Discovering : Macau

Going on a budget for accommodations in Macau could be a challenge, where even the oldest looking rooms could fetch up to RM350 per night (The room that we stayed costed us HKD 1130.12). Given that our flight is from Macau International Airport, we had no choice but to opt for 2 nights here.

Accommodation : Ole Tai Sam Un, Rua da Caldeira, No. 43-45, RC/A, Macau.

Senado Square

Ole Tai Sam Un is relatively walking distance to Senado Square (But locally known as 新馬路, San Ma Lo), one of the iconic landmarks of Macau.

Bro Tips : The locals here predominantly speak Cantonese, so they probably wouldn't know the English or the Portuguese equivalent of the places here, it is best that you consult the concierge or mark your maps so that they would know the Cantonese name of the destination.

Noodle with Shrimp Roe

Few of the delicacies to try in Macau include the famous Pork Chop Bun (literally, a piece of pork chop on the bone with the bun) & the Macanese/Portuguese Egg Tart. The breakfast we had was the famous Noodle with Shrimp Roe at Wong Chi Kei, a famous dish Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou.

Wong Chi Kei, 17 Largo do Seal Sonado, Macau

Ruins of St.Paul

We headed to the Ruins of St.Paul, and being the most iconic place in Macau, it is generally crowded in the morning, with tourists taking pictures in generic and otherwise improbable poses. Less crowded? Try going at night.

Travessa da Paixão

Within close proximity of the Ruins, you would be able to find the small Na Tcha Temple (Templo Na Tcha,大三巴哪吒廟) dedicated to worship the deity Na Tcha (Nazha) as well as the Travessa da Paixão (戀愛巷, Love Lane - facing the Ruins, it the lane should be on your left); a colorful lane that is a favourite among photographers for wedding photo shoots.

Fortazela do Monte

Facing the ruins, on the right, you can work your way up to the Fortazela do Monte (大炮台), a 8000 square miles fortress equipped with cannons and watchtowers and where you can have a panoramic view of Macau.

Bro Tips : Walking distance from here you should be able to find St. Anthony's Church and Tau Tei Temple, few of the other notable places of interest.

From the ruins, we managed our way to the Tap Seac Gallery and Tap Seac Square, worth wandering here if you are keen on photogenic historic buildings with European façade that is. You would be able to find your way to Senado Square back from here for shopping or plain sight seeing.

Of course if you are an adrenaline junkie, make your way to the Macau Tower for the bungy jump (and/or other extreme activities) which I have covered in my earlier post. >> Jumping from the Macau Tower

Single Origin cafe

We found a corner located cafe, Single Origin that is compact like many businesses here in Macau but their owners are exceptionally friendly and they took their time explaining their brew and coffee. Wouldn't mind coming back here if I am going to Macau again that is.

Single Origin, Macau, Rua de Abreu Nunes 19 R/C

From here, if you are on time crunch, you can either go for these two routes which I have planned earlier on.

The bridge connecting Cotai and the Peninsular

Traditional

A-Ma Temple - Lilau Square - Mandarin House - St.Lawrence Church - St. Joseph Church - St. Augustine Church - Senado Square

Modern

Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, Macau Museum Arts, Macau Cultural Centre, Macau Science Centre, Macau Fisherman Wharf, Golden Lotus Square

We chose the latter option, and explored the chic architecture of both the Macau Arts Museum as well as the Macau Science Centre.

Macau Arts Museum

And to wrap the day up, we went to the Cotai area and visited a few casinos (well, not really in the casino as we are not gamblers per se and only soaked in the regal and expensiveness of the casino's vicinity).

The Venetian

Bro Tips : Venetian, Four Seasons, City of Dreams, Sands Cotai Central & Galaxy are the notable casinos located at the Cotai area, whereas Lisboa, MGM & Wynn are located at the Macau Peninsular. Comparably, the casinos in Cotai looks grander, whereas the ones in the Peninsular are known for being the first few casinos that was founded in Macau.

Lisboa Casino

Basically, without the inclusion of the Macau Tower, you probably would be able to visit places like A-Ma Temple and the Mandarin House, and also if there is an extra day to spare, try visiting the villages like Taipa and Coloane. I might not visit Macau again that soon but perhaps a change of mind is possible with the idea of the creamy, delicious Macanese Egg Tarts - just sayin'.

Tips and Tricks : AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy Jump

I've called it! After the 43m leap of faith in New Zealand (read all about it Here) , I found myself jumping 233m from the Macau Tower, the highest bungy jump in the world currently.

