Complementing our trip to Hong Kong was a one day trip to Macau. Since it is a 45-50 minute ferry boat ride from Hong Kong and our departure time was at 8:30AM, we had to wake up again early and rush to hit the road.
Earlier in Singapore, we booked a two-way ferry ticket from Cotai Water Jet. During that time, Cotai had a promotion for online booking. The promotion entitles us to upgrade our economy tickets to first class. However, it depends on whether first class seats are still available on the actual departure schedule.
Getting to ferry terminal was quite a breeze. We boarded the train from Jordan MTR and alighted at Central. From Central we changed to Island line and alighted at Sheung Wan station. From there, signs leading to Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal were visible and easy to follow.
Had to look good for my first picture that day!
The immigration area of the terminal was crowded that day. Good thing we reached there early to check in and clear the immigration; we were at the boarding area at around 8AM. We also got our tickets upgraded to first class.
Our first class seats on the upper level of the ferry boat. Quite comfy and ample leg room.
A view of Hong Kong bay during the trip!
Snacks were provided on board. This pack contains assorted cookies and biscuits from Macau. I think these are from Koi Kei Bakery...
Upon reaching Macau and exiting the Mo-Taipa terminal, we saw a lot of shuttle buses lined-up and ready to take tourists to various destinations in Macau for free. This is one of the things I like about Macau. Since our first destination was Senado Square and St. Paul Ruins, we rode the bus heading to Grand Lisboa hotel. It took us around 10 minutes to reach the hotel and upon getting off the bus, we were quite amazed by the surrounding buildings and hotels. It's like Las Vegas during the day.
A sight of Macau Tower behind us.
The wife posing in front of Wynn Hotel.
In front of the leaf-like shaped Grand Lisboa Hotel.
From Grand Lisboa hotel, we walked a few hundred meters along the road before finally reaching Senado Square. Upon reaching the square, we felt like we were already in Portugal. Almost all structure on the square are European-inspired architecture.
At Senado Square!
In front of the fountain, still at Senado Square.
While walking around and looking for St. Paul Ruins, we passed by a pork chop burger shop. We thought its unique to Macau so we gave it a try. The pork chop was ok but I found the bread a bit tough to bite and chew.
Tea Plus' Pork Chop Burger.
After a while, we reached St. Paul Ruins. We took a few pictures around and in front of the old standing facade of the church and then went in to the relic collection inside.
In front of the church's facade.
Just beside the ruins is Macau Museum and Fortaleza do Monte. I went in the museum and checked the exhibits and artifacts inside.
A replica of a Chinese junk.
Fooling around beside a cannon on Fortaleza do Monte!
Looking around Macau through a telescope.
After a two-hour stroll at this heritage site, our next destination was at The Venetian. On our way back to Senado Square, we couldn't help but munch on free pastries and cookies at Koi Kei Bakery. My favorite was the Almond Pastry, while my wife liked the egg roll wrapped in seaweeds.
Below are some of our pictures taken at The Venetian:
Like at St. Paul's, the interior of The Venetian is European inspired!
I look tired and hungry already!
This was taken inside the West Wing entrance of the hotel.
The popular Gondola ride!
I couldn't recall if the clock behind us was working.
The ceiling resembles that of Sistine Chapel.
For our late lunch, we ate Portuguese dishes at the food court. Besides being expensive, I didn't find our tomato-based baked rice that great.
I think one order of this dish is enough for two persons.
Next stop was to see the Dancing Water show at City of Dreams. It was a must see show in Macau and it was worth every dollar we paid!
Outside City of Dreams hotel and casino.
Inside the theater of COD.
The virtual aquarium with mermaids swimming in it was a sure hit with tourists.
For our last stop in the evening, we went to Macau Tower. Initially I thought of sky walking on the tower or even bungy jump. Good thing, these attractions were already closed that time of the night. So we just went in to the indoor and outdoor observation decks of the tower instead.
At the indoor observation deck. It offers a great view of the entire Macau.
Foolin' around in front of the camera!
The see through glass really gave me a scare at first.
After the Macau Tower trip, we went back to Mo-Taipa ferry terminal and waited for our departure to Hong Kong. It was already 11:30PM when we reached Hong Kong. Good thing the MTR usually closed at 1AM. There are there are other things to do and to see in Macau. But nonetheless, we enjoyed our day trip there. We would surely go here again.
