By Noura Khan
Exclusive to The Times Kuwait
Macau, often described as the ‘Vegas of the East’, is so much more than its glittering casinos. This unique city, nestled on the southern coast of China, offers a fascinating fusion of Portuguese colonial history and rich Chinese heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Macau is a destination that caters to both leisure and culture-seeking travelers.
A vibrant city known for its historic charm and contemporary allure, Macau, which is only a short distance from Hong Kong, is a perfect destination for families. If you are planning a family trip to Macau, here is a guide on how to reach this charming city and some must-visit attractions.
One of the most popular ways to reach Macau from Hong Kong is by taking a ferry. The ride typically takes about an hour, offering scenic views of the waters between the two cities. For a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a helicopter ride from Hong Kong to Macau. The helicopter service is available from the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal and takes just 15 minutes.
Macau International Airport serves flights from various cities in Asia, making it convenient for international travelers. Airlines connect Macau with cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and several others. From the airport, taxis or shuttle services can take you to your hotel or the main attractions in the city.
Macau’s mix of cultural experiences, luxurious hotels, and family-friendly attractions makes it an ideal destination for a memorable family holiday. Whether you are exploring historic sites or enjoying gondola rides, Macau is a place where your family can find joy, adventure, and a touch of luxury.
Some of the family-friendly attractions in the city include:
• Macau Science Center: An exciting destination for families. Its unique, conical design houses interactive exhibits on technology, space, and nature. Kids will love the planetarium, one of the most advanced in Asia, offering 3D and immersive films about space exploration.
• Taipa Village: If you are looking to immerse your family in Macau’s culture and history, a visit to Taipa Village is a must. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, quaint shops, and authentic eateries. Here, you can visit the Taipa Houses Museum, which showcases traditional Portuguese houses with exhibits on Macanese culture.
• Giant Panda Pavilion: Located in Seac Pai Van Park, the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion is a favorite among families. It’s home to two adorable giant pandas, Kai Kai and Xin Xin. The park itself is lush and well-maintained, making it a great spot for a family day out with walking trails and children’s play areas.
• The Venetian Macau: This is more than just a luxury hotel, it is a destination in itself. Families can enjoy gondola rides along the indoor canals, marvel at the extravagant interiors, or shop at the Grand Canal Shoppes. Children will be particularly entertained by the Streetmosphere performers, who sing, dance, and interact with visitors throughout the day.
• Macau Tower: For a bit of adventure, take your family to the Macau Tower. While the tower is known for its thrilling bungee jump, it also offers family-friendly activities like the Skywalk, an outdoor walk around the outer rim of the tower. At 233 meters above ground, the views are breathtaking, and the experience is safe and suitable for older children and teenagers.
• Senado Square: An iconic landmark and a great family-friendly location to explore, Senado Square offers kids the opportunity to enjoy feeding the pigeons and wandering through the wave-patterned mosaic tiles while you admire the colonial architecture. Nearby, you will find ice cream shops and local eateries offering family-friendly treats.
Families visiting Macau could select family-friendly venues. Many luxury hotels in Macau offer family suites and kid-friendly amenities. Hotels like The Venetian Macau, Studio City, and the Parisian Macau provide entertainment and facilities geared toward children, such as pools, game zones, and themed rooms.
Beyond sightseeing, ensure you allow time for leisurely activities like poolside relaxation, movie nights at the hotels, or even a family spa day in some of the city’s top resorts. This makes for a balanced experience that suits all age groups.
Macau has an efficient public bus system, but taxis are also plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Most major attractions are close to one another, making it easy to explore with kids in tow.
Macau’s mix of cultural experiences, luxurious hotels, and family-friendly attractions makes it an ideal destination for a memorable family holiday. Whether you’re exploring historic sites or enjoying gondola rides, Macau is a place where your family can find joy, adventure, and a touch of luxury.
Staying in Macau would not be complete without experiencing the extravagance of the Cotai Strip. One afternoon, I decided to explore the famed Venetian Macau. Strolling through its indoor canals, where gondoliers sang classic Italian songs, felt like a trip to Venice itself. Later, I visited the City of Dreams to catch one of their highly-acclaimed water shows. It was an evening of lights, water acrobatics, and stunning visuals—a performance that rivals any top-tier show in the world.
These mega-resorts offer a blend of opulence and entertainment that leaves visitors in awe. Yet, what stood out to me was the blend of classic luxury with distinct elements of local culture. Even in their grandeur, the hotels subtly integrated touches of Chinese art and Macanese history, reflecting the city’s identity.
My time in Macau left me with vivid memories of contrasts and harmonies. From indulging in a fusion of flavors to exploring both Portuguese and Chinese landmarks, every moment was a new discovery. What impressed me the most was Macau’s ability to seamlessly merge its rich history with contemporary extravagance.
If you are seeking a destination that combines history, culture, luxury, and excitement, look no further than Macau. It is a city where East meets West in the most delightful way possible, and where each moment holds something spectacular waiting to be discovered.
Noura Khan, a travel influencer and content creator, is a Kuwaiti national, holds a degree in law from Kuwait University and has worked as a journalist prior to taking up a position in the government. In 2018 she started blogging on travel and visited more than 57 countries since. She has more than 105k followers on her blog post @nourajtraveller is well appreciated for content and travel information. Noura writes exclusively for The Times Kuwait on her travel visits.
