The Award Dinner @ Restaurant Litoral

Macau - Today's conference agenda was half a day. Immediately after lunch, at 1pm we had arranged for a city tour for the delegates. The tour includes the various sites:

The 1st tourist site was to view the Lotus flower in full bloom,The coach then drove to the 2nd location, drop us off a distance and we had to walk up to the Ruins of St Paul, Na Tchaa Temple, Section of the old city and Mt Fortress

From the famous Ruins of St Paul, we took a walking tour to Senado Square (this is the main city square), situated at one end is the Leal Senado Building, Sam Kai Vai Kun, Kuan Tai Temple, Holy House of Mercy Cathedral, Lou Kau Mansion (visited a typical Chinese courtyard house compound), St Dominic Church,

Then off to A-Ma Temple, many people had offerings, seek blessings and gifts to the gods....

The last location was on the island of Taipai, crossing the bridge from Macau to Taipai was great as it was a clear sky - we stop by Taipai House museum and then to the popular Chio Heong Yuen bakery (oldest bakery in Macau) - there were free cookie tasting for all visitors. For all delegates we had arrange a free gift of a box of Almond cakes, after which the coach drove pass by the Venetian Casino and back to the Hotel

In the evening, the Partners Award Dinner was held at Restaurant Litoral.

Visiting the two-storied Litoral was stepping back into olden Portugal. It occupies one of the districts typical old shop houses on the street that used to front what was once a bustling waterfront. Not far away is the spot where the first Portuguese landed on Macau’s shores. The restaurant’s proprietor, Macau-born Manuela Ferreira, opened Litoral in 1995 with her husband, carefully guards her recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations in her family. She says she uses the wok to cook many of the dishes served here, which contain both Portuguese and Chinese ingredients. In fact, Ms. Ferreira says even she eschews commercially prepared foods and makes many of those ingredients herself, like the traditional shrimp paste that is a time-honored tradition in these parts. Ms. Ferreira was awarded a Medal of Honor by the Macau SAR government for the contribution to tourism her efforts represent. Mouth-watering dishes like stuffed squid, clams in garlic sauce, Macanese style duck rice and creamy serradura, washed down, naturally, with Portuguese wine or pitchers of refreshing sangria, not only make Litoral a favorite among Macau’s local community, but keep alive a gastronomic tradition that is unique to Macau.

The set menu for 30 pax costing MOP$ 350 per person:
Garlic Shrimps
Roast Portuguese Sarsage
Cod Fish cakes
Chicken Rice Soup
Curry Crab
Mixed Salad
Macanese Saffron Pork
African Chicken
Grilled Short Ribs
Dessert
Coffee or Tea

Fat Sui Lau Restaurant

Macau - After a hearty breakfast, it was a pack full day of conference at Vitoria Room III on level 2 of the Hotel Royal.

After the conference was over, it was free and easy for the conference delegates. Some partners wanted to join us, so we went to Fat Siu Lau Restaurant @ Rua da Felicidade No.64. They currently have 2 restaurants, the other opposite of Kun Ian Statue. Since 1903, many celebrities and politicians have frequented this infamous Macau dining spot. The atmosphere of this European-style venue is appropriate for business gatherings. Fat Siu Lau restaurant is in the oldest restaurant in Macau. The food is good and delicious but pricy compared to similiar menus. We tried their famous grilled king prawns, curry crab (the crabs were so small compared to Singapore chilli crabs - furthermore they charged twice as much). They were able to charge a higher price due to the restaurant ambiance.

Good Portugese Food

Macau - For lunch, we went to Restaurante Platao, a nice Portuguese restaurant in Senado Square (Central). This restaurant is very quaint and located off the busy street of Senado Square walking towards St. Paul's Ruins. Today's weather was great around 15 degrees Celsius, so we decided to have lunch outside in the open-air. The food coupled with the ambiance was great. We had chicken, stewed lamb shank, baked rice and Sangria for drinks.

