How to Spend 48 Hours in Macau

Neighbour to Hong Kong and mainland China, Macau is a tiny, often overlooked metropolis known as the Las Vegas of the East. The bright-eyed autonomous territory was settled by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century — handed back to China in 1999 — which translates through an interesting combination of cobblestone alleyways, pastel buildings and historic ruins set against wacky architecture and an overwhelming affinity for egg tarts. With a landsize of 30.5 kilometres square and a population of 650,900, it is the most densely populated region in the world, though the good news is that the pavement space is abundant. Here's your guide to spending 48 hours in Macau.

DAY ONE

If you've come to Macau, your first stop should involve Portugese egg tarts. The addictive treats —combining flaky pastry, an egg custard centre and caramelised top — are leftovers from the Portuguese colony. There are several establishments that claim to serve the best egg tarts in Macau, though the most celebrated come from an Englishman who opened Lord Stow's Bakery in 1989. The original Lord Stow's can be found across the river in Coloane Town Square with half a dozen sister outlets shifting the tarts around the city.

At the centre of Macau's old town lies the Ruins of St. Paul's, one of the city's most visited landmarks. Only the facade remains of the 17th century Portuguese structure after it was destroyed by a typhoon in the 1800s. Vast majority of the buildings around the square are European styled and will have you questioning exactly which continent you're on. A short stroll from the ruins you'll find Senado Square, the paved town square of Macau. The square served meeting place for the Chinese and Portuguese from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Next on the menu should be the Macanese version of the hamburger which literally translates to 'pork chop bun'. The straightforward snack is just that: a spiced and deep-fried pork chop in a bun that offers a crispy crust and pillowy inside. Like egg tarts, you'll find this humble street snack dotted across the city. One of the most famous outlets can be found down an alley in Senado Square at Sio Seong Hoi. The tiny hole-in-the-wall establishment specialises in pork chop bun as well as glistening potstickers.

No visit to Macau would be complete without stepping foot near a casino. Postmodern architecture is rife around the region and the Grand Lisboa is one fantastic eye-watering example — the striking building is styled like a bulbous lotus flower. Across the road you'll find Wynn Macau's version of the Bellagio fountain which sets off an electric display of rocketing fountains, music, lighting and fire every evening.

DAY TWO

To see the micro-city in all its glory, as well as across into mainland China, head to Macau Tower. The tallest viewing point of the city is an upsized version of Auckland's own Skytower, standing at 338 metres. It also boasts the world's highest bungy jump with a height of 233 metres and free fall time of around 17 seconds before you land at the plaza of the tower. The A.J Hackett-accredited attraction annually hosts Crazy Jump Day, a collaboration with AirAsia that sees participants dress up and launch themselves from the platform in costumes inspired by the airline's destinations. The latest competition featured 23 participants from across the Asia-Pacific region. Best Jump of the Day went to Ernesto Humberto Trevino Amezcua, a Mexican national who now resides in Japan.

There is no shortage of food in Macau and one prime example trying before you buy is Koi Kei bakery. The franchise is best known for its almond cake, a sawdust-dry cookie that crumbles at first bite. Further popular items include the egg roll, crunchy peanut candy, Portuguese style pineapple pastry and a chewy jerky-style fillet of pork which is cut on demand by staff and sold by the A4 sheet.

A trip across the river will bring you to the quaint Coloane Village, a former pirate haven now known for its pastel-hued European houses, narrow laneways, egg tarts and popular city beaches. The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier is one of the most photographed sights on the island. The bright yellow monument commemorates a victory over pirates in 1910.

GETTING THERE

AirAsia X offers daily flights from Auckland to Macau via Kuala Lumpur starting from NZ$389 one-way.