Macau/Peninsula

The Macau Peninsula is the mainland portion of China's Special Administrative Region of Macau. Its 8.5 square kilometers is almost totally built up, making it the most urbanized and populous neighborhood in the territory.

For the visitor, Macau Peninsula is also the most interesting neighborhood of the territory as it is packed with historical attractions and interesting streets, and is home to many of Macau's casinos and entertainment spots. You'll also most likely land in this neighborhood first if you enter the territory by sea or land as the main ferry terminal and the main land border crossing are located here.

Travel to Macau Peninsula

Unless you fly, Macau Peninsula will most likely be the first area you set foot on when you arrive in the territory. Macau's main ferry terminal and the Macau International Ferry Terminal (Terminal Maritimo) and the main land crossing with mainland China and the Portas do Cerco Frontier Checkpoint as well as the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal are all located on the peninsula. See the main Macau#Get in|Macau page for information on how to get to Macau.

Macau Peninsula is linked with Taipa Island to the south by three bridges - Sai Van Bridge, Governador Nobre de Carvalho (or Macau-Taipa) Bridge, and the Friendship Bridge (Ponte de Amizade). Taipa is linked to Coloane by the Taipa-Coloane Causeway and the main artery of the newly reclaimed Cotai area.

Please see the Taipa, Coloane and Cotai page for bus routes linking the Peninsula with those neighborhoods.

Islam in Macau

Islam in Macau is a minority religion in the region. Currently there are around more than 400 Muslims in Macau in which they call themselves as The Macau Islamic Society.[1 According to the Islamic Union of Hong Kong, together with all of the foreign Muslim workers combined (such as from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Pakistan), Muslims in Macau accounted for more than 10,000 people.

Muslim Tourism in Macau

To attract more Muslim tourists from Southeast Asia and the Macau Government Tourism Office has been engaging in several efforts to give a new perception that Macau is not only a gaming region. Over the past two years the government has been engaging in seminars on Muslim trainings during travel, encouraging more restaurants to get halal certification from Hong Kong and requesting hotels to reconstructing their lobby so that visitors do not have to go through casinos when going to restaurants or their rooms

Mosques in Macau

Macau currently has one mosque, which is the Macau Mosque, located at 4 Ramal Dos Moros in Our Lady of Fatima Parish. The mosque was built in the 1980s by the Muslim people from the second wave of generation during the Portuguese-ruled of Macau. This mosque is specially crowded during Sunday where most of the employees are having their work break days

It is believed that Macau Mosque was built by Muslims who arrived with the Portuguese army. Originally and these Muslims were recruited from South Asia by the army. Within the complex area and there are also Muslim cemetery with some of the tombs dated back for hundreds of years, indicating that Islam had arrived in Macau since hundreds of years ago.

In 1996 and the IAM submitted a redevelopment plan of the mosque to Portuguese Macau government but was not approved. To accommodate the increasing number of Muslims in Macau, in 2006 the IAM applied for government permission to build a new larger mosque in area adjacent to the current mosque building. In the late months of 2007, Macau Mosque underwent renovation.

In the future and the new mosque is planned to be double in size to be a more modern mosque for Macau with a total area of 1,881 m2, 50 meters high and can accommodate up to 600 worshipers. An Islamic center, cheap Halal restaurant, 30-room hostel and classroom and 127-meter high 38-story residential building will also be constructed.

How to get around in Macau Peninsula

The Old City is very walkable, but most visitors will want to skip the rather dreary 3 kilometers slog from the ferry terminal.

Travel on a Bus in Macau Peninsula

To travel from the Outer Harbour (Porte Exterior) ferry terminal to the old city, just hop on one of the free green Hotel Lisboa shuttles. These depart from the bus center across the underpass and there are plenty of uniformed staff to show you the way.

To use the same shuttles to get back, though, you will need to sign up for a Hotel Lisboa membership: free, but a hassle.Alternatively and there is a large public bus interchange right next to Hotel Lisboa, from where you can reach most points in Macau. Most buses to the ferry terminal (3, 10A, 12) leave from Pier E and cost a flat 6 patacas.

Some useful bus routes:

3 - Barrier Gate (Portas do Cerco) to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal via Hotel Lisboa, Avenida Almeida Ribeiro (Downtown)
5 - Barrier Gate to A-Ma Temple (Barra) via Hotel Lisboa, Avenida Almeida Ribeiro
9A - Barrier Gate to Macau Tower
32 - Ferry Terminal to Macau Tower

By scooter

Scooters are a very economical and fun way to see the sites of Macau and they are also the primary mode of transport for local residents due to Macau's narrow streets and lack of vehicle parking space. Scooters are available for rental from a few dollars. Licenses from most countries covering mopeds or motorcycles are accepted.

What to see in Macau Peninsula

Heritage

Macau Peninsula is packed with old buildings left over from the colonial period. A large section has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site contains 25 locations or buildings of cultural and historic significance, and the best way to cover them is to do the Macau Heritage Walk circuit. The 25 locations are:

A-Ma Temple Perhaps the most famous Chinese temple in Macau. This is a Taoist temple which predates the Portuguese era.

Moorish Barracks - Built in 1874 to accommodate an Indian regiment from Goa, it now serves as the headquarters of the Macau Maritime Authority.

Lilau Plaza Pretty little square surrounded by the old Mediterranean-style houses of one of Macau's oldest residential areas. The square has a spring where it is said that "One who drinks from Lilau never forgets Macau".

Mandarin House - The Macau Mandarin House is the former residence owned by eminent modern Chinese thinker Zheng Guanying and his father Zheng Wenrui. The house was built in around 1881 and over time, many families occupied the complex. It covers an area of about 4,000 sq metres and is a traditional Chinese-style compound containing a number of buildings }}

St. Lawrence's Church Built in the mid 16th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Macau. Families of Portuguese sailors used to gather on its front steps and pray and wait for the safe return of their loved ones.

St. Augustine's Plaza This square is fronted by various pretty buildings of Macau's past era, namely the Street Augustine's Church, Dom Pedro V Theatre, Street Joseph's Seminary and Church and the Robert Ho Tung Library.

St. Augustine's Church Established by the Spanish Augustinians in 1591, this church maintains the tradition of organising the Easter Procession around the city.

Dom Pedro V Theatre Built in 1860 as the first Asian-style theatre on the Chinese coast, it remains a significant cultural landmark of the Macanese community and remains a venue for many public functions and events.

Sir Robert Ho Tung Library - Originally the residence of a Portuguese Dona and the building was purchased by Hong Kong businessman Sir Robert Ho Tung as a retreat. When he passed away, he willed the building to be passed over to the Macau government to be turned into a public library.

St. Joseph's Seminary and Church Established in 1728 and the old Seminary, together with Street Paul's College, was the base of missionary work in China, Japan and other parts of the region. The adjacent church was built in 1758 and is noted for its Baroque architecture.

Senate Plaza - Largo do Senado - A colorful typical Iberian town square, this is the traditional heart of Macau city. It is surrounded by pastel-coloured neo-classical buildings, most of them having an administrative function during the Portuguese era. The place is a popular venue for public events and crowds gather here just to soak in the atmosphere and socialise.

Loyal Senate - Leal Senado - Built to house Macau's municipal government and the Leal Senado has a neo-classical design and much of the original layout and structure has been retained through the years. The first floor has a ceremonial meeting room that adjoins an elaborate library. The name "Loyal Senate" is derived from the name bestowed upon Macau - "City of Our Name of God Macau, There is None More Loyal" - by King Dom Joao IV in 1654 because the colony's senate refused to recognise Spain's occupation of Portugal in the early 1600s.

Holy House of Mercy - Santa Casa da Misericordia - This building, established by the firsty Bishop of Macau in 1569, provides an imposing facade for the Senate Plaza. The building houses a charitable organisation which looked after the medical, social and welfare needs of the citizens of Macau, and was the home of many orphans and prostitutes. Today, it houses a two-room museum with displays of items related to the organisation.

Se Gothic Church - Igreja da Se - No records of the exact date of construction exist but a solid brick structure was built on this site in 1622 and repaied in 1743. The cathedral has some impressive stained glass murals and the facade is characterised by its twin belfries. The exterior is clad in Shanghai plaster which gives the church a subdued appearance.

Lou Kau Mansion Built in 1889, this was the home of Lou Kau, a prominent Chinese merchant who owned several properties in the city. The architecture is that of a typical Chinese residential building.

St. Dominic's Church The pastel-coloured church was founded in 1587 by Spanish Dominican priests. The bell tower at the back of the building has been converted into the small Museum of Sacred Art with around 300 artifacts.

Sam Kai Vui Kun Temple Located close to the Chinese Bazaar area, this temple has some Western styles to its architecture, illustrating the harmonious coexistence of the two cultures in this city. The temple has a long association with Chinese business associations and guilds.

Ruins of St. Paul's Gothic Church - Portuguese: Ruinas de São Paulo; Cantonese: 大三巴 daai saam ba - The city's most famous landmark and is regarded as the greatest monument to Christianity in the East. The only thing left of the Churh of Mater Dei, built in the 1600s but burnt down in 1835, is the imposing facade, with its Biblical statues and relief, being described as a "sermon in stone" and a "Bible for the poor". Nearby are the remains of the Street Paul's College. Behind the facade is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, which occupies the chancel of the church, contains archaeological excavations of the site and also exhibits and paintings on early Christian life in the East. The crypt contains the remains of martyrs of Christians killed in the 17th century.