What is Sangria? Sangria, is a wine "punch" with its traditional heritage well rooted in Spain. Typically, Sangria is made with red wine, fresh, seasonal fruit and a bit of bubbly water or citrus flavored soda. While Spain is heralded as the creator of Sangria, countries all over the globe have adapted the recipe to make a fruit-filled wine beverage that is refreshing and easy to drink with a wide variety of foods.

The welcome dinner was held at Macau Tower, 180 Lounge & Grill restaurant - there were 25 people attended this function and the food was well prepared and delicious. This was a private function.  A set menu prepared for all and cost MOP$300 per person. The ambiance was great - we had the whole 59th floor booked and the view of Macau on that day was clear so we were able to see as far as the eye can see.

The dinner menu was:

• Bacon wrapped Prawn Salad
• Tomato Bisque with Basil
• Stuffed Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom
• Star Anise Cream Caramel
• Coffee and Tea

Start of the technical conference

Macau - After making sure that everything at the technical conference was 'clock work'. Tania, Donny and I went to settle the payment for the coach services. The tour agency was Grayline Tours and the office was just a walking distance from where we are staying. They are very professional and ensured us that there will be a English speaking guide since many from our conference do not speak Mandarin or Cantonese.

We were hankering for food and ask Grayline where to find good Macauese food and was told to go to Senado Square. We walked up and down the street but found no restaurant. I later realized that many of the good restaurants are in the lanes off the main street.

A lady was standing at a cross junction handing out flyers of her resturant, since we were hungry we took the flyer and followed her. The restaurant was downstairs and had to take a flight of stairs down and looking around there weren't many patrons on that day. Well, surprisingly the food was good and tasty too.

After lunch, we headed back to Royal Hotel to refresh for the evening activities.

After dinner, we went to a Karaoke Bar called 'Club Ruka'. The taxis plying Royal Hotel were few and we had to wait a long time to complete the group by packing 4 at a time into a taxi to Club Ruka. In spite of the directions to this Club Ruka, one taxi got lost along the way. Not many were singing and after a while it was getting a bit boring so we left. We discount with the manager since we left early and paid about MOP$900 for drinks and Karaoke room rental.

Go Go Cart...

Macau - Early in the morning Tania, Chee Chien and I set off to find the best Portuguese restaurant in Macau. We visited the 2 best restaurant and fortunately were located near by each other. Both restaurants are near the famous A-Ma Temple.

We were outside Litoral Restaurant contemplating which restaurant to choose and here in an instant a lion dance performance right in front of our eyes. Some Chinese would invite the lion dance troupe to officiate the opening of the restaurant or office just after Chinese New Year. Whilst we were looking earnestly at the performance - one of the troupe boys started to light the fire crackers and throw. While in a instance, we ran far away from the scene - it was a loud crackling and paper were sprewed everywhere. Fire crackers have been banned in Singapore for many many years, so seeing this was surreal.

Restaurant # 1 - Litoral Restaurant @ 853-2896-7878 - the grandeur of this stylist restaurant made us choose this for our awards dinner on 28 Feb.

Restaurant # 2 - Lorcha Restaurant, tel: 853-2839-1016 @ 289, Rua do Almirante Sergio. This is a much smaller restaurant, thus was not suitable. Instead we had lunch there. The food was really delicious. The only cons about this restaurant is that they are very impatient when you are almost finish with your meal - they keep asking you to settle the bill. I dislike this because we were considering deserts and then coffee but they want to 'turn' the tables quickly and was not professional about it.
As I have told friends coming to Macau to set customer service expectations low so that you will not be disappointed. You will enjoy good food and entertainment with mediocre service. The Macau economy is booming is so fast that the service staff are not thoroughly train in etiquette and customer service. Good customer service in Macau is a rarity and not a norm.
We also visited the A-Ma temple which was just walking distance away from Lorcha Restaurant. I will also be visiting this temple again during the day-tour on Thursday.

We went go-carting located at Estrada de Seac Pai Van, on the island of Coloane. You have to cross the bridge to get over to Coloane from Macau Peninsula. Macau is made up of 3 islands - Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane.

