What To See & Do: Singapore vs. Macau

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Similarities Between Singapore & Macau 

As two of the most unique destinations in Asia, it’s no surprise that millions of tourists flock to each city every year. In 2019, Macau saw 27 million tourists, while Singapore welcomed just over 19 million. 

On the surface, both destinations seem to have more in common than not. They’re both small, with Macau taking up 26 percent less space than Singapore at 28 square kilometers. Both cities are also politically unique. Macau is a former Portuguese colony that’s now a sovereign region of China, while Singapore was a former British colony that’s now an independent city-state on the tip of the Thai-Malay peninsula.

Culturally, both regions have a lot in common—especially considering there’s a Chinatown in Singapore that’s a protected cultural enclave (along with Little India). Chinese New Year is a major celebration in both cities, while the culinary exchange between Southeast Asia has led to more than one street fare menu that no visitor will forget.

In terms of language, English and Mandarin will suffice in both locations. Singapore is a bilingual nation between English and Malay, but Mandarin is as common as other Chinese varieties like Teochew and Hakka. Meanwhile, in Macau Portuguese and Mandarin are both official languages, though English is widely spoken along with Mandarin and Cantonese.

Travelers heading to Macau and Singapore also won’t miss the abundant casinos, from Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Resort to Macau’s Nam Van casino district. However, there’s no need to plan a trip to either city for ceramic chips alone, especially now that there are mobile apps for Android devices that recreate the glitz of the poker games and can be accessed anywhere in the world. While gaming is a big part of both cultures, there’s more to Singapore and Macau than meets the eye, especially when it comes to culture and history.

Singapore: A Destination of the Future

For all its similarities with Macau, Singapore tends to have a unique reputation among travelers. Legends abound about the lack of chewing gum, as well as pristine streets where jaywalking is a certifiable crime.

However, Singapore is also known as being one of the cleanest and safest destinations in the world—as well as one of the most awe-inspiring. Given the city-state’s geographic limits, citizens have found creative and downright innovative ways to keep their city green and cutting-edge at the same time.

There’s the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which first opened its doors in 1859 and continues to showcase a massive park in the center of a bustling metropolis. Given Singapore’s location in Southeast Asia, it’s recommended visitors check out the gardens and its 10,000 species of plant. Pro tip: check out the orchids section, which is one of the world’s leading orchid research centers.

While the Chinese and Japanese gardens offer another peek into Singapore’s modern, green-living initiative, no trip to the city-state would be complete without a visit to Gardens by the Bay. This park is a groundbreaking example of how to incorporate vertical green space. It features 18 vertical gardens that clean the air, as well as provide a beautiful spectacle. The attraction also has two conservatory domes: the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, and the Cloud Forest, which simulates high-altitude cool-moist conditions.

Senado Square, Macau

Macau: Cultural Hub  

Mentioned above, one of Macau’s primary attractions is its casino district. In fact, many consider the city to be the Monte Carlo of the east. However, given the city’s incredible history, there’s more to explore… at least in the daylight hours.

The Ruins of Saint Paul’s is Macau’s most famous landmark. Originally constructed in the 16th century, the ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing a stunning stone façade. Today, the ruins stand starkly against the city’s surrounding apartment complexes.

Nearby is the Taipa Village, an area that seamlessly highlights the confluence of eastern and western tradition. In the village, Portuguese colonial churches stand beside Chinese temples and the surrounding flora adds to the air of a time forgotten. Museums dot the entire village and provide ample information for visitors.

And finally, the A-Ma Temple shouldn’t be missed, especially considering some believe this temple is the namesake of the city. As the oldest temple in Macau, travelers will get a great sense of local culture and tradition by paying their respects to the many deities worshiped there. Just remember to cover your shoulders and keep your voice down!

Must-see Attractions in Macau: A Bucket List

There is something very special about the island of Macau. Formerly a Portuguese colony, this autonomous region is now back in the hands of the People’s Republic of China. Nevertheless, it reflects a huge mix of cultural influences, and is a fascinating place to visit. Given its westernized past, it’s unlike anywhere else in China. That is why, it should be on the bucket list for anyone looking to travel across Asia. If you want to know more about Macau and its traditions, be sure to put these must-see attractions on your to-do list.

A view from Mount Fortress in Macau

Senado Square

This architecturally-stunning square has been the urban centre of Macau for a number of centuries and remains a key location for locals today. The paths still have Portuguese influence with the mosaic-style paving. It provides a timely reminder of Macau’s western past. The fountain is the centerpiece of Senado Square, surrounded by majestic neo-classical buildings. You’ll find the old Senate building directly opposite the fountain.

