Brought to you by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)
Macao Grand Prix Museum
An ode to the street circuit racing event synonymous with Macao, the Macao Grand Prix Museum is now open during weekends and public holidays, with a full reopening set for June 2021.
The LEED gold certified museum stands at 16,000m2 post refurbishment, and utilises zoning to enhance visitor experience and interaction.
From thematic displays of Macau Grand Prix (MGP) through the times; to deconstructed vehicular displays; to virtual reality racing; visitors will get to uncover much about the city’s revered motorsport culture.
The revamped facilities are also inclusive – such as a tactile barrier-free exhibit zone on racing cars; amongst other thoughtful gestures – to facilitate engagement and wider accessibility for visitors with special needs.
Visit the museum’s e-ticketing system for bookings.
Macao Museum
Chronicling the way of life and cultures of the various communities who have inhabited the city for ages, visitors may opt to self-traverse storied tapestries taking them from pre-colonial times to a vibrant, and contemporary Macao; or partake in guided tours of both temporary and permanent exhibits.
Located on the grounds of Mount Fortress, the city’s historical principal military defence structure, the museum retains its original architectural configuration and character – with two underground levels, and a third above the fortress’ top platform. Its lofty location offers visitors a peaceful retreat, as well as panoramic views of the city from various points around the fort.
Click here for more ticketing information.
Explore green corridors of Macao
The southern districts of the Macao peninsula are renowned for their teeming biodiversity.
From Taipa to Coloane, ecological zones have been carved out following years of careful reclamation, fusing hiking trails and rolling landscapes together in attracting visitors to appreciate nature’s wonders – from lotus-viewing platforms in the day to firefly-watching at night.
In line with providing greater access to nature to the public, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has launched a booking system enabling visits to Ecological Trail Garden of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and South China Medicinal Plants Garden; Seac Pai Van Wetland; and the Ecological Trail in Avenida da Praia, Taipa since late 2020.
Free entry. More details on listed facilities, and bookings may be found here.
Go abroad, in Macao
London’s calling
Macao’s latest hospitality addition, The Londoner Macao, reimagines British history and culture amidst a contemporary setting.
The integrated resort will open progressively throughout 2021, encompassing all suite-hotels; celebrity-designed rooms; and London-themed dining options and attractions.
Indulge in Londoner Moments with fun and interactive Instagram installations; virtual rides in a London Black Cab with David Beckham; hearty welcomes by the Queen’s beloved corgi with the help of artificial intelligence; and do what the English do best – indulge in an exquisite high tea while capturing moments for the ‘gram.
Authentically Venetian
If you haven’t been to Venice, hop onto a gondola through the network of San Luca, Marco Polo and Grand Canals located at the Shoppes in Venetian Macao.
Be serenaded by gondoliers as they punt along the canals in a sheltered environment complete with impressive renaissance architecture, quaint bridges, and even a painted blue sky above you. Rides available daily from 11am to 10pm.
Tickets: Adults – MOP$135 (US$17), Children (up to 12 years of age) – MOP$103 (US$13)
Soar to new heights with the Golden Reel
Embrace breathtaking views at the world’s first, and Asia’s highest figure-8 ferris wheel, coined from a Hollywood-inspired tale of two asteroids careering through Studio City’s Art-Deco twin hotel towers.
Golden Reel is situated 130m above ground and comprises of 17 Steampunk-themed cabins that can accommodate up to 10 passengers each. If one is up for it, they may contemplate standing on the glass bottom panel.
Tickets: MOP$100 (US$13).
Tour the Red Market
Unmissable due to its redbrick façade which ultimately birthed its eponymous moniker, the Red Market (also known as Almirante Lacerda) is the oldest in Macao harking its beginnings to 1936.
Also one of the most popular, it draws everyday Macanese to chefs with its array of goods ranging from the freshest catch of the day – for its proximity to the docks – to earthy fresh vegetables and dried goods spanning across three stories.
While here, do also check out the precinct compromising of the Red Market Pedestrian Street lined with kiosks selling flowers; or shop for street food to trinkets at the bustling Three Lamps District.
The Red Market opens daily from 6am – 7pm.
Immerse in the Creative City of Gastronomy
Riquexo
With its walls adorned with photographs of old Macao, this charming, family-owned restaurant takes the cake among locals in search of authentic Macanese food.
Although the restaurant has been around for only 38 years, the city’s first Macanese restaurant’s repertoire consists of family favourites that have been handed down over generations.
While here, don’t miss their curry chicken, feijoada (black bean stew with beef and pork) and minchi (sautéed minced beef and/or pork) – comfort food for the locals, a gastronomic experience for visitors.
Riquexo opens daily from 12pm – 9.30pm.
Macanese culinary lessons
For the uninitiated, Macanese cuisine has been widely hailed as the world’s first fusion food, evolving from a blend of both Southern Chinese and Portuguese cuisine which evolved from colonial times.
Regarding herself as custodian to the preservation of Macanese food and culture, owner Ana Manhão organises cooking workshops for those who are keen to learn how to whip up wholesome Macanese dishes.
Belos Tempos opens daily from 12pm – 9pm. To find out about class openings and availability, check out their Facebook page.
Collective Hospitality, the owner and operator of Slumber Party Hostels (SHG), Path and Socialtel brands, has acquired Bodega Hostels, making it the largest hostel company in South-east Asia and fourth largest globally.
Following the acquisition, SHG now operates 25 properties and more than 2,500 beds across Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia.
Established in 2013, Bodega Hostels operates nine hostels in key tourist markets including two in Bangkok, two in Chiang Mai, and one each in Koh Phangan, Mae Hong Son, Phuket, Ao Nang and Siem Reap.
“This acquisition was a strategic move aimed at growing our market share and expanding the expertise in our workforce by bringing skilled team members into the company,” said Edmund Lowman, founder of SHG and CEO of Collective Hospitality. He added that “SHG itself has also acquired five new properties in Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi and two in Indonesia – Lombok and Bali”.
While the Covid-19 crisis has decimated the travel and tourism industry over the past year, Collective Hospitality said in a press release that it has identified key business expansion opportunities, driven by its “robust and experience-focused business model”.
“Implementation of our business model will add value to the newly-acquired assets through diversification of revenue streams, development of brand presence and centralised strategic support,” said Lowman.
He added: “As the bruised travel industry awaits vaccine distribution, a quick rebound in demand is likely to happen. For Asia, a gradual but full recovery is expected to happen, leading to strong capital appreciation in the coming three to five years”.
Most recently, SHG announced the construction completion of their flagship Socialtel property, a 130-room hostel in Koh Samui with facilities including a beach club, speakeasy, IV bar and a co-working space.
Collective Hospitality is currently pursuing leasing and management opportunities with operators and owners of properties in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.