arousing interest are the Chinese treasures of Na Tcha Temple, Lou Kau Mansion and the much photographed A-Ma Temple on the peninsula's waterfront. The fact that Macao boasts 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites makes it a fascinating living museum, the A-Ma Temple a hive of activity for being the old gateway to China and virtual birth of Macao. Once you have conquered the historic hub on Macao peninsula, venture across one of the serpent-like bridges to Taipa and visit the village before heading to the Cotai Strip where large precincts like the Sands Cotai Central, Galaxy Macau, Studio City and the City of Dreams, offering a large array of entertainment options. The now-connected island of Coloane is known as the lungs of Macao. It's the place for golf and walking trails and is the home of a tiny fishing village worth exploring on foot. There are varied shopping districts in Macao ranging from multi-brand shopping centres to fashion boutiques, from Chinese antique shops to popular daily f lea markets which will surely fulfil the shoppers 'desire. Dwarfing many of the historic sites are the shapes and figures of a new Macao with its soaring 338-metre Macau Tower, home to the highest Bungy Jump in the world and AJ Hackett recreation facilities. Scattered throughout Macao is a growing number of sophisticated shopping centres, gigantic international hotels, ritzy restaurants and entertainment venues with colourful spectacular shows such as Taboo, The House of the Dancing Water, House of Magic and Golden Reel all in the Cotai area. At night many integrated resorts and hotels light up the night sky with neon lights an array of entertainment. Just outside the Wynn Hotel there is a water, fire and sound show called Performance Lake, whilst just inside you have many different entertainment M A C A O

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