Ruins of St Paul’s

The ruins of a 17th-century cathedral comprise one of the most unmistakable sights in Macau. Built originally to house St Paul’s College, it is now recognised officially by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Macanese government have restored the cathedral’s ruins and transformed them into a museum.

Venetian Macau and Parisian Macau

Macau’s casino scene is second-to-none in Asia. In fact, in terms of gaming revenues, it even puts Las Vegas in the shadows. Being one of the world’s biggest casino resorts, a trip to Venetian Macau is an experience itself, with its lavish Italian-themed interiors. Slightly newer than the Venetian, the Parisian Macau is yet another casino resort. Its theme is inspired on the city of Paris, which has its own replica of the famed Eiffel Tower. Note that if you’re a complete novice when it comes to playing in a casino, you’ll need to know what to say and how to behave.

Rua du Cunha

This narrow side street is named after Portuguese explorer, Tristao da Cunha. It’s arguably the place to be for fanatical foodies. Street food is a big deal in Macau, and if you’re not afraid to try new things, make sure that you take a slow amble down this tight alleyway to sample local delicacies such as Lowd Stow, Gelatina Mok Yi Kei, and the unmistakable Seng Cheong Crab Porridge.

Macau Tower

Day or night, the Macau Tower offers magnificent 360-degree views of the city. At 338 meters in height, it has an impressive observation deck that allows you to stare into the Pearl River Delta. A third of the way down the tower, there is a revolving restaurant at 223 meters, which is perfect for a romantic meal to celebrate that special occasion.

Macau Tower

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

Animal lovers will adore a visit to the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion, with two 330 sqm indoor areas, as well as a 600 sqm outdoor space for the pandas to explore. There are two different viewing levels, which ensures that it never gets too busy either for the visitors or the giant pandas.

As you can see, Macau is a rich and varied city, from the glitz and glamour of its casino scene to its Portuguese ruins and monuments. It’s also a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, which is also a magnificent city to explore from Macau by boat. Happy travels!

5 Days and 4 Nights Hong Kong + Macau Itinerary and Guide

This Hong Kong + Macau Itinerary and Guide is based on my actual assessment on how to possibly fit-in all your “things to do” during your travel. We were a large group (15 individuals) when we traveled to Hong Kong and we fit-in all the tourist destinations in our list for just 5 days. So if you visit the place with fewer folks in the group, you can do it without cramming.

Things to Note

  • Book the earliest flight to Hong Kong. You can take Cebu Pacific which leaves Manila as early as 5:40AM daily.
  • Research for the travel routes and the MTR and bus stations near your hotel to the places you would like to visit. You can stay at H.K. Taisan Guesthouse if you haven’t booked your accommodation yet. Their Filipino (Ate Yolly) caretaker is very accommodating and they also sell discounted attraction tickets. You can also book your hotel at Agoda.com where you have several accommodation options to choose from.

  • To avoid long queue, purchase your attraction passes in advance. Read my article entitled, Where to buy discounted Hong Kong Attraction tickets or passes.
  • Always keep individual copies of your bookings (return plane tickets and hotel bookings with contact info) to avoid immigration delays. Some officers may randomly check for it and will send you to the interrogation room if you can not present the papers.

Philippine Travel Taxes

[table style=”1″]

[tr][th]Passenger[/th] [th]First Class[/th] [th]Economy Class[/th][/tr]
[tr][td]Adult[/td] [td]₱2,700.00[/td] [td]₱1,620.00[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Children*  (2-12 years old)[/td] [td]₱1,350.00[/td] [td]₱810.00[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Dependent of an OFW*[/td] [td]₱400.00[/td] [td]₱300.00[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]*Subject for an additional ₱200.00 processing fee for Reduced Travel Certificate.[/td][/tr]
[/table]

Itinerary

Day 1 (The Peak)

Posing with Iron Man at Madam Tussauds

  • Upon arrival in Hong Kong, purchase your Octopus Card. You can use the card to pay MTR and Bus fares and even for groceries. For HKD150.00, the card has HKD100.00 consumable load – the HKD50.00 will serve as refundable security deposit fee.
  • Hotel checkin and short rest.
  • Peak Tram, Sky Terrace at the Peak Tower, and Madam Tussauds wax museum visit.
  • Avenue of the Stars and shopping in Mong kok.