If the bungy is not appealing or too intimidating, you may also opt for the Skyjump (slight deceleration compared to bungy), Tower Climb, and Skywalk (a walk outside the tower for that slight vertigo) activities, but I'll keep that for some other time if I find myself in Macau again.

Just like any AJ Hackett branches you may visit, safety is paramount for all jumpers, the safety features and information pertaining to the jump, cords and FAQ can be found in their website. Located at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre (around 6 minutes drive from Senado Square), the fastest way to get here is by cab or you can board the bus (MT4, 18, 32 or 33) that all leads to the tower.

Once again I found myself financially wiped out with the bungy jump costed at MOP 3088 (Approximately RM 1680) and the full combo of MOP 3788 (RM 2060). Luckily, since I've jumped with AJ Hackett's before, I was given a waiver of 20% for the jumping cost, in total I've paid MOP 3269 (Jump : MOP 2470 and Video/Photo combo : MOP 799, totalling up to RM 1771). Notable difference between my previous jump and this is that they provided GoPro to capture the video alongside the jumper, pretty awesome addition I must say! Also, you can't really put a price on your safety, no?

It is advisable to pre-book the jump and select the schedule that you prefer, I chose the 12.30 p.m. slot only to complete the jump around 2pm, that's quite a long wait right? A testament to the popularity of the bungy jump itself!

Entrance to tower is separately charged I'm afraid, at MOP 135 for adults (Do check out the other rates and opening hours here). The ticket will take you all the way up to the 61st storey of the tower (although the ticket could grant you limited access to other floors for sightseeing too) for the jump preparation.

If you are a solo traveler like me, you may deposit your belongings at a rental locker for a fee of $30 (for 3 hours) after you have checked in / registered for your turn. Each jumper would be given a red t-shirt (orange t-shirt for the Skywalk and crew) which serves as an easy identification of the type of activity you are participating in.

Skywalk

After the weigh in and changing to the tee and the canvas shoes provided, it was time to the plank! While patiently waiting for your turn, you get the privilege to see a fair amount of people in front taking the plunge, if the wait itself isn't already intimidating.

There would be a chair that allows the Jump Masters (yes, I think this is what they call themselves) to carefully strap the harness and cords on you. They are very friendly and will engage in conversations while waiting for the ropes to be delivered up from the previous jump. They may have a little cruel sense of joke, but it is all good, if you are on the 61st floor, that is half the battle already and probably nothing could stop you. 

Bro Tips : Another notable difference to my jump in NZ is that there is a lever for you to pull after the 2nd bounce so that the rope can slowly descend you down to safety.

... Until you got on to the plank. While waiting for my turn, I've gazed down, so I know exactly what I have gotten myself into. After seconds of GoPro interview and camwhore moment, I found myself half feet on the plank and the count down began. In 5... 4... 3... 2... and...

That was when I plunged. Instinct and impulse took over. And I did it. I really did.

Second time around, it wasn't easier I must say but once the adrenaline rush took over - Scream, Pray or Curse or just do the Scream-Pray-Curse combo like I did. After a floating in mid air for a few seconds, and some awkward failure of pulling the lever, I finally released the lever and I was slowly brought down to the safety cushion.

Unfortunately, after taking one last camwhore shot and still strapped with the harness, I found myself walking towards the exit of the safety cushion, only to be halted and questioned with intimidation by one of the ground staff. He questioned, "Where are you going?", as if I have done something really impulsive to him. Of course I responded that my stuffs are still up the tower, so I wanted to go up? He just gave me a really cold stare and point blank told me to "wait for instruction".

Here's the thing, I speak fluent (if not perfect) English and I would understand his instruction, IF GIVEN. Assuming that I have missed his instruction (cut me some slack, I have just jumped the highest bungy and the adrenaline was still pumping, and I was still visibly excited), he could've told me in the most polite manner, with a fucking smile, "Sir, please wait here until we have unstrapped you". I don't know how this particular staff is trained but attitude is unacceptable. 

PS: I have emailed to the manager pertaining to this issue but as per the date this blog entry is written I have not gotten any outcome of the investigation from him, so I have no qualms sharing this experience publicly. 

All in all, that blunder aside, I am definitely looking forward to the next adventures AJ Hackett has to offer. 

USB and Membership Card

Bro tips : Upon completing the jump, I received the USB containing the pictures and videos, and a membership card that allows you to jump for a steady rate of MOP 1,088 for the next three consecutively jumps, and the 4th jump is free. Macau temptation is strong!

Full video of the jump can be viewed here.
Also, the GoPro angle can be viewed here. :)