The Ruins of Saint Paul is one of Macao’s most iconic structures.
From architecture and culture, to culinary delights – Macao has it all.
MACAO may be well-known for its glitzy casinos that has earned it the moniker ‘Las Vegas of the East’ but beyond the dazzling Cotai Strip, lies a city imbued with old-world charm.
This former Portuguese enclave, which sits on the western bank of the Pearl River Delta towards the southeast of the Chinese mainland, is a melting pot of cultures and a treasure trove of architectural wonders with diverse culinary delights.
Its long, colourful history is mirrored in its many Unesco-listed historic sites, yet Macao also exudes an unmistakable modern vibe with its contemporary skyscrapers, high-end shopping landscape and vibrant nightlife.
Apple Vacations is set on taking travellers on a mesmerising journey with two immersive and exciting itineraries to explore Macao’s many gems, from history and heritage to gastronomic adventures and spellbinding architecture.
Ruins of Saint Paul
This Unesco World Heritage Site is one of Macao’s most iconic landmarks, and one that represents the pinnacle of European architectural influence in Asia.
Constructed between 1602-1640, it was known as Mater Dei or the Mother of God Church, and formed part of St Paul’s College – the first western-style university in the Far East.
A fire ravaged the building in 1835, and what remains are the imposing ruins, including most of the foundation, the stone steps in front of the church and its distinctive facade – a granite beauty that rises 25.5m high, adorned with intricate carvings and statues.
Macao Tower
Enjoy panoramic views from the Macao Tower.
The Macao Tower is a must-visit observation tower standing at a height of 338m that offers sweeping, unobstructed 360° vistas of Macao city and the Pearl River Delta.
This iconic structure is also where adrenaline seekers can partake in a slew of activities including SkyJump, a heart-pumping bungee jump from the tower’s outer rim, or a thrilling yet safe stroll along Skywalk on the outer rim of the tower while harnessed to safety cables.
Senado Square
This historic square that spans 3,700 sqm – once the meeting place for both Chinese and Portuguese between the 16th-18th centuries, is another of Macao’s many Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The site – a lively pedestrian space – sits in the heart of Macao city and is known for its distinctive wave-patterned mosaic cobblestone pavement, a fusion of Portuguese and Chinese design elements.
This cultural and historic hub, framed by neoclassical buildings, shops and restaurants is the perfect place to soak up Macao’s charm and lively ambiance.
A-Ma temple
A-Ma Temple is a must-vist for its incredible Chinese architecture.
This cultural and spiritual landmark – sometimes known as the Mazu Pavillion, is one of Macao’s most famous temples.
Built before the arrival of the Portuguese, the structure – believed to be one of the oldest in Macao, is dedicated to the deity Mazu – the Chinese goddess of the sea, revered by fishermen and seafarers seeking her protection.
Visitors can explore this Unesco Heritage building, known for its detailed cornices, intricate wooden carvings, colourful roof tiles, resplendent prayer halls and pavilions, inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and folk beliefs.
Taipa Houses Museum
The Taipa Houses Museum is one of Macao’s most well-preserved colonial buildings.
The Taipa Houses Museum is a collection of beautifully preserved colonial-style residences that provide a glimpse into Macao’s colonial past.
Originally constructed in 1921 to house high-ranking Portuguese civil servants and Macanese families, these pastel green-hued houses have been repurposed as a museum showcasing Macanese cultural and architectural heritage.
Visitors can explore the homes that feature exhibitions on Macanese life and culture as well as an art gallery and bookstore, or roam the picturesque gardens that skirt the property.
Rua do Cunha
This bustling, famed street in Taipa Village is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious array of culinary delights that range from Portuguese egg tarts and traditional snacks to street food.
The narrow street, lined with colourful shop fronts is also where visitors will find a host of cool cafes, restaurants, charming boutiques, souvenir shops and local craft stores.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macao Bridge
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, often referred to as the HKZM Bridge, is a remarkable engineering feat that links three major cities in the Pearl River Delta region: Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao.
Opened in 2018, this mega-sized bridge is one of the world's longest sea-crossing bridges, spanning approximately 55km and involves a complex combination of bridges and tunnels.
Portuguese Egg Tart
Don’t leave Macao without sampling the famed Portuguese Egg Tarts.
In the late 1980s, Andrew Stow – a British expat, put Macao on the culinary world map with a new product, known as Portuguese Egg Tarts – a modified version of the traditional Portuguese pastry Pastel de Nata.
The lip-smacking hybrid – a hand-crafted, flakey shell pastry with a creamy, English custard filling with a slightly charred, caramelised layer on top, is now Macao’s trademark treat.
Ignite your wanderlust
Apple Vacations is offering a three-day, two-night Flexi tour around Macao’s most popular landmarks, which includes accommodation, transportation, entrance fees and tour guides, starting at only RM3,099.
The five-day, four-nights Encounter the Greater Bay Area tour, which will cover Macao, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, Kaiping and Xinhui, starts at RM5,999.
Early-bird sign-ups for this full-tour come with a discount of RM468 per person and return AirAsia flight tickets, both subject to a first-come, first-serve basis.
Globetrotters also have the option of travelling to Macao or the Greater Bay Area in December this year, or in January or February of 2024.
To find out more, head to Apple Vacation’s website.
