| location | |
 | |
| flag | |
 | |
| Short dates | |
| Capital | [[]] |
|---|---|
| Form of government | Special Administrative Region |
| currency | Pataca |
| surface | 25.4 km² |
| population | 461,833 (as of 2002) |
| languages | Portuguese, Chinese (Cantonese) |
| Religions | Buddhists (approx. 50%), Roman Catholic (approx. 15%) |
| Connector system | 220 V / 50 Hz |
| Phone code | 853 |
| Internet TLD | .mo |
| Time zone | CET 7h |
The chinese Special Administrative Region Macau has awakened from its slumber since the city was returned from Portugal to China. Where facades crumbled in the last years of colonial rule, an unbelievable entertainment industry has spread, which need not fear comparison with Las Vegas. At the same time, the old town was preserved, which reminds travelers of the old Lisbon remind. Modern Asia and old Europe live together in a unique symbiosis, which is what makes this small city by Chinese standards so charming.
Regions
Macau, which is only 25 km² in size, consists of the peninsula Macau and the two islands Taipa and Coloanethat have now grown together through land reclamation. The Macau Peninsula is densely populated and is the old core of Macau. With only seven km², the peninsula is so small that you can cover many distances on foot if you can do without a comfortable taxi or bus.
background
Macau is located on the Pearl River Delta in the south of the People's Republic of China, about 60 km west of the financial metropolis Hong Kong. Macau has also benefited from the region's economic rise to become the economically strongest in China, but has retained a more original character. The streetscape sometimes has a Mediterranean feel, not least because of the very old buildings and the many scooters. The old town has been Macau since January 2005 UNESCO world cultural heritage.
history
In 1557 the Chinese imperial court donated what is now Macau to Portugal to honor the Portuguese for their support in the fight with pirates. The first European trading post in China flourished until it was finally relocated from the neighboring British Hong Kong was overtaken. In return, she stayed in European hands for two years longer than her big sister. It was not until December 20, 1999 that the last colony in Asia was returned to China.
language
The official languages are Mandarin and Portuguese. However, Cantonese is the main language spoken by the population. English is often only spoken by younger people or in tourism. Mandarin is increasingly popular due to immigrants from the mother country, but unlike Cantonese, not everyone understands it.
to buy
The Macau pataca (MOP) is roughly equivalent to 10 euro cents. The MOP is firmly linked to the HKG $.
getting there
Entry and exit regulations
Unlike a trip to the People's Republic of China Citizens from Germany, Austria and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Macau if they stay for a maximum of ninety days. A valid passport is sufficient. A one-month one-month visa extension can be obtained from the immigration authorities in Macau Chamber of Commerce Building be requested. When entering the country, you have to fill out small forms that are handed in at passport control. You have to show the copy again when you leave the country. However, there should be no major problems if this slip of paper should disappear, except that the slip has to be filled out a second time.
General customs controls are not carried out, but random checks can be made at any time. Articles for personal use may be imported in reasonable quantities, foreign currency in unlimited quantities.
By plane
The Aeroporto Internacional de Macau connects Macau with many cities in Asia. Due to the lower airport fees than in neighboring Hong Kong, many low-cost airlines fly from Macau. Connections with Europe are missing, however, which is why Macau only via transit airports, such as Hong Kong can be achieved.
A helicopter line connects the ferry terminals in Macau and Hong Kong.
By train
Macau has no direct connection to the rail network. This only extends to the border with China.
By bus
There are direct bus connections to the Chinese cities Guangzhou (Canton) and Zhong Shan. However, you have to get off with your luggage at the border between Macau and China for the entry formalities.
On foot
The border crossing from China to Macau is practically in Zhuhai, which is why you don't actually need any means of transport from there. On the Macau side, you can also walk to most parts of the old city quickly or take a taxi.
