Macau is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. Travellers who go to mainstream destinations brand Macau as “The Las Vegas of Asia”, and after being able to enumerate two or three points of interest, they run out of words. It is true that Macau features the biggest casinos and posh hotels, but this destination offers more than the lights, sounds, and thrills of gambling. Here, we list down the reasons why Macau is considered one of the most underrated travel destinations.
1. Macau is a cultural melting pot
With a land area of less than 12 square miles, Macau has a population of more than half a million people. This means that the location is a busy spot without being too congested. Combining the local population with the influx of travellers all year round makes Macau a multi-cultural rendezvous point as tourists all over the world gather here and explore different points of interest. This destination offers a perfect opportunity for travellers to gain new acquaintances and even friends for keeps. A fun fact: Macau also has the second longest life expectancy in the world.
2.Macau allows you to experience two places at once
Travellers who visit Macau will find themselves immersed in an Asian destination that captures the important details of European heritage. Being in Macau will make you feel like you are in two destinations simultaneously because most of the street signs and advertisements are in Portuguese although you are essentially in China. Travellers will enjoy exploring Macau’s old town, which is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. It showcases a unique combination of Portuguese and Chinese architecture. These influences are also evident in Macanese cuisine, which is born of African, Chinese, and Portuguese food. These include seafood, olives, and chorizo. Exploring the back streets of Macau’s Unesco World Heritage old town will give you a glimpse of a mix of Portuguese and Chinese architecture found nowhere else on earth.
3.Macau is in fact, the world’s largest gambling centre as of 2006
Despite the constant comparison to Las Vegas, Macau is actually considered as THE world’s largest gambling centre. This has contributed to the skyrocketing of the city’s GDP, which in turn contributes to the “premium” feel that you get all over Macau. However, the casino culture stands in stark contrast to Macau’s true charms.
4. Macau has great beaches
Macau can satisfy beachgoers because this busy city has a natural beach. The Hac Sa Beach is Macau’s largest beach and is located on the southeast region of Coloane Island. It is famous for its black sand, the color of which can be attributed to the minerals that are washed ashore. Centuries ago, the sand was pitch black, but over time and due to erosion, the dark sand was replaced by yellowish sand that lightened the dark hue of the beach.
5. Macau is actually an improved mirror city of Hong Kong
This is one of the most divisive facts about Macau. Most people will visit Hong Kong for obvious reasons, but some of those reasons also include the fact that they do not have any idea of what to expect from Macau. Similar to Hong Kong, Macau has a lot of shopping centres, museums, parks, and zoos, including the extremely underrated Macau Giant Panda Pavillion. The bright lights of casinos and hotels eclipse the hidden gems of the city that inhibit potentials visitors from exploring the area. Numerous points of interest, such as the Macau Cathedral, Fisherman’s Wharf, Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul, and the Macau Tower, are just some of the more common and accessible destinations.
