Saturday, February 23, 2008

Transit HK to Macau

Macau - I was considering flying directly to Macau International Airport or to HK International Airport and then having to take a jet foil to Macau. Taking the former is much easier with no hassle of a ferry across to Macau. The adventure 'streaker' chose to fly to HK International Airport. Since I am just passing through to Macau - the process was seamless and smooth. HK and Macau had work out the process perfectly.

Upon my exit from the plane at HK International Airport - there was sign for Fly/Sea transit passengers with no need to pass HK immigration at all. I had purchased the turbojet tickets on line - it took me a while to get the booking complete because the booking process was not very clear.

The jet foil to Macau was choppy and very foggy - so the captain had to slow down the jet foil twice. It was so foggy that you could not see pass 1 metre. Upon arrival at Macau Ferry Terminal - passed through Macau immigration (which was a breeze) -you had to pick up your luggage. I actually walk out of the immigration area but abruptly turn back in - the immigration officers understood and wave me to the luggage claim area. The luggage claim area was an obscure area on the far right hand side.

I waited outside the Ferry Terminal for Hotel Royal shuttle bus. There were so many shuttle bus from all hotels. I think a hotel shuttle bus terminal should be built as it was a mess outside the ferry terminal especially if you are staying in smaller hotels. Bigger and luxurious hotels had bell boys waiting just outside the Ferry Terminal to guide to their business like the Venetian, MGM, etc.

I have stayed at Hotel Royal in December 2007 - I did liked the front desk folks and the room was clean and modern. So, I chose to stay here again for the channel partners conference to be held from 25-28 Feb. By 24 Feb, all the channel partners will arrive.

Visited the Macau Tower to make welcome dinner reservation on 26 Feb @ 180 Lounge and Grill - I booked the entire floor.



Reflections of Macau Tower
After much discussion with the asst. manager on the arrangements - together with Chee Chien we visited the infamous Hotel Lisboa and also her twin Grand Hotel Lisboa. The casinos were packed with many people - mostly from Mainland Chinese with cash to spare. We were hungry and had lunch at Noodles & Congee Corner Restaurant of Grand Hotel Lisboa.
After losing money at the slots, we decide to watch the show on the centre stage. As the night was still young - we adjourned to a pub and disco at basement 2 of the Royal Hotel. After 2 rounds of drinks and it was not very happening, we decided to call it a day....

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