2023/08/31
table of contents
First part
[Macau's latest hotel information]
▶︎Newly renovated and newly opened hotel
▶︎Hot topic! A hotel opening soon!
▶ Editor's recommendation! Currently held events
Second part
[Hotel selection based on purpose]
▶ Recommended for active families with children
▶ People who want to experience "this is a resort!"
▶︎Recommended for those who prefer to relax rather than go to a casino
▶︎Spa is definitely a priority when traveling with your friends!
▶︎This is the place for art lovers!
\ This time from here! /
Second part
▶ ︎On to Macau!
Basic Information
From Hong Kong to Macau: Do you prefer land or sea?
▶ ︎If you go to Macau, visit here
Show/Meal
As a tourist guide living in Macau, I know the hot spots
Must-try Portuguese dishes recommended by Tsubaki
▶︎Miscellaneous information!
Ask Tsubaki about trivia
Transportation in Macau
▶︎▶︎Bonus information available only to official LINE subscribers
A list of souvenir shops and items recommended by Tsubaki in Macau!
This time I will teach you:
Born in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Mother of one child. Permanent resident of Macau. Graduated from Kyushu University and worked for a travel agency. Moved to Macau in 2010 and obtained a government-certified Japanese guide qualification. Currently disseminating information about Macau's attractions and travel information on YouTube and social media.
Instagram: @macao_guide
Youtube:Macau Guide Tsubaki
Second part
On to Macau!
[Basic information about Macau]
Time difference: There is no time difference between Hong Kong and Macau. It is one hour behind Japan. 8 o'clock in Japan is XNUMX o'clock in Hong Kong and Macau.
A website introducing tourist attractions, events, etc. by the Macao Government Tourism Office
https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/ja/
If you are new to Macau, start by looking at the basic information provided by the Macau Government Tourism Office.
https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/ja/travelessential/before-you-travel/entry-requirements
By law, anyone bringing into Macau an amount exceeding 12 patacas (HK dollars) in cash and negotiable instruments (traveller's cheques, cheques, money orders and promissory notes) must be declared.
Customs:https://www.customs.gov.mo/cn/customs6.html
Typhoon Warning
Typhoon season runs from May to the end of October, with the peak season being from July to September. When a typhoon warning signal of 10 or higher is issued, or when a tropical cyclone (strong winds and heavy rain) or high tide warning is issued, traffic restrictions in and around Macau, opening hours of facilities, and activities may be affected. Please check the latest weather forecast.
-What does a typhoon warning signal level 8 or above mean?
Basically, it is the same as the rules in Hong Kong. If the signal is 8 or higher, avoid going out and wait indoors until it subsides. For example, if you go out when the signal is 8 or higher, you may not be covered by insurance if a sign falls from above and you are injured. Taxis and other vehicles will not operate, but even if they do, they will likely charge a typhoon fee. Keep in mind that flights may be canceled or delayed, bridges may be closed, shuttle buses and ferries may be canceled, shops may be temporarily closed, and outdoor activities may be canceled.
[On to Macau!]
How do I get there from Hong Kong?
[Do you prefer land or sea routes?]
From Hong Kong, you have two options: continue to take a high-speed ferry to Macau, or take a newly opened overland shuttle bus.
For more details on this, as well as a report by Hong Kong LEI staff about their experience entering Macau by land, please click on the link below if you are interested.
https://hongkonglei.com/hellofromeditor15-trip/
[If you go to Macau, be sure to visit here!]
I definitely want to see the show!
31st Macao International Fireworks Display
https://fireworks.macaotourism.gov.mo
This year, for the first time in four years, a fireworks contest will be held across 10 countries from around the world!
Two sessions will be held on September 16th, 23th, and 10rd, and October 21st and 21th, from 40pm and XNUMX:XNUMXpm.
The winner in 2019 was Japan. So, what about this year?
For details on the program schedule,here.Click
For details on where the viewpoint is,here..
Galaxy Arena
It is scheduled to open at the same time as the Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and the Galaxy Arena, an event venue with a capacity of 16,000 people. There will be more than 700 rooms and suites in total. Tickets for concerts at the arena are already on sale, and it looks like large-scale entertainment and major events will be centered around this area in the future.
The link is for concert tickets currently on sale.
https://www.galaxymacau.com/ticketing/event-list/
👍The Galaxy Arena, which opened this year, has been attracting attention as it frequently hosts K-POP concerts and fan meetings.
Lobby at Galaxy Hotel™
courtesy Tsubaki
Located in the lobby of Galaxy Macau, the 10m-tall Fortune Diamond, shaped like a diamond, appears with a fountain from a glittering peacock feather-shaped platform. The show is held every 00 minutes from 22:00 to 30:XNUMX every day, so it's worth stopping by to take a look.
👍It is popular because it is said to improve your financial luck.
Venetian Macao (Venetian Macao Teatre & Cotai Arena）
Current events are here
https://www.venetianmacao.com/entertainment.html
▶︎Team Lab: SuperNature Macao）
https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/macao/
TeamLab's Macau exhibition has become well-known not only in Japan but also around the world. It is an immersive experience event that explores new perceptions of the world and the relationship between humans and nature in a highly complex, three-dimensional interactive space spanning 5,000 square meters.
"This work is a garden in which people are immersed in the flowers, becoming one with them. If you look at the flowers up close, the flowers will also begin to see you. At that point, you will become one with the flowers, and perhaps you will be looking at flowers for the first time." From the teamLab website.
Massless Clouds Between Sculpture and Life
"People can immerse themselves in this sculpture, and even if it is destroyed by people, it will repair itself, just like living things. However, just like living things, when the mass is destroyed beyond the extent to which it can repair itself, it cannot keep up and the mass collapses. Even if people try to push it or move it to the side, they cannot move it, and if they fan the wind the sculpture will fly apart. Human actions cannot even move this sculpture." From the teamLab website.
Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space – Flattening 3 Colors and 9 Blurred Colors, Free Floating
"The shape of the space, which is a collection of floating spheres, changes depending on people's behavior (pushing them aside or bumping into them). Also, by judging the degree of entanglement of the collection of spheres, and depending on changes in wind and air pressure, the spheres will become more densely packed at the lower floors or rise all at once to the higher floors, and the space itself will change its shape." From the teamLab website.
👍Ten years ago, Cirque du Soleil had a permanent show, but now there is no permanent show. After the corona, the mainstream now is short-term concerts. It would be nice if musicals and theaters came back.
The Londoner Macau(The Londoner Macao
▶︎Changing of the Guard
The Londoner Macao Crystal Palace
https://www.londonermacao.com/macau-events-shows.html
The Londoner Macau has been hosting an entertaining Changing of the Guard ceremony in the atrium lobby of the London-themed attraction's spectacular Crystal Palace since May 26. The dramatic British ceremony is an adaptation of the latest attraction themed "The quintessence of London comes to life in Macau".
The famous Changing of the Guard ceremony at London's Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. The guards' famous bearskin hats and red tunics are inseparably linked to the UK. At The Crystal Palace at The Londoner Macau, a group of over 20 artists, including trumpeters and drummers, appear at various locations on the grounds and balconies. Special effects and music, as well as dynamic images of real guards projected onto giant screens, instantly transport the audience to London.
Show time:
Tuesday to Thursday: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm
Friday to Sunday: 4:00 pm, 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm
▶Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular
The Londoner Macao's façade
As night falls, The Londoner Macau's iconic façade lights up every hour, illuminating a spectacular display that drapes the entire building. The astonishing display shines to British-themed music, including the theme song from the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, the Beatles classic Twist and Shout, and Robbie Williams' Let Me Entertain You, as more than 10,000 lights create dynamic and dazzling visual effects. London icons come to life across the 16,000-square-metre (400-metre long, 40-metre high) façade, including the city's famous black cabs, double-decker buses and royal carriages. The Londoner Light and Sound Spectacular can be seen every night on the Cotai Strip, making it a must-see photo spot while you're in town.
Time: Daily; 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm, every hour
▶ Harry Potter™: The Exhibition, scheduled to open in December 2023
https://www.londonermacao.com/
Details have yet to be announced, but we'll let you know when they are!
MGM
▶︎Macau Tennis Cup
https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/entertainment/mgmmacautennismasters
▶Sea Odyssey
https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/entertainment/sea-odyssey
"SEA ODYSSEY" - Immerse yourself in the underwater environment as you watch dolphins leap and swim on the world's largest permanent indoor LED screen projecting underwater scenery.
Tsubaki, a Macau government-certified Japanese guide, will teach you.
【As a tourist guide living in Macau, I know the hot spots】
The St. Regis Macao's newly renovated bar, "The St. Regis Bar"
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mfmxr-the-st-regis-macao/overview/
This is a relaxed bar where you can listen to live jazz music on weekends. It is a popular spot with a relatively older demographic, with many Westerners gathering. You can enjoy a variety of food, from Western to Chinese, and huge drinks that can be shared by a group, which will satisfy all your senses.
(All the following photos were provided by Tsubaki)
courtesy Tsubaki
courtesy Tsubaki
The Ritz Carlton 51st Floor Afternoon Tea (The Ritz Carlton)
https://www.galaxymacau.com/hotels/the-ritz-carlton/
The stylish bar on the 51st floor with a great view serves up afternoon tea, which is a hot topic. The beautiful afternoon tea is a feast for the eyes and changes with the seasons. Serving can be slow, so be sure to arrive early.
View from the artificial lake promenade at the Taipa Houses Museum
The Taipa Houses Museum is lined with beautiful colorful pastel-colored buildings. The artificial lake in front of it is a scenic spot overlooking the Cotai IRs on the opposite bank. The promenade across this artificial lake has a great view, and the water reflection is especially beautiful at dusk and at night.
courtesy Tsubaki
View from Penha Church
The view from Penha Church, located on a small hill, is attractive because of its panoramic view, which has been selected as one of the New Eight Views of Macau. Penha Church is a magnificent church worthy of being designated a World Heritage Site, but it is located in a quiet, upscale residential area, so it is a hidden gem as a tourist destination. The 360-degree view that stretches all the way to Zhuhai, China, is particularly beautiful at dusk (the church closes at 18 p.m., so you can only see the sunset from here in winter).
This church, with a great view, which enshrines the patron saint of sailors, is also a popular spot for pre-wedding photo shoots, and on sunny days you will often see several couples taking photos there. It's a place where you can feel happy with the happy aura of newlyweds.
courtesy Tsubaki
[Tsubaki's recommended Portuguese dishes that you definitely want to try]
Spices are a relic from the Age of Discovery, so be sure to try some spicy food!
African Chicken
Chicken stewed in coconut milk, tomatoes, chili peppers and spices. The slight sourness and subtle spiciness are addictive! A must-try dish in Macau. Each restaurant has a different secret sauce, so explore around.
Seafood Rice
A tomato-based risotto-like dish with surprisingly delicious seafood. The rich seafood flavor is irresistible! This is a dish you definitely want to order.
Crab curry (crab curry)
This is a representative dish of Macau. In Portuguese, curry is called Caril. The curry mixed with the flavor of crab is exquisite. It is a fairly high-class dish, but it is worth trying at least once!
Alentejo style pork and clams Portuguese style braised pork
The paprika sauce combines with the flavor of the shellfish to make it very delicious.
Pork chop rice
This dish is made by putting sauteed pork on top of egg fried rice, pouring tomato sauce over it and baking it in the oven. It's sure to be a hit with kids!
Charbroiled sardines (sardines)
It's a comforting taste for Japanese people. When you're tired of strong-flavored food, try this!
Stir-fried clams in white wine (Portuguese style stir-fried clams)
This is also a masterpiece that is sure to suit Japanese tastes!
Macau Tourism Board website: Portuguese/Macau cuisine menu introduction
https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/zh-hant/dining/taste-of-macao/macanese-and-portuguese-dishes
Editorial DepartmentWhat restaurant would you recommend? Do I need to make a reservation?
Tsubaki-sanLitoralis recommended. There are two stores, one near A-Ma Temple on the Macau Peninsula and one in Taipa Village. It is a popular restaurant introduced in Michelin, so reservations are recommended..
[A temple recommended by Tsubaki that you can visit in 15 minutes even if you don't have much time]
If you visit Senado Square, be sure to stop by here!
Both are historic temples that are loved by locals!
▶︎Jokha Shrine (↓)
Benefits: Matchmaking
Location: 5 minutes walk from St. Paul's towards Senado Square
▶︎Nacha Temple (Nacha: Japanese name) (↓)
Benefits: Dispelling epidemics
Location: Right next to St. Paul's
▶︎Kan-teisho (Temple of Guandi) (↓)
Benefits: Prosperity in business
Location: Just down a side street from Senado Square
How to pray and etiquette
How to visit the shrine
① Put in some coins or offer incense.
②Put your hands together and recite in your mind: "Where you come from, your name, and your wish."
③Bow three times.
About manners
①Do not photograph God from the front
②Don't make noise
3. Don’t block the flow of people
*Photography is prohibited inside the Nuwa Temple and Nezha Temple.
