Macau or Macao often described as the Las Vegas of the East and Home to Mega Casinos and Hotels. Macau has an old-world European feel left by centuries of Portuguese influence.

If you enjoy Club Parties, then Macau needs no introduction. It’s one of the best party destinations in Asia. Whether you’re into gambling, parties or culture, there is much to experience in Macau which you can easily do on a day trip from Hong Kong. I hope this guide can help you plan your trip.

MACAU

Macau is composed of Four Districts:

Macau Peninsula (澳門半島 O Mun Pun To)
The northernmost region connected to the Chinese mainland. It is the center of most tourist activity and is densely crowded.
Taipa (氹仔 Tam Chai)
The island south of the peninsula, accessible via three bridges. It is a major residential center and is the location of Macau’s International Airport.
Cotai (路氹 Lou Tam)
A strip of reclaimed land between Coloane and Taipa, with vast new casinos rising up (such as The Venetian, the largest casino in the world).
Coloane (路環 Lou Wan)
The most southern island, it is considerably less developed than the other regions due to its mountainous terrain. It has two beaches, several hiking trails, and a resort. It is also the location of Macau’s first golf course.

(Source: wikitravel.org/en/Macau)

PRE TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE:
Option 1: From the Philippines
Two hours Flight from the Manila, Philippines, you can also fly direct from Cebu, Clark, & Iloilo.

Several platforms like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia and Jetstar; Travel search sites like Skyscanner, Traveloka etc. are also available if you want to score a cheap flight to Hong Kong.

Option 2: From Hong Kong
One hour Ferry Ride from Hong Kong (Sheung Wan Centre)
Book your tickets going to Macau here:
1. From Cotai (Taipan Macau Ferry Sta.) – KLOOK
2. From Macau Outer Harbor – KLOOK

MACAU VISA:
For Philippine Passport holders, we can enter Hong Kong VISA-EXEMPTED up to 30 days. All you need to do is show your Passport and Arrival card when clearing Hong Kong immigration and return the departure card.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:
October to February (Actually it depends on you, but most the tourist loves the cold weather between this month). June to September (Summer season and Typhoons usually occur)

TIPS

MONEY SAVING TIPS:
»Stay in Hostels / Guesthouses
Hostels in Sort-of Expensive but if you do have a budget, you can stay at the Hotel.
Here are some of my List when booking my accommodation:
1. Bookings
2. Agoda
3. Airbnb

»Monetary
Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) is also accepted in Macau. You don’t need to exchange your Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) to Macanese pataca Dollars (MOP)

»Souvenir Tips
There are lots of Souvenir Shop in Macau. You will find it on the way to Ruins of Saint Paul. Egg Tart is one of the famous “A-Must-Bring-Home” food back to your country.

»Transportation
Most of the Hotel in Macau offers Free Shuttles Service from One Hotel to another. They also offer free Shuttle Service going to Macau Airport and Ferry Terminal.

MACAU DAY TOUR

SAMPLE ITINERARY (From Hongkong – Macau)

0500H Prep time / Breakfast (Hong Kong)
0615H Off to Sheung Wan Centre (Location of the Ferry bound to Macau)
0635H Sheung Wan Centre (Hong Kong)
0700H Boarding off to Macau already!
0800H TouchDown Macau
0845H onwards DIY Tour Macau
»We waited for almost an hour for a shuttle going to City of Dreams (COD)

Note:
»Sobrang daming shuttle na available sa oras na yon but we still choose the latter part na mas malapit sa airport, beside libre mag iwan ng luggage sa casino ng COD and malapit pa sa Venetians.
»Sometimes yung mga staff ng COD sinasabing bawal mag iwan ng luggage but honestly pwede, pasok ka lang ng casino then pag naiwan mo na yung luggage mo, exit ka sa isang exit pa nila. Basta wag lang kung saan ka pumasok.
»Some Hotels like Venetian I think you have to pay around 20-30HKD to store your luggage. Oh btw, may kapwa pinoy staff sa Venetian Hotel. Nung naliligaw kami at hinahanap yung location ng Bus Terminal nila luckily yung napagtanungan ko ay Pinoy so hindi ako na-nosebleed.

Hotels and Attraction we visited :
1. City of Dreams (COD)
2. The Venetian
3. The Wynn Hotel
4. Grand Lisboa
5. Senado Square
6. Ruins of St. Paul
7. The Parisian
8. Studio City Hotel (One of the Best Hotel for me)
Try to Visit Also:
1. Fishermans Wharf (Walking Distance from Sand Macao Hotel)

1700H Back to COD | Ride a Shuttle going to the Airport
1715H Airport / Check-in
2215H Goodbye Macau! *Sayonara*

Sample Routes:
From Cotai / Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal (Ride Shuttle)→ City of Dreams (leave your luggage to their Casino). Walk for 10-15mins from COD → The Venetian, Parisians and Studio City Macau → (Ride Shuttle) → Macau ferry terminal (The other Ferry Terminal in Macau) → (Ride Another Shuttle) → Wynn Macau → Walk to Grans Lisboa → Senado Square → Ruins of St. Paul → Back to Grand Lisboa → (Ride a Shuttle going Ferry Terminal Macau) → Drop: Hotel Sand Macau → (Walk 5-10mins) → Fisherman Wharf → Walk back to Hotel Sand Macau → (Shuttle)→ Macau ferry terminal → (Ride Another Shuttle) → COD → (Shuttle) → Macau Airport

EXPENSES

Day Tour:
- Transportation (Ferry HK-Macau): 1,068.00 (Via: Klook)
- Transportation (Shuttle): FREE
- Luggage Storage: FREE (City of Dreams)
- Souvenir: 255.43 PHP (Egg Tart Buy 5 Take 1)
- Food: 293.46 PHP (We Tried Every Free Taste going to Ruins of St. Paul)
TOTAL: 1,616.89 PHP