Five reasons to visit Macau

Whether you want to throw yourself off the highest bungy jump in the world or just sample the cuisine, you'll find something to satisfy in Macau. Photo / Supplied

You'll love what the island of Macau has to offer, writes Megan Singleton.

1. Fast ferry

In one hour from Hong Kong International Airport, you can step off the fast ferry on to Taipa Island or mainland Macau. The transfer is so seamless that you don't even pick up your luggage or clear Customs until you arrive there. Just hand over your bag tag with your ticket and they'll take care of the rest. You can also get ferries from Kowloon for day trippers to Macau.

2. Cuisine

For me this is the main reason to spend a few days here. Thanks to Macau's history as a Portuguese colony within China and a main trading port from Africa and even India, you'll find family-run Portuguese restaurants alongside more family-run Chinese restaurants. Then there is the blend of cultures on your plate; Macanese cuisine. Fish is caught in abundance, 24-month air-dried prosciutto is imported from Portugal, and Chinese curries are light and flavoursome.

3. Huge resorts

Since I visited about eight years ago, Macau has grown about 50 per cent because of reclaimed land on which sits world-class resorts, also known as entertainment precincts. I stayed at Banyan Tree, part of the Galaxy group of three hotels, with a wave pool and beach beside a quiet adults' pool. At The Venetian you can take a gondola ride through the indoor canals lined with great shopping. At City of Dreams the incredible House of Dancing Water show, designed by Cirque du Soleil's Franco Dragone, is a must-see.

4. History and culture

The Portuguese settled here in the 1500s, bringing their European customs, architecture and influence. Walk the cobblestoned streets around Senado Square and up to the facade of what is left of St Paul's School and the church of Mater Dei, built in the 1600s and burned down in 1835. Visit Macau Museum next door for a glimpse of life here over the centuries including the competitive world of cricket fighting.

5. World's highest bungy

Adrenalin junkies visit Macau just to throw themselves off the highest bungy jump in the world. AJ Hackett's 233m jump is run by Kiwis, so if you're in need of the sound of home head up here and speak to Adam or Toad. I walked around the rim on the SkyWalk 233m above ground for the best photo op in the city, across the Pearl River Delta to mainland China.

Read more of Megan's adventures at bloggeratlarge.com.