Macau - Asia's most exciting destination

Filed in archive Destination: Asia & the Pacific on April 1, 2008

© Balaji Dutt

Macau is being billed as "Asia's most exciting destination". Macua lies in the Pearl River estuary between the South China Sea and mainland China.. Macua is run along similar lines to Hong Kong as a special administrative area within China. Macau was formally handed over to China by the Portuguese in 1999.

The city is a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Portuguese, old and new, culture and architecture. One of the best known landmarks is the Macau Tower with fantastic views across the Delta. There are several Chinese temples, the oldest, Kun Iam dating from the 15th century. There are the bridges linking the islands of Taipa and Coloane to Macua. Plans have just been approved for the construction of a mega 36 kilometre sea bridge to link Hong Kong-Zhuha-Macau.

The Macau Government Tourist Office has lots of useful information such as tours including the Historic Centre and Macau highlights. You can read local residents recommendations for their favourite off the beaten track restaurants.

Have you visited Macau, what would you recommend doing there?