Welcome to my first post on my Travel Blog about Macau.
I first thought of visiting Macau when I saw one episode of “Boys Over Flowers” where the setting was the Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau. There was the canal with gondolas similar to the popular Venetian canals and gondolas. When I searched for the hotel, I learned that it is one of the many casino hotels and the many interesting places to visit in Macau. From then on, I became interested in visiting Macau with my parents. I thought that an experience of Venice and Las Vegas would be a great gift to them and to myself in a cheaper and more possible way. Of course, we are not interested in gambling in the casinos but in just posing for pictures with “Venice” and “Las Vegas” in the background.
I attempted to book last year, 2010, when Cebu Pacific Air in Philippines offered promotional air fares with PHP 1,600 one-way ticket for Macau. However, I met with difficulty in booking and paying as I wanted my friends to join me and my parents. With the difficulties, I was not able to book successfully but kept in mind that I should book the next time there would be opportunity.
Alas, the opportunity came and I was able to get it. In the beginning of March, 2011, as Cebu Pacific Air offered promotional fares again for different destinations, I did not think twice in booking flights to Macau for me and my parents. I got the tickets for PHP 1,399 each (one way). Then, I also booked 3 nights and 3 days stay in Metropark Hotel in Macau Peninsula through online booking with Agoda.com. I did not get the Cebu Pacific Fun Tours, which range from P12,000+ to PHP 17,000+ per person for flight and hotel accommodation since my credit limit on my credit card was really limited. Getting the package tour for three people would mean paying a big amount altogether through my credit card. Moreover, although other packages with tour guides and coaches might be convenient for my parents, I wanted to have freedom in movement and in choosing our itinerary for the trip. With three months still to go, I still can prepare for planning our itinerary and the other expenses--the travel taxes, terminal fees, and pocket money.
In total, here’s the breakdown of expenses for our Macau trip for three people.
Air tickets and miscellaneous (Mla-Macau-Mla)
PHP 9,700 or USD 222
Hotel Accommodation (3 nights, Metropark Hotel)
PHP 13,500 or USD 310
Travel Tax PHP 1,620 x 3 = PHP 4,860 or USD 112
Terminal Fee(Manila International Airport)
PHP 750 x 3 = PHP 2,250 or USD 52
Terminal Fee(Macau International Airport)
PHP 500 x 3 PHP 1,500 or USD 34
Pocket money (estimated for food and inland transportation)
PHP 15,000 USD 345
Total: PHP 46,810 or USD 1,075 (3 people)
Note: conversion was made with USD 1.00 = PHP 44.00 (approximation only)
Fair enough with just about PHP 15,600 or USD 358 per person in total.
Now that the travel budget is finished, the next thing to do is surf the net for itinerary and other details in order to maximize our trip to Macau. Now, may I invite you to prepare for traveling with me to Macau, at least, online. As the saying goes,"Opportunity comes to those who are ready for it."
I first thought of visiting Macau when I saw one episode of “Boys Over Flowers” where the setting was the Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau. There was the canal with gondolas similar to the popular Venetian canals and gondolas. When I searched for the hotel, I learned that it is one of the many casino hotels and the many interesting places to visit in Macau. From then on, I became interested in visiting Macau with my parents. I thought that an experience of Venice and Las Vegas would be a great gift to them and to myself in a cheaper and more possible way. Of course, we are not interested in gambling in the casinos but in just posing for pictures with “Venice” and “Las Vegas” in the background.
I attempted to book last year, 2010, when Cebu Pacific Air in Philippines offered promotional air fares with PHP 1,600 one-way ticket for Macau. However, I met with difficulty in booking and paying as I wanted my friends to join me and my parents. With the difficulties, I was not able to book successfully but kept in mind that I should book the next time there would be opportunity.
Alas, the opportunity came and I was able to get it. In the beginning of March, 2011, as Cebu Pacific Air offered promotional fares again for different destinations, I did not think twice in booking flights to Macau for me and my parents. I got the tickets for PHP 1,399 each (one way). Then, I also booked 3 nights and 3 days stay in Metropark Hotel in Macau Peninsula through online booking with Agoda.com. I did not get the Cebu Pacific Fun Tours, which range from P12,000+ to PHP 17,000+ per person for flight and hotel accommodation since my credit limit on my credit card was really limited. Getting the package tour for three people would mean paying a big amount altogether through my credit card. Moreover, although other packages with tour guides and coaches might be convenient for my parents, I wanted to have freedom in movement and in choosing our itinerary for the trip. With three months still to go, I still can prepare for planning our itinerary and the other expenses--the travel taxes, terminal fees, and pocket money.
In total, here’s the breakdown of expenses for our Macau trip for three people.
Air tickets and miscellaneous (Mla-Macau-Mla)
PHP 9,700 or USD 222
Hotel Accommodation (3 nights, Metropark Hotel)
PHP 13,500 or USD 310
Travel Tax PHP 1,620 x 3 = PHP 4,860 or USD 112
Terminal Fee(Manila International Airport)
PHP 750 x 3 = PHP 2,250 or USD 52
Terminal Fee(Macau International Airport)
PHP 500 x 3 PHP 1,500 or USD 34
Pocket money (estimated for food and inland transportation)
PHP 15,000 USD 345
Total: PHP 46,810 or USD 1,075 (3 people)
Note: conversion was made with USD 1.00 = PHP 44.00 (approximation only)
Fair enough with just about PHP 15,600 or USD 358 per person in total.
Now that the travel budget is finished, the next thing to do is surf the net for itinerary and other details in order to maximize our trip to Macau. Now, may I invite you to prepare for traveling with me to Macau, at least, online. As the saying goes,"Opportunity comes to those who are ready for it."
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