A- Ma Temple
The name Macau is thought to be derived from the name of the temple. One of the oldest and most famous Taoist temples for the Goddess of seafarers and fishermen. Firecrackers, to scare away evil spirits are exploded at the entrance. Lion dances are performed on weekends. Popular with locals and tourists, people burn incense and make food offerings.
Senado Square
In the heart of Macau, the bustling Senado Square, with its old world charm, is a pleasure to walk around. A civic hub for centuries is now pedestrianised and contains an elegant fountain, trees, benches, cafés and space for public events. Pastel coloured neo - classical buildings spell Mediterranean, while the active participation of the local Chinese community reflects the multi cultural dimension of the Macau society.
Ruins of St. Paul’s
Perceived as Macau’s “Acropolis”, this imposing carved stone façade of St Paul’s, with a grand staircase, stands in the heart of the old city. Built in the early 17th century and destroyed by fire in 1835, the ruins are now Macau’s most famous landmark with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Original crypt of the Church contains silver art pieces, gilded statues and paintings by 17th century Japanese artists.
Mount Fortress & Macau Museum
Built by the Jesuits as their headquarters at the same time as St Paul, the Mount Fortress provided an effective defence against attack by the Dutch, later used as the governor’s residence. A museum now culled out of this fortress without disturbing the original structure, showcases Macau and its people over the past four centuries emphasising the bi cultural character of the city. Their “Time Corridor” features the paths through which the two civilizations had advanced before their first encounter in the sixteenth century.
Giant Pandas
Nestled against a hill in Coloane Island, the Seac Pai Van Park houses gifts from Mainland China to Macau, two five year old, rare giant Pandas: Kai Kai (male) and Xin Xin (female). Fun to watch these fuzzy creatures eat, play and roam about, in their individual enclosures with streams, cascades, shrubs, rocks and play things.
Macau Tower
From the tower’s observation deck and revolving restaurant, Macau city and Pearl River delta look magnificent. Adventures like bungee jumping, skyjump, skywalk and tower climb are on offer. One can go up in the elevator (338 metres) and look down through the glass or watch a person getting prepared for the bungee jump, the moments of hesitation and the final plunge. Gives a vicarious pleasure!
Taipa Village
Chinese shop houses, Portuguese style offices, small temples and a former firecracker factory share the narrow streets and alleys of this busy and colourful village. Hanging flower baskets and old-fashioned street lamps make it an ideal place to stroll and the numerous restaurants along the Rua da Cunha (Food Street) are popular destinations for Portuguese, Macanese, Chinese and Italian cuisines. Koi Kei bakery has the best of almond cookies. 777
Coloane Island
It is Macau’s countryside with green hills and valleys, traditional villages and beach lined bays. Sports facilities include tennis courts, swimming pools, windsurfing, golf, go carting etc. Its two focal points are the chapel of St Francis Xavier and the Taoist temple dedicated to Tam Kung.
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