Na Tcha Temple Tucked in the junction of a cobblestone square to the left of (as you face) the ruins of St. Paul's is this tiny temple dedicated to the Chinese deity Prince Nata. The juxtaposition of Catholic church and traditional Chinese temple is a perfect example of Macau's contrasts and multicultural history.

Section of the Old City Walls This is a segment of the city's defence structures built in 1569 which has survived. It is built with a compound material called chunambo, a mixture of clay, soil, sand, Rice straw, crushed rocks and oyster shells which were placed in layers.

Mount Fortress - Fortaleza do Monte - Built between 1617 and 1626 by the Jesuits and the fortress one of the main defence structures of the city. It housed barracks, arsenal and storehouses to allow it to withstand a siege lasting two years. You can get good views of the central part of Macau Peninsula from here. The fortress can be visited by escalator just east of Street Paul's. The Macau Museum is located within the fortress (see "Museums" section below).

St. Anthony's Church One of Macau's oldest churches, Street Anthony's was originally built of wood and bamboo. The current structure was constructed in 1930.

Casa Garden This house, built in 1770, was the residence of a wealthy Portuguese merchant Manuel Pereira and was later rented out to the English East India Company. Today, it is the headquarters of the Oriental Foundation.

Old Protestant Cemetery - commonly called the East India Company Cemetery - Lovely little piece of England in Macau. Look out for the grave of the Right Honourable Lord H.I. Spencer Churchill, ancestor of Winston Churchill, and also for the graves of the painter George Chinnery (far left in the upper row) and the missionary Robert Morrison (far right near the back; his accomplishments include writing the first Chinese-English, English-Chinese dictionary).

Guia Fortress Built in the 1600s on top of Guia Hill on the eastern part of the peninsula and the fortress's main function was to ward off any attack by China. Within the fortress is the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia and the 15m tall Guia Lighthouse, said to be the first modern lighthouse on the Chinese coast. Guia Fortress can be visited by the Guia Cable Car (Teleferico da Guia) just outside the entrance of the Flora Garden on Rua do Tunel, off Av Sidonio Pais.

Other churches, temples, places of religious significance

Cemeterio de São Miguel Arcanjo - Saint Michael the Archangel Cemetery - A classic example of Sino-Portuguese Culture. A great place for lovers of angel statues.

Chapel of Our Lady of Penha and Penha Hill The chapel sits atop a steep hill which towers above the southernmost tip of Macau Peninsula. From the various lookouts from the hill, you'll get excellent views of the central area of Macau, Nam Van and Sai Van lakes, Macau Tower and the three Macau-Taipa bridges and across the Pearl River into China.

Kun Iam Temple - 觀音堂 - A large, old Buddhist temple to the north of downtown. It's a little out of the way, but is definitely worth a visit if you're into temples.

Kun Iam Statue Twenty metre high bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy emerging from a lotus floating in the Outer Harbour. The statue is connected to land by a 60m footbridge.

Museums

Macau Peninsula has several museums.

Macau Museum

Maritime Museum - With exhibits on Macau's seafaring history.

Gardens

Lou Lim Ioc - Jardim de Lou Lim Ioc - Beautiful garden sanctuary on the peninsula of Macau. It was part of an old Chinese mansion reconverted to museum and art gallery.

Luis de Camoes Garden and Grotto One of the largest gardens in Macau and the land was originally owned by the British East India Company and was bought over by a Portuguese merchant who then willed it to the Macau government to be turned into a public garden when he died. The garden was dedicated to the Portuguese laureate Luis de Camoes. The gardens are popular with tai chi and aerobics groups and also people who bring their birds in cages to be shown off. The major tourist attraction of the park is the Camoes Grotto, where Camoes once lived with his Chinese bride in the late 16th century. Inside is a bronze bust of the one-eyed poet.

Other sights

Macau Tower You'll get a great view over Macau and Taipa. Catch the 9A bus or around 20 minutes walk from the town centre. There is an viewing platform outside and an inside platform with glass floor panels, and a cafe.AJ Hackett also runs "adventure" activities on the tower (see "Do" below).

Avenida da Republica One of the most beautiful avenues in Macau, this tree-lined road arcs around the southernmost tip of the peninsula and is the address of some of the most pretty Portuguese residential buildings in the territory, all of them enjoying an unobstructed view of the Nam Van and Sai Van lakes. The world-acclaimed 'Pousada de Sao Tiago, with its access staircase through the walls of the ruined Barra Fortress and is located at the southern end of this road.

