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
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
Santa Casa da Misericordia
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment