Macau

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on July 17, 2007

When one thinks of Macau (AKA Macao), the flashing lights and noise of casinos usually come to mind. True, most of the former Portuguese colony's tourist industry is centered on gambling. However, there is more to see and do in Macau than roll the dice. The peninsula's unique status as a Special Administrative Region of China and its history as the area's only Portuguese colony give Macau an interesting air. Macau is also very small. Wandering in the less-touristed areas is quite possible though little English is spoken here. The street food is sublime in these areas, and the pace of life is refreshingly slow.

Just one hour by ferry from Hong Kong, a day trip to Macau is entirely possible.

Largo do Senado, a mix of Portuguese colonial architecture and Cantonese culture is the center of Macau. St. Paul's Cathedral is a ruined, but still larger than life church left over from the Portuguese era. A ferry trip to Lowan Island, south of Macau's peninsula will lead to some great hiking trails. The trademark rugged/beauty of The South China Sea's Chinese coastline is on full display here.

The mix of old colonial culture with local color makes for some unique sightseeing. Though it is nearby Hong Kong, Macau has a totally different feel. Even if you can't stand the casinos, the rest of Macau is worth a look.