TOP: Grand Lisboa hotel and casino, a lotus flower shaped skyscraper.ABOVE: The remains of St Paul's Cathedral in Macau.
If you think Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world, you obviously haven't been to Macau.
Perched off the South China coast, tiny Macau consisting of two islands and a peninsula (all interconnected with long bridges), boasts approximately 25 casinos and several more under construction.
Biggest of the gambling edifices is The Venetian - a mega resort, casino and indoor shopping complex which is based on the Las Vegas version of the same name but twice as big. In fact, it's Asia's biggest resort and the second largest indoor space in the world.
Wandering through this imitation of Italy's canal city is quite an experience - even for people who 'have seen it all'. It could be described as the eighth wonder of the world.
However, Macau is not just a gambler's paradise - it may be a small nation with less than half a million residents, but it's an interesting stopover for tourists featuring several of other attractions.
Every visitor to Macau must head for the main square in the old town and walk the stairs up to the remaining facade of St Paul's Cathedral which dates back to the 1600s. All that's left is the front, the remainder was burnt down more than a hundred years ago, but it still provides an impressive setting.
After gazing at the cathedral front, walk down the many steps to the small shops in the narrow streets below and in particular the Portuguese bakery which sells the traditional egg tarts...one of the most delicious treats you can ever imagine. We bought a bag full and had them for a sweet breakfast the next morning as well.
The city of Macau (or Macao) is on the peninsula which borders China's mainland. There are plenty of casinos in the city area but cross the bridges to Taipa island and you'll find a collection of even newer gambling palaces (including the Venetian).
Back in town and right near our hotel is the imposing Fisherman's Wharf - a large village featuring imitations of building styles from around the world. This tourist attraction complete with Roman-style amphitheatre, touristy shops and numerous cafes (and of course, another casino) has never turned a cent profit yet, but, give it time, it may gain popularity in years to come.
Hotels in Macau are outstanding in quality - as you would expect in a country where money speaks its own language. We stayed in Casa Real Hotel, a short walk from the ferry terminal - it's conveniently located to many 'must see' points including The Sands casino and a 10 minute walk from the inner city area.
Access to Macau is either by direct flight from Sydney to Macau International Airport on Viva Macau airline. However, a more popular route is the one hour fast cat ferry services from either Hong Kong International Airport or either Kowloon or Hong Kong Island departure points.
Ferries are cheap and run every half hour from Hong Kong and about seven times daily from the airport ferry terminal.
Macau may be back in Chinese hands, but it's not a strictly Buddhist country - its Portuguese heritage has created a large Catholic population and there are some Protestants, even though only five percent of the current residents are Portuguese (or other Europeans) with 95 percent being Chinese.
Macau is a fascinating place which is growing fast in tourism stature. We'll certainly look forward to returning at some time in the future.
-Ren Zwiers
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