There’s more to do than gamble in Macau

When taking a ferry to most islands around Hong Kong, all you have to do is pay for ferry tickets; no showing your passport or other ID. If you are up for an hour-long ferry ride and a quick trip through customs, you can head to Macau. This island is a major attraction for area tourists because of its huge and popular casinos. The revenue from these places accounts for about 50 percent of the island’s economy and amounts to seven times more than the gambling industry in Las Vegas.

Bright lights cover enormous hotels that have bustling, smokey casinos inside. If you’re in to play, go for it. Though it’s a real commitment to bet: In the Venetian recently, the minimum gambling price for a hand of blackjack was about $130.

If throwing money at a game of baccarat isn’t your thing, there’s more to see on this island. In fact, even if you love your time at a betting table, you should get outside and check out the the historic center of Macau.

The history and architecture of Macau make it worth a trip.

Macau was originally known as Ou Mun, “trading gate,” because it’s in a perfect location for trading. While the British went for Hong Kong, the Portuguese went for Macau. They reached the island in the 1550s and ended up giving the island its current name. Macau became a meeting point between East and West cultures, and it’s evident in the churches, architecture and people’s names.

You can’t miss the front of A-Ma Temple — for its decoration, nor the crowd of “photographers” in front of it.

Even if you think you’ve had your fill of visiting temples in Asia, the A-Ma Temple may trample some others. For one thing, it’s the oldest in Macau, dating to 1488 of the Ming Dynasty. Simply put, the walk up the ancient staircases will make you feel special.

The Mandarin’s House was built before 1869 and displays design details that intertwine those of both Chinese and Western influences. The residential compound is quite large with several courtyard houses. It was the home of prominent Chinese literary figure Zheng Guanying, whose father started the building of the house.

Zheng’s brothers ended up expanding the complex. Unfortunately, the ownership left family hands when the descendants started to live in different places in the 1950s and ‘60s. The house was rented out, at one point containing 300 tenants (as expected, with less than acceptable living conditions).

The government did come to the rescue, even if it were too late. It took proprietorship in 2001, but by then, about 80 percent of the complex was suffering from damage. It’s been repaired and preserved, making it presentable to take a stroll through it and soak in the enchanting architecture.

Do take the time to go through airy courtyards, spacious rooms and narrow walkways. The detail in design will have you looking up at ceilings and down at floors with each step.

Mandarin’s House, Macau

Mandarin’s House, Macau

Mandarin’s House, Macau

Mandarin’s House, Macau

In contrast to Hong Kong, there are plenty of historic churches to see here. These include St. Lawrence’s Church, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church, St. Augustine’s Church, St. Dominic’s Church and St. Anthony’s Church. Each is humbly beautiful in its own way.

St. Lawrence’s Church, Macau

St. Augustine’s Church, Macau

If you’re interested in something really ancient looking, walk up the steps to the ruins of St Paul’s. The Church of Mater Dei built the structure from 1602-1640, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1835. Conveniently enough, the impressive facade of St. Paul’s College is the only thing still standing. The church had stood adjacent to the college. Apparently, the archaeological remains of the former college are evidence that this was the first Western-style university in the Far East. This site is, symbolically, an altar to the city.

The grand, historic front of St. Paul’s College still stands.

If visiting Hong Kong, don’t overlook the outlying islands

If you’re traveling from the States all the way to Hong Kong, you’re probably going to spend more than a couple of days in the area. There’s a lot to see and learn in the city, but while you’re over there, you might as well check out what the outlying islands have to offer. After all, they’re just a short (and cheap) ferry ride away from Hong Kong island.

There’s a lot to explore on Hong Kong, along with other islands around it.

One spot you can’t miss on Lantau Island is the  All 34 meters (just over 111 feet) of this Big Buddha were completed in 1993. It faces Mainland China, atop a climb of 268 steps. The monastery is opposite the statue and provides colorful iconography to see.

The Tian Tan Buddha is informally known as the Big Buddha.

Po Lin Monastery can be seen among the peaceful landscape from the top of the Big Buddha.

Lantau also offers a history of fishermen, where you can find houses built on stilts. These homes go back generations, with families living in their tight-knit community just above the tidal flats of the island. It’s very possible that you’ll feel like you’re intruding here. The locals continue in their work as tourists walk their streets, taking pictures of everything. (And some locals really don’t like that — ask before you take photos of them.)

The stilt houses are in a fishing village by the name of Tai O on Lantau Island.

You’ll feel less noticed on the island of Cheung Chau, which is a destination for plenty of tourists, including locals from Hong Kong. The small, crowded island feels like a beach town: lots of color, street vendors and people lugging towels to the beach. It’s a fun spot to get some street food, then spend an afternoon in the sun. This is also where the yearly Cheung Chau Bun Festival happens.

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation on the small and dense Cheung Chau island.

Cheung Chau has been a fishing community since the 14th century.

Next up, you’ll find a post about another fun place that’s just a one-hour ferry ride from Hong Kong.