Holy Macau!
With the impending opening of so many new casinos and hotels, Macau will never be the same. We head over to our sister SAR to compile a list of what's new, along with some old favorites.
1. Gamble
A bit self-explanatory. See here.
2. Check out Fisherman’s Wharf
It has nothing to do with fishermen, and it’s only like a wharf in the way that it’s close to the water, but there’s no missing the colossal HK$1.9 billion Fisherman’s Wharf complex when you arrive in Macau, what with its giant artificial volcano just beside the ferry pier. It’s tacky, yes, but it’s definitely worth checking out at least once. There are strange recreations of the Dutch Hague, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and what appears to be Bhutan. And that volcano? It is supposed to spew “lava” nightly (admittedly, when we went, it was more of a sputter).
The wharf is divided into three parts - “Macau East Meets West,” “Legend Wharf” and “Dynasty Wharf” - each with its own special offerings (Dynasty Wharf has numerous shops selling Chinese trinkets, for example). The standout attraction, though, is that volcano, which contains a few disappointing rides. There’s a log flume that, for $45, meanders along at a snail’s pace. The “runaway train” is a bit more energetic, briefly careening around inside the volcano before shuttering to an early stop. The best option is saving your money and hitting the wharf’s numerous restaurants instead.
You’ll find a variety of cuisines as you walk down the fake cobblestone streets of the Wharf. An open area just beyond the volcano has crepe and ice cream shops. But deeper inside the Wharf you’ll find a Japanese food court, Thai restaurants, Shanghainese food and even Hong Kong transplant, Al’s Diner. This one opens onto an outdoor courtyard that is by far the Wharf’s most popular nightspot.
Casual weekend visitors might enjoy shopping in the many boutiques; kids may be thrilled by the men on stilts cruising the walkway. But the Wharf certainly has a long way to go. When we went, the Babylon-themed casino was unfinished and many other venues that were expected to be opened, including a hotel and marina, weren’t completed either.
3. Watch the dogs
A mere MOP10 (that's ten patacas, the Macanese currency) gets you entrance to the Canindrome, supposedly the “only dog track in Asia.” You can then put that MOP10 toward your first bet on these ultra-fast dogs. We’ve all seen the horses here; and these puppies are MUCH cuter. Avenida General Castelo Branco, +853 221-199. Races are held on Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun.