Introduction

From reading the guidebooks and tourist literature, you could be forgiven for thinking Macau is a sleepy little colonial town with European charms.

Your arrival, therefore, may come as a bit of a shock - because the only way Macau could be described as "sleepy" and "town" is if you're comparing it to central Hong Kong.

Thankfully, Macau does have its charms - if you know where to go and where to avoid. And as it's just one hour from Hong Kong by sea - or twenty minutes by helicopter - with minimal visa requirements, China's other Special Administrative Region can be a welcome contrast to the busy crowded environment of Hong Kong.

Orientation

Macau is situated about one hour by ferry from Hong Kong and is split into three main landmasses connected by bridges: Macau Peninsula, Taipa Island, and Coloane Island. Given the murky sandy water and land reclamation around all three, it's only a matter of time before Coloane and Taipa become officially one. In fact, Taipa Island itself was once two individual islands - an indication of just how powerful siltation can be. The night scene at the top of this page shows the connecting 'old' bridge between Taipa and the Peninsula (there's a new bridge also), from the Taipa side. It has an interesting "hump" in the middle - which is both unusual and, particularly at night, attractive to the skyline.

The newest addition to the Macau coastline is the airport, of which the runway is on reclaimed land hanging off the side of Taipa Island. It's unlikely you will enter Macau by plane, however, since most visitors come by boat from Hong Kong or elsewhere.

Hotels

Your best bet for a hotel in Macau is to book through an agent before you arrive - since they will often have better prices than booking direct or via the internet, or will offer extras such as breakfast. If a view is important, make sure you specify this when booking, since a surcharge can often apply. Most large hotels offer free transportation from the Ferry terminal.

I have only stayed overnight in Macau once, at the Hyatt Island Resort in Taipa. I have to say that initial impressions were disappointing - the hotel was smaller than I expected and had a rather worn appearance inside and out. Despite paying extra for a harbour view, the room windows were so dirty outside (even after changing rooms) that I even had to call the manager. Refreshingly the manager was very helpful and within 30 minute the windows were clean.

This story really sums up my experience with Hyatt. The hotel has some of the friendliest staff I have ever had the pleasure to encounter, and the food and the facilities - spa, swimming pool, etc - are excellent (thought the facilities cost extra). Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your opinion) the male and female spa's are separate, so no shared sauna with your loved one. The breakfasts deserve an extra special mention - excellent choice and quality, with everything from fresh omelette, waffle, and oatmeal to fruit, cereals, congee, eggs, bacon, etc.. Enough to keep you going till dinner..