Macau Charms in Winter Part 2

by Michelle Lee

This is the second series of Macau Charms in Winter Part 1.

Macanese food is one of the most delightful results of the intertwining of the Chinese and Portuguese culture. While the Chinese traditionally don't use milk much in their dishes, here milk is used to create many wonderful deserts. Most of their desserts are creamy, sinful creations using custards, cream and milk.

One of the most famous concoctions of Macau is the double layer steamed milk, a dish created by the Yee Shun Milk Company. You can try the dish in a Yee Shun outlet right on Senado Square.

The fondness for pastries and cakes is yet another example of European influence. Pastry shops are everywhere in Macau and having a spot of tea with pastries seem to be a favourite activity of the Macanese. Apart from the legendary Portuguese egg tarts, Macau is also famous for the very European looking Serradura (‘sawdust' in Portuguese). This is a bowl of cream sweetened with condensed milk that is topped by finely crushed biscuits.

A Week Too Short

Returning from our week-long sojourn, it was embarrassing to have to admit that we didn't check out the Venetian Macao, the largest single structure hotel building in Asia and the fourth-largest building in the world by area. Nor did we check out the view from Macau Tower, eat at Macau Fisherman's Wharf, or pop into the factory outlets in Macau, like the historic "Three Lamps" area or Rotunda Carlos da Maia, where you can get good bargains.

Truth was, we simply didn't have enough time.

But next winter, it'll be different - I'll do everything that I didn't get to do this time around.

That would be my Christmas wish for 2010.

Getting There:
Book a flight to Macau at Tiger Airways or Jetstar Asia Airways.

Accommodation
For mainland Macau, check out Hou Kong Hotel on Travessa das Virtudes. Our room was clean and spacious and the location is unbeatable. The negative is that the staff does not speak English. It'll cost about S$60.

For Coloane, check out Pousada de Coloane. This family-run hotel is situated on Cheoc-Van beach surrounded by green tree-clad mountains. It'll cost about S$136 a night

Travel Tips:
Best Way To See Macau
For the independent tourist to get around, it is essential to pop over to the Macau tourist office, where you can pick up free maps. The maps provide very detailed instructions on how to get to each attraction. But if you should find yourself lost despite the map, stop a local and point to the photograph of the attraction. You will get an "Ah ha!" reaction, and the local will most likely enthusiastically show you how to get there. One very friendly Macanese even walked us all the way to a temple.

Currency
It is unlikely that you will be able to buy the Macau Pataca (MOP) at home. To have some spending money for your first day in Macau, buy a small amount of Hong Kong dollar. Though the Hong Kong dollar is worth slightly more than the Pataca, all Macanese establishments will accept your Hong Kong dollar at a one-to-one rate.

It's easy to change your money for Pataca in Macau. There are lots of money changers near the Senado de Largo where you can get Pataca in exchange for Chinese yuan, Hong Kong dollar, Singapore dollar or US dollar.

Wintering In Macau
Mid-December to February is the winter season in Macau. While winter in Macau brings an appreciable drop in temperature, the weather remains mild. No snow falls in Macau, and you'll experience only a little rain. What you'll get are crisp, clear days, making this a pleasant time to visit. However, you do need sweaters for most days and a jacket for the night.

Getting Around In Macau
Mainland Macau is so tiny that you can easily walk to most of the sights. Buses and taxis are convenient and affordable options. Taking a bus is easy; you will find detailed route itinerary for the local buses displayed at all the bus-stops. Taxis are cheap and safe, with fares metered.

This article was contributed by Michelle Lee

Planning a holiday trip during winter? Check out Travel Club for good deals and pop by the forum to get some travelling tips!

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