Winning Formula

There are many different types of cities, and many different reasons why people choose to visit cities around the world. Some are attracted to places of historical importance, with ancient buildings dispersed within mazes of narrow, cobbled streets. Other people seek the ultra-modernity of skyscrapers and neon light displays. Some prefer to visit smaller villages rather than cities, where they can become intimately acquainted with a close-knit community and its local customs. Other people prefer to visit massive cities, where they can enjoy the serenity of anonymity. When shopping in these locations, some people seek hedonistic luxury, while others seek quaint and traditional crafts. When eating and drinking, some people look for major international branded restaurants, restaurants owned by famous chefs, or those where the world’s finest delicacies can be sampled. Other people prefer to find small boutique family-owned restaurants, and shops that sell traditional local snacks. When it comes to entertainment, some people prefer pumping clubs, fantastical theater shows, or thrill-seeking rides. Other people prefer live music, art exhibitions and museums. For some people none of that would suffice, and they would rather entertain themselves by strolling along a beach, through a wetland reserve or ascending a hill for a view. Balancing these different urges and desires can cause arguments when couples, families and friends try to choose where to visit on their weekends or holidays. Thankfully, there is one gloriously paradoxical city, which somehow manages the seemingly impossible – to offer absolutely everything listed above, and more.

If one doubts the uniqueness of Macao then one need only take a short walk from the world famous Venetian Macao Hotel toward the village of Taipa to experience an immediate transition between shockingly contrasting contexts. Just one small road separates some of the world’s most ornate and opulent resort hotels from an ecological wetland park area and an historic rural village. The stunning juxtaposition of these seemingly conflicting places could easily feel menacing, but somehow, in the unique context of Macao, these bizarre neighbors seem perfectly at ease. Indeed, within moments of the bustling Cotai Strip of resort hotels, one can board an outdoor-travelator and swiftly find oneself disembarking in a tranquil, historical setting. Naturally, such an unusual environment inspires a sense of curiosity in even the most casual visitor. Thankfully, the village of Taipa includes several small museums, such as the Casas-Museu da Taipa and Museu da História da Taipa e Coloane, as well as other buildings open to the public, which serve to illustrate the complex history of Macao and the unique culture of its residents. The tight and winding streets of Taipa Village are home to numerous family-owned restaurants, many of which offer only a dozen or so tables. When relaxing in the cozy, familial atmosphere of these restaurants it is hard to imagine that within just a few hundred meters there are multi-story restaurants, shopping centers and food halls simultaneously serving thousands of customers.

Taipa is not the only small village hidden within the complex Macao Special Administrative Region. Coloane Village, nestled on the southern tip of Macao, is probably most famous for being the home of Lord Stow’s Bakery, which claims to be the creator of the Macanese egg tart, which is now ubiquitous across Asia and the wider world. Although egg tarts are now available in abundance across all of Macao, many people choose to visit Lord Stow’s main store in Coloane to feel engaged with the history of this uniquely Macanese treat. Another draw of Coloane for visitors is that it sits conveniently close to the famous black-sand Hac Sa Beach. Praia de Hác Sá, as it is known in Portuguese, is the longest beach in Macao, and as the name suggests has sand darkened by seabed minerals which wash ashore. While it may not be as strikingly black as famous volcanic beaches, it is nevertheless unique. Praia de Hác Sá offers visitors a pleasant location from which to swim, or simply stroll along in peace and harmony. The relative tranquillity of this hidden corner of Macao probably explains why developers have opened smaller and quieter resort hotels along the coastline. These hotels deliberately target those who wish to explore Macao, but with an emphasis on village life and relaxation, rather than opulence and late-night revelry.

The unique beauty of a visit to this city is that one can enjoy a fascinating mix of experiences. It can feel like squeezing a tour of a dozen different cities into every exciting day. In addition to the museums of Taipa, Macao has numerous larger museums, including the Macao Museum of Art, the Maritime Museum and the world-class Macao Museum (Museu de Macao), which is located on the fortress hill of the Fortaleza do Monte. One could easily spend the best part of an entire day in the Macao Museum, as both the exhibitions and the building itself are fascinating. No visit to the museum would be complete without dedicating some contemplative and relaxing time walking around the rooftop of the historic fort, overlooking the entire city and beyond into the distance. However, the museum’s close proximity to the fascinating 16th century ruins of St. Paul’s Church (also known as Sam Ba Sing Tzki) and the gorgeous Senado Square (Largo de Senado), ensures that visitors always have an impetus to continue their exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its curious winding pathways, until their feet are satisfyingly sore.