Hong Kong and Macau - macau routing -> $$$$$

being 6'2" I try to stay within UA to get the E+, but a recent check of fares to Macau from west coast showed $8000+ fares????

I can fly to HKG for a reasonable cost and take ferry, seems very doable or fly within StarAlliance (Air China) and "hope for the best"

what am I missing? dates are mid-end of June.

what am I missing? dates are mid-end of June.
Nothing. Either that city pair just happens to be really expensive, or the buckets available on one of the segments require the rest of the ticket to be jacked up, too.

What are the exact dates? I see $2392 on UA for 18-25 June.

I would just fly to HKG and take the ferry. It'll be much cheaper and basically as fast.

when i went last year, i was also getting 8,000'ish. just fly to hkg and take the ferry. it's easy. i could even figure it out in the middle of the nite with no map reading or chinese skills. i just kept saying ferry, and i ended up there eventually.

i think it's expensive if i recall because the routing it kept finding went east instead of west to get there.

I would just fly to HKG and take the ferry. It'll be much faster and basically as fast.

+1.

I would just fly to HKG and take the ferry. It'll be much faster and basically as fast.

I am doing exactly that next week. Not sure on the ferry price, last time I took the ferry a few years ago it was about $35 as I recall. It's actually a hydrofoil boat.

I would just fly to HKG and take the ferry. It'll be much cheaper and basically as fast.

Or take the helicopter with the money you're saving. Much more fun :)

I am doing exactly that next week. Not sure on the ferry price, last time I took the ferry a few years ago it was about $35 as I recall. It's actually a hydrofoil boat.

It is $30 for economy class, and $40 for the super class.

http://www.turbojet.com.hk/eng/home/index.asp

By the way, it is jetfoil made by Boeing, not hydrofoil. Hydrofoil has gone from Hong Kong more than 10 years ago. The company also runs catamaran and foilcats.

It is $30 for economy class, and $40 for the super class.

http://www.turbojet.com.hk/eng/home/index.asp

By the way, it is jetfoil made by Boeing, not hydrofoil. Hydrofoil has gone from Hong Kong more than 10 years ago. The company also runs catamaran and foilcats.

$30, not bad. I remember now, Jetfoil rings a bell.

Book the super class ticket on the ferry! The cost difference is minimal. EVERY local resident and a lot of tourists that don't know any better book economy class - which is usually packed to the gills. Super class is always at least half-empty, and there's a separate place to store your bags. You're also first off the boat. The last time we took it where were at least 60 seats up there and a whopping 4 were occupied.

Skip the free snack they serve though. It's not good and if you take a boat at night where they can't see where smooth water is, you'll be tossing about quite a bit all the way to Macau.

Absolutely take the ferry though. It's simple to get to and much cheaper than flying - and just as fast if not faster.

- T

I also say take ther ferry.
I did this last weekend.
It was very easy and cheap.
You can get through the airport and then transfer directly to a ferry to get to Macau if you don't want to go through Hong Kong itself.
If you go through Hong Kong there is a 24 hour ferry terminal on the Hong Kong side, and on Kowloon the ferry runs every holf hour until midnight.
I bought super class from Kowloon and it was US$30 and US$32 for the return from the Macau terminal.

+1
I'm a lousy sailor, but a couple of years ago when we travelled HKG-Macau in early Spring, with variable chop, at least I manged to keep my breakfast down.:p
A LOT of (I would guess) natives were not so fortunate.
And worse, the odor and sounds of upchucking tend to elicit a sympathetic response.:(
Macau was worth it many times over, though!^

+1.

+1
I'm a lousy sailor, but a couple of years ago when we travelled HKG-Macau in early Spring, with variable chop, at least I manged to keep my breakfast down.:p
A LOT of (I would guess) natives were not so fortunate.
And worse, the odor and sounds of upchucking tend to elicit a sympathetic response.:(
Macau was worth it many times over, though!^

+1. Taking the boat over is part of the fun! And also staying in HK for a few days too...

+1 for the ferry.

Every time I go to Hong Kong, I work in a half-day r/t to Macau. Honestly, I've never heard of anyone except for Chinese tourists flying into Macau, as their airport is tiny and HKG is the way to go.

I also say take ther ferry.
I did this last weekend.
It was very easy and cheap.
You can get through the airport and then transfer directly to a ferry to get to Macau if you don't want to go through Hong Kong itself.
If you go through Hong Kong there is a 24 hour ferry terminal on the Hong Kong side, and on Kowloon the ferry runs every holf hour until midnight.
I bought super class from Kowloon and it was US$30 and US$32 for the return from the Macau terminal.

