Itching for a quick getaway with our gal pals, we packed our bags and flew to Macao for a girlie weekend of shopping, eating, and exploring
Quick weekend vacays: what would we do without them? There’s nothing quite like jetting off to somewhere exotic for a short-but-sweet 48 hours. And while Bali, Bangkok or Hong Kong may be our usual haunts, we were on the hunt for a cool, new destination for our upcoming fun-filled girls’ weekend. So where to? After a quick search on CheapTickets.sg’s newly revamped website for the hottest deals on flights and hotels, we knew just the place. Macao, here we come!
Often overlooked in favour of Hong Kong’s buzzing cityscape, Macao may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think ‘relaxing weekend getaway’ – it is, after all, dubbed the Las Vegas of Asia. But look past its bright lights and glitzy casinos and you’ll find that Macao offers an exciting mix of culture, shopping, food, and adventure – all the right ingredients for an epic weekend abroad.
Here are our top highlights from our girls’ weekend in Macao.
Chowing down Macau’s best eats
Macao is one of the few places in Asia that boasts an exotic East-meets-West vibe – be it in its history, culture or cuisine. And since food is always a top priority when exploring a new city, we couldn’t wait try out what its culinary scene had to offer.
First on our list? Macao’s most beloved street snack: Portuguese egg tarts! No trip to the city would be complete without paying a visit to Lord Stow’s: world-famous for their freshly baked, buttery, and sinfully delicious egg tarts that attract snaking queues of hungry customers (including us!) everyday. Tip: eat them while they’re hot – it’s worth burning your tongue for these bad boys!
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The hunt for the most authentic Macanese (Macao-Portuguese) food in the city lead us to Trombo Rija. With storied origins dating back to 1966 in Portugal, the rustic, family-style restaurant offers stunning waterfront views of the harbour, plus a buffet spread of gourmet cheeses, chourico (Portuguese sausage), bacalhau (cod fish), and the world-famous leitão (roasted suckling pig). Washed down with a pitcher of refreshing sangria, it makes for the perfect gastronomic feast for any first-time visitor to Macao.
Bungy-jumping off the Macao Tower
What’s a holiday without a little action and adventure? Daredevils and adrenaline junkies all know that Macao Tower is home to the world’s tallest bungy-jump – 61 storeys and 233 meters high, to be exact. Definitely not for the faint of heart but pffft…we weren’t easily scared off! Post-jump, we can say for sure that this qualifies as the craziest (and scariest) stunt we’ve ever pulled off. Round two, anyone?
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Exploring Macao’s cultural hot spots
Forget about blackjack tables and Russian Roulette: itching to experience the real Macao, we skipped the gaudy casinos for a cultural walking tour on the city’s historic cobbled streets.
History buffs, take note: we got a taste of Macao’s fascinating past by visiting the city’s oldest and most illustrious sites: A-Ma Temple (built way back in 1488); Mandarin’s House (a beautifully preserved traditional Chinese-style compound dating back to 1869); Taipa-Houses Museum (where Macao’s first Portuguese settlers resided); and of course, Ruins of St. Paul’s – a must-visit for any tourist in the city.
Shopping
A girls’ holiday without our favourite pastime: unthinkable! While many may consider Hong Kong as a top destination for retail therapy, Macao does offer sweet shopping spots too. Our top pick: The Venetian Macao for an unparalleled selection of over 400 fashion boutiques – an irresistible mix of luxury brands and high street stores like H&M and ZARA. Needless to say, our credit cards didn’t stand a chance! Whether you’re looking to flash some cash or simply do some window-shopping, The Venetian Macao is every shopaholic’s dream come true.
Macao on a budget
Contrary to popular belief, Macao isn’t just for high rollers. If you’re looking to maximise your holiday while on a budget, here are some helpful pocket-friendly tips:
- If fine dining isn’t your cup of tea, Macao offers a smorgasbord of cheap and delish street food on the go such as the famous pork chop bun, Portuguese egg tarts, almond cookies, and steamed milk pudding that’ll satisfy any discerning foodie.
- Forget taxis; just hop onto a free shuttle bus, which will take you from the from the airport to all the major integrated resorts (The Venetian, City of Dreams, Sands Cotai Central, Studio City, etc.), Macao and Taipa Ferry Terminals, and tourist attractions like Macao Tower and Senado Square.
- Fancy a day trip to neighbouring Hong Kong? It only takes one hour via a ferry ride from Macao Ferry Terminal or Taipa Ferry Terminal.
Special deal!
Book 3 days 2 nights in Macao from only $388 all-in including flights and hotel on CheapTickets.sg. From now until the 31 July 2016, book two adult return flights to Macao or Hong Kong, plus a two-night stay in a 5-star hotel and get an $80 cash rebate on your booking. Discover more travel deals when you book online at www.cheaptickets.sg/macao. You can also book day tours from Hong Kong to Macao and attractions including the bungee jump at tours.cheaptickets.sg.
This article is sponsored by CheapTickets.sg.