10 Reasons Macau Should Be Your Next Destination in Asia
It might not be as well known as its famous neighbour Hong Kong, but Macau is equally if not more intriguing. Here are 10 reasons why it deserves to be your next stop in Asia.
Unique heritage
Macau was Europe’s last colony in Asia. The southern Chinese city was a Portuguese outpost for more than 400 years. The territory was leased to Portugal in 1557 and was eventually handed back to China on December 20 1999. Those 400 years of Portuguese rule certainly left their mark; from architecture to food and even language, the unique assimilation of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau has made it one of a kind.
1. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ruins
There’s more to Macau than meets the eye; the city’s rich heritage far outshines its casinos. In fact, the Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, with over 20 locations that witness the unique co-existence of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau. Notably, UNESCO recognised Macau’s Guia Fortress And Lighthouse as the oldest of its kind in China. From beautifully ornate Western Catholic churches to enchanting Chinese temples, Macau fuses its East and West influences seamlessly.
Guia Lighthouse, Macau
Ruins of St. Paul’s Macau | © Bernard Tey / Flickr | © Bernard Tey / Flickr
Richest city in Asia
With a per capita GDP of US$91,000, Macau is the fourth richest territory in the world and the richest city in Asia. Most of these riches come from its huge gambling industry. In the past five years, its casinos have generated US $70 billion in taxes, making it the largest gambling centre in the world. Macau is so rich it even pays its residents. The Macau Government gives all of its permanent residents an annual dividend (about US$1,200) and non-permanent residents receive about US$670 each year. This amount has remained unchanged since 2014.
Discover the secret to longer life
According to the CIA World Fact Book 2017, Macau citizens enjoy the 4th-longest life expectancy in the world with an average age of 84.60. As the world’s most successful gambling city, it’s not a lifestyle that you would necessarily associate with long life or relaxation. However, a lot of the profits the government makes from the casinos gets pumped into free healthcare and welfare programmes. Others believe that the Macau diet and exercise have a significant effect too.
3. Best egg tarts
Bakery, Cafe
Egg tarts are popular in many countries, but the Macau Portuguese egg tarts baked at the famous Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane Island draw tourists and pastry-lovers from all over. They have become the city’s own edible icon. Based on Portugal’s traditional pastel de nata, the Macau egg tarts have been slightly adapted for local tastes with flaky pastry crusts, delicious egg custard centres and crispy crème brulee tops.
Lord Stow’s Bakery, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, Macau
Eating a pastel de nata is something everyone should try before they die | © Pixabay
Cheaper hotel stays
Living the five-star luxury lifestyle generally costs less in Macau than neighbouring Hong Kong. On Weekdays, especially, room rates can be a real steal and you can get more room for your buck. Several five-star hotels offer reasonable rates, often with extra privileges thrown in, including Mandarin Oriental Macau, JW Marriott and the Venetian Macao. Better still, when an ordinary hotel suite just won’t do, consider staying at one of the mansions at Sofitel Macau. If you’re going to stay, you might as well stay in style!
4. A culinary capital
Hotel
It’s not just the hotel rooms that are cheaper in Macau. Local foodies have long known that Macau is a great destination for fine dining at a (relative) bargain, especially the lunchtime deals. From street food favourites to three Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants like Robuchon Au Dome, Macau is fast becoming one of Asia’s top culinary capitals.
Robuchon Au Dome, Macau, 南灣葡京路新葡京酒店43樓
Fine dining at Robuchon au Dôme, Macau | Courtesy of Grand Lisboa | Photo: Courtesy of Grand Lisboa
5. Taste the world’s first fusion food
Macau was recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in recognition of its 400-plus-year-old culinary legacy. Many believe that the city’s own Macanese cuisine was the original fusion cuisine. With a history dating back over 450 years, Macanese cuisine blends southern Chinese cuisine and Portuguese ingredients, spices and cooking techniques from Macau’s colonial days. One of the best places to try authentic Macanese cuisine in Macau is Riquexo Cafe. This Macanese canteen was created by the wonderful, 101-year-old Aida de Jesus, unofficial godmother of Macanese cuisine.
Riquexo Cafe, Songbo Village, 69 Av. de Sidonio Pais, Macau
Minchi is considered Macau’s national dish | Courtesy of APOMAC Macau
6. Try your luck at the world’s biggest casino
Casino
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