Skypier has ferries that leave directly from the airport, but with a much more limited schedule that doesn't sync well with UA's schedule. You basically have a three hour layover at the airport until your ferry leaves. It's faster to take the train or bus to the HKG ferry terminal, which has Macau ferries that leave very frequently.

Another +1 for the ferry!

In addition to being cheap, it's great because you can transfer to the ferry without leaving the secured zone at the airport -- no baggage claim, no immigration lines. Look for the "Ferry" signs in English and Chinese as you enter the main terminal area.

+1
I'm a lousy sailor, but a couple of years ago when we travelled HKG-Macau in early Spring, with variable chop, at least I manged to keep my breakfast down.:p
A LOT of (I would guess) natives were not so fortunate.
And worse, the odor and sounds of upchucking tend to elicit a sympathetic response.:(
Macau was worth it many times over, though!^

You were probably on the catamaran, that's the reason people has to choose jetfoil or foilcat departures, as both of them fly above the water, both of them have foils submerge inside the water, the waves can never hit the boat when flying unless it is typhoon signal no.8

Skip the free snack they serve though. It's not good and if you take a boat at night where they can't see where smooth water is, you'll be tossing about quite a bit all the way to Macau.


You comment really make me laugh. Jetfoil made by Boeing is really that cheaply made ? In fact, Boeing just made the jetfoil as advance as a 747 ! That's why you don't see anywhere in the world except Hong Kong and Japan, as it was really expensive, most of the jetfoil in Hong Kong are second hand except one. Boeing lost so much money in this division (Boeing Marine System) that they close the line in early 80s.

You comment really make me laugh. Jetfoil made by Boeing is really that cheaply made ? In fact, Boeing just made the jetfoil as advance as a 747 ! That's why you don't see anywhere in the world except Hong Kong and Japan, as it was really expensive, most of the jetfoil in Hong Kong are second hand except one. Boeing lost so much money in this division (Boeing Marine System) that they close the line in early 80s.

We took the TurboJet catamaran, not the jetfoil. Believe me, I'll look for the jetfoil next time.

- T

Just know that in E the seat pitch can be tiny!

When I went in January I was assigned an exit row aisle seat by a sympathetic agent in HK outbound, but a middle seat in a middle of nowhere row by the SOB agent in Macau inbound. I literally could not get into the seat. Since the boat was maybe 10% full the onboard agents graciously let me move to a more open area.

If I'd only known about Super Class I would have given it a try.

most of the jetfoil in Hong Kong are second hand except one.

Actually, two of them were delivered new from Boeing:

929-100-002 Madeira
929-100-005 Santa Maria

And of course, the two Chinese built PS-30s were delivered new to Far East, and the first one, Balsa, is still with Turbojet.

what am I missing?

Not much...Macau is a low rate seedy dump. Modeled after Vegas
but sub par on all standards.:td:

Not much...Macau is a low rate seedy dump. Modeled after Vegas but sub par on all standards.What a ludicrous statement. Macau is an ancient Chinese trading city with over 400 years of Portuguese influence (that would be over 300 years before Las Vegas even existed) leading to a fascinating mix of western and Chinese styles which is reflected in many aspects of the place from the architecture through to the food.

Macau is an ancient Chinese trading city with over 400 years of Portuguese influence (that would be over 300 years before Las Vegas even existed) leading to a fascinating mix of western and Chinese styles which is reflected in many aspects of the place from the architecture through to the food.

That's true.

Once they started building western copies of the Sands,Venetian, Wynn etc.
IMO it ruined it.

Kinda of like when they put a Starbucks in the Forbidden City.:D

That's true.

Once they started building western copies of the Sands,Venetian, Wynn etc.
IMO it ruined it.

Kinda of like when they put a Starbucks in the Forbidden City.:D

Most of the major new casino-hotels are either in Cotai or near the outer harbor. The historic center has not been ruined, and in fact has received much needed restoration in recent years. Those sites, along with the churches, are in better shape than ever.

Some random photos from a recent visit:

http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p647533417-4.jpg
http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p993237289-4.jpg
http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p602816842-4.jpg
http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p816952777-4.jpg

Most of the major new casino-hotels are either in Cotai or near the outer harbor. The historic center has not been ruined, and in fact has received much needed restoration in recent years. Those sites, along with the churches, are in better shape than ever.

Some random photos from a recent visit:



Nice photos.

