Macau – Asia’s Favorite Pre Wedding Destination

According to American superstition, it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her gown before the wedding. In Asia it’s considered a tradition to have your wedding photos taken before the actual ceremony so you have gorgeous photos to show at the wedding. With some of the most beautiful picturesque vantage points in Southern China, Macau is Asia’s #1 pre wedding destination. Though it’s considered the Las Vegas of Asia, Macau’s venues, cuisine and surroundings are infinitely more opulent with UNESCO world heritage sites, ultra luxurious mega hotels, thrill seeking entertainment and its home to two of the largest perfect diamonds in the world.

What makes Macau unique is its juxtaposition of old and new, and Eastern and Western cultures intertwined together on 3 islands – the peninsula of Macau and the 2 islands of Taipa and Coloane which are connected by the newer landfill Cotai Strip.

Portugese ruins dating back to the 16th century sit side by side with 14th century Taoist temples and modern casinos, creating a playground located less than an hour from Hong Kong.

Where to Stay

Live like a rock star at the trendy Hard Rock Hotel that attracts a young partying clientele who enjoy the rock-n-roll themed rooms and the expansive Wave pool scene. Located in the brand new City of Dreams on the Cotai Strip, this mega destination complex is anchored by 3 luxury hotels and houses Macau’s hottest club Qubic and the sold out show -‘House of Dancing Waters.’
www.hardrockhotelmacau.com

If you’re looking to stay within walking distance to the historic city center, stay at the luxurious Sofitel located on Macau’s waterfront with rooms that have a panoramic view over the bustling Pearl River and the Chinese bordering cities.

Fans of Michael Jackson also make a pilgrimage here as its also home to the world’s first Michael Jackson museum.
www.sofitelmacau.com

What to See

Even if you’re not a gambler there is still plenty to see and do in Macau.
As diamonds are a girl’s best friend, Macau is home to two of the world’s largest perfect diamonds. Inside the historic 7 star Grand Hotel Lisboa, Stanley Ho displays his vast collection of rare and priceless Chinese art as well as the star of Stanley Ho – a prized cushion cut 218 carat D, internally flawless diamond. As casino moguls are never content being #2, Steve Wynn unveiled the Wynn diamond on display across the street- the largest pear diamond, D, IF, weighing in at a staggering 231 carats.
www.grandlisboa.com
www.wynnmacau.com

Also, the Chinese believe that the path of gold can lead you to wealth. Venture over to Jackie Chan’s Grand Emperor Casino where 78 real gold 1k bullion bricks encased under glass comprise the Golden Pathway.

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion – If you’re an animal lover, visit the Panda Pavilion, and for a small fee, couples can take their wedding photo with a panda. Nestled in a hillside in Coloane, this park houses two giant pandas from Chengdu, China- Qi Miao, the girl, and Shu Xiang, the boy, and the hopes are that this romantic pavilion will provide the basis for some baby pandas!

One of the most famous sites for wedding photos is St Paul’s Ruins. On any given day there are multiple bride and grooms getting their photos taken amidst the throngs of tourists.

What was once the largest Catholic cathedral in Asia during the 16th century was ruined in the 1800s by a typhoon and fire, and what remains is just the front façade on a hilltop with panoramic views.

Fortune Tellers

As many Asians are superstitious, they make the trek to the sacred Temple of Goddess A-Ma- “the Goddess of the Sea.” There is a legend that Li Moniang was born in 960 and her brother and father were fishermen. When there was a typhoon, she fell into a deep trance and saved her father, but when her mother was waking her she couldn’t save her brother. When the father returned, he spoke of the miracle that happened. After her death she was worshipped as a goddess of the sea and protected fishermen and sailors. Her sacred temple was built in the 15th century on Barra Hill. Many sojourners come here to burn incense and have their fortunes read by shaking a canister filled with sticks. The stick that falls is read and translated to you.

Other fortune tellers are located in Camoe’s Garden in the heart of the old city center. For about US$20, your fortune can be determined by your birthdate and palms. These fortune tellers travel throughout Asia and are famous for their amazing accuracy.

Adventure Seekers

Adrenaline junkies can get their fix at Macau Sky Tower which offers the world’s tallest bungee jump at 765 feet above the ground. If the thought of hanging upside down tethered to a rope is not your idea of fun, try the skyjump that simulates skydiving. For thrill seekers who just want a taste of the great outdoors, a skywalk around the rim without a rail is also available.
www.macautower.com.mo

Fans of Cirque du Soleil can see Zaia, located at the Venetian Macau, which is an esoteric journey of a young girl travelling through space to understand humanity and bring it back to Earth. Beautiful music and amazing acrobatics creates a memorable experience.
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/zaia/home.aspx

Where to Eat

Macau is a food lovers dream. Its unique cuisine combines the best of Portuguese and Cantonese specialties that’s highly influenced by Southeast Asian ingredients.

O’Manuel looks like a traditional Portugese tavern and is owned by a couple, she’s Chinese and he’s Portugese. They brought together their indigenous recipes to create a fusion cuisine that is loved by locals and tourists alike. House specialties include: clams with garlic & white wine sauce, and caramel pudim.
O’Manuel, G/F, 90 Rua Fernao Mendes Pinto, Taipa Phone: 2882-5811

A Lorcha is located near the Temple A Ma, and is one of Macau’s most famous restaurants for Portugese Macanese specialties. Some of the favorites include the spicy African Chicken, bacalhau (codfish cakes), and the hearty black bean stew Feijoada.
Rua do Almirante Sergio, 289, Macau
Tel: +853-28313193

For a real Cantonese treat, Tai Pai Tong, which usually refers to street hawkers in Hong Kong is located on Coloane island and serves spicy Cantonese seafood in an open market setting. Be sure to order the “Drunken Sauna Prawns” or the “Poc Poc Crab” which can only be found here and be sure to grab an egg custard tart at the original Lord Stow’s bakery around the corner.
www.lordstow.com

No trip to Macau is complete without a visit to Michelin starred Antonio’s in Taipa Island who brought truly authentic Portugese cuisine to Asia. Located in the small winding streets of the old village in Taipa, this charming and romantic trattoria always has a line. But it’s well worth the wait to savor his renowned Portugese seafood rice finished off with his delectable crepes suzette.
www.antoniomacau.com

How to Get There

Getting to Macau is easy. Ferries run every 15 minutes from Hong Kong’s Ferry Terminal, 24 hours a day and also every half hour from mainland China. There is also a direct ferry from Hong Kong International Airport for international travellers.
http://www.turbojetseaexpress.com.hk