You can check my article on how we spent the day 1 of our tour.

Day 2 (Visit to Macau)

The Team at Venetian Macau

If you wish to return to your home country from Macau, you can visit the place last but make sure that you stay for at least one night. You need a day to explore this small territory.

Day 3 (Disneyland)

You probably need a whole day to explore Hong Kong Disneyland. The light show and the fireworks display every 8:00PM is a must see.

Group Photo at DisneyLand

Day 4 (Ocean Park)

Ocean Park opens at 10:00AM daily so make sure to be there when the gate opens or else, you won’t be able to fully explore the park. You can check the Pandas first then proceed to the Cable Car station where the queue is shorter during the morning and take a cable car to the Summit. You can explore the rest of the Waterfront section before going home. Check my article on how we spend our day in Ocean Park.

The Abyss Ride

Day 5 (Going Home)

If you’re not taking the Airport Express, you can refund your remaining load and the security deposit of your octopus card at the nearest MTR station.

An Exasperating Macau Walkathon: Day 2 of Hong Kong + Macau Tour

We slept very late the day before to squeeze in all our “things to do” for day one because we started late. However, we had to wake up early to catch the 9:00AM Cotai Jet schedule to Macau. Everybody was tensed when the clock ticked closely to eight, and some weren’t even dressed up yet. Imagine, we were fifteen in the group.

Though the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui was just a walking distance from our hotel, we couldn’t set the worry aside. Walking itself eats a lot of time, specially that we were’t really familiar with the place. Some of us decided to go ahead, and then met everyone in the terminal. That wasn’t a leisurely walk for everybody.

Cotai Jet docked at Macau Ferry Terminal

Ferry from Hong Kong to Macau

We were leaving Hong Kong territory, so we underwent another immigration check, but that time, for exit. Though Hong Kong and Macau are both Chinese Special Administrative Regions (SARs), they both have their own immigration policies, etc.

Everybody was at ease when we were settled comfortably inside the Cotai Jet. The navigation time is approximately one hour, so we reached Macau at 10 in the morning.

Old Lisboa Macau

Wynn Macau

Arrival in Macau

We boarded a shuttle bus to Grand Lisboa, which we pre-determined as the nearest stop to our accommodation in Macau, the San Nam Pan Hotel. Later in our tour, we realized that Grand Emperor’s shuttle is even a closer option. By the way, there are two Grand Lisboa Shuttle buses; one will drop you in front of the old Lisboa and the other will drop you in front of the casino, so minors (below 21 years old) were not allowed to hop on the latter.

Finding San Nam Pan

The confusions, the photo sessions, and the leisurely walks (by the rest of the group) costed us much time. We reach San Nam Pan about lunch time already. Anyway, that was not worth complaining though. We are a big, energetic, and adventurous group anyway. Everybody was enjoyed it, I guess.

The reason why we chose San Nam Pan was due to the fact that they had Filipino caretakers, which eased the communication hurdles, and it was suggested by peers who already visited Macau. Nothing fancy there, just enough for a comfortable sleep.

Check in time was 2:00PM and we were early. Hence, we asked if we could leave our baggage, so that we can have our lunch and proceed with the first leg of our tour. They allowed it, but placed our stuff in an unmanned hallway. Everything was intact when we returned afterwards.

A Moment of Embarrassment

My experience in Macau was a big proof that a large group is hard to manage, and not sticking to the plan messes up everything. I will not mention every detail but allow me to tell you one example. While we were settling our bills at San Nam Pan Hotel (yes, they have this pay before you sleep policy), we asked the caretaker, or should I say, the receptionist if she could suggest some good places to eat. Everybody was paying attention when she told us to check on a certain noodle house inside Grand Emperor. She even told us directions, etc. And then, for some reasons, we changed plans and decided to go to Senado Square and look for a place to eat from there. Unfortunately, that wasn’t cascaded to everybody or some were just not paying attention.

When we started walking along Avenida De D. Joao IV (where San Nam Pan is located) towards Avenida Do Infante D. Henrique (where Senado Square is), some of us crossed Avenida Do Infante D. Henrique. We were supposed to immediately turn right. So I waved my hand to call them or get their attention. By doing so, I accidentally hit a man in the face (really hard) with my arms. I was so sorry and it was really embarrassing.

Good thing that he was in a hurry and did not hit me in return nor called a police, or else, that tour could have turned into a nightmare. And yes, he had not able to hide the disgust before he left. Seeing him proceeding relieved me.

Exploring Senado Square and The Ruins

I continued walking to Senado Square (also, Leal Senado) when I saw the group’s directions were finally synchronizing. This time, everybody were busy posing to almost every land marks in the square. In my case, I was trying to make my self busy taking pictures to forget the embarrassment that happened prior.

Leal Senado (Senado Square)

Leal Senado Fountain

When we were done with our photo sessions under the heat, we unanimously agreed to find a place to eat. Restaurants within Leal Senado are full including McDonald’s, so we look for uncrowded options. While I was astray, the rest of the group found Cafe Quinella along the narrow alley right beside the corner of McDonald’s. A friend texted me, and then I joined them there for our late lunch.

We also tasted the green tea and cream cheese ice cream at Milk Top, which was just few blocks away from Cafe Quinella.

Green tea and cream cheese ice cream from Milk Top

After regaining our energy, we proceeded to the Ruins of Saint Paul. Before we reached the site, we passed along the mobbed Rua Mercadores where the shops offered free food samples.

Rua Mercadores Macau

The Ruins of Saint Paul

Mount Fortress and Macau Museum

It was Sunday so there were lots of tourist in the area. Beside the Ruins is Mount Fortress, officially Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora do Monte de São Paulo a.k.a Fortaleza do Monte, which was built by the Jesuits for military use. It was to repel the imminent Dutch invasion in the 16th century. Mount Fortress also served as the first residence of Macau Governors.

Nobody in the group was willing to explore the area, so I decided to go alone. Old cannons were everywhere. Mount Fortress also gave a 360-degree view of the city; no wonder why it once served as Macau’s prime defense. Sitting atop was the modern Macau Museum which walked me through the history of Macau and the Portuguese influences.

A view from the top of Mount Fortress

I went back to the hotel to reunite with the group. Along the way, I met the couple Karen and Jeff, who also went astray. By the way, they’re getting married this month end (September 2013). CONGRATULATIONS, guys! You may be “dozen-fruitful”!

Hey There, Macau Tower!

Back to the story, we headed to Macau Tower after some rest. We didn’t checked the observation deck, so we just watched those who did the sky dive and the bungee jump from below. Then we proceeded to Fisherman’s Wharf by public transport to meet Kuya Lex, another company who also went astray.

Macau Tower

The Fisherman’s Wharf

When we were all reunited, we strolled around the Fisherman’s Wharf and took some photos. We then went to the Venetian Macau by boarding the shuttle bus from the Sands Macao, which seats adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf. We were separated again when the shuttle slots ran out. Some were left behind and waited for another bus.

Sands Casino Macau

The Group at the Replica of the Colosseum of Rome

The Venetian

‘Twas time to settle the long overdue dinner. The first arrivals, including myself, proceeded to the second level of The Venetian to have our dinner. There was this food court set up in the area.

Photo Shoot inside the Venetian Macau

The Grand Canal of the Venetian Macau

The night had gone so deep, so we did not casino-hop, though I was tempted to visit the neighboring Galaxy Macau and City of Dreams, I just couldn’t leave the group.

We returned to San Nam Pan Hotel around midnight and culminated our tiring Macau tour.

If you want visit Macau and have no plan to stay for a night, or just do it a day side trip, check this itinerary and guide.

Suggested Macau Day Tour Itinerary

We spent the day 2 of our Hong Kong+Macau Tour in Macau. I prepared the Macau day tour itinerary to fit in most of Macau’s tourist spots in one whole day. This itinerary applies for solo travelers or small groups coming from Hong Kong.

Make sure that you take the earliest boat to Macau so you won’t miss something out. You can take Cotai Jet which leaves Hong Kong  as early as 06:30AM or TurboJET which leaves the city at 07:00AM. Choose Macau Ferry Terminal (not Mo Taipa Ferry Terminal) as your arrival port since all casino-operating hotels in Macau have shuttle buses in the area.

Rua Mercadores
Group photo with The Ruins of St. Paul in the background

Macau Day Tour Itinerary

08:00AM – Arrival at Macau Ferry Terminal. Take a shuttle bus to either Emperor Palace, Hotel Sintra, or Grand Lisboa, and then walk towards Senado Square.

09:00AM to 12:00PM – Senado Square Tour (Leal Senado, Holy House of Mercy, St. Dominic’s Church, etc), Rua MercadoresRuins of Saint Paul, Fortaleza do Monte, and Macau Museum. The Macau Museum has HKD/MOP15.00 entrance fee.