In the street
To Hong Kong Lantau and Zhuhai can also be reached on the longest “bridge” in the world, 6.7 kilometers of which are built as a tunnel. There is right-hand traffic on the bridge, vehicles registered in Macau require a special license plate. There are bus connections that operate 24 hours a day.
By boat
From Hong Kong there are regular ferry connections from 1 Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island (MTR Sheung Wan) the Kowloon Ferry Terminal and from the airport. The Macau Ferry Terminal can also be reached from Hong Kong Airport by airport bus number 11. The fast ferries run about every 15 minutes and take about 50 minutes (from 2015: 70 minutes due to the construction site) for the crossing. Cost, depending on the time, from 254 MOP. There is also the possibility of taking the bus from Zhuhai to Hong Kong, which is hardly a price advantage and also takes a long time. It is not necessary to buy tickets in advance, but it makes sense, especially during the rush hour on weekends. If there is a free space on a ferry that leaves earlier, you can take the earlier ship instead of the one that was actually booked.
These are moorings in Macau 2 Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal Buses 17, N1B (both Av. Amizade); 8, 28 C (Jai Alai). The Grand Prix track and the Casino Oceanus are right by the harbor. or that 3 Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal Bus routes: 26, 36, AP1, MT1, MT2, N2
There are two ferry operators, both Hong Kong based:
(Prices, all “Economy,” as of Oct. 2016. 1 Pataca = 1 HK $ = 1 Yuan.)
- Turbo Jet, a company that has bought up several competitors in recent years. In addition to the main routes, Macau is also connected to the
- Hong Kong airport. During the expansion from October 2015, changed landing stages.Open: 5 times a day.Price: HK $ 154.
- From the New Territories dated 5 Tuen Mun Ferry Pier (Buses: 962A, K52 (then through a mall)). Price: weekdays 153, at night and weekends up to 200.
- This is only served on weekends 6 Shekou Harbor Passenger Terminal. at Shenzhen.
- Also CotaiJet serves the two main routes mentioned, at similar prices. From the airport on Lantau there are also five daily departures (HK $ 256).
mobility
Getting from one place to another is no problem in Macau. The bus system is excellent, taxis are very cheap and everything in the old town is in principle within walking distance.
By bus
Macau has a very efficient bus network, with which you not only get around Macau itself, but also to the "islands" Taipa and Coloane. At all bus stops there are timetables, which often also provide pictures with sights. All buses are air-conditioned, which is quite pleasant in summer. Prices for the bus are $ 2.50, $ 3.30, or $ 4.00, depending on the distance. Please note, however, that no change is given back on the bus. So if the ride is $ 3.30 but you only have $ 5, the ride was $ 1.70 more expensive.
With bus number 11, for example, it is quite easy to get to Taipa Village from Largo do Senado, which is quite worthwhile. All of this for 2x 3.30 MOP.
The most convenient and inexpensive means of transport are the free casino shuttle buses. From the two ferry terminals, the airport and the border crossing, shuttle buses run at very short intervals to the major casinos and into the city. There are also connections between the casinos. The buses have large casino signs and hostesses are also on hand to help. You don't have to do anything else except get in and let yourself be taken to the casino of your choice or into town. If you plan your tour in advance and put these routes together well, you can easily visit the whole of Macau in one day. The best way to get to the city center is to take the shuttle from the Wynn, the Golden Star or the Grand Lisboa. It's only a five-minute walk from there.
taxi
If there is no longer a bus or for other eventualities, a taxi is a good option. Taking a taxi in Macau is cheap, and it doesn't cost 100 MOPs to travel across the islands. Macau, Sands, to Taipa, University, is about 30 to 35 MOPs. The taxometer starts counting at 10MOP; 5 MOP is the baggage allowance. Taxis are available at any time of the day.
- Black taxis drive from anywhere except the airport, anywhere.
- The yellow taxis are intended exclusively for the airport. Often they refuse to drive even shorter distances.
By plane
From Macau with Low cost airlines to fly is advisable because in contrast to Hong Kong only a low airport tax is charged here.
