Macau flights and travel guide

Many Australians who take cheap flights to Macau are aware of the Crown connection (James Packer's company) and come to gamble, but the territory (a Special Administrative Region of China, like Hong Kong) is a wonderful place to explore. It has a remarkable history, centuries of Portuguese rule and just a decade or so of Chinese rule. Away from the casinos, there is much to see.

It's a tiny place, home to half-a-million Macanese. The Macau Peninsula is the most northern part of the region, linked to the Chinese mainland. It's here that most of the must-sees are concentrated - the ruins of St. Paul, Senado Square, Na Tcha Temple and the Moorish Barracks to name just a few.

Taipa is the island south of the peninsula. Three bridges link it to the peninsula. The airport is situated here but it's also a major residential centre and a visit here is a great opportunity to see the everyday hustle and bustle of Macau.

Cotai is the Las Vegas-like strip, reclaimed land between Taipa and Coloane, site of gargantuan new casinos including The Venetian.

Coloane is the most southerly island, mountainous and consequently less developed although it is where you'll find Macau's first golf course. Coloane Village is charming. Narrow lanes are lined by brightly painted Portuguese-style buildings. There are two beaches - Cheoc Van and Hac Sa (overlooked by a Westin Resort) - and hiking trails in the hilly interior.

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Macau climate

Macau has a humid subtropical climate. The average yearly temperature is 22 degrees. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures between 29 and 35 degrees. Winters are mild; temperatures rarely fall below 5 degrees. The breezes blowing in off the sea keep conditions cooler than on mainland China. Typhoon season runs from April to October.

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When to fly to Macau

Peak Season: 

November to the end of April is peak tourist season in Macau. This takes in Macau International Music Festival (October/November), Macau Food Festival (November), Macau Grand Prix (November), Macau International Marathon (December), Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter. 

Off Season: 

The low season is May to October, coinciding with Typhoon Season. However, there are several major festivals during these months including Macau Arts Festival (May), the Macau International Dragon Boat Races (June), Macau International Fireworks Display Contest (September/October) and Chung Yeung Festival (October).

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Getting into town Macau

If your cheap flights to Macau are direct to Macau International, there are several ways downtown. Depending on which hotel you are staying at there may be a pick-up service. Taxis are freely available and there are also bus services (AP1, MT1, MT2, N2, 21 and 26) that serve the city and stop at all the major hotels. 

If you're flying to Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok International Airport there are plenty of ways to get over to Macau. Taxis and buses travel to the ferry terminal.

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Getting around Macau

There's no need to think about driving in Macau. The territory is small - just 28 square kilometres - and there are plenty of ways to get around. For sight-seeing in the different districts of Macau (Peninsula, Taipa or Coloane), walking is best. 

The major casinos and hotels operate complimentary shuttle buses for guests. The Terminal Maritimo is a stop for many shuttles and the really big casinos (The Venetian for example) travel to the Barrier Gate, Taipa Ferry Terminal and airport. 

The bus service is efficient and air-conditioned. The flat fare for journeys around the Macau Peninsula is about MOP$3, for Taipa, about MOP$4 and down to Hac Sa, about MOP$6. 

Taxis are readily available. There are two types - black with cream roofs and yellow. Most taxis will have a destination guide that includes the names of the most requested destinations in English, Chinese and Portuguese.

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Macau insider information

• The Macau Tower SkyJump is a thrilling 20-second flight above Macau. Jumpers take off from the outer rim of the Macau Tower. It's higher than the jump from Auckland's Sky Tower - the World's Highest Commercial Decelerator Descent as listed in the Guinness World Records.
• The best Portuguese egg tarts are sold at Lord Stow’s on Coloane. Try to get them when they're piping hot. Other treats to be enjoyed are almond cookies, peanut candies and cured pork products. Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, also known as San Ma Lo, is the place to pick them up. 
• If you're in Taipa Village pick up pork chop buns, egg rolls and roasted meat slices for lunch. 
• The Lou Kau Mansion is close to Senado Square. The xinguan-style mansion dates from 1889 and was once the residence of the Lou Kau family. It's open to the public from 9am to 7pm (Saturdays, Sundays and on Public Holidays). 
• Macau has several museums. The Museum of Macau is a wonderful place to start. It tells the story of Macau from prehistoric times through the middle of the 17th century - Macau's Golden Age - to today. There's also Grand Prix and Wine Museums, Maritime Museum (it resembles a ship moored near the harbour) and the Handover Gifts Museum, which is full of the wonderful gifts presented by the State Council of The People's Republic of China, its provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Each gift is exquisite.

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Macau airports

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Passport/Visa

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Entry requirements

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