Exploring the Enchanting Fusion: A Journey Through the Rich Tapestry of Macau

The Las Vegas of the East - Macau or Macao will always be the side trip for a lot of vacationers because of its distance from Hong Kong (65.7 Km or an hour of travel through turbojet).

Known as the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, it operates like Hong Kong as an independent state or city. Macau has its own currency (called Pataka), passport, laws, and political system which gives separate economic systems from mainland China.

Macau, a densely populated region is a former colony of the Portuguese Empire. This is the main reason why Macau's culture has a mixture of oriental and western flair.

Are you planning to visit Macau? Please take note of the following conditions:

MAKE SURE THAT YOU COMPLY WITH ALL THE CONDITIONS BELOW

-Possess an ordinary/regular Philippine passport with a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry.

-Show the confirmation of the hotel reservations or the address and contact details for their stay in Macau.

-Hold a confirmed return plane or boat ticket, or a confirmed plane or boat ticket, along with a valid visa, for an onward destination.

-No criminal record, as verified by immigration upon arrival at an airport or seaport in Macau.

TOURIST VISA

For Philippine passport holders, you can stay in Macau for 30 days. (your passport should have a remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry.)

For those people who are collecting stamps on their passports; I'm sorry to tell you; that Macau doesn't stamp Philippine passports. You'll be given a white paper that will serve as your entry permit.

HOW TO GET TO MACAU FROM THE PHILIPPINES?

Located 1,353 km from the Philippines, traveling to Macau by plane will take you almost 2 hours; airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, Eva Air, China Airlines, and Philippine Airlines fly to Macau on a regular basis. Prices of flights vary on which airline you prefer.

HOW TO GET TO MACAU FROM HONG KONG

Macau and Hong Kong are neighboring countries, though these two countries are near (65.7 km), you'll be surprised that they have huge differences.

Traveling to Macau from Hong Kong by ferry will only take for an hour, CotaiJet and TurboJet are the two main ferry companies that travel from Hong Kong to Macau or vice versa. The prices of these two ferry companies differ from each other and usually, evening or night trips are kinda pricey.

We used the TurboJet when we traveled to Macau and to be honest it was a comfortable ride. They offer free and fast wifi.

3 Main Ferry Terminals:

1.) China Ferry Terminal

2.) Hing Kong Macau Ferry Terminal (also known as Sheung Wan Terminal)

3.) Sky Pier

SEASONS IN MACAU

March to May: Spring Season

June to August: Summer Season

September to Mid-December: Autumn Season

December to February: Winter Season

If you're going to visit Macau during the summer season, make sure you pack yourself lightweight and portable cotton clothes or T-shirts.

If you plan to go during the winter season in Macau, you'll need to bring wool-based clothes and coats with you because it's cold.

Spring or autumn seasons are really comfortable weather in Macau, however, it is advisable to bring sweaters or jackets with you.

TIMEZONE IN MACAU

There is no time difference between the Philippines and Macau. The time zone is GMT+08:00.

CURRENCY

The currency in Macau is called Macau pataca or Macanese pataca. It is divided into 100 Avos.

Abbreviation: MOP$

Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) is widely accepted in Macau because of its same value. You can also withdraw money in some ATMs with your debit card, make sure that your card is allowed to do international transactions, but please don't forget to inform your bank regarding this to avoid future problems. You can find currency exchange centers near hotels and even around Senado Square.

1 HK Dollar = 1.03 Macanese Pataca

1 PH Peso = 0.15 Macanese Pataca

Check Conversion Rates Here: https://coinmill.com/HKD_MOP.html#HKD=1

If you have remaining MOP$ it is probably best to spend before leaving because this currency is used only in Macau.

GETTING AROUND MACAU

Unlike its neighbor country Hong Kong, Macau doesn't have MRT. Here's the good news! you can avail of or ride FREE SHUTTLE bus services by big hotel chains.

MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

-Buses

-Taxis

-Ferries

-Planes

-Private Cars