Gambling and vice revenue used to restore churches.
That's classic.

Gambling and vice revenue used to restore churches.
That's classic.

Hehe... That's absolutely true. Which is why it is such an interesting place.

Anyways, it really depends on what you're looking for, and where you're looking.

An interesting example that I thought about when researching about the jetfoils on this thread.

The Portugese names on the jetfoils are Portugese (or former) islands and places (mostly in the Azores). The Chinese names start off with the planets, but then after various stars or non-stars. So, when one's going to Macau on 929-115-018 Cacilchas, one can think about either a place in Portugal; or you can hope to be lucky, as it's called 幸運星 (Lucky Star) in Chinese.

Or you can just take Cotaijet, which name after structures inside the Venetian. Not even things or places about Las Vegas, or the real Venice. But things inside the casino-hotel complex.

And of course, the two Chinese built PS-30s were delivered new to Far East, and the first one, Balsa, is still with Turbojet.

I would avoid the Chinese built PS-30 if I can, as those are cheaply made, they don't even have the technology like boeing. The chinese made jetfoil has fixed foils, which means it cannot swing to the front or back when parked, this will also affect it cannot go through swallow water.

I would avoid the Chinese built PS-30 if I can, as those are cheaply made, they don't even have the technology like boeing. The chinese made jetfoil has fixed foils, which means it cannot swing to the front or back when parked, this will also affect it cannot go through swallow water.

I've only been on a PS-30 once, the Balsa. Didn't feel any difference. Here's a picture of it. :D

http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p878053575-4.jpg

my 2 cts on the topic:

- I frequently fly (from mainland China) into MFM (Macau) and like the airport for the fact that you have essentially zero waiting at the immigration. During rush hour from HK I had waiting times up to 50 mins at the regular HK ferry terminal. Not to mention the new swine flu checks which are usually very fast at the airport as well (IF you fill it out diligently in advance). However, since September they had major renovation works scheduled. Have not checked the arrival area since then. Tip: the airstrip in MFM is actually reclaimed land - if you have a window seat at the right side the view at night is terrific (looking down first to the newly built Cotai Strip, then passing by the Outer Harbour w Wynn, MGM, Lisboa, Grand Lisboa and the others)

- If you come from the airport you can take the sky pier. Last time I have done this from Macau it was not very pleasant as you had to wait a bit here and there, board a bus etc. During hot and humid day times this is not too nice (however, much preferred compared to shell out $$$$ as mentioned by the OP). Consider the helicopter if you want to invest 2000 HKD for the experience!

- For ferries from HK (only from Macau Ferry Terminal at HK Island - no service from Kowloon Ferry Termina) I usually prefer the Cotaijet. The Cotaipier is for the new Cotai strip casinos (ie Venetian, the newly opened City of Life). Not sure if other Casinos have free shuttle busses here. Again: in contrast to the HK/Macau Ferry Terminal the (temporary) pier facilities are brand new, very clean, not so overcrowded and easy to use. (Tip: book your return ticket to HK early that day if you go in the middle of the night - otherwise it will be hard to get on the ferry you want)

- new vs. old Macau
I actually agree to all statements in here. It is a bit of a mix and stark contrast. I personally don't like the old 'Chinese' casinos like the old Lisboa. If I go for gambling, I visit the 'western' Casinos like Venetian, Wynn (or even the soulless MGM). I guess it's a matter of personal taste. Back then when there were no 'western' casinos in Macau I spend some nights in Lisboa and grim places I don't even remember the name. It was also fun but nothing to take your Ms to... Today it's also very different with all the se* business going on...

The 'old' Macau needs to be better preserved. I have the feeling the (rich) city government / SAR does not pay too much attn on this...
However, living in Mainland I do enjoy the 'European'-'Chinese'-Mix feeling you get there. (The inexpensive Portugese wine is very good!)

If you want to get away from all the Casino business down there I'd suggest to check out the new Sofitel. It's further away from the noise and supposingly pretty well done. Check tripadvisor or FT for details before you book.
If you want the 'Western' style hotel check out the new 'suite' deals on the Venetian website. They are desparate. I just saw 30-day advance booking deals for 1100++ HKD per night (for a 70 sqm suite). One year ago there was no room below 2200 HKD at the same time...
Alternatively check out the travel agents at the Macau Ferry piers in HK the day before departure.

Even the Westin (which is further away on Coloane - basically away from everything except the old golf course) is at HKD 1300++ minimum. And that is for a standard room (incl. late checkout and breakfast though).

Rgds

Ham