Five Reasons to Visit Macau

A speck in the sea right under China, Macau covers less than 30 square kilometers. The tiny overshadowed island served as Portugal's last Asian stronghold until 1999. Then, Portugal sheepishly handed it back to China, as you do.

Still dotted with Portuguese churches and villas, Macau has long been a traveler’s playground, equipped with a strong gambling scene. Hence its nickname, 'the Vegas of the East'.

When you tire of rolling the dice – if that’s your shtick – the place to shop is historic Senado Square, which has a humming flea market and a weekend night market beside the niftily named Cinema Alegria, Macau’s oldest cinema. Find out what else is cool...

Five reasons to visit Macau

A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple stands on the Macau Peninsula's southwest tip. A-Ma is Macau’s oldest temple and – through a tricky twist or two – the source of Macau’s name. The temple was built in 1488 during the 1368-1644 Ming Dynasty, in honor of Mazu: the sacred sea goddess who blesses local fishermen. The attraction features prayer halls, pavilions and courtyards sunk into the hillside and linked by paths that weave through moon gates and gardens. Found on Rua de San Tiago da Barra.

Guia Fortress

Completed in 1638, Guia Fortress perches atop Macau’s highest point, Guia Hill. The fortress was meant to block attacks from the sea. Thanks to its unbeatable view of the city, the fortress became more of an observation post. Its most striking attribute is a lighthouse built in 1865, which ranks as the oldest on the China coast.

Macau Wine Museum

Set in the same building as the Grand Prix Museum, Macau’s wine museum is Asia's first museum devoted to wine. Reminiscent of a cellar, it offers a snappy history of winemaking, opening with the lovely liquid’s discovery by Egyptians and Phoenicians, then charting its spread from Greece across Europe and beyond. Look out for classic wines including an 1815 Madeira that must pack a punch. The museum offers free tasters of a selection of less precious wines.

Kun Iam Temple (Goddess of Mercy temple)

Macau’s Goddess of Mercy temple was originally founded in the 13th century. Its latest incarnation, which features rooftop porcelain figurines, dates back to 1627. The most momentous event that the landmark ever hosted was the 1844 signing of the first treaty of trade and friendship between the United States and China. Don’t miss the round granite table where the treaty was signed. The table still stands in the back garden. 

Lord Stow’s Café

Every bit as cool as it sounds, Lord Stow’s Café preserves the memory of a famous English baker in an apt way – dishing the delicacies he relished. The cafe menu features warm egg-custard tart and offbeat flavors of cheesecake including black sesame. Although one commenter described the service as ‘atrocious’, Lord Stow’s café is a legend.

1 Rua Da Tassara, Coloane Town Square. Hours: 10.30am-7pm.

Getting there: Macau can easily be reached via Jetfoil [www.turbojet.com.hk] from Hong Kong, which lies 64 kilometers across the Pearl River Estuary. Or you can get there by plane – the island has an international airport. Hotel Grand Lisboa is downtown Macau's most striking landmark. Use it to get your bearings when you come in and get around.

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