Macau is known as Asia’s Las Vegas for a reason. It’s filled with world class hotels with in-house casinos of matching grandeur. However, this reputation does not do Macau any justice. It is so much more than just a gambler’s paradise. Due to its close proximity, tourists visiting Hong Kong usually consider a day trip in Macau. With just an hour of travel time, visa-free entry and plenty of daily ferry trip schedules to choose from, visitors can explore Macau and get back to their hotel in Hong Kong by the evening. This one day trip travel itinerary will explore the things to see and do in Macau other than its famous casinos.
Fortaleza Do Monte (Mount Fortress Corridor)
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| Fortaleza Do Monte |
The Fortaleza Do Monte, built between 1617 and 1626, is a fort located in Santo Antonio, Macau. It was constructed to protect Jesuits properties from pirates but was later taken over by the colonial government for the defense of Macau.
The fortress offers a stunning panoramic view of Macau's skyline, both old and new.
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| Fortaleza Do Monte |
If you're looking for some history fix, Museo de Macau is also located in the area.
Ruins of St. Paul
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| St. Paul Ruins |
One of Macau's best known landmarks is the facade and ruins of the former St. Paul Parish which was devastated by a fire in the 1800's. It is located just below Fortaleza Do Monte.
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| St. Paul Ruins |
A walk down the former church's grand staircase will lead you to dozens of shops selling various food items, including Macau's most famous delicacy: the Portuguese Egg Tart. My love story with Fish Balls in Curry Sauce also started here. Some of these shops offer free taste too, don't miss them!
A-Ma Temple
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| A-Ma Temple |
A-Ma Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, is one of the oldest temples in Macau. It is also believed that the peninsula of Macau was named after this temple.
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| A-Ma Temple |
You can actually catch a view of mainland China from here. Walk a few meters to the nearby Pastelaria Koi Kei to find a wide selection of Macau delicacies, perfect to bring back home.
Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center
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| Macau Tower |
Measuring 338 meters from ground level to its highest point, Macau Tower offers the best 360 view of the entire Macau peninsula. Unfortunately, the skies weren't clear on our visit. You can also try some adventurous activities such as Bungee Jumping. If you're not up for that, you can just settle on watching other people take the plunge via live stream.
Studio City
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| Studio City |
Studio City is one of the themed hotels in Macau's Cotai Island. It contains the "Golden Reel", the world's highest figure-8 shaped Ferris Wheel, integrated in its facade.
The Parisian Macao
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| Eiffel Tower at the Parisian Macao |
Just across Studio City is The Parisian, themed luxury hotel, casino and water park in Cotai Island. To bring the essence of the city of love in Asia, it features a half-scale model of the Eiffel Tower (which has an observation deck, by the way), rotundas, endless shops, street entertainers and glorious ceiling murals.
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| Stellar ceiling murals at the Parisian Macao. |
The Venetian Macao
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| Venetian Macao |
Connected to the Parisian via foot bridge, the Venetian Macao is another luxury hotel and casino resort in the Cotai Strip. It is modeled from its sister casino, the Venetian Las Vegas. It houses the world's largest casino floor. Located within the vicinity is the Sands' Shoppes, the largest indoor shopping mall in Macau.
You can also have a truly Venetian experience by having a gondolier serenade you through a romantic gondola ride in its indoor grand canals.
Wynn Palace
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| Wynn Palace Performance Lake |
Broadway Food Street
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| Broadway Food Street |
Broadway Macau Food Street boasts of over 40 restaurants serving Macanese and Asian delicacies to choose from. We had our dinner here.
Wynn Macau
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| Wynn Macau, Dragon of Fortune and Tree of Prosperity |
Wynn Macau also offers their own version, albeit smaller, of their sister hotel's Performance Lake, a water exhibition that is on show from 11am - 9:45pm daily. Every show lasts for approximately 3 minutes and runs alternately at 15 minutes intervals.
Another offering is the "Dragon of Fortune" and the "Tree of Prosperity", definitely can't miss spectaculars in Wynn Macau's rotunda. Shows run daily, starting from 10am-midnight, in 30 minute intervals.
Macau Day Trip Itinerary
Since we arrived at Macau directly from Cebu City very late at night, our itinerary is a little bit different from a typical Macau Day Tour if coming from Hong Kong. You may adjust your activities accordingly.
TIME
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DESCRIPTION
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NOTES:
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10:00pm
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Arrive at Macau Airport from Cebu
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Wait at the bus stop for free shuttle bus
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You can ride free hotel shuttles in Macau, to and from key destinations, even if you are not a guest. Make sure to check bus schedules and routes, these are usually shown in hotels’ websites.
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11:00pm
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Arrive at Wynn Macau
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Watch “Dragon of Fortune”
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Located at Wynn Macau’s Rotunda (10am-12am, runs every 30minutes)
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Watch “Tree of Prosperity”
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12:00am
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Late Dinner
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Walk to Macau Outer Harbour Terminal
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It’s a long walk, but we had nothing to do, and we wanted to see more of Macau.
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2:30 am
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Arrive at Macau Outer Harbour Terminal
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To save money, we decided to sleep at the terminal for the night. If you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea. But if you have some cash to spare, just get a room.
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Claim tickets purchased from Klook at ticketing counter
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10:00am
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Meet Up at Macau Outer Habour Terminal for the TKW Macau Tour
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10:30am
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TKW Macau Tour
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Included in the Iventure Card; You can put your luggage in the tour bus.
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Fortaleza Do Monte
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Ruins of St. Paul
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1:00pm
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Lunch
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Buffet; Free with TKW Tour
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2:00pm
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Pastelaria Koi Kei
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Free Taste on Macau Delicacies
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A-Ma Temple
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Included in the Iventure Card
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3:00pm
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Macau Tower
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Included in the Iventure Card; Dropped off by TKW Tour here; end of tour. Watch people go bungee jumping at Macau Tower
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4:00pm
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Studio City
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Rode free shuttle bus from Macau Tower
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4:30pm
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The Parisian Macao
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Just across the street from Studio City
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5:30pm
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Venetian Macao
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Connected by a foot bridge from the Parisian
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6:00pm
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Wynn Palace
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Short Walk from Venetian
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Ride SkyCab
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Free even if you’re not a hotel guest
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Watch Performance Lake
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7:00pm
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Galaxy Macau
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Ride Cotai Connection
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Go to Broadway Macau Food Street
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Get Free Meal Coupon at Broadway Kitchen; Dinner
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Included in the Iventure Card
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8:00pm
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Get Free Drink in Galaxy Macau Food Court
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Included in the Iventure Card
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9:00pm
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Wynn Macau
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Ride free shuttle bus
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Watch Performance Lake
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Shows are at 15minute intervals
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9:45pm
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Ride Free Shuttle to Macau Outer Harbour Terminal
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10:35pm
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Ferry Trip Back to Hong Kong (Kowloon Ferry Terminal)
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Tickets purchased via Klook; 10:35pm last trip to Kowloon. If your hotel is in the Hong Kong Island, better choose a trip to Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal instead.
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We truly had a fun one day trip in Macau. A great way kick-off our 5 day trip to Hong Kong and Macau. If you're already in Hong Kong and have a day to spare, spending a day in Asia's Las Vegas is always a good idea!
Nice travel
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