Go carting was very fun despite just 10 minutes. I went about 5-6 rounds the track in the cold light drizzle. My hands were numb at the end of 10 minutes. It was exhilarating going round the bends at 40-50 km/hr.



After dinner, as we were walking around Golden Dragon Hotel - there was a sign that says "Bowling Centre". Chris immediately wanted us to play, so we walked down this dark alley into a deserted 'shopping centre' and down basement to this bowling centre. The bowling centre facilities takes you back to the 80's but nevertheless we had good fun.

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....

Back to Hong Kong

Macau - Since it is our last day in Macau, my wife together with my youngest son decided to tour around Taipa.

Taipa is one of the smallest city of Macau. The three bridges connecting Macau to Taipa are Nobre de Carvalho (2.5 km long), the Friendship Bridge (4.5 km long) and Sai Van Bridge (2.2 km long). The longest one (Friendship Bridge) leads directly to Macau International Airport located on the Island of Taipa. Also located on Taipei is the famous Macau Jockey Club.

After being dropped off by the Westin Macau shuttle bus, we walk around for a few hours and had breakfast at a neighbouring Macau chinese restaurant. Quite surprising on a Sunday morning it was crowded.

In the afternoon we took a dip at Westin Macau Resort's heated swimming pool. Spent about 2 hours in the pool and then it was check-out time. We have already bought the tickets one day earlier so we zip through immigration quite quickly. The only hic-up was that Turbojet insist that I pay a fee for my hard-case luggage. When we arrive from Hong Kong to Macau via another ferry company, they had no such ruling.

Turbojet Sea Express manage the ferry services from HK International Airport and Hong Kong island, whilst New World First Ferry handles ferry services from Kowloon.

It took just one hour on the jet foil to reach Hong Kong. We will be spending 3 nights at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. This is a beautiful luxurious hotel that I have stayed many many years ago.

Walking up Guia Hill

Macau - There is a hill just behind Royal Hotel and so early in the morning after breakfast, we set off walking up to Guia Hill. On this Guia Hill stands the Guia Fortress and Lighthouse. The Fortress was built in 1637 and the Lighthouse which is still in use, in 1865. This Lighthouse when it was built was the first of its kind along the China Coast.


There is also a small and simple chapel - Chapel of Our Lady of Guia. This chapel was originally established by the Clarist nuns, who resided at the site before establishing the Convent of St. Clare. The chapel's elaborate frescoes depict representation of both western and Chinese themes, displaying motifs of religious and mythological inspiration that are a perfect example of Macau's multicultural dimension.


Walking up I found an interesting sign board....



This is a great morning walk and the Guia Hill has many exercise equipments along the pedestrian path, and is popular with joggers, birdwatchers and lovers alike. The weather is cool and very nice. Up ahead on the winding road, is the Guia Cable Car (operating from 7am -6pm, the ride takes 80 seconds). I took a round trip back to the hill and then walk down a series of stone steps to the Flora Garden. This Flora Garden used to be the site of a mansion which was destroyed in a factory explosion in 1928, it contains an aviary, small zoo, botanical gardens and original fountain. Leaving the Flora Garden, turn left is just a 30 minutes walk back to the Hotel.

Visit to the Red Market

Macau - We took bus No. 28C from the bus stop outside Royal Hotel as we wanted to venture into the heartlands of Macau. We wanted to see how the Macau people live and eat. We alighted after 5 bus stops and decided to have lunch at a local restaurant. The restaurant owners were very nice people and guess correctly that we were from Singapore. We had a hearty meal at a very reasonable price.

We had to walk a distance to reach The Red Market but along the way we came across Lin Zexu Memorial Museum of Macau.






We finally reach The Red Market is located on the corner of Avenida Almirante Lacerda and Avenida Horta e Costa, in an area that has some of Macau's most interesting 20th century architecture. The market was built in 1936 by the Macanese architect Jio Alberto Basto in the Art Deco style and is classified as an architectural heritage site. It still houses a vigorous trade, with vendors selling dried foods, fresh produce, fish and meat. In earlier times the market was closer to the waterfront, and vendors bought their goods directly at the nearby harbor. Today, all kinds of fish and seafood still arrive twice a day, and live poultry share quarters with fresh flowers, fruit and other produce.



