Hong Kong Trip: Macau Day 1 (Part 1)

Day 1: Singapore to Macau (20/12/06)

We met at 7.30 am at Budget Terminal on Wed for our trip to Macau, Hong Kong and Shenzhen. After checking in, we waited for about 20 minutes before we were allowed into the gate. Many people were running to the boarding gate and all 4 of us sprinted past the aunties, uncles and their relatives to emerge among the first few to queue up at the gate. Can't help it mah, everyone running. Ha....

We then boarded the plane at 8.45 am and chose the seats closer to the door for swift exit when we reach Macau.

View from the airplane window

After sitting on Jetstar seats for quite a number of times, i have to say that Tiger Airways got smaller legroom. My long legs can never rest in a certain position for a long time and i kept shifting position due to the cramped space. Tiger Airways air stewardess uniform is quite ugly also. Chatted with Jimmy along the way to Macau as both of us can't get to sleep during the journey.

We finally touched down at Macau International Airport at 12.45 pm after almost 4 hours on the plane.

Macau Airport

We had our lunch at the airport after collecting our luggages and passing through the customs. After inquiring the counter for advice on transport, we then proceeded to board the bus A1 for just 6.6 Patacas which is equivalent to S$1.32 inclusive of luggage surcharge of 3 patacas. The temperature outside is about air con temperature but the winds would make anyone shiver if there is not sufficient clothing. A jacket and a long sleeve tee would be enough to protect from the cold. Lip balm is necessary as the air is quite dry also.

On a suspension bridge along the way to hotel with the sky tower in the background


Some glass structures along the way

We passed by our hotel and pressed the bell but the driver did not stop and we went straight to the Ferry Terminal which is about 400 metres away from the hotel. We inquired about the rates and timing of the ferry going to Hong Kong and decided that we should buy the tickets tomorrow as there are many ferries departing and arriving every half an hour to and from Hong Kong.

We then walked to our hotel after passing through a departmental store, walking past other hotels and some shoddy looking buildings.

Casa Real Hotel lobby

We had booked the hotel prior to the trip as my sister had spent a night at the hotel before and commented that the rooms are very big. We booked a twin room for S$107 and all four of us shared the twin room to reduce costs.

After unloading our luggages, we proceeded to explore the Historic Centre of Macau. The Historic Centre of Macau is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. We took a cab to St Paul Ruins and took a lot of photos at the picturesque block of wall on the former collapsed cathedral which has been restored.

The Ruins of St Paul's

We then headed to Mount Fortress and climbed up to the top where we had a good view of the island.

Museum of Macau in the background


The skyline of Macau and us


At the foot of Mount Fortress

After taking numerous photos at the top of the fortress, we proceeded down to take a walk along the historic centre of Macau. We bought a portuguese egg tart each and they were delicious.

Eating our egg tarts


People along the streets


St Dominic Church


Nice building at Senado Square


In front of Macau Business Tourism Centre

Notice the waved tiles on the pavement and the european styled buildings, the macau goverment has done a brilliant job in preserving their portuguese colony culture. We then walked down to the riverfront next.

A vibrantly red sunset overlooking the coast

Notice the construction cranes? Macau is rapidly sprouting new casinos and there are going to be more major casinos in the near future.

End of Part 1 (0730 to 1700)