[Local festivals where you can experience the local atmosphere recommended by Tsubaki]
One of the best parts of traveling is getting a glimpse into how the people of Macau live their lives. Tsubaki-san recommends some lively festivals held for locals. Come and experience the local atmosphere.
Macau Food Festival
Held every November, around the time of the Macau Grand Prix.
This is a big event before and after the Macau Grand Prix, when Macau comes to life. Restaurants from all over Macau gather in the square in front of the Macau Tower and serve their delicious food at a trial price. There are hardly any night markets or food stalls in Macau, so locals look forward to this event every year and it is very crowded.
Lusophonia Festival
Event period: Every October Portuguese cultural event Taipa Houses Museum
This is one of the few events in Macau where Portuguese people gather together. It is held quietly every year without any big publicity. Because of this, there are few tourists and the strong local atmosphere is attractive.
You can learn about the cultures of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Africa and Brazil, enjoy international food and drinks, and shop for local crafts. The event will be lively with performances of capoeira, samba, and local bands.
Drunken Dragon Dance
Event period: Every May (Buddha's Birthday)
This is a strange festival in Macau that has been featured on TV. Men from the fishing association carry wooden dragons, drink alcohol, and sometimes blow it out of their mouths like poisonous mist. They dance like drunken boxers as they parade from Senado Square to the Ruins of St. Paul's.
[Questions from the editorial team to Tsubaki] As of August 2023
-How are prices?
Inflation is increasing year by year. Eating out is more expensive than in Japan. Travelers from Japan may find it especially expensive because the yen is weak at the moment. On the other hand, transportation costs and buying alcohol at the supermarket are cheaper than in Japan. If you consider the total cost of living for a month, I think it's about the same as in Japan.
-Hong Kong dollar? Macau pataca?
We recommend the Hong Kong dollar. Hong Kong dollars and yuan can be used anywhere in Macau. Hong Kong dollars are the most convenient currency, so it's best to use only Hong Kong dollars. In taxis and restaurants, you may be given change in Macau patacas, but patacas can only be used in Macau, so it's best to use them all up before you leave Macau. Also, Macau patacas cannot be exchanged back in Japan, so it's recommended to start with Hong Kong dollars, which are safe even if you accidentally bring them back to Japan. By the way, only Hong Kong dollars can be used in casinos, but we don't recommend exchanging money multiple times at those times because of the fees.
-I've heard that it's inconvenient to get around, what's the transportation like within the city?
Hotel shuttle bus, public bus (TransmacとTCM), LRT and taxis are available.
Hotel shuttle buses run free of charge between the airport, ferry terminal, and affiliated hotels every 20 to XNUMX minutes. The advantage is that you can ride even if you are not a hotel guest, and you are guaranteed to get a seat, but in some cases the wait time may be long. Public buses are cheap (XNUMX MOP flat rate throughout Macau) and cover the entire city, making them a popular means of transportation for Macau residents. They are somewhat difficult to use, so they are recommended for advanced users.
The LRT is a train similar to the Yurikamome Line. Currently, it only runs between Taipa and Cotai, but by the end of the year, it will connect to the A-Ma Temple area of the Macau Peninsula, a World Heritage Site, making sightseeing more convenient.
Taxis are cheap and convenient, but most drivers do not speak English, so it is best to show them a map or communicate in writing. It is difficult to catch a taxi around 6pm when the drivers change, on rainy days, and on weekend nights, so be careful as you may have to wait for a long time.
-Please tell me how to ride the public bus!
https://www.transmac.com.mo/en/
http://www.tcm.com.mo/web/EV/default.aspx
All buses have the name and number of your destination displayed on the front, making it easy to find the right bus. Buses enter through the front door and exit through the rear door. The standard bus fare is 6 MOP, which you pay by putting money into a coin slot when boarding the bus. Please note that no change will be given. Macau buses are also a means of transportation for the locals, so it's good to remember that they can get crowded at peak times.
- Old town or new town? Which do you recommend?
It depends on your preferences, but if you like retro streetscapes, history, and walking around town, I recommend the Old Town.
If you like the glittering resort atmosphere, luxury hotels, shopping and new discoveries, the Cotai area is the place for you.
- There are so many hotels it's hard to choose. What are some tips for choosing a hotel?
Choose a hotel depending on your purpose. If you want to actively visit the World Heritage Sites, we recommend the Old Town, if you want to staycation, the Coloane or Cotai areas, and if you want to go around hotels and shop, the Cotai area is recommended. You can enjoy gourmet food and casinos anywhere. *There are no casinos in the Coloane area.
