While old Macau with its Portuguese heritage still stands as an ode to the past, Las Vegas-style Macau is alive and thriving. The contrast between old and new is what sets Macau apart as an interesting tourist destination.

Old Macau

First settled by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, Macau was the oldest European colony in East Asia until 1999 when it became a Special Administrative Region of China. Both Portuguese and Chinese historical influences are present in Macau, especially in the historic centre of the city, which is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To explore the Portuguese angle, a couple of streets are a must. Largo do Senado (Senado Square) contains some of the most quintessentially Portuguese buildings in the city, such as the Leal Senado Building, a municipal chamber built in 1784, the Holy House of Mercy, established by the first Bishop of Macau in 1569, and St Dominic's Church, founded in 1587 by three Spanish Dominican priests. The ruins of St Paul's, once the biggest church in Asia and now Macau's 'Acropolis', are equally impressive and worth the clamber up the hill to reach them.

Those seeking the Chinese slant on the city should head for a stroll along Rua De Felicidade. This former red-light district is packed with traditional shops selling various jerky and cookies, as well as Macau's oldest restaurant, Fat Siu Lau, which serves up a mean roasted pigeon. The A-Ma Temple is also a must-see. This hilltop temple was constructed to honour the Taoist Goddess of the Sea, for whom Macau was named.

New Macau

The majority of visitors come to Macau for one purpose and that is to try their luck at the casinos. Due to limited land resources, Macau turned first to the sea and then to gambling for its livelihood, creating a lucrative industry that is especially enticing to casino-loving visitors from mainland China, where gambling is illegal.

In recent years, the casino industry in Macau has been booming, as witnessed by the opening of the US$2.4 billion, 10.5 million square foot Venetian Macau Resort in August. The future looks bright. According to Destination Macau, by 2009 visitor arrivals will double to more than 38 million, hotel rooms will triple to over 30,000 and gaming revenues will eclipse Las Vegas at US$11 billion. Check out any of the casinos, ranging from Hotel Lisboa, one of the first money monuments, to the fancy new arrivals like the Crown Macau and Wynn Macau.

Other modern attractions have sprouted in Macau. One eye-catching monument is the 338-metre high Macau Tower, which is an attraction in itself, with a panoramic observation deck, revolving restaurant and thrilling SkyWalk and bungee jump.

Macau Today

Today Macau is a mix of everything. Stanley Mok, General Manager of the Macau Government Tourist Office in Hong Kong, shares his perspective on the territory's multiculturalism: "Macau is indeed a land where you can find different cultures by your five senses. You can see various architectural styles in the buildings in Macau, which stand harmoniously together. Macau is often called a gourmet paradise. You can taste various kinds of cuisines here... You can hear different languages in Macau - Cantonese, Portuguese, Macanese and Mandarin... You are able to smell the scent of Chinese tea and herbs, as well as [...] Portuguese wine. As for the sense of 'touch', your feet will be able to tell the difference. Most of the roads and streets are [paved] with stones, which is culturally a Portuguese feature."

Exploring Macau has become a process of unveiling a treasure chest of activities and sights, thanks to its history and recent development. Mok says that there are certain treasures visitors should not miss out on, "Macau is a treasure hunt of the new and the old, the static and the dynamic. On one hand, the historic sites in Macau carry important historical meanings... On the other hand, visitors can enjoy all the latest facilities at the new entertainment complex. As for the static, please visit the museums in Macau. There are over 20 museums, each with a very distinct theme. For the dynamic, try out all the adventurous games in Macau, such as the Sky Jump, Bungee Jump, Karting and Horse-riding. Apparently, tourists have to spend more days in Macau in order to uncover all the fun!"

Whether you are visiting Macau for its history or for a sneak peak of its future, it is sure to have something for everyone.

Visitor's Tips

Currency

Macau's official currency, the pataca, is pegged to the Hong Kong dollar, which is widely accepted.

Visas

Although valid travel documents, such as a passport, are essential, most travellers do not need additional visas to enter Macau. If so, visas may be applied for at the Immigration Counter upon entering. Be sure to check with your consulate before leaving.

Getting there

Macau is 60 kilometres southwest of Hong Kong. Ferries are the main source of transportation to Macau and depart 24 hours a day from the Shun Tak Centre on the Central waterfront, which also hosts a daily helicopter service. Prices range from $140-$200 one-way, depending on the time. Kowloon sailings are also available from the China Hong Kong Terminal.

Transportation

The Macau peninsula includes two islands, Taipa and Coloane, linked by bridges. Buses are frequent and inexpensive. Taxis are available throughout tourist areas in the city, but during rush hours they are difficult to flag down. Most casinos and hotels have complimentary shuttle buses from the ferry terminal and airport. A fun way to explore Macau is by trishaw, a cross between a bicycle and rickshaw, which are plentiful near the ferry terminal and Hotel Lisboa.

Information

Macau Government Tourist Office: (+853) 315 566 or www.macautourism.gov.mo