t r i p
j o u r n a l
184
{ }
DIALING CODE
+853
CURRENCY
MOP1 = PHP5.11/US$0.12
TOUCHDOWN
Upon arriving in Macau,
board the Bus AP1 from the airport to
the Barrier Gate (China border). A taxi
ride into the city only takes 15 minutes
and will cost you around MOP40–50
(
PHP204–256).
SEE &DO
Visit the Ruins of St Paul’s,
which is dedicated to Saint Paul the
Apostle. It is officially listed as part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic
Centre of Macau. Then enjoy a delicious
lunch at Fernando’s and walk off the
calories. Fit in a gondola ride inside The
Venetian Macao Resort too.
SLEEP
Escape the hustle and bustle of the
city and stay at the Westin Resort Macau in
Coloane island. It provides excellent service
and food.
EAT
The Portuguese egg tarts from Lord
Stow’s Bakery are always a treat. You can
bring some home too!
INSIDER TIP
A short distance from the
madness of the casinos is the beautiful
quaint part of Macau.
MUST-TRY
Go skywalking at the Macau
Tower.
DIALING CODE
+852
CURRENCY
HK$1 = PHP5.34/US$0.13
TOUCHDOWN
The Airport Express
takes 24 minutes to Central at HK$100
(
PHP534). If you take a taxi from the
airport, it will cost you at least HK$300
(
PHP1,602), depending on where you
alight.
SEE &DO
Take a boat trip with HK
Dolphin Watch (
com
)
and visit the pink dolphins native to
this area. Traveling with a big group? Rent
an all-in "Junk Trip" to enjoy the sun, food,
cocktails and water sports as the captain
takes you to the nearest beach in the area.
SLEEP
LKF Hotel is aptly located in the
middle of everything, especially to Lan
Kwai Fong which is the city’s party central.
EAT
Try the Mandarin Oriental Café for
breakfast. Then hit Spicy Crab Under the
Bridge Restaurant in Wan Chai for dinner.
MUST-TRY
Take the Peak Tram up to the
top of the hill and enjoy the Hong Kong
skyline from a different perspective.
INSIDER TIP
Always bargain at the
markets. If they don’t give in, walk away.
Tina
Ganguly
Whitwell
associate
director
Ann Louise
Diokno-
Stewart
preschool teacher
CHINA
HONGKONG
CHINA
MACAU
DIALING CODE
+886 (2)
CURRENCY
TW$1 = PHP1.39/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN
Taxis to the city will cost
you TW$1,100 (PHP1,533). Private bus
companies run trips from both terminals;
you’ll pay a more manageable TW$110–
140 (
PHP153–195). To get around, take
the MRT.
SEE &DO
Visit Taipei 101, Ximending
and Freedom Square — they’re all
conveniently located and accessible by
MRT. Take a one-hour bus ride to Yehliu;
the peculiar rock formations make you
feel as if you’ve traveled to an eerie and
faraway planet. Don't miss the Shilin
Night Market and sample the street food.
SLEEP
The Grand Hotel looks like a
gigantic imperial palace built thousands
of years ago. Each room features Western
and Oriental decor.
EAT
Try
jian jiao
(
Taiwanese pot stickers);
it’s delicious, inexpensive and available all
over the city.
INSIDER TIP
If you’re into electronics,
Nova, next to Taipei Main Station, has
good deals on computers.
SHOP
Taiwan T-shirts or phone straps
from Shilin Night Market.
Jojo Huang
Tang
highschool
teacher
TAIWAN
TAIPEI
LESTER LEDESMA
