Step into Macao in KL

IF YOU never had the chance to discover Macao, you can do so at the Experience Macao Malaysia Mega Tourism Promotion Event in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, which ends on April 16.
Organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office in Malaysia (MGTO), the event showcases the culture and rich diversity of Asia’s ‘Biggest Little City’.
At the event launch on April 12, MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said that Macao is positioning ­itself as “the world’s centre of ­tourism and leisure”.
“From exciting festivals, to world-class entertainment, rich history and culture, mouth-­watering cuisine, and [exciting] activities, the Experience Macao Malaysia Mega ­Tourism Promotion Event will give ­Malaysians a chance to see the enduring allure and fascination of Macao right here in Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
Explaining this event’s theme, ‘Experience Macao Your Own Style’, de Senna Fernandes said: “I guess before this a lot of our promotions [were] ... ­probably a bit more traditional and ­conventional, [so] this time we want to make it more ­interactive [for] people [to] really touch, feel and eat something from Macao.”
Also present at the event was Malaysia Tourism and Culture Ministry deputy ­secretary general Nor Hayati Awang.
Visitors to the event are greeted by numerous ­attractions and diverse ­offerings to be found in Macao via a variety of experiential categories located around the mall, leading from the main entrance right up to the centre court.
The attractions are ­highlighted through ­displays and decorations, ­interactive ­technology, activities and ­performances.
For example, visitors can take part in a ­super fun high-tech VR (virtual ­reality) ­activity.
Donning a VR headset will give them the experience of being at the ­observation deck of Macao Tower with a sweeping 360° view of the city. They can even ­virtually bungy jump off the tower.
Other more ­relaxing virtual tours include iconic tourist attractions such as the Ruins of St Paul, A-Ma Temple, Senado Square, and more.
Other attractions to be found at the mall’s centre court include:
►Experience Colours
This stunning interactive light ­installation will transport visitors to the vivid atmosphere of the Macao Light Festival.
►Experience Events
Take part in teaser activities and ­simulations for events such as the Macao ­International Marathon, and the 64th Macao Grand Prix.
►Experience Food
Try some of Macao’s famous pastries, ­including delectable Portuguese egg tarts and almond cookies.
►Experience Culture
Admire the Historic Centre of Macao, comprising over 25 ancient ­monuments and urban squares ­interwoven in the heart of the city, all showcased through sliding interactive screens and a photo wall.
Experience Travel
Take advantage of the many special packages offered by Airlink Travel & Tour, Prestige Vacation Network, MJT World Vacations and AirAsia.
►Experience Surprises
Don’t miss the opportunity to walk home with freebies, participate in contests and more.
De Senna Fernandes said that MGTO also wants to highlight ­provinces beyond Macao by promoting ­tourism in the nearby regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi and Fujian.
“These multi-­destination ­itineraries will give ­visitors from Malaysia ample ­opportunities to come back again to our region,” she said.
“Last year, we had 222,000 Malaysian visitors to Macao … and are expecting a 2% to 3% increase in arrivals this year.”
MGTO’s Malaysian ­representative Datuk Seri Tunku Iskandar Tunku Abdullah added that several initiatives are also on the way to attract more Malaysians to Macao, particularly among Muslim travellers.
“Now we have seven halal restaurants in Macao, which are accredited by the Islamic council of Hong Kong,” he said.
For more information, visit the Macao Government Tourism Office website and Facebook page.