~ Exploring Macau – A Visit to Taipa ~

After flying from Bangkok to Hong Kong, we immediately took the bus over the new HKZM Bridge. This is something Anthony has wanted to do for a while. Normally we would take the ferry, but after researching how to buy tickets, this was such an easy way to travel. There is no need to pick up your luggage as this is arranged for you. All we needed to do was follow the signs at the airport. Everything went smoothly and the bus ride was very comfortable. Our hotel was just a short taxi ride away.

HKZM Bridge (Hong Kong – Zuhai – Macau – Bridge) s a 55-kilometre (34 mi) bridge–tunnel system consisting of a series of three cable-stayed bridges, an undersea tunnel, and four artificial islands. It is both the longest sea crossing and the longest open-sea fixed link in the world. The cost of construction was US$18 billion and is meant to last 120 years. Source: Wikipedia.

We were staying at Crowne Plaza, Macau. Possibly one of the few hotels without a casino! Our room was on the 21st floor and we had amazing views over the sea and looking towards China. Although there was massive construction going on below for more reclaimed land.

  • HKZM Bridge
  • Zuhai Hotels

Macau is a special administrative region of China. It is the most densely populated region in the World with a total of 710,000 people. It consists of three regions, Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. These three regions are connected by road bridges. There has been so much land reclamation over the last century that Macau has tripled its land size.

One of the places I wanted to revisit was the old Taipa houses. The last time we visited they were not open to the public. These houses were built in 1921 to house the wealthy Portuguese families.

Taipa

There is still a wonderful Mediterranean feel about Macau. With cobbled stone streets, louvered windows and street signs in Portuguese, you could imagine you were in Portugal. Being very near Christmas, there were hundreds of poinsettias lining the stairs and walls.

Old Taipa Houses

We only went into one house, all houses were free to enter. To have indoor plumbing on this tiny island would have been a blessing indeed!

When they were first built, there would have been a view over the sea. Since the land reclamation, there is now a wetland.

It was past lunchtime by now so we headed back to the main streets and found a cute Portuguese restaurant.

This was actually on the ceiling of the restaurant. I thought it must have been hard on the artist’s arms to paint this.

Our delicious lunch.

  • Cod Bacalhau
  • Grilled Sardines
  • Grilled Octopus
  • Empanadas

I hope you enjoyed visiting Taipa with me, next up I will be posting about Macau’s famous casinos.

I’m joining Jo on her Monday Walks also!

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Author: Alison

Hi A nanny of two and a mum of two adult children, mum to two fur babies and wife of one. I love to travel and up until recently travelled the world, now exploring Western Australia! I play bridge, board games, read dance and blog in my spare time.

22 thoughts on “~ Exploring Macau – A Visit to Taipa ~”

  1. We saw the bridge but travelled over to Macau by ferry. The poinsettias everywhere were really beautiful as they were in Hong Kong too. We didn’t visit Taipa so can consider visiting another time.

  2. It must be fabulous driving over the bridges, Ali. I would love it! The poinsettias are a lovely thing too, aren’t they? There are loads here. It must have been coolish because you’re wearing jacket and scarf? Thanks darlin and a merry Christmas to you xx

  4. This is a place I know nothing about so yes, I did very much enjoy visiting it with you – especially the old houses and the fascinating Portuguese touches 🙂

  5. I’ve never visited Macau, but when we fly to Asia we often have to go through Hong Kong and often stay for a night. I’d love to see the old Portuguese area so maybe we should put Macau on the list for the next time we’re through. Maggie

  7. The Taipa houses and food look fabulous, Ali. I visited Macau when I was in Hong Kong a long time ago. Thank you for the walk. Happy holidays to you and your family.

    1. Thanks for your comments Phil. I think Macau is often overlooked by travellers but it’s such a great place for a day or two. I believe you would have to have a HK driving licence to drive over the bridge.

  10. Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : Sevilla at Christmas | Still Restlessjo

  11. I am imagining Portuguese Tarts haha I love the Taipa houses. And it really does feel like a slice of Portugal.

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