Travel idea: 5 reasons to visit Macau

About an hour ferry ride from Hong Kong in the South China Sea lies the island of Macau. This former Portuguese colony was settled by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, but the land was handed back to China in 1999. Today, Macau is a mixture of Portuguese and Chinese cultures with foods, customs and architecture that sometimes make you forget where you are. Europe? Asia? It's an interesting combination of both, a place where old world charm meets 21st-century progress. Here are five things to do in Macau.   

What to do
1. The Macau Tower
The Macau Tower dominates the skyline. You can't miss it and if you're brave, you might just work up the nerve to allow a group of friendly strangers strap you into a harness so you can take the plunge from the top. At 338 metres, the Macau Tower is the tenth tallest tower in the world (eighth tallest in Asia) and challenges daredevils to take a leap of faith … literally. The bungee jump, or Skyjump as it's called, from the tower's outer rim is from a height of 233 metres and is said to be the highest in the world. If you're not a jumper, the breathtaking bird's eye view of Macau is still worth the journey up. If your sense of adventure falls somewhere in between jumping and staying safe behind the glass windows of the observation deck, visitors can still experience the thrill of suiting up, getting harnessed and walking along the outer rim of the tower for a spectacular view uninhibited by glass.

2. The Ruins of St. Paul's
The Ruins of St. Paul's are an imposing piece of history, looming high above Senado Square. Built between 1582 and 1602 by Jesuits, it was once the largest Catholic church in all of Asia. But the church was destroyed by fire in 1835 and all that remains now is the façade. It's a popular attraction in Macau, partly because of its central location and proximity to Senado Square.

Page 1 of 2