Senado Square (a.k.a Largo do Senado)

You can have a scoop of green tea and cream cheese ice cream at Milk Top or have your lunch at Cafe Quinella. Both Shops are just a right turn away from the corner of McDonalds.

Milk Top Macau

12:00PM to 01:30PMGuia Fortress. You can go back to Hotel Sintra and take a shuttle to Macau Ferry Terminal. From the ferry terminal, you can walk to  Guia Fortress. If you hate walking, you can take bus number 2, 2A, 5, or 18 from Almeida Ribeiro in Senado Square. Fare is from HKD/MOP 3.20. Pay the exact fare since no change is issued in the bus.

01:30PM to 02:30PM – The next stop, Grand Prix Museum, is walking distance from the Guia Fortress so take your time. If you want to skip the Grand Prix Museum and proceed directly to A-Ma Temple, take a bus with route 2, 6, 9, or 18.

02:30PM to 03:30PM – A-Ma Temple. From the Grand Prix Museum, you can take bus number 3, 10, or 10A. Fare is from HKD/MOP 3.20. Pay the exact fare since no change is issued in the bus.

03:30PM to 04:30PMMacau Tower. From A-Ma Temple, take bus number 21. Fare is from HKD/MOP 3.20. Pay the exact fare.

04:30PM to 07:30PM – Casino Hopping (City of Dreams, Galaxy Hotel, The Venetian Macau, etc.). From Macau Tower, take a shuttle bus to City of Dreams.

You can have your Dinner at Venetian Macau’s food court at level 2.

The Venetian Macau
Group pic at the Venetian Macau

07:30PM to 9:00PM – Fisherman’s Wharf. There is a shuttle bus from the Venetian Macau to the Sands Hotel and Casino that you can hop on. The Fisherman’s Wharf is just across Sands Hotel.

Fisherman’s Wharf
The replica of the Roman Amphitheater/Colosseum
Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Center

9:00PM – Go back to Hong Kong. After taking photos and strolling around the Fisherman’s Wharf, return back to the Sands Hotel, take a shuttle to Macau Ferry Terminal, and then catch your return boat to Hong Kong.

For more Macau travel and accommodation tips, check out the HotelsCombined blog on How to get to Macau: A Family Guide.

The first family at the Emperor Palace’s carriage
Macau Tower
Ponte de Sai Van Macau
Grand Lisboa

Macau Museum Gallery and Guide: Inside and Around

When your visiting Macau’s famous landmark, The Ruins of St. Paul, don’t forget to drop by at Macau Museum. The museum is situated on the top of Fortaleza do Monte or Mount Fortress which is right beside the Ruins. With just HKD/MOP15.00 entrance fee ( for adults), you can see Macau’s history, tradition, and culture and witness how the West (Portugal) influenced this Chinese city.

(click on the image to see full size)

The Macau Museum

The Time Corridor at Macau Museum

There are dioramas that depicts early settlements in Macau and how the locals live harmoniously with the Portuguese conquistadors. The museum has also features Macanese houses with western influence which origins traced to European neoclassicism.

Portuguese influence to Macanese Houses

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Western Influenced-Pink House

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Macanese House with European Touch

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Puppet Show

Message Wall

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Chinese Traditional Bridal Bed

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Left-bottom: Traditional wedding dress; Left-top: Ceremony stuffs; Right: Chinese artifacts

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China Wares

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Luggage

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Inside Macau Museum

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Mini wine processing at Macau Museum

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Macau Museum artifacts

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Tea House at Macau Museum

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Chinese sword, jewelry, and daggers

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Chinese Workers

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The Portuguese were believed to be the earliest among the Europeans to arrive in China via the ocean led by Jorge Álvares in 1513 and followed by Tomé Pires in 1517.

The Macau Museum has three levels and photography is prohibited in the top floor. Flash photography is prohibited in all areas.

The museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays) from 10:00AM to 06:00PM but will not accept guests after 5:30PM.

Entrance Fees:

[table style=”1″]

[tr][td]Adults[/td] [td]HKD/MOP 15.00
Free on every 15th of the month[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Children (5-10 years old)
Seniors (60 years old and above)
Students (with valid IDs)[/td] [td]HKD/MOP 8.00
Free on every 15th of the month[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Children under 5 years old[/td] [td]Free[/td][/tr]

[/table]

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Chinoiserie Exhibit

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Macanese design with a blend of Western architecture

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