Last week, like many others during this Covid crisis, I have been appalled at the sight of revellers in their thousands enjoying the sunshine at many of our stunning coastal resorts. This was highlighted tenfold with the images that came from Durdle Door in Dorset. Emergency services were called to rescue injured “Tombstoners” who along with a baying crowd on the beach thought it clever to jump off this famous site to the sea below. What made it even worse to stomach was the images of the beach litter subsequently left behind.
Why would anyone go to this iconic British site only to leave it looking like a refuse tip? If it was left like that would these idiots return the next day and bask amongst soiled nappies, tampons and rotten food? Would they want their children playing amongst this trash? There are just so many questions I would love to put directly to every member of public leaving that site to truly understand their thinking.
Volunteers Support
As always though I like to try and focus on the good people are doing often in the wake of such madness. One facebook post in particular caught my attention from Oliver Rush who witnessed the sheer volume of litter at this Jurassic Coast beauty spot.
I spoke to Oliver today and learned he is part of a wonderful volunteer team. These guys all offered their services free of charge to clean up the mess that was left behind. Incredibly a team of five including, amongst others, Oliver, Roy and Erin, managed thirteen clean ups over the weekend. Can you believe that, thirteen ! We are not just talking about a few culprits we are talking hundreds all with this mindset that ruining our coast and destroying our natural world is OK. That makes me sad and angry.
So what can we do to try and address these issues. We need to educate our children and those responsible and impose heavier fines. In a perfect world there should be increased surveillance however resources and costs will of course be an issue. We need to support these volunteers who put in the effort to clear up the mess and ensure those who do come to the coast with good intentions have a great time.
Without these volunteers our country would be in a pretty grim, foul and vile state.
Follow these guys groups on the links below. If you are local then why not get in contact and support them. If you are not nearby why not follow their lead in your locality. Its the least we can all do to try and re educate these people.
Contacts
Project Planet Oliver Rush alerted me to the efforts undertaken by this army of volunteers. In 2018, Oly was a plasterer and who on a day off, to go surfing, realised that fighting plastic pollution was to be his future.
@cleanjurassiccoast Roy Beal is a Jurassic Coast ambassador and looks to keep this World Heritage site free from litter.
So where do I start with Macau? How can I explain a 30 square kilometre territory of China that is as charming as it is nuts?
I had not planned to visit Macau but with a sporting event cancelled in Japan due to typhoon weather conditions, I had a couple of days to waste. Having “done” Hong Kong it was an adventure I craved and the opportunity to jump on a short ferry from Kowloon harbour in Hong Kong across to Macau was too good to resist!
Had I ever known anyone who had visited I would certainly have called upon them for advice. However, before I knew it, we were strapped into a ferry and in under an hour we were arriving in Macau – the Las Vegas of the East… oh and by the way I hate casinos!
Arriving at the port I soon discovered that the people were incredibly welcoming if a little robotic. Being told precisely where to stand in line for the shuttle to our hotel was a snapshot of what was to come. The many young school kids in the old town were so well turned out; some were collecting money for a local charity. They loved a small donation from a curious, if somewhat weird tourist such as me.
Macau’s skyline is dominated by the hideously gorgeous Grand Lisboa Hotel which is supposed to represent a golden lotus flower. In my world, it resembles a toy robot I had from the seventies. I loved my robot and I love this! Other incredible buildings are everywhere. A gentle afternoon stroll will bring you to various amazing sites such as the MGM, the Wynne, the bridge across to Hong Kong, the Macau Tower, and the Morpheus.
Macau is a city of two halves. The gaudy, the brash, the over-the-top strip of hotels and casinos. Then, in contrast, the charming if a little odd old town with a history to burn.
Getting Around
Macau does have an international airport which is mainly a transfer point for those travelling between Macau and Taiwan as well as a passenger hub for destinations in mainland China and South East Asia.
It is really handy to know that there is a ferry company called Turbojet that took us from Macau directly to Hong Kong airport with international air links to the UK or in our case onwards to Japan. The ferry operates about 14 times a week and is an hour however do check in advance for the latest timetable. The one-hour service from Hong Kong to Macau on the Cotai Water Jet ferry service goes 32 times a day and costs about £15 one way. Sadly there is no outside decking area on these ships so we were herded downstairs, told to strap in, and away we went for a journey into the unknown. The Bus system we did not use however from what we saw of the network there were many stops around town and well used by the locals. Rickshaws are available for hire but always get a price in advance before setting off.
Our Taxi experience was mixed. We were greeted on our daytime arrival at the ferry terminal by taxis who were on hand to whisk us off to our hotel in central Macau at a reasonable cost just 20 minutes away.