The most shocking part of this Red Market is the scene where the fish is stripped bare of flesh but it's lungs, heart and head is still intact. You can still see the fish breathing without any flesh on its body....

Local residents told us the place is dirty but we want to see how the local live and eat, so venturing to this location was an eye opener.


We also came across a traditional Dragon Beard candy man - this was hand-made and it taste heavenly and I wanted to buy more but he already sold out for the day. This Candy man was dressed in white, he had a white beard and the candy he makes is also white...it was a delightful scene.

Checking into Westin Resort Macau

Macau - We had to cross the bridge from Macau City to Taipa and then towards Coloane. Macau City, Taipa and Coloane are 3 islands that make up Macau. Taipa and Coloane are now joined through land reclaimations to create a new city called Cotai Strip. The Cotai Strip is the location of the new Casino and Resort Hotel - The Venetian Macau. More than 7 Resort Hotels are under development along the Cotai Strip and this will make it the Asian version of Las Vegas.

The Westin Resort Macau is the only beach fronting resort Hotel in Macau - we had a beautiful balcony overlooking the sea. Unfortunately, we will be resting here for just one night. The Macau Golf and Country Club is located next to the Hotel. On the 5th floor, there is a passage to the entrance of Macau Golf and Country Club.

What a difference! UNESCO Heritage Site

Macau - Checking out at Metropark Hotel, I was confronted with a rude front desk lady. Never had anyone slide the check-out bill to you - most hotel staff will politely hand over the bill with 2 hands. The service from the Metropark Hotel is below acceptable standard.

The taxi driver that took me to Royal Hotel which is a 10 minutes trip that cost about HK$ 30 - wanted me to pay HK$100. I refused and came to a compromise of HK$40 - which I think is also too much. This was a very bad experience in Macau.

Futhermore, Macau has a stupid policy of some taxi can only take 4 passengers and some 5 passengers. If you have 5 people including kids, you have to look on the side of the taxi with the number 5. This is rediculous....

You need to be extra vigilant in Macau:-
1. When taking a taxi, don't forget to write down the taxi number and driver's name which are affixed next to the taxi meter.
2. Make sure that the taxi meter is running - walk out if he wants to hustle and negotiate for a fixed trip price.
3. Bring the hotel name card because all taxi drivers speak Cantonese or Mandarin and hardly speak English.

Checking into the Royal Hotel is miles apart - with very polite and attentive staff. Internet access is free for every room.

Walking about 20 minutes from Royal Hotel, you will come across an photo art gallery and then following the road signs you will come across the Fire Services Museum. This is located at the headquarters of Macau Fire Services. This European-style building built in 1920, contains more than 700 artifacts in two halls. The main halls contains both Chinese and British manual pumps, old British fire engines, photographs and historic costumes. It is free admission and opens daily.

Art gallery

This area is an UNESCO Heritage Site


Visited the Ruins of St. Paul's - this is a World Heritage site and was built by the Jesuits in 1602, but was destroyed by fire in 1835 except for its stone facade with carvings that tell the story of the Catholic Church in Asia. There is also a crypt containing the relics of christian martyrs and a Museum of Sacred Art. This museum is dedicated to the history of the religious missions in the region. Along the side walls are relics of Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs. A grave has been left uncovered, dominating the whole area. A cross and tabernacle have been placed on the stones where the first building was erected, facing an altar capped by a single piece of marble.

Ruins of St. Paul's

There are so many tourists at the Ruins of St. Paul's and on that day - there was to be held a big concert. Crossing the road, you will come across Mount Fortress into which is built the Museum of Macau. The fortress was equipped with cannons, military barracks, wells and an arsenal that held sufficient ammunition and supplies to endure a siege lasting up to two years. The fortress covers and area of 10,000 square meters, in the shape of a trapezoid. The four corners of the fortress protrude to form bulwarks.

