MACAU: TOURING AROUND THE "LAS VEGAS" OF ASIA

The Parisian Mall in Cotai, Macau

Macau (or Macao) is a bustling, densely populated Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, which means that this is not a country but a part of China.  It is famous for its brand as the Asia's "Las Vegas" for its massive casinos and tourism, but it also boasts a rich Portuguese colonial history reflected in its unique culture, cuisine (like egg tarts), and architecture.  Once a Portuguese territory until 1999, it operates under "One Country, Two Systems", enjoying high autonomy, and blends Chinese heritage with European influences, offering attractions from historic sites like St. Paul's Ruins to modern resorts on the Cotai Strip.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) Port Terminal

This is a part of my February 1-6, 2025 Hong Kong-Jeju Island (South Korea) -Hong Kong-Macau Trip which included three climbs: Tai Mo Shan (Hongkong), Seongsan Ilchulbong (Jeju Island, South Korea) and Suicide Cliff of Kowloon Peak (Hongkong).

Arrival at Macau Immigration Checkpoint

This trip started when my Hongkong trip ended at 7:32 P.M. of February 5, 2025 boarding a bus from Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Bus Terminal.  We arrived at Macau Immigration Checkpoint at 8:38 P.M.  Despite being tired for various activities we had for the whole day, excitement besieged me as this was my first time in Macau.

Sofitel Hotel of Macau

From the Immigration checkpoint, we took a very long line waiting for the bus.   There are designated bus number of each destination.  I did not actually exchange for Macau currency which is Macanese Pataca since Hongkong Dollars are accepted in Macau.  Fort he bus fare going near our hotel accommodation, I paid HKD6 or P58.65.  I learned that the minimum fare is actually HKD6.  For each   HKD1, it is equivalent to 1.03 Macanese Pataca.

Passing thru this impressive building

At 9:35 P.M., we were still looking for our hotel location which was at central spot near Senado Square, offering heritage charm and easy access to historic sites.  In short, it is located in the old city of Macau.  Buildings and roads are of century-old design.   Yes, the roads are made up of narrow cobblestone or designed calcada portuguesa with Portuguese colonial building on both sides.

Walking along the cobblestone street heading to St. Paul's Ruins

I actually did not take picture of our hotel, but its name was Hou Kong Hotel located at Travessa das Virtudes No. 1, Sao Lourenco, Macau City Center, Macau, China.  The place looks clean and orderly anyway with traces of an old building.  We have been given an orientation by the hotel staff.

The iconic St. Paul's Ruins

It was already 10:33 P.M. when we reached the historical ruins by walking and all shops and establishments has been closed already.  We were already hungry.  So, we found the only bakery opened and I was excited to buy a bread which looks like "foding" in the Philippines which costs HKD5.5 or P53.76.  However, I was disappointed for it was not as tasty as the "foding", it was far from what I have expected and so swallowed it in big chunks just have my stomach filled with something and drink water which I took from the hotel.  Let me explain to you what "foding" is, these are unsold bread of different varieties and being mixed up and cooked again to form another form of bread which is "foding".  It is a term used in Manila but in Waray, it is called "tikoy".

Largo da Companhia de Jesus (Jesuit Companions Square

This square is a historic spot dedicated to the Jesuits who built the original church, now filled with souvenir shops and snacks as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.  During day time this square is crowded with tourists.

The landscape fronting St. Paul's ruins

This vantage point from St. Paul's Ruins

Our group picture before leaving the ruins

Let me show you some pictures on how beautiful the old buildings are and sights are when we had a walk going back to our hotel.

The concrete stairs of St. Paul's Ruins down to Jesuit Companions Square

Taking a walk going back to the hotel

Passing thru this point

The cobblestone roads here are glazy

Santa Casa da Misericordia

The indicator of a Chinese New Year

The Instituto para os Assuntos Municipais

Let's translate this to English:  It means "Institute of Municipal Affairs".  The square fronting this building is the Senado Square (Largo deo Senado).  It is located at 163 Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, was previously known as the "Leal Senado" Building and was the seat of the city council for centuries. the square was named after the council building, and is a major historial and urban center of Macau.

Look at this mural

Just two blocks away from our hotel accommodation

We were at the hotel at 12:20 midnight.  As usual, it was my Beshie Chris Palacio who was my roommate.  Tired of the whole day's activity from Hongkong and to Macau, we slept soundly in our respective beds.

JEJU ISLAND: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE AND "HAWAII" OF SOUTH KOREA

 

One of the attractions of Eco Land Theme Park

Jeju Island (Jejudo) is the largest island in South Korea which is a volcanic paradise known for its subtropical climate, stunning natural landscapes like Hallasan Mountain (South Korea's tallest peak), unique lava tubes, and beautiful beaches, making it a top domestic travel spot for relaxation and adventure, often called Korea's "Hawaii".  It earned its title as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its distinct culture, local cuisine (black pork, seafood), and as a popular destination for both Korean and Asian tourists.