- Air Asia
If you don't have a credit card, you can conveniently book the flight from a travel agency.
accommodation
Macau gets crowded on weekends. All the Chinese who are addicted to gambling come and squander all their money. As a result, hotel prices often double. It is therefore fundamentally not advisable to visit on the weekend. Accommodation can be booked quite easily at the ferry; they even have the best prices here. Inexpensive accommodations (under € 50) or hostels are in short supply. Unlike in Las Vegas, there are no special rates in casino hotels for individual travelers.
Those who like to search on their own will surely find their happiness. Those who prefer to find the cheaper offers will not be able to avoid doing so here either. Largo do Senado is recommended to start with. There are some hotels here. Sometimes you get lost in a hotel that charges 350 patacas per hour. However, this is not to be expected, as you will certainly not have the bed alone at this hour. The author says: Much too expensive and you don't even have your peace of mind. Such "houses" can be recognized by the fact that you are surrounded by women when you enter.
Upscale
- Fu Hua Guangdong Hotel (富华 粤海 酒店), 98-102, Rua Francisco Xavier Pereira (俾 利 喇 街 98-102 号). Tel.: 853 2855 3838. Luxurious 3 *.Open: 24h reception.Price: Double (weekdays) 775-1000 M $.
Tourist Attractions
Macau
- Largo do Senado. At Largo do Senado there are still many remnants of the colonial administration buildings from the Portuguese era. At the head of the Leal Senado, the "loyal Senate". The parliament of Macau received this honorary title because it refused to recognize the Kingdom of Spain, with which Portugal was linked in a personal union from 1580 to 1640, as the new leading power. For this reason, it was not the Spanish, but the Portuguese flag that flew over Macau during this time.
- Macau Tower. The 338 meter high tower was opened in 2001. Together with the convention center, it was built on newly raised land and offers an excellent view over Macau. For those who are not excited enough because of the partially glass floor of the viewing platform, A.J. Hacket - the New Zealand inventors of commercial bungee jumping - lots of thrills: you can take a lap on ropes above the viewing platform or climb the top of the tower mast. Since mid-2005 it has also been possible to jump from the tower - secured by a steel cable construction.
- Fortaleza do Monte. The fort is the oldest fortress in Macau and offers a beautiful view of downtown Macau. Inside the fort is that Macau National Museum.
- Fortaleza de Guia. You can walk up to the second colonial fortress of Macau or take the cable car. At the top there is a lighthouse and a chapel, in which remains of the old wall paintings can be found. At the bottom of the cable car there is a small park with some animal enclosures with monkeys, birds and bears.
- Facade of the São Paulo Cathedral, Rua de São Paulo. In 1835 the São Paulo Cathedral burned down. All that has remained is the facade, which is now Macau's landmark. The original building was built between 1620 and 1627 under the direction of the Jesuits. On the back of the facade, a staircase leads to the level of the first row of windows and allows a view of the lower-lying old town. Below the former nave there is a museum displaying finds from the 17th century that were found during excavations.
- Jardim de Lou Lim Ioc, Estrada Adolfo Correiro. The former private garden of a wealthy Chinese merchant from the 19th century is now open to the public. Artificial miniature landscapes, bamboo groves and goldfish ponds invite you to take a nice walk through the park.
- Lin Fong Miu Temple
- Kun Iam Tong Temple
Taipa
- Taipa old settlement. Taipa Village is the contrast to the high-rise buildings in Taipa. Taipa Village can be seen as the complete opposite of the otherwise very sterile city center. It is definitely worth stopping here for a few hours. Very Mediterranean ambience. Bus number 11 stops right there; right after the jockey arena.
- Feira Semanal das Ilhas. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. there is a weekend market around Taipa Old Town.
- Casas. In Taipa old settlement there are also a large number of well-preserved colonial buildings right on the promenade of a lake. Certainly some of the most beautiful. During the day these are also open to visitors.
