Macau Islands
Macau
Historically, Macau was home to two small islands that sat just offshore of the mainland: Coloane and Taipa. Following recent land-reclamation efforts, however, a third island, Cotai, has filled in the gap. Each of the three areas, now merged into one island, retains its own identity, offering distinct experiences for travelers.
On the Cotai Strip, glitzy casinos like the Wynn, City of Dreams, Galaxy Macau, and Venetian have sprung up, lending Macau the nickname “Las Vegas of Asia.” Taipa is home to many non-gaming venues, including Macau Stadium and the Macau Jockey Club, as well as a historic Portuguese village. Rural Coloane offers a window into old Macau. This former island is known for its pastel-hued colonial buildings, recreation trails, and some of Macau’s best beaches.
The Macau Islands are home to some of Macau’s top attractions.
Macau’s official currency is the Macanese Pataca (MOP), but Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) are widely accepted.
Plan to spend two to three days exploring the Macau Islands.
Three bridges connect the Macau Peninsula to Taipa and the rest of the island. Three different bus companies operate throughout the islands and peninsula, but bus information is only provided in Cantonese. Many hotels and casinos offer free shuttles, and you do not need to be a guest to use these services.
The best time of year to visit the Macau Islands is between October and December, when mild temperatures make outdoor attractions more appealing. Avoid visiting on Chinese public holidays, as Macau tends to flood with tourists from mainland China.
The Cotai Strip gets its name from the two islands it joined, Coloane and Taipa. The strip was reclaimed in 2005, adding 2 square miles (5.2 square kilometers) to the city. This was critical in the success of Macau’s gambling industry, as casinos and resorts struggled to find space to build in the world’s most densely populated place.
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