Portas do Cerco Called the Barrier Gate in Chinese and the Portuguese name "Gate of Siege" says a lot more to the hundreds of years of relations between the Portuguese and Chinese. The old archway, built in 1870, marked the border between Portuguese and Chinese territory and was the actual border crossing between Macau and China until 1994 when a new crossing by the side was created. The archway and surroundings were turned into a pretty plaza. In 2004 and the entire area was again renovated with the new Barrier Gate Frontier Post being constructed north on the archway. The archway bears the dates of significant events and the motto by Luis de Camoes, "Honour your country, it cares for you".

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Macau Peninsula

Adventure Activities

At the Macau Tower, a 338.8m tall structure (3 and 8 are Cantonese lucky numbers!) with a revolving restaurant at its top and a convention and shopping center at its base and the visitor to Macau can savor a different kind of excitement: New Zealander AJ Hackett's company offers a set of adventure activities. There is a mast climb that takes you to the very top of the tower; a bungee jump off the side of the tower from 233m above ground (billed as the world's tallest bungee jump); a walk around the rim of the tower; as well as bouldering and sport climbing at the tower's base.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Macau Peninsula

For souvenirs, try Rua de S. Paulo (大三巴街) and the main crowded walking street between Largo do Senado and the Ruins of St. Paul's, which is lined with shops selling the classic jerky and handmade almond cookies as well as lots of other products. Rua da Felicidade sells similar products but is a lot less hectic.

Red Market - 紅街市, Mercado Municipal Almirante Lacerda - The Red Market is located on the junction of Avenida Almirante Lacerda and Avenida Horta e Costa. This is a bustling market in a big red brick building, where vendors sell food of every conceivable kind. The ground floor is mostly produce and the first floor is fish, and the second floor is Meat.

Three Lamps Three Lamps and surrounding narrow streets are full of tiny shops selling many kinds of goods at bargain prices.

Halal Restaurants in Macau Peninsula

Macau has some Halal restaurants with unique Halal cuisine from Indonesia, India and Pakistan.

Loulan Islam Restaurant - Address: R. do Teatro, Macao ☎ +853 2853 0264 - Loulan Islam Restaurant is located in the downtown and specializes in food from Xinjiang, a northern region in China with a large muslim community. One of the very few halal restaurants in Macau. Located not too far from the Ruins of St. Paul, although small but easy to find. The ambience is very familiar like at home. The taste of the cuisine is suitable for the Indonesian tongue. Pretty much portion. The waitress is friendly. There is an air conditioner and toilet. Prices are a bit high because halal restaurants are very rare in Macau.

Anak Djakarta Indonesian Halal Restaurant - Address: 1 R. da Restauracao, Macao - ☎ +853 6527 0474 - It is very clean, and the level is not expensive. It is considered a very cost-effective place in Macau. The boss and the proprietress are very enthusiastic, and the food is served fairly quickly.

Lou Lang Islamic Restaurant - 5GWP+8QQ, Inner Harbour, Macao - Great location, and the food is good,, and we can ask the waitress if we want to pray for Muslim and they like to help.

Indian Spice - Vista Magnifica Court, 39 Alameda Dr. Carlos da Assumpção Macao - ☎ +853 2872 2784 - Indian Spice provides a taste-bud tickling range of North Indian recipes. Wednesday also cater to Jain and Gujarati food tastes, with a mouth-watering range of Vegetarian, non-vegetarian and tandoori dishes. Indian Spice can cater to meal requests from tourists, from different parts of India. Indian Spice, is strategically located near the ‘Kun Iam Statue’ in Macau, within walking distance from Wynn Macau, MGM Grand and Sands Macau.

Loly Indonesian Restaurant - 號A地下, 000000, 4O R. da Erva, Macao ☎ +853 2855 7318 - Many Vegetarian options here (not so easy to find them in Macao)!!! The service was fast and the food really good. Wednesday tried many things ad everything was fantastic. The menu offers many many dishes as many different kind of drinks. Pay attention if you are not used to spicy food. Very delicious and authentic Indonesian dishes! So far the best you could find in Macau

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Macau Peninsula

Macau Peninsula - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Macau Peninsula, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Macau Peninsula. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Macau Peninsula and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Macau Peninsula. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Macau Peninsula. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMacau Peninsula: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Macau Peninsula.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Macau Peninsula: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Macau Peninsula, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Macau Peninsula.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Macau Peninsula, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Macau Peninsula, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Macau Peninsula and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Macau Peninsula, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Macau Peninsula, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Macau Peninsula without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Macau Peninsula is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Macau Peninsula.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Macau Peninsula is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Macau Peninsula, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Macau Peninsula Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Macau Peninsula

News & References Macau Peninsula

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Taipa is just south of the peninsula, and beyond it are Cotai, home to casinos, and mostly rural Coloane.
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