Macau vs HK - decisions, decisions!

[k_sheep]

Hi all

I'm flying into Macau at the start of August for a 2 night jaunt (thanks to AK $0 fares!). I normally book my holiday flights based on price, rather than location - I've ended up at some very interesting places because of this! However it may have backfired on me in this case slightly - I've realised Macau is just a bunch of casinos.

For a staunch non-gambler and even gambling objector like myself, I could probably amuse myself with the other couple of sites around the place. However, there is not much choice in cheap accommodation. Across the bay, there's plenty in HK, but I've heard everything else (food, entertainment) is more expensive. I know 2 nights (most of 3 days, because I've got an early outgoing and late incoming flight) isn't much for HK (where I've never been), but just not sure about Macau ....

Any opinions from those who have been to both places?

 

[drron]

Hi all

I'm flying into Macau at the start of August for a 2 night jaunt (thanks to AK $0 fares!). I normally book my holiday flights based on price, rather than location - I've ended up at some very interesting places because of this! However it may have backfired on me in this case slightly - I've realised Macau is just a bunch of casinos.

For a staunch non-gambler and even gambling objector like myself, I could probably amuse myself with the other couple of sites around the place. However, there is not much choice in cheap accommodation. Across the bay, there's plenty in HK, but I've heard everything else (food, entertainment) is more expensive. I know 2 nights (most of 3 days, because I've got an early outgoing and late incoming flight) isn't much for HK (where I've never been), but just not sure about Macau ....

Any opinions from those who have been to both places?

We loved Macau and didn't gamble.Intersting to walk through the Casinos.Dont have to pay to travel around-pick the nearest casino to where you want to go and catch their courtesy bus.The Venetian is an experience.
See my recent TR on Macau.Macau starts at post 25-
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...-photos/affs-tags-their-first-trip-23437.html
Enjoy.

 

[straitman]

Hi all

I'm flying into Macau at the start of August for a 2 night jaunt (thanks to AK $0 fares!). I normally book my holiday flights based on price, rather than location - I've ended up at some very interesting places because of this! However it may have backfired on me in this case slightly - I've realised Macau is just a bunch of casinos.

For a staunch non-gambler and even gambling objector like myself, I could probably amuse myself with the other couple of sites around the place. However, there is not much choice in cheap accommodation. Across the bay, there's plenty in HK, but I've heard everything else (food, entertainment) is more expensive. I know 2 nights (most of 3 days, because I've got an early outgoing and late incoming flight) isn't much for HK (where I've never been), but just not sure about Macau ....

Any opinions from those who have been to both places?

k_sheep,

Both places have a lot going for them IMHO. The ferry ride between them is quick and efficient so you can do a bit of both if you wish. (I'm not sure of the Helicopter service at the moment though :!
You do not say where you are flying out from so this may be wasted. There is a ferry from Macau direct to HK airport and if you use that you get your HK departure tax refunded as you leave from Macau and the ferry drops you airside in HKG.

 

[dajop]

The older parts of Macau are quite nice, touch of portugal in Asia. And the casinos are a worthy spectator sport, just to view the cultural eagerness towards gambling not too mention the pure tackiness of their structures, gimmicks and even shows that are revered with awe by the hoards.

Depending on arrival times/departure times I'd be tempted to have night 1 in Macau, leaving first thing next morning via ferry to HKG and next night there and then leaving catch the ferry back to Macau and go straight from ferry terminal to airport. 2 nights in Macau does seem a waste if you've never been to HKG.

 

[k_sheep]

I'd almost talked myself into just taking off to HK - then I realised I can go to a cirque du soleil show in Macau for $57!

I get into Macau airport at 1045 on thursday and leave macau saturday 1800. So thinking maybe I'll grab the cheapest place I can find around the venetian, do a walking tour, back for the show, then head off to HK in the morning, then back into Macau pier to head straight to the airport as per dajops suggestion.

 

[drron]

I'd almost talked myself into just taking off to HK - then I realised I can go to a cirque du soleil show in Macau for $57!

I get into Macau airport at 1045 on thursday and leave macau saturday 1800. So thinking maybe I'll grab the cheapest place I can find around the venetian, do a walking tour, back for the show, then head off to HK in the morning, then back into Macau pier to head straight to the airport as per dajops suggestion.

You wont get a cheap place near the Venetian-reclaimed land and all new with massive hotels.though looking at the poor numbers in The city of Dreams there may be specials on at Crown casinos.
But if you are close to ferry wharf or near Wynns casino in town Venetian shuttles run from those places.they also run to and from the Border Gate so you can do that and go into china for a day.
I enjoyed walking around Taipa-and walked from there to the Venetian.Also enjoyed walking central macau.

 

[k_sheep]

Great info and TR drron! Many thanks The holiday inn has rooms for HK$500 and seems to be halfway between wynns and the ferry, so that could be a plan (and is only 3x more expensive than the dodgy hostel I was looking at!). Convenient to get to the ferry the next day too (and will try for the ferry direct to Taipa on the way back!).

Would love to border hop to China - but not sure I want to spend $40 for a visa for a couple hours I really need a second passport to avoid visa fees in parts of asia.

 

[StevePER]

Great info and TR drron! Many thanks The holiday inn has rooms for HK$500 and seems to be halfway between wynns and the ferry, so that could be a plan (and is only 3x more expensive than the dodgy hostel I was looking at!). Convenient to get to the ferry the next day too (and will try for the ferry direct to Taipa on the way back!).

I stayed at the Holiday Inn in May, it was pretty good considering the price. They have a free shuttle bus operating to the ferry port which you might find useful.

 

[k_sheep]

Excellent, just what I wanted to hear! I reckon I'll lock that in soon, unless anyone else comes up with any brilliant ideas!

Now am considering burning my free weekend SPG stay I earned at the W hong kong instead of the $10 hostel ... :shock: ... but should probably wait til I take Mr k_sheep somewhere rather than just me.

 

[HardieBoys]

I think Macau has some very interesting sights to offer a visitor:

1. The ruin of St Paul's cathedral especially approached from the plaza below, is a great sight. Built in the sixteenth century by Japanese catholic refugees from Nagasaki (amongst others), it's a great example of European baroque with some Asian flourishes.

2. The Protestant cemetery in the old part of the city is a peaceful place to visit, and the stories embedded in the tombstones are fascinating.

3. There are some great Portuguese restaurants in Macau. Friends from HK took us to A Lorcha, where we had a great lunch feast, washed down with Vinho verde (green wine) and the Portuguese version of proseco.

4. The A-Ma Chinese temple, after which Macau is named, is very atmospheric, and definitely worth a visit.

5. An afternoon stroll around the old centre of Coloane, one of the other islands of Macau, on a sunny day, is a great way to walk off a big Portuguese lunch. Plazas, old buildings, elderly Chinese chatting under trees, and stuccoed churches, with some very large fig trees, make for a pleasant couple of hours.