Hong Kong-bound travellers should set aside some time for one of the world's great side-trips. Just an hour away by fast ferry, the neighbouring cultural melting pot of Macau provides a staggering contrast in scenery and sightseeing.
The port city's rich heritage as a trading post is arguably more romantic and
engaging than its bigger brother's. Macau, on the mouth of the Pearl River, was part of the ancient Silk Road, ships loading here bound for Rome.
In 1513, Portugese merchant-explorers set in motion an indelible legacy, settling on Macau as their great trading nexus. Nowadays, multicultural Macau, which like Hong Kong is one of China's Special Administrative Regions, delights visitors with a unique East-meets-West mix of influences, chiefly melded by its distinctive Portugese stripes.
The local cuisine is particularly striking.
When the Portugese first arrived in Asia, they brought foods and cooking ideas that they had garnered from all around the world. Over the centuries, they have been combined and adapted by local Chinese to create a truly international cuisine which is called Macanese.
What I particularly love about Macau is its preservation and celebration of diverse architecture. The "Historic Centre" has been recognised as a World Heritage site and showcases the wealth of architectural styles that have been threaded into Macau's urban fabric during the past 500 years.
More than 20 significant monuments and buildings are highly recommended sightseeing stops. A must-see is the A-Ma Temple which pre-dates the arrival of the Portugese and is a fascinating insight into Buddhist and Confucian belief, culture and architecture.
Senado Square is the heart of Macau and home to major public events, celebrations and gatherings. This gorgeous public space is bordered by a throng of pastel-coloured neo-classical buildings, imbuing the square with a very elegant Mediterranean atmosphere. Possibly the most photographed site in Macau is the Ruins of St Paul's. Now regarded as the altar to the city, the church facade is all that remains from the original Catholic church built in 1602 and later destroyed by fire.
Also razed was the neighbouring St Paul's College, which was the first Western-style university in the Far East. There are dozens of quaint alleys, lanes, piazzas and neighbourhoods to explore on foot. For a taste of new Macau, you can't go past the Macau Tower, the 10th highest observation tower in the world. It is part of the lavish entertainment centre which hosts a roll-call of top-line shows and concerts.
TOP TIPS
Fly in style to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and experience its award-winning in-flight service, entertainment and comfort. The 2009 Skytrax Airline of the Year flies daily from Auckland to Hong Kong. Check out its current specials at www.cathaypacific.co.nz
A great hotel option is the extra-swanky but surprisingly affordable Hotel Panorama in Kowloon. Rising 40 floors, as the name suggests, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more impressive and panoramic hotel window view. Other highlights include comfy rooms loaded with mod-cons, excellent in-house cuisine and great staff. www.hotelpanorama.com.hk
For more information on holidaying in Macau, check out www.macautourism.gov.mo
Hong Kong-bound travellers should set aside some time for one of the world's great side-trips. Just an hour away by fast ferry, the neighbouring cultural melting pot of Macau provides a staggering contrast in scenery and sightseeing.
The port city's rich heritage as a trading post is arguably more romantic and
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