Hong Kong and Macau, both former colonies and now special territories of China, are worth visiting in one go. Most travelers will stay in Hong Kong, since prices are lower and accomodation more affordable. To get from Hong Kong to Macau, you can take a speedboat, which brings you to the former Portuguese exclave within an hour. Here's all you need to know, along with some special tips for getting around.
(Turbojet speedboat in Macau)
Where Does the Speedboat to Macau Depart From?
Taking the speedboat to Macau is fairly easy. First of all, you take the metro to Sheung Wan Station, which is on the Island line. If you're staying in Tsim Sha Tsui, you will have to cross the water and head to Central on the Hong Kong Island. The Hong Kong Macau Ferry Pier is essentially a large mall, where you can find plenty of food and shopping options. To catch your ferry, head to the upper floor via the escalators, where you will find both the ticket office and the gates to the ferry.
Location: 168-200 Connaught Rd Central, Sheung Wan, Hongkong
How to Buy a Ticket for the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry?
You will travel from Hong Kong to Macau on the Turbojet ferry, which departs from Sheung Wan almost every hour, and during the day, sometimes more frequently. Therefore, there's no rush to get your ticket. Simply go to the counter and ask for the next available departure. Since the boat ride lasts only about an hour, it’s recommended to choose the cheaper Economy Class. The ticket costs around 175 HKD (approximately 20 Euros). Note that prices are slightly higher on weekends and for night sailings.
(Source: Wing1990hk, Wikimedia, CC BY 3.0)
Speedboat: Window Seat or Not?
The ride is comparibly smooth and not as bumpy as speedboat travels can be. However, if you're not used to speedboats, the ride could upset your tummy. Choosing a window seat can help, as it allows you to focus on the horizon, reducing motion sickness. When booking at the counter, be sure to proactively request a window seat. A window seat, of course, is also a great option, if you want to get a nice view onto the tropical islands passing by.
Arriving in Macau - How to Get to the Center?
Upon arrival in Macau, you will land at the Outer Harbour Terminal, which is not too close to the center. While you could take a taxi or a public bus, it's much easier to hop on one of the free hotel shuttles. To find them, just cross the underpass in front of the terminal and ascend on the other side, where plenty of busses are waiting for you.
(Source: LN9267, Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0)
I highly recommend the Grand Lisboa shuttle, which takes you directly to the iconic hotel and casino with the same name. At the destination, you have the chance to walk through the glamorous halls, which now serve as an open museum, or to go straight to the gambling room.
(Luxurious lobby of the Grand Lisboa)
The lobby is impressive, featuring luxurious chandeliers and historical art pieces carved from mammoth ivory, depicting scenes from China's legendary Ming Dynasty era classic Journey to the West.
(Scenes of Journey to the West carved in Mammoth ivory)
How Much Time to Spend and What to See?
One or two days is enough to see most of Macau's sights. Since accomodation is a pricier here than in Hong Kong, many travelers opt for a day trip, spending about 6 to 8 hours exploring the city. You can arrive by ferry before noon and leave after 8 p.m. to make the most of your time.
(Portuguese architecture in the center of Macau)
After visiting the Grand Lisboa, take a short walk to the Igreja de Sé Cathedral and then continue north to the Ruins of St. Paul (São Paulo). Nearby, you'll find the massive walls of the old Portuguese fortress. Right beneath it, you can visit the Macau Museum and then climb up to the top of the hill. From here, you will enjoy the best few of the city's distinctive skyline.
Portuguese Cuisine or Local Chinese Food?
Macau offers a blend of Portuguese and Cantonese cuisine, both of which are worth trying. Especially, if you're unfamiliar with the Portuguese flavors, dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) paired with aromatic wines are a must. Most of the restaurants also serve Portuguese beers like Sagres and Super Bock. On the other hand, you can find many small Chinese bistros serving local favorites like Macanese curry fish balls, pork chop buns, dim sum and all kinds of fried dishes.
I couldn't resist stopping at a stall offering a colourful selection of fish balls, mushrooms and other ingredients. The waitress helped me pick out the perfect combination, which then was boiled in a savory beef broth, eventually served with a Macau-style curry sauce. My absolute favorite in that mix? The fish balls with cheese filling. Unbelievably delicious.
Pastéis de Nata - How Does it Compare to the Original?
The Pastéis de Nata is a big part of Portuguese identity since its creation by former monks in the city of Belém. Brought to Macau by missionaries, it has become a bestseller, commonly known as Egg Tart. Although I found the Macau version tasty, it doesn't really compare to the original. While the Pastéis de Nata or Pastéis de Belém is creamy, the Macau Egg Tart has a much stronger egg flavor. To be fair, it's tasty nontheless and Macau bakers have simply crafted their own version of the Portuguese classic.
(Source: Tom Liu, Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Gambling? It's maybe worth the experience
Honestly, I haven't really tried to gamble in Macau, as I felt that without experience, I was at risk of losing a lot of money. However, some games might be easier to control. If you have some cash to spare, trying your luck at roulette, Sic Bo, or Pai Gow could be exciting. On the other hand, you could always just have a walk through the casino and soak up the atmosphere.
Returning by Ferry? Take the Free Casino Shuttle!
To get to the ferry terminal, you can take another free shuttle. However, finding the shuttle back is a bit more challenging than on arrival. Here's what you have to do: go inside the Grand Lisboa casino, pass the guards, and enter the gambling hall. Now you need to turn a bit left, bypass the roulette tables, and descend with the escalator to the basement. Here you will find all of the slot machines. Ignore them and keep left until you reach a little counter. Ask for the bus ticket to the Outer Harbour Terminal and they will give you a free voucher.
Afterwards, head back to the entrance and walk around the building. There are some signs indicating the stop of the free shuttle. However, it's probably easier to ask one of the workers checking the tickets for directions. All in all, it's not too easy to find the right place, but people are helpful and will show you the way.