Coloane
The southern end of Macau, Coloane (路 環), was a separate island until a few years ago, which is now connected to Taipa by landfill through the newly created town of Cotai (路 氹 城) and whose northern boundary is the complex ofVenetian Casino forms.
In the center of the peninsula, that's what it says 1 A-Ma Cultural Village, Estrada do Alto de Coloane, including a statue of the goddess built in 1998 A-Ma, otherwise known as Māzǔ (媽祖).
There are also smaller beaches with swimming pools at the southern tip. B. in the 2 Cheoc Van Bay (竹 灣) Buses 15, 21A, 25, 26A; all also drive to the village of Coloane
On the south-western side facing China is the main settlement, the Coloane village (路 環 村). The Coloane-2 bus stop is at the roundabout around Eanes Park, which is also adjacent to the market. The village is visited because of several Taoist temples and those built in 1928 2 St. Xavier Church (路 環 聖 方 濟 各 堂) phone = 853 2888 2128. The relics of several Japanese martyrs from around 1600 that were previously kept here have been brought to the St. Paul Museum. On the hillside behind the village is the Macau prison. The temples are called (from north to south): Sam Seng (三 圣宫 = Kam Fa 金花 庙), 2 Rua dos Navegantes erb. 1865; Kun Iam on the Travessa do Caetano; the old Tin Hau Temple (天后 古廟) and the Tam Kung (譚公廟) erb. 1862. It is oriented towards natural history 3 Museu Natural e Agrário (土地 暨 自然博物館), Opened in 1997.
activities
- beaches. You can swim in the sea, especially on the south side of Coloane Island (see above). The smaller beach is that Cheocvan and the more popular and larger the Hacsa, which is sometimes heavily overcrowded in summer, despite the rather unclean water. Behind the Hacsa there is a small sports and amusement park as well as a swimming pool, which is often preferable to the sea. On this beach is also the famous one Fernando's restaurant..
- Gambling. Macau is known for its casinos; who would have thought that more money is being gambled away here than in Las Vegas. Macau still seems to have a lot of potential, or rather, the purse of the Chinese still seems to be very full. Therefore, a quarter is currently being built between Taipa and Coloane based on the Las Vegas model, which is supposed to trump it. The reason for the success of the Macanese gaming industry seems to be the unbridled passion of many Chinese, or rather, many Asians. Those gamble away apparently without batting an eyelid house and yard and much more. Where no chips are required, you can only play with Hong Kong dollars. Patacas are not accepted.[1].
- The casinos also kindly offer something worthwhile to non-gamblers, for example in the The Sands to stop. Drinks are free. You just have to open your eyes to the waitresses who are out with a tray and tell them what you want. From water to vodka bull, everything is available. The only problem is that you have to gamble if you want to sit down. in the New Century in Taipa, on the other hand, you can have breakfast for free while enjoying a show. The Wynn has a free show every 15 minutes with the Tree of Life, right at the main entrance and with the water show in front of the casino. in the Venetian you can be driven through the three artificial canals with a gondola and a real singer for the equivalent of 11 € per person (2017). There are also numerous boutiques in the replica of the lagoon city. The City of Dreams offers in addition to constantly changing, paid shows in the Bubble a special video show of the The four dragons hunt for the dragon pearl. Unfortunately, this show now also costs admission, but you get a discount if you've been to a restaurant before. The only free show is now only the water world.
- The minimum age for gambling was raised from 18 to 21 years ago.
- Shopping Spree. Since Macau is a free port, things are a lot cheaper here than anywhere else. For example electronics such as digital cameras (approx. 40% cheaper). Clothes and shoes are often (original branded goods) much cheaper than in Germany. The warranty alone could play a role when buying electrical appliances, as this only applies to Macau and Hong Kong.
