Asian Paradises

104 www.paradisesonline.com Just 60 kilometres from Hong Kong in the Pearl River Delta region near China's Guangdong province, Macau is easily accessible by ferry from Hong Kong. While Macau 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 Originally an island, years of silting turned Macau into a tiny peninsula that now hangs like a fruit bat off the narrow isthmus joining it to the Chinese mainland. 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, Macau was a prosperous Portuguese territory. Ships traded wares between Japan, India, China and Europe, making it Asia's richest port in the 17th century. It was also from here that the Jesuit missionaries sought to introduce Christianity into China, building many beautiful churches and schools, and today the remnants of this once thriving colonial era still captivate and enthrall visitors. Visa No Visa is required for New Zealand Passport holders and most nationalities. Getting there Ferries operate every 15-30minutes from Hong Kong Island and Kowloon to Macau. Frequent services operate from Hong Kong International Airport to Macau from 10am to 10pm daily. Currency The Pataca (MOP$) is Macau's official currency, but the (HK$) is also accepted in Macau. 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. Macau is definitely a city on the move, but it never loses its unique blend of Chinese and European cultures. In recent years, Macau has become firmly planted on the map as one of the world's culinary destinations— following an influx of internationally renowned restaurant brands from around the world and celebrity chefs that take Macau'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 Macau 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 Miramar. 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 Macau as a gateway to the Orient, this famous centre has charmed the world with its east- meets-west attractions and cultural values. Today, Macau 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 Macau 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 Macau islands of Taipa and Coloane. Barra Square, Lilau Square and the world famous Senado Square are among a host of districts which are as fascinating as the iconic Ruins of St Paul's, once the largest Magical Macau

• Cover