About Macau
Macau is an enthralling place of old Portuguese marvels and gargantuan casinos, dazzling lights, extravagant hotels and mindboggling entertainment that outstrips Vegas as the entertainment and gambling capital of the world
Macau is located on Chinas Southeast coast bordering the Guangdong Province in China. It is about 60 kilometres from Hong Kong. The region is only 28 square kilometres large and is comprised of the Macau Peninsula and the islands of Taipa and Coloane.
Macau has earned the title of the Oriental Las Vegas as it is a gamblers' paradise, however, it is also a beautiful city with clear streets, gardens and picturesque hilly landscapes. A wander around the city is a fantastic experience!
The inner city area of Macau is ideally suited for exploration on foot and there is much to discover in the many winding streets to be found close to the main square, Largo do Senado in the downtown or along the waterfront avenues in the southern part of the city near Nam Van or Outer Harbor.
These streets close to Largo do Senado, are home to numerous restaurants, bars and cafes and clothing shops. You will find elegant Baroque style buildings from the old days and surprising local delicacies. Walking in a southerly direction along Avenida da Praia Grande will bring the visitor to the area near Nam Van.
Nightlife
Macau by day gives an impression of a graceful and tranquil city with old Euro-style buildings set against the blue sky, where people wander at leisure along the narrow and winding streets. However, as night falls a new world of enchantment opens up to the sparkling nightlife of the Macanese. The many entertainment venues and restaurants are open until late and welcome all who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere that pervades the night.
Gambling
With casinos to rival both Monte Carlo and Las Vegas, gambling accounts for almost 50% of the government revenue and forms the backbone of the city's tourist economy. Gambling casinos throughout the city are inevitably packed with people from all over the world who come to seek their fortunes.
The numerous Casinos are extravagantly bedecked with dazzling chandeliers, luxurious gaming rooms and first-class hotel facilities add to the glitz of night-time Macau. Thousands of frenetic gamblers swarm into these venues for 24 hours to seek their fortunes. Most of the best known casinos are housed in top-class hotels in the Macau Peninsular and the island of Taipa. The flagship casinos include Hotel Lisboa Casino, Macau's first Las Vegas-invested casino Sands Macau, Galaxy Waldo Casino and Macau Palace Casino. The tables include roulette, blackjack and poker; of course there are the ever popular slot-machines as well. There are in addition local games such as Chinese fan-tan to give visitors and locals alike sound reasons for visiting in order to experience firsthand the height of luxury and excitement.
Hotel Lisboa in a large bird-cage building is the king among these venues. The façade entrance is designed like the big mouth of a tiger and on the lobby dome there is a heart with numerous prickles to symbolize the punishment of gamblers' greed. However, such warnings are formalities and are heeded by many with the same degree of nonchalance as the SMOKING KILLS warning on a packet of cigarettes!
All casinos are accessible without charge but smart dress is required. There is a minimum age requirement of 18 for visitors and 21 for locals in all casinos.
The casinos accept only Hong Kong dollars and Macau Patacas and guests can exchange money either at casino counters or the nearby banks.
Golf
Macau has the most beautiful golf course in Asia. The Macau Golf & Country Club is located on the south side of Coloane Island and near the Western Resort Complex. Here the excellent golfing facilities are complimented by fine views of the landscape over the Pearl River and Hac Sá beach.
Fishman’s Wharf
A prime amusement attraction in Macau is called Fishman's Wharf. This was initiated by the Macau amusement magnate, Macao Tourism and Amusement Company. With an area of over one million square feet, this entertainment complex boasts that it will be a new experience with buildings in a variety of exotic western and oriental architectural styles. It combines entertainment, shopping, restaurants, hotels, docks and convention facilities in one place with driveways and parking for both bus and taxi.
Bar Street in Downtown
Rua S. Domingos is a street located north to the main square, Largo do Senado in the central downtown. This is the busiest area and is packed with restaurants, local snack shops, clothes shops to name but a few. Various bars and cafes along these streets provide delicious Macau snacks and a pleasant environment.
