Region:  Northeast Asia
Size:  25.8 km sq
Population:  436,800
Languages:  Cantonese, English spoken in trade
Time Zone:  8hrs ahead of GMT
Currency:  Pataca, avos also ok:Hong Kong easy to change money. 8Patacas=1$
Landscape:  generally flat and urban
Climate:  Avg yearly temp 20ºC (68ºF) October-December: sunny, warm, humidity low. January-March:cold, sunny. April-May-September hot, humid, rain
Entry Requirements:  valid passport and travel papers, visa if stay is longer than 30days
Airlines:  Air Macau
Travel Time from LAX:  16 hrs
Travel Time from JFK:  22 hrs
Getting Around: Other than walking, the best way to get around the Macau Peninsula is by air-conditioned bus or minibus. Taxis are metered and reasonably priced, but not too many drivers speak English. As for those touristy three-wheeled pedicabs (triciclos) clustered round the Jetfoil pier and Lisboa Hotel - well, they can be more expensive than the taxis, plus they're slow moving and restricted to touring the waterfront. Driving in Macau can be a somewhat hair-raising experience - there's way too many cars in too small a space, and the drivers all seem to think they're Grand Prix heroes. Mokes can be hired, but they're best reserved for more tranquil Taipa and Coloane.
Personal Technology: copy
Nearby Destinations:  China
Web Site:  http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/ 

 

MACAU
Macau's strong Portuguese influences make it a unique Asian destination. A relaxed relaxed atmosphere makes Macau attractive to visitors. Macau is covered in narrow cobbled alleys, grand baroque churches, balconied colonial mansions, open plazas and Mediterranean-style cafes filled with palm-readers, caged birds, and pipe-smokers.

Culture
The current population of Macau comprises of 95 percent Chinese, Macanese (mixed Portuguese and Asian), Portuguese, and others. The two official languages are Portuguese and Chinese, which is the most widely spoken. English is Macau's third language. The main religions are Buddhism, Catholicism, and Protestantism. The majority are Buddhists, while seven percent are Catholic.

History
Before the Portuguese colonized the country in the 16th century, the only inhabitants consisted of Cantonese farmers and Fujian fishing folk. The Portuguese set up various trading posts, mainly with the Chinese that developed Macau into a significant manufacturing center.

The People's Republic of China gained sovereignty over Macau, in 1999, making the country a Special Administrative Region (SAR). China agreed to give the country a high degree of autonomy in local government and a guaranteed protection of its unique way of life.

Attractions
Ruinas de São Paulo
The Ruinas de Sao Paulo stands for St. Paul's Cathedral. The Italian-style cathedral was built by Japanese Christian exiles in the early 17th century. Unfortunately only little reminisces of the cathedral still exist due to a disastrous fire during a typhoon in 1835.

A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple is a classic Chinese temple situated at the base of Penha Hill on Barra Point.

Leal Senado
Leal Senado, meaning Senate building, is located in the Senate Square and is the focal point of Macau's Peninsula.

Sun Yatsen Memorial Home
Sun Yatsen Memorial Home is a Moorish-style memorial house that pays homage to the founder of the Chinese Republic. Also nearby are the Lou Lim Ioc Gardens, which surround an ornately columned and arched mansion.

Kun Iam Temple
The Kun Iam Temple has buildings that date back to 1627. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, who appears dressed in embroidered silk and flanked by her 18 wise men.

 

Adventures:
Taipa Island
Taipa Island used to be a "sleepy little town", but recent development has changed the face of the area. Today, grand colonial remains mingle with Portuguese restaurants, Chinese shops, and Buddhist temples.
Coloane Island
Although Coloane is now a haven for golfers, hikers, and beach bunnies, pirates were still touching upon shore as recently as 1910. If "Old Macau" is what you're looking for the narrow, crumbling streets and disheveled temples of Coloane Island is the place to visit.

For Families:
Although there is the opportunity to jog around the available jogging tracks, trekking, and of course swimming at the few swim-able beaches, the real entertainment in Macau is gambling. There are nine 24-hour casinos, greyhound dog races at the Canidrome, and horse racing at Taipa's Hippodrome.

Shopping:
Macau is an ideal place to buy luxury items for cheaper than in most other cities in the region. These items range from jewelry, Chinese antiques, porcelain, electronic items, and mobile phones, to cashmere sweaters, and silk clothing. Manufacturing for the export market is one of the main businesses in Macau, so there is an abundance of goods for sale at bargain prices, and shopping can be fun and economical.

Culinary:
Macau has a distinctive cuisine that combines many traditional dishes from Portugal, including cod, ox, and rabbit.

Sports:
 The country holds several major sporting events, including the Macau Grand Prix, the Macau International Marathon, the Women Volleyball Grand Prix, and the Macau Open - Golf Tournament. Other sports that may be enjoyed by the visitor include kart racing, golf, swimming, and ball sports like basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

Nightlife:
Nightlife in Macau is famous for its variety, frantic activity, mystery and cosmopolitan characteristics. We can literally say that the city does not sleep, for many bars, shops and restaurants are open all night long.