- Considering the transportation situation, if I want to visit both the old town and the new town, should I change hotels?
It's fun to change hotels. The advantage of staying at a casino in a hotel is that you don't have to worry about transportation or time, and you can enjoy yourself 24 hours a day.
Macau is small, so it takes about 30 minutes by bus and 15 minutes by taxi between the old town and the Cotai area. It doesn't take much time to travel, so you can enjoy both without changing hotels. You may have to wait a little, but you'll be able to catch a taxi.
-Do I need to make a reservation for the restaurant?
It is best to make a reservation at popular restaurants. For example, Michelin-starred restaurants can have a wait time of several months.
People in Macau eat later than in Japan (peak times are around 13pm for lunch and 20pm for dinner), so it's recommended to visit a restaurant early in the day.
-What about tips?
It is best to assume that you will not get your change back when using a taxi. It is a good idea to give a tip of about $10 to $20 at restaurants and hotels.
-When does the pool open and close?
It is open from May to October. It can still be cold in May. The season runs from June to the end of September.
-Is there a free shuttle bus between the hotels?
If you are traveling between Macau Peninsula and Cotai, the shuttle buses of major hotels are convenient. The buses are air-conditioned and have space for large luggage. You can catch the free bus at the hotel entrance, the border gate to Zhuhai, the Macau Ferry Terminal, the Taipa Ferry Terminal, and Macau International Airport. If you are not sure whether your hotel has a free shuttle bus, just ask the hotel concierge and they will tell you right away.
Examples of hotels that offer free shuttle buses
★Grand Lisboa, Lisboa Hotel
https://hotelisboa.com/leisure-facilities/free-hotel-shuttle-bus-service/?lang=en
★MGM Cotai
https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/find-us/shuttle-service
★MGM Macau
https://www.mgm.mo/en/macau/find-us/shuttle-service
★Wynn
https://www.wynnresortsmacau.com/en/shuttle-bus
★The Venetian Macao
https://www.venetianmacao.com/hotel/transportation.html
★Parisian Macao
The Parisian Macao Free Shuttle Schedule
★Londoner Macau
The Londoner Macao Free Shuttle Schedule
★Sands Macao
Sands Macao Free Shuttle Schedule
https://www.sandsmacao.com/content/dam/macao/sandsmacao/master/main/home/getting-to-macau/sands-macau-shuttle-bus-schedule-en.pdf
★Galaxy Macau
https://www.galaxymacau.com/getting-here/
★ Lisboeta Resort
https://www.lisboetamacau.com/en/getting-here/
Thank you for reading to the end. All the staff at Hong Kong LEI hope that this article will be helpful to make your trip to Macau a little more enjoyable.
Now, we have one more bonus article for our readers. We will introduce Macau souvenirs recommended by Tsubaki! However, this article is only available to those who have registered with Hong Kong LEI's official LINE account. If you haven't registered yet, please do so and read it!
Also, if you would like to ask Tsubaki to be your guide when you go to Macau, please read on!
▶︎▶︎Bonus information available only to official LINE subscribers
A list of souvenir shops and items recommended by Tsubaki in Macau!
Make your trip to Macau fun and comfortable!
It's convenient to have a SIM card
https://amzn.to/4dj5Gyf
Announcement from Hong Kong LEI!
[If you ask Tsubaki to be your guide in Macau, your trip will be even more enjoyable!]
This time, we asked Tsubaki, a Macau government-certified Japanese guide, a lot about Macau. However, he has a wealth of knowledge and accurate advice about tourist spots, recommended ways to get around, and places that we were not able to introduce this time, so he will be a strong ally who can tailor-make your trip.
▶︎What can you ask for?
They will provide a wide range of advice, from tour guides for city walks and casino tours tailored to your needs, to restaurant suggestions, reservations on your behalf, and vehicle arrangements.
He is particularly good at guiding visitors to world heritage sites that are linked to the history of Japan and Macau, as well as power spots in Macau and popular photo spots. If you are interested, please feel free to contact him.
Special offer for Hong Kong LEI official LINE subscribers!
You can get a 10% discount on Macau sightseeing guides (guide fee only, private car not included). To get the coupon, please send a message to our editorial department via LINE chat with the message "I would like a 10% discount on Tsubaki's guide." We will send you the coupon shortly.
reference:https://www.macao-guide.com/price
Hong Kong LEI is a lifestyle magazine for women and families that brings more joy to life in Hong Kong.
Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be available after approval. Please wait a moment.