Hong Kong - Macau. Tour upon arrival. Thanks.

I will be into HKG for two nights at the W. A client just took a position in Macau but will just be getting settled when I arrive. I heard something about getting a local Macau tour upon arrival. Any word? Also. If you do not mind. How does one get to Macau? I did it long time ago before the revert to China. So 10 plus years. Thanks. Any comments appreciated. Sorry to plant this in the HKG section.

From the W, the most convenient way to Macau is to take the First Ferry at the China Ferry Terminal on Canton Road which is pretty close to your hotel. http://www.nwff.com.hk/. I seem to remember that a couple of sightseeing companies have kiosks at the Macau Ferry Terminal.

I suggest against using a tour company. They'll bring you to places like the Macau Tower and the new Golden Lotus statue, etc.

Instead, if you're interested in seeing the historic Macau, get the official free map at the ferry pier, which lists all the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a taxi to the Monte Fort, and start with the Macau Museum there. Then just walk down to the St. Paul ruins and Senate Square, plus a few churches in the vicinity. Then take a taxi to the A-Ma Temple. If you're interested, then go visit a couple of the casinos, probably the Grand Lisboa, or the Venetian on the Cotai Strip.

Thank you very much. Sounds good. Any other information appreciated. Thanks.

I suggest against using a tour company.

+1.

Macau is easy to get around walking and using taxis.

From the W, take a taxi to the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

http://www.nwff.com.hk/eng/fare_table/local-macau/?section=Macau

If you take a tour, you can do usually pick one up from the Macau Ferry Terminal upon arrival. I recommend taking the tour if you want to see more than just St Pauls and Senado Square. The Macau Tower offers a nice overview of the city and a basic tour will probably also drive over to Coloane for the some of the famous Lord Stow egg tarts. Taking a taxi to all the main sites is expensive, but taking a tour will limit your freedom. Towards the end of the tour, I would ask the guide to let you out in Cotai and catch a glimpse of the Venetian Macao and the City of Dreams casino/resort across the road. If you do this, you should still leave a few bucks tip to the guide and driver.

If you don't mind taking a ferry back to the HK Island side (Shun Tak Centre), you can catch the free shuttle bus from the Venetian to the temporary ferry terminal in Taipa and take the Cotaijet back to Hong Kong in the evening.

From there, you can walk over to Hong Kong station in the muggy summer weather, and take the MTR one stop to Kowloon Station (Tung Chung line).

Thank you.

We left the W at a little after 8 AM. The trip to the CFT was the flag drop on the cab. If we wanted we could probably have made the 8:30 AM ferry but that would be pushing it. We pruchased deluxe tickets for the trip over. That was well worth it. It was more comfortable and included sandwich, noodles and soft drink. On the return we went economy as that was the only service being offered. The cab back was the same but the que was very long and hot. See we might want to find a better pick-up spot at the CFT if anyone knows one.

Upon arrival into Macau we quickly cleared immigration and customs. I did notice you can buy SIM cards from a vending machine which was dear to my heart. Did not need it.

We were met by my friend who just took a position so had a meet service. Noticed tons of buses to take you around. In terms of a tour we never made it. We were driven to Coti to see their new project and saw cathedral hill. I guess other than the Lisboa that was the exent of our tourist part. We had a over the top good time seeing the inner workings of a casino and how they operate in Macau. We also got to preview a new area being opened shortly. We had lunch at Jade Garden at Star World. The food was exceptional! We had a little language barrier on one item but that was fine.

I have a new total appreciation for Macau. My first and only previous trip was so so. The old, dirty and prostitution ridden Macau. What they have done to the central area is amazing.

We were back on the ferry for the 3 PM sailing and made it back to the W by 4:45 PM. I would and will return. Thanks for all the assist. It went smoothly.

Wynn or Venetian?

I'm thinking the Venetian would be nicer, being newer. Any expereinces/comments?

As for myself no experience with the hotels in Macau.

Oh. But being the point nut would have to do the Hyatt.

Wynn or Venetian?

I'm thinking the Venetian would be nicer, being newer. Any expereinces/comments?

No personal experience. But recent reports I've read suggest service at the Venetian pretty mediocre. Wynn has better service.

Walking thru the Wynn thought the casino was pretty nice. The show was amazing. This is the downtown location.

Macau is very easy to get around - you don't need a tour
Wynn is very "Wynn" if you know what I mean, sure its nice,central etc. Venetian is out of the way a bit, but all inclusive. Some like it, some think its tacky, but it is still a must see destination in Macau
Also consider MGM, rooms better than Wynn in my opinion and also Crown at City of Dreams ( brand new )

Hope this helps

Nice one Chopper.

Is the Go-kart track still operating?

I'm heading to HKG during Christmas, is it worth it to spend a night in Macau? The last time I was in Macau was over 20 years ago, so I'm sure a lot has changed. TIA.