A-Ma Temple, Macau 媽閣廟, 澳门
A Ma Temple is one of the oldest temples in Macau, if not the oldest. It is dedicated to the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu, worshipped in both Hong Kong and Macau and also other coastal locations in China and South East Asia.
History
The temple dates from around 1488 during the Ming dynasty.
Long before Macau developed into a large settlement, the temple already stood where the coastline met the hills.
The temple deity, Mazu, is the Chinese sea-goddess worshipped as a protector of fisherfolk and seafarers.
The temple has several pavilions in its grounds: the Hall of Benevolence, the Gate Pavilion, the Hall of Guanyin, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion) and is a fusion of Taoist and Buddhist faith.
All in the Name
According to local legend, when early Portuguese sailors arrived, they asked the locals for the name of the place; hearing "A-Ma Gau" (meaning "Bay of A-Ma"), they misunderstood and eventually called the area Macau.
This story links the temple directly to the city's name and identity. In 2005, the site was inscribed as part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its cultural importance and well-preserved traditional architecture.
Access & Information
The temple is located near Barra Square close to the Maritime Museum.
From Senado Square to the temple is about 20 minutes on foot to the south. If coming by bus the following numbers are convenient: 1, 2, 5, 6B, 7, 9, 10, 10A, 11, 18, 21A, 26, 28B, MT4.
Other must-see attractions in Macau include the Ruinas de Sao Paulo, Macau Museum, Dom Pedro V Theatre, St Lawrence's Church and St Joseph Seminary Church.
Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. Free admission.
Macau Essentials
- For cheap flights to Macau check elong.com. A lot of budget airlines (Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Asia, AirAsia, Tiger Airways etc.) fly to Macau.
Macau International Airport has flights to a number of international destinations worldwide including Bangkok, Manila, Seoul and Taiwan and to many other Chinese cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shantou, Xianmen and Xian. - Trains - for non-fliers the best option is to take a train to Hong Kong from Beijing West Railway Station and then a ferry to Macau.
Tip: A cheap / fast way to get from Beijing to Macau is to fly from Beijing to Shenzhen and then take a coach to Hong Kong. The flight from Beijing to Shenzhen is considered domestic and therefore much cheaper compared with flying to Hong Kong direct. - Buses and taxis are the major modes of public transport in Macau. Pedicabs are also available for sightseeing. Macau drives on the right, like the rest of China, except Hong Kong.
- Visas: most passport holders of Western countries receive a free 30 or 90-day visa on arrival. To re-enter China requires a multiple entry Chinese visa, or a valid single/double entry visa.
Accommodation in Macau
Grand Lapa Hotel
For those looking for a comfortable and family friendly hotel, then a hidden gem is the Grand Lapa Hotel which is located directly next to Fisherman's Wharf and the Sands Hotel.
The hotel has undergone a transformation and has elegant interiors as well as some newly renovated hotel rooms. The hotel also has a modern spa, gym facilities and a swimming pool which has a water slide as as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi.
The Grand Lapa Hotel also offers a whole host of organised activities for children so parents can have a break. In terms of dining, visitors can try the Cafe Bela Vista, Naam Thai restaurant and Kam Lai Heen Chinese restaurant. The hotel's breakfast buffet is also very famous and worth sampling.
Address: Grand Lapa, 956 - 1110 Avenida Da Amizade, Macau
Wynn Palace Hotel
For those looking for more glitz and glamour in terms of accommodation then they can book accommodation at one of the most over the top hotels in Macau, namely the Wynn Palace. An incredible and vast structure, not only does the interior mimic the exterior in term of glamour and opulence, the hotel boasts an incredible water show and its own cable car system.
The hotel has a famed buffet and also boasts some international acclaimed restaurants such as Sichuan Moon, SW Steakhouse and Japanese specialities at Mizumi. If visitors love shopping then the Wynn Esplanade is a shopping mecca spread over 106,000 square metres.
Address: Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau
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