Our group with our organizer Jonah Chavez Ranchez

This trip has been organized by our "suki" tour provider solely for Mount Hallasan climb with side trips in Hongkong Trip and Macau for the period February 1-6, 2025.  Other climbs included in this trip are Tai Mo Shan Climb (Hong Kong), Seongsan Ilchulbong (South Korea) and Suicide Cliff of Kowloon Peak (Hong Kong).

A warm welcome in Jeju Island

While at Jeju International Airport at 8:42 A.M.

While at Jeju International Airport, I withdrawn Korean Won for my pocket money at an ATM machine using my Landbank of the Philippines ATM Card for 100,000 Won and this was equivalent to P4,007.53.  Its withdrawal charge was 4,200 Won or P168.32.   Not bad, the foreign exchange loss is very minimal compared to having the currency foreign exchange in a money changer.

I had breakfast at Villa de Charlotte at Jeju Airport just a sandwich for 7,500 won and bottled water of 700 Won for a total of 8,200 or P328 or US5.68.

I also purchased at the airport for 3-day Korean e-sim so that I can have internet access while Jeju Island for 18,000 Won or P720 or US$12.48.

Our first destination: Yeongsil Trail Entrance at 9:43 A.M.

Our itinerary was to experience 1100 Road (Highland Ecological Swamp) during winter in Seogwipo but the place was crowded with so many cars of tourists.  Since, double parking is strictly prohibited and our Korean driver is also very strict, we proceed further and stop at Yeongsil trail entrance just to experience snow.  This is one of the Hallasan mountain trails which gives scenic hiking route known for its stunning foliage and views.  This is an hour drive from the airport.

The snow along 11 Road

The Teddy Bear Museum at 10:12 A.M.

The fancy Starbucks in Seogwipo at 10:19 A.M.

This Starbucks Cafe is located at 32 Jungmungwangwang-ro 110beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, South Korea.  This is just next to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and the cafe design is based on the Howl's Moving Castle film.

Still at the fancy Starbucks Cafe

While at the cafe's parking lot with Hallasan mountain at the backdrop

Food store at the jump-off point of Seongsan Ilchulbong at 1:19 A.M.

Mount Seongsan Ilchulbong is actually an executive climb with an elevation of 182 MASL (597 feet) and has a separate blog post as per the aforementioned post.

Before the climb, I bought traditional delicacy item for my snack at 9,000 Won and snack treat, too, for my climbing buddy/photographer Chris Palacio for 7,000 Won with a bottled water of 700 Won and summed up for  a total of 16,700 Won or P668 or US$11.58.

One of the photos while trekking Mount Seongsan Ilchulbong

We were done climbing Mount Seongsan Ilchulbong at 2:05 P.M. and proceed to another destination of rape flower (canola) field.

Enjoying the Rape flower (canola) field

Surrounded by vibrant full bloom rape flowers (canola)

This canola flower field is just a 20-minute drive from the jump-off point of Mount Seongsan Ilchulbong.  These flower serves as a major symbol of spring on the island. Its vibrant yellow blossoms are a significant tourism attraction, often blooming alongside cherry blossom in a picturesque display.

My travel buddies: Natalie Canete, Mia Gonzales Dakay and Uncle Ton Baoguita

On our way, we stopped at CU Again Convenience Store for our lunch where my meal costs at 5,900 Won and a 1-liter bottled water for 1,100 Won for a total of 7,000 Won or P280 or US$4.85

Oranges are everywhere in Jeju Island

Streets and neighborhoods are filled with oranges.  But I learned that these oranges are just ornamental ones for the streets and houses and they are not being harvested for consumption.

Jeongbang Water Falls at 3:47 P.M.

The totality of the water falls as captured from the highway

The rocky part of the water falls near the ocean

Jeongbang Waterfall is a waterfall and popular tourist attraction located in Seogwipo of Jeju province towering to a height of 23 meters high and is very close to the ocean.  Depending on the level of recent rainfall, it can be 8 meters wide. The source of the waterfall is the stream Donghong-cheon.

A variety of food choices at the market

At 4:40 P.M. we were already resting in our hotel.  The market was just  6 blocks away.  Despite the cold weather, we managed to go to the market for our dinner.

Another shortlisted choice but I was looking for something with rice

Looking forward to taste at least one of these but finally did not

I almost bought this but this is not the food for my age

Finally, bought this Traditional Blackpork Abalone

I decided to buy this traditional Blackpork Abalone since sliced abalone and rice are rolled in black pork, breaded, and deep-fried with good flavor for 10,000 Won or P400 or US$6.93.