Muslim-friendly Macao tours

THE Macao Government Tourism Office (MTGO), in partnership with Mitra Tours & Travel, recently revealed five tour packages specially curated for Malaysian Muslims.
These Muslim-friendly packages feature tours for different types of travellers ranging from avid golfers to families.
While Macao is popularly known as the Las Vegas of Asia for its many international branded casinos, grand stage shows, and opulent hotels, this former Portuguese territory has since transformed itself into a family-friendly destination in recent years.
Located on the south coast of China, across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, Macao now leverages its rich culture and history in addition to new family-friendly attractions to welcome Muslim tourists.
Mitra Group president Tunku Datuk Seri Iskandar Tunku Abdullah, who is also MGTO representative in Malaysia, said that plans had been in place to establish Macao as a Muslim-friendly travel destination for some time.
He elaborated: “About eight years ago, I sent three experts in halal [cuisine] from Taylor’s College for workshops in Macao with restaurant owners, hotel F&B directors, and tour operators as well as MTGO officials, for them to better understand the requirements of such cuisine for the Islamic market.
“Although I have been representing Macao Tourism for many years now, I feel confident it is time for Mitra to launch its Muslim-friendly packages.”
When asked about Muslim prayer amenities, Tunku Iskandar said that there are already phone apps that inform users the direction of Mecca (for prayers), and also prayer times.
Veron Ng, a representative of MGTO in Malaysia, added that the MGTO has already looked into