- eat. Macau offers a wide variety of cuisines of different nationalities, often at a very reasonable price. It is definitely worth taking each meal somewhere else here. From cheap noodle soup to classy food, everything is available.
kitchen
Macau's cuisine is a reflection of its many roots. In addition to the local Cantonese cuisine, Portuguese cuisine has left its mark on the city. The most successful imports are Pastéis de Nata: A bowl made of puff pastry, filled with a vanilla cream that has been slightly blackened during baking. The taste is a little different than in Lisbon, but thanks to a chain, this little delicacy is now spreading to all major cities in China. Seafood and wine should of course not be missing in the offer, and the Bica, the small coffee after dinner, remains a strong competitor to Starbuck & Co .. Canton gourmets swear by Dim Sun and a variety of other steamed dumplings and rice flour cakes. There are also some good quality Indian restaurants and restaurants with Chinese food from other regions of the vast country.
- Fernando's restaurant, 9 Praia de Hacsa, 200 meters north of the beach bus stop. Fernando's restaurant on Hacsa Beach is famous in Macau and Hong Kong. The inexpensive and rustic restaurant, which does not accept reservations, is best known for its suckling pig and prawns.
- Aruna Indian Curry & Cafe House, Avendia Amizade, 779B Edf. Chong Yu, Bloco 2 Loja. Delicious Indian food.
- The panda. In Taipa, between New Century and McDonalds (the one at the roundabout) there are several restaurants, including the one panda. There is good food for little money for the low-budget traveler. The soup is definitely recommended here. Available with shrimp or beef ribs for 15 MOP. Definitely the one spicy (is European spicy) Take the variant, as the other is not that good for a long time.
- MC Donalds. Even if it sounds very blasphemous, sometimes a burger tastes great when you can no longer see pasta, rice or something and you don't have enough money for something better. Therefore there is the golden M. KFC there is one too.
nightlife
Macau is not only known as the gamer's paradise of southern China, Macau also has a number of other entertainment options to offer. From nice street cafes to large-scale disco. The horizontal industry is nowhere near as intrusive compared to Hong Kong.
- Bex. Quite a relaxed club, not far from Sands and Mandarin. Admission is generally free, the prices are quite moderate. Quite a young audience. Highly recommended.
- Fisherman's Wharft. The new entertainment district in Macau, not far from the ferry and across from Sands. Live music, no admission, as it is open air. The prices are higher than in the Bex.
- DD's. Price: On weekends 100 MOP entry for male guests, women have free entry.
- Mandarin Oriental. There is a nice club with live music on the ground floor of the Mandarin. Admission is not required, but the prices for drinks are tough. Many women here like to keep the generous gentleman company.
public holidays
Since Macau is influenced by Portugal on the one hand, and Buddhist on the other, a wide variety of public holidays come together here. It is possible that some purely Portuguese public holidays will be canceled at some point. Public holidays that fall on a Sunday are usually "made up" on Monday (e.g. October 1 or October 2, 2006).
| meeting | Surname | importance |
|---|---|---|
| April 25 | Anniversary of the uprising in Portugal | |
| Easter | ||
| 1st of May | Labor Day | National holiday |
| 5th of May | Buddha's birthday | |
| May 13th | Fatima procession | |
| the 10th of June | Camoes day | |
| June 13th | Battle of June 13th | |
| 1.Oct | National Day of the PRC | |
| Oct 5 | day of the Republic | |
| Nov 2 | ||
| December 20 | Independence day |
(Incomplete)
security
Mostly harmless. It happens occasionally that someone's wallet is stolen, not nearly as often as in Zhuhai, where this is a real popular sport. Otherwise Macau is to be regarded as quite safe. In addition, the police are omnipresent, so you can go into dark alleys at night without having to worry, as violent crimes do not actually occur. Nevertheless, things like bags etc. should not be left out of sight, as opportunity makes thieves.
Practical advice
- The electrical voltage in Macau as well as in Hong Kong is 220 V at 50 Hz, which roughly corresponds to the German system. However, the sockets usually have three holes or three slots; other systems also occur. Adapters are available in every supermarket.
