Companion Programme
Macau used to be the Portuguese Colony for over 400 years until 1999. It is situated at the mouth of the Pearl River, 40 miles west of Hong Kong. It is probably one of the most original and entertaining cities of the Orient. In the early 16th Century, Portuguese explorers first landed in the southern shores of China, and founded Macau. It has since developed into a city known for its characteristics of combining both Chinese and Portuguese values.
13 October 2008 |
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| A) Half Day Macau City Tour Without Lunch (HK$380) Visit Penha Hill, the first chapel that was founded in 1622 by the crew and passengers of a ship which had narrowly escaped capture by the Dutch. The chapel then served as a point of pilgrimage for sailors embarking on a hazardous voyage. It also commands a magnificent view of the Pearl River, Macau inner harbour and city. Visit A-Ma Temple, a temple that was in existence before the city of Macau was found. It consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall and the Hall of Kuanyin. The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs. Tour continues to the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral, Landmark of Macau. The church was built by the Jesuits in 1602 adjoining the Jesuit College of St. Paul’s, the first Western college in the Far East. A guided walking tour to Senado Square, Macau’s main square is paved with a wave-patterned stone mosaic – created especially by experts from Portugal. Duration : 4 hours without lunch (9:00am - 1:00pm). |
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| B) Full Day Macau City Tour With Lunch (HK$680) Visit Penha Hill, the first chapel that was founded in 1622 by the crew and passengers of a ship which had narrowly escaped capture by the Dutch. The chapel then served as a point of pilgrimage for sailors embarking on a hazardous voyage. It also commands a magnificent view of the Pearl River, Macau inner harbour and city. Visit A-Ma Temple, a temple that was in existence before the city of Macau was found. It consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall and the Hall of Kuanyin. The variety of pavilions dedicated to the worship of different deities in a single complex make A-Ma Temple an exemplary representation of Chinese culture inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and multiple folk beliefs. Tour continues to the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral, Landmark of Macau. The church was built by the Jesuits in 1602 adjoining the Jesuit College of St. Paul’s, the first Western college in the Far East. A guided walking tour to Senado Square, Macau’s main square is paved with a wave-patterned stone mosaic – created especially by experts from Portugal. Portuguese lunch to be served at a local restaurant. Visit Taipa Island after lunch. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Taipa consisted of two hilly islands and a protected harbour which provided an anchorage for clipper ships and Indians engaged to trade with China. Taipa village has converted into a row of Chinese shop houses. Portuguese -style offices and a former firecracker factory share the narrow streets and alleys of this busy, colourful village. Hanging baskets and old-fashioned street lamps make it an appealing place to stroll. Visit House Museum, the architecture of the Taipa mansions is similar to others on the China coast built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combines elements of both European and Chinese traditions. Visit Coloane Island, when Macau was the centre of trade between China and the West, the island of Coloane, with its deserted cave, rugged cliffs, large sea caves, and densely forested hills, proved to be a convenient base for pirates who preyed on the rich cargoes. Today, its sandy beaches, hiking trails, and other outdoor attractions make it a pleasurable retreat. Walk through Coloane village, visit the popular Lord Stow’s Bakery, Tam Kung Temple and the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, and visit Alto de Coloane Park & Status of A-Ma, high on Coloane Peak at 170 metres, before returning to the Hotel. Duration : 8 hours includes lunch (9:00am - 5:00pm). |
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| C) Museum Tour of Macau (HK$400) Visit Tak Seng Pawnshop, a Heritage exhibition of traditional pawnshop established in 1917 which belonged to a wealthy Macau merchant. The architectural design and layout, interior décor and equipment of this establishment are very similar to the pawnshops in mainland China then. Today, this type of pawnshop has been relegated to the annals of history, but as part of its mission to preserve the cultural heritage Macau. Visit Maritime Museum, the entrance to the museum immediately imposes a maritime theme. The main gallery on the ground floor is devoted to the life and work of fishing communities in South China, the second level focuses on the great voyages of discovery, launched from Portugal and China, the top level displays a variety of vessels used for transportation from ancient to modern times. There are several aquarium filled with tropical fish of many species. Visit Grand Prix Museum, opened in 1993, the purpose of the museum is to contribute to the awareness of local population as well as visitors of what has happened during the Grand Prix long history. What the museum displays is a collection brought together from diverse origins, is the result of the joint efforts of both public and private entities. The valuable collection of machines that have competed in and won the Guia Circuit is the result of private donations. Visit Wine Museum, it is a space of cultural, recreational and cultural characteristics. Make a date with the history of the wine and the Vineyard, with the world of the utensils connected with the viniculture and wine production. Finally, complete the exhibition of vintage and new wines with a wine tasting appreciation. Duration : 5 hours without lunch (9:30am - 2:30pm). |
18 October 2008 |
| D) Fortresses and Garden Tour of Macau (HK$380) Visit Guia Fort, built in 1637 on the highest point of Macau, it occupies 8,600 square feet in a rough pentagon, as dictated by the irregular terrain. The walls are of masonry and rise about 10 feet in a gentle slope, with two of the original brickwork. It was designed to defend the border with China but because of it’s position overlooking the entire city, its chief value has been converted to an observation post. Visit Fort of Mong-Ha, construction of this fort was began by Governor Ferreira do Amaral in 1849 in anticipation of a Chinese invasion. But he was assassinated and the invasion didn’t materialize. The Mong-Ha fort was active until the late 1960s, when it was abandoned, but it still has the atmosphere of a working fort. Visit Lou Lim Lok Garden, it was built together with a flamboyant western-style house by a wealthy Chinese merchant in the 19th century. His son, Lou Lim Lok inherited the property when he passed away in 1906. The family fortunes declined and in 1938, the house was sold and converted into a school. The garden fell into ruins and was bought and restored by the government which was then opened to the public in 1974. Duration : 4 hours without lunch (9:15am - 1:15pm). |
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| E) Full Day Excursion to
Hong Kong With Lunch
(HK$780) Take a 60 minutes jetfoil ride to Hong Kong, after immigration formalities, be greated by your local guide and enjoy a Chinese dim sum lunch to be served at Jumbo Floating restaurant. Hong Kong Island is bursting at the seams with a mixture of ancient eastern mystique, high-tech commerce and cosmopolitan lifestyles. This tour reveals all of these marvels and more. Take a Tram up to the Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city and world renowned Victoria Harbor. On the south side of the island to Repulse Bay which overlooks the South China Sea, Chinese arts and crafts, porcelain and souvenir items and abundant at Stanley Market. Finally, arrive at the Aberdeen fishing village, disembark for a sampan ride to visit the floating population of Hong Kong as you wade your way through the many fishing junks, houseboats and floating restaurants anchored there. Duration : 9 hours includes lunch (8:15am - 5:15pm). |
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For more information,
please contact:
of Shopping Centers, Inc
Asia-Pacific Representative Office
Tel: +65 6532 3722
Fax: +65 6532 7355
Email: info@icsc.org.sg
www.icsc.org