That's the message from the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) in its endeavours to promote the walking friendly side of the former Portuguese enclaveIn a move to further highlight Macau's fascinating heritage, the MGTO has created a series of suggested self-guided walks which will have visitors exploring some intriguing residential back lanes previously off the main tourist map.
The "Step Out Experience, Macau's Communities" routes also cover the iconic hot spots and range from a Tour of Historic Trails (allow 1hr 40 minutes) to a longer Tour of Nature and Creativity where sightseers are able to visit some of the city's tranquil gardens as well as the prime historic sites (allow 2hrs 30 minutes).
All routes meander through the historic Macau peninsula where 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites are found, including the iconic Ruins of St Pauls, a much photographed surviving façade of a 17th Century church destroyed by fire in 1835.
There's also an East Meets West walk (about 90 minutes) along with one which looks more closely at Macau's attractive arts and culture (about 2hrs and 30 minutes).
In all, the historic hub of Macau comprises several significant squares and more than 20 heritage monuments - a district brimming with cultural treasures "you can't afford to miss".
The recently created series of suggested walks are detailed on the MGTO website - www.macautourism.gov.mo - and offer further proof that Macau is a destination worth spending three or more nights with each visit.
In fact, data shows that Australians and New Zealanders rate highly in the world for number of nights spent in this Special Administrative Region of China, a popular destination for incentive travel as well as leisure.
Reasons for visiting Macau are many, from the mix of historic and contemporary sites which give Macau an interesting contrast of east-meets-west characteristics to the tantalising cuisine, the Macanese creations such as the spicy African chicken described as perhaps the oldest form of fusion food in the world.
Some of the popular dishes recently featured at the 17-day Macau Food Festival at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney and the annual weekend-long 2013 Macau Festival in Sydney's Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
Macau is unique to Asia, let alone the Pearl Delta region which encompasses the once British colony of Hong Kong (a 60 minute journey away on the TurboJet high-speed ferry service) and the neighbouring China province of Guangdong.
Its colonial and Chinese heritage is well documented, so too the rise of the Cotai Strip with its Vegas-style entertainment, shopping and dining precincts and the rise of some of the world's largest branded hotels.
Last year, more than 125,000 Australians and New Zealanders visited Macau and there's a consensus in the MGTO Australia and New Zealand office that this figure will be topped in 2014 as more international hotels open and the number of attractions and events grows.
For the first time in decades a luxury cruise ship - SeaDream II - will make an overnight visit to Macau, calling in on March during a 13-day Asian cruise between Bangkok and Hong Kong.
Furthermore, more than 3500 Flight Centre employees from around the globe (primarily Australia) will converge on the Asian city for an annual gala ball rewarding top achievers.
To assist travellers either before or during a Macau visit, there's an "Experience Macau" mobile phone App with essential information on tourist hot spots, shows, general entertainment and accommodation. It also has a trip planner, 360-degree panoramic photos, audio guide, maps, even games, to name a few features.
Just make sure not to leave the walking shoes at home.
Macau Government Tourist Office,
phone (02) 9264 1488 or
www.macautourism.gov.mo
No comments:
Post a Comment