Walking along the old section of the City Walls - these were the surviving segment of the city's defence structures built as early as 1569, is a remnant of an early Portuguese tradition of constructing defensive walls around their port settlements.
Further down, you will come across the Na Tcha Temple, which was built in 1888, to dedicate to the worship of Na Tcha.


Had dinner in the city near Senoa square at a small restaurant and it was shocking to have your porcelain dinner plate with 12 small pieces chip off. In Singapore and Hong Kong, this plate would have been thrown away as it does not look decent and professional. I just swallowed my pride, don't question and gobble down the chow....

Being in Macau, makes me feel like this is a backwater place for Hong Kongers where professionalism and courtesy are non existence. Because of the numerous Mainland Chinese coming to Macau to gamble, the Macau entertainment business is booming and courtesy just falls by the wayside.

Unfriendly MACAU...

Macau -  We visited the Fisherman Wharf located near the Macau ferry - occupying 111,5000sq meter and claimed in their brochure to be the 1st ever themed entertainment attraction in Macau. But reality is far from claimed by the brochure - this is the most boring theme entertainment ever - not advise to visit at all. There is nothing of interest here - most of the theme attractions are closed.

Went over the New Yaohan departmental store - claimed to be the only department store in Macau - not too exciting.

Came back to the Hotel for a meeting with their sales and banquet to discuss for next year conference. Overall, I am not impress with Metropark Hotel.

Generally, I think Macau has a big problem in Macau on their service level. Macau has so many Mainland Chinese in the service and entertainment business that most are not given ample service training besides just being able to speak Mandarin. Macau is the only place, in all the countries I have travel around that the housekeeper has the audacity to question you why you need more towels and more bottles of water. So, in order to enjoy your trip in Macau - you need to set service level expectations very low. Don't set your expectation too high and you will not be disappointed.

In the afternoon, I visit Macau Tower. One of the must see icon of Macau. The express lift takes you to the 58th floor (view gallary) and then to the 61st floor. On the 61st floor it is open air viewing gallary and is also the location for bungee jumping and aerial walking for the brave hearted.

After meetings...off to Macau

Hong Kong - After all the meetings, I decided to take a nice stroll along the Harbour front located next to the Renaissance Kowloon Hotel. It is also called "Avenue of Stars" having the hand prints of HongKong famous movie stars similiar to Hollywood movie stars. The weather is very nice around 17 degrees and many times it reminds us of Perth.

At the end of the Avenue of Stars, there is the HK Space Museum and fortunately it is free entry on every Wednesday.

Macau - At around 8pm, took the jet foil (New World First Ferry) from Kowloon Harbour to Macau jetty. It took about 1hr and it was a smooth ride. There was meant to be a free shuttle bus to pick us up but did not know that it end at 9.15pm - we were 30 minutes late.

Macau like Hong Kong is part of China.  Macau, the former Portuguese colony is a  Special Administrative Region and has an area of 28.6 sq. km (about half the size of Singapore) - comprising of the Macau Peninsula (with 9.3 sq. km and connected to Mainland China), the islands of Taipa (6.5 sq. km) and Coloane (7.6 sq. km) and the reclaimed area Cotai (5.2 sq. km).    Macau official currency, the pataca is pegged to the Hong Kong  dollar which is also accepted as currency.   Chinese and Portuguese are the two official languages and most signs are displayed both languages.   Cantonese is the predominant Chinese dialect.

I took a taxi to MetroPark Hotel - you have to speak Mandarin or Cantonese in Macau otherwise you will have difficulty nagivating yourself around. This is a 3-star hotel and the room that was given to me was a smoking room - it was really bad - I could not breathe. This will be my hotel for the next 2 nights. The hotel staff had to spray air-refreshner and increased the speed of the air-con to rid the room of smoke. The manger told me there are so many smoking floors because many people from mainland China and Hongkonger come to Macau to smoke freely. There are no restrictions on where you can smoke in Macau - basically it is a smokers paradise.

There are no internet access in my room but all guest are given free 15 minutes to use the ground floor to access their email or internet daily - this was very troublesome.