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On the Chinese coast lie two former bastions of imperialism. Hong Kong was controlled by the British. Macau was colonized by the Portuguese. Both have a complex history and have come under complicated times in recent years.
However, both are still home to vast amounts of history and culture. They have a uniqueness to them that is quite a bit different from that of other ethnically Chinese cities. If travelers have the opportunity, visiting both in one trip is both doable and recommended. Separated by a narrow strip of water, ferries often run between them.
For travelers wishing to make this trip. Here is a one-week itinerary detailing how to get the most out of visiting both of these cities.
Day 1: Arriving In Hong Kong
Hong Kong International Airport is one of the more impressive airports in the world. It is large so navigating it may take some time, but there are many convenient transportation services available for arrivals. Many hotels will also offer their own transportation options too for their guests. Once in the city and checked into their hotel, travelers may wish to unwind. A local pub is a great place to do so. The Derby Pub & Restaurant is a great place for travelers in its area.
The Derby Pub & Restaurant 打吡餐廳酒吧
The Derby Pub is an English-style pub with an interesting blend of traditional pub food and local cuisine. I ordered the fried noodles with pork loin and black pepper. The seafood pasta with lobster sauce is also a great choice. The food here is quite delicious, but their selection of beers is great too for helping travelers relax after their flight.
- Address - Jockey Club House, Shan Kwong Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
- Contact - +852 2966 1310
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Pork Black Pepper Fried noodles
- Social Media
Day 2: Temple Street Night Market And Victoria Harbor
Being the first full day in the city for travelers, Wander shore of Victoria is a great choice. The Kowloon side of Victoria Harbor is home to an awful lot of sights and shops for visitors to explore. A day can easily be made by wandering around this area, but one absolute must is to schedule a trip out on one of the old junk boats to see the colors of the city at sunset. Afterward, travelers can wander up to the nearby Temple Street Night Market to enjoy some of the many treats and local cuisine available there.
- Junk Boats - Booking Website
- Temple Street Night Market - Google Maps
Day 3: 10,000 Buddhas Monastery
The temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas is an important historical location that consists of a decent climb up a mountain staircase with over 10,000 golden buddhas. The total number of Buddhas is actually closer to twelve thousand buddhas making the name is a bit of an understatement. The body of the temple founder still rests at the altar for visitors to pray. One of the more impressive aspects of the temple was that all the supplies used to construct the temple had to be carried up by hand.
Day 4: Travel To Macau And A-Ma Temple
Traveling from Hong Kong to Macau is quite simple when using the TurboJET ferry. It is a high-speed ferry that will quickly take travelers from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor all the way to Macau.
- Departs From - HK (SHEUNG WAN)
- Contact - (852) 2307 0880, guestservices@turbojet.com.hk
- DAY SAILING (Weekdays) - 335HKD (Super Class), 160HKD (Economy)
- DAY SAILING (Weekends & Holidays) - 360HKD (Super Class), 175HKD (Economy)
- NIGHT SAILING (Weekdays, Weekends & Holidays) - 380HKD (Super Class), 200HKD (Economy)
- Booking
A-Ma Temple
A-Ma Temple in Macau is located by the water and is carved into the rocky hillside. The temple is meandering with several levels and places to discover. This temple is dedicated to the sea goddess and possesses a classic temple feel, with many interesting sights to discover carved into the cliffside. It isn’t a long visit either, perfect for a half-day adventure.
Day 5: Fortaleza Do Monte And Senado Square
Senado Square and Fortaleza do Monte are located in proximity to each other making for a great day of exploring both destinations. Senado Square includes the Ruins of St. Paul’s and St. Domnici’s Church and much of the remaining old city. The stunning Portuguese architecture has been maintained and is still full of many little touristy shops and restaurants. Fortaleza do Monte, or Monte Fort, stands high above, built into a hill and overlooking Senado Square. It was once built to protect Portuguese imperial interests but now serves as a museum dedicated to the city's past.
- St. Pauls Church
- St. Domnici’s Church
- Monte Fort
Day 6: Day Trip Into Coloane Macau
Coloane Village is located on Cotai in southern Macau. It is a small and well-maintained district of entirely Portuguese architecture. Travelers here can enjoy the local shops and simply walk along its aesthetic streets. It is easy to get around there by bus both bus and taxi.
Fernando Restaurante
This is the delicious dinner destination perfect for visiting just after finishing up in Coloane. It's a Portuguese-style restaurant found next to the beach. The Suckling pig, which has delicious and perfectly spiced skin and fatty sweet meat, is a delicious order. Visitors are also recommended to try the braised ox tail. Visitors can wash down the meal with a drink and perhaps walk down to the beach.
- Address - Macau黑沙海灘9號號地下
- Contact - +853 2888 2264
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - Suckling Pig
- Menu
Day 7: Departing From Macau
Travelers may have time to revisit one of their favorite destinations before departing for the airport, or perhaps they can simply enjoy a local breakfast in the city. Travelers should be sure to reach the airport early, so there isn’t any risk of missing their flight!