- ATMs there are also very common. Bank of China (BOC) and Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) all accept EC cards (Maestro), which makes a credit card almost superfluous. The writer of this line got by without them, even though he stayed in Macau for six months.
telecommunications
International code for Macao: 853 ..., abroad you dial 00 ...
Cellular
There are four providers. The China Telecom Macau works according to the CDMA standard, which very few European telephones are designed for. SIM cards are available at the ferry terminal (in machines) and in convenience stores. The called party also pays the minute rate for local calls.
- Rates
- 3 Com (Hutchison Whampoa): M $ 0.40 / min.
- CTM (MobiWeb) is also the state landline operator. The SIM cards run under the name BEST. For M $ 48 there is 480 MB of internet, 100 hours of WiFi and 480 minutes for 30 days.
- SmarTone: M $ 0.54 / min.
post
health
Medical care is available at the hospital in Macau. Depending on how urgent it is, you can go to the emergency room or for normal treatment. It goes something like this; you register in the lobby and receive a card, which you must bring with you to every visit from now on. You will receive two pieces of paper with a waiting number. You give them to the office hours assistant on the 2nd floor. It is best to ask how long it will take right away; can take "several" hours. After several hours annoy the office hours help. It's best to do it again, because others like to jostle and it is anything but civilized to place yourself right in front of the right door according to your nerves. After the examination, you will receive various pieces of paper like a prescription. This takes you back to window 6 on the first floor, which is the pay office. The price consists of 3 pataca registration fee, 30 pataca treatment and possibly medicine. To the right of switch 6 there is a large LED panel that shows your own name when and where the medicine can be picked up.
- Kiang Wu Hospital
- Tel: 2952102
If you don't have an emergency and 'only' need a doctor, you can contact the Hope Medical Clinic Have American or Chinese doctors treat you:
- Hope Medical Clinic
- Fu Wah Court, 1-D
- 26 Ave de Sidonio Pais, 1 / F
Further recommendations can be found at Tropeninstitut.de.
 | These medical notices have been carefully researched, but they are made no guarantee. A conversation with the person in charge Family doctor or one travel medical or tropical medical advice center is recommended in case of health problems or uncertainties. Also note: Note on health issues |
climate
As in Hong Kong there is a subtropical climate with humid and hot summers and dry and mild winters. The temperatures in January are 5 to 15 degrees and rise to an average of almost 30 degrees in the summer months. The high humidity may be particularly unusual, especially in the months of April to August. Values of 97% are not uncommon. In April to September, the monsoons cause large amounts of precipitation, especially in the form of sudden downpours. Summer (July-September) is typhoon season, and during these hurricane-like storms there is a partial exit ban, which you should adhere to. Macau can be visited all year round, but the months June to August are climatically very stressful.
trips
- Zhuhai. From Macau it is only a short hop to Zhuhai. However, you need a visa for the People's Republic of China for this. The best way to do this in Macau is to contact the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs two days in advance (PRC Foreign Affairs Ministry) in Avendia do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues request. A six-month, multiple-entry visa costs 400 patacas. The standard one-month and single-entry visa is cheaper. A passport photo is required for the exhibition. Bus No. 28.Open: Mon - Thu 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., Fri 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Hong Kong. You can easily travel to Hong Kong by ferry or helicopter. The city has enough to offer to be able to spend several days there alone.
- Shenzhen. Also connected to Macau by several ferries daily. The tourist attractions are limited. You also need an entry visa for the People's Republic to enter Shenzhen. If you book a day trip in a tour group in a travel agency from Hong Kong, the organizer will take care of the formalities.
literature
Web links
- ↑For the history of the game in Macau, see the corresponding chapter in: Only those who are dead do not take any more risks: history of the casinos and roulette systems of the 20th century; Munich 2012; ISBN ~ 9783844809770