Places To Stay in Macau
The Macau Peninsula is the main where you will find the most densely populated parts of the city.
Cotai is a great place to stay for the nightlife. Cotai is a small strip of reclaimed land that connects the Taipa and Coloane islands.
Coloane is the southernmost island in Macau. It offers lush landscapes and mountainous terrain. The Taipa District is located between the Macau Peninsula and Cotai and is largely a residential neighbourhood At short notice, I managed to get a room at the beautifully appointed Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 Hotel in Old Macau where you will find a whole host of heritage attractions and iconic landmarks.
On arrival at Macau port, we headed across the walkway bridge to a shuttle bus pick-up area hosted by a team of ladies in what can only be described as “Thunderbirds” style hostess outfits. Simply marvellous and they were so friendly too.
The staff at the Sofitel throughout the stay were excellent and always keen to help. Not the cheapest hotel but with great food, staff, and location I think it was worth the expense considering we were arriving into the unknown given our last-minute plan to visit!
Macau By Day
In the Historic Centre, you will find the ruins of the Church of St. Paul. Built-in 1580, the building has suffered many fires throughout the centuries and today, you can only see the front of the church together with the 66 stone steps that lead up to it.
Senado Square is also in the historical centre – a picturesque area with colourful Victorian architectural facades reminiscent of a European city. Here the city is teaming with people out duty-free shopping, buying street food or taking selfies.
The back streets around the Church of St Paul are fascinating and full of character, life and unlimited opportunities for photographers to capture the real Macau. I particularly enjoyed witnessing a gentleman sitting alone in his front room singing Karaoke.
Macau At Night
At night this area became a street market full of souvenirs and children’s fete-type stalls like apple bobbing. In the main square was a display by traditional sword dancers.
Then there were the bright lights of Macau’s Casino strip. An ugly or a beautiful area of glitzy hotels with vast floors packed with people gambling 24/7. Bars and restaurants in this area were modern yet lacking in character and soul. Whilst not for me, it seemed that for many, this was their life, praying on the turn of a card.
The Macau Tower was an interesting excursion, worth it alone for the incredible views. To add to the enjoyment there were numerous restaurants, shops, and stalls selling everything from bling to custard tarts!
Macau is different – but I like that!
Top 20 Things To See & Do In Macau
Explore the historic ruins of St. Paul’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Macau’s most iconic landmarks.
Visit the Monte Fort, an ancient military fortification offering panoramic views of Macau’s skyline and the South China Sea.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Senado Square, the historic heart of Macau, with its charming Portuguese-style architecture and bustling shops and cafes.
Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Taipa Village, known for its traditional Chinese houses, narrow lanes, and delicious street food.
Try your luck at the world-famous casinos of Macau, including the iconic Venetian Macao, MGM Grand, and Wynn Macau.
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Macau Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, and enjoy breathtaking views from its observation deck.
Explore the beautiful gardens and tranquil ponds of Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Macau.
Discover the rich maritime history of Macau at the Maritime Museum, which showcases exhibits on naval exploration, trade routes, and shipbuilding.
Experience the unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures at the A-Ma Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Macau.
Take a leisurely walk along the scenic waterfront of Nam Van Lake, with its stunning views of the city skyline and modern skyscrapers.
Sample the delicious street food at Red Market, one of Macau’s oldest and most vibrant markets, known for its fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Visit the Macau Museum, housed in the historic Monte Fort, and learn about the fascinating history and culture of Macau through interactive exhibits and artefacts.
Explore the charming Coloane Village, known for its colourful colonial houses, quaint streets, and laid-back atmosphere.
Take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Hac Sa and Cheoc Van, where you can relax on the golden sands, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy water sports.
Discover the unique fusion of East and West at the Mandarin’s House, a beautifully preserved traditional Chinese residence with Portuguese architectural influences.
Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal at one of the many authentic restaurants in Macau, serving up delicious dishes like bacalhau, caldo verde, and pasteis de nata.
Take a scenic drive along the Guia Circuit, a historic racing track that winds its way through the hills of Macau, offering stunning views of the city below.
Explore Macau’s vibrant street art scene, with colourful murals and graffiti adorning the walls of buildings throughout the city.
Experience the excitement of Macau’s annual International Fireworks Display Contest, one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks competitions in the world.
Visit the iconic Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, a themed entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and attractions inspired by different world cultures.
Pre Bookable Excursions in Macau
More Information
The Macao Government Tourist Office provides a wide choice of useful information including places to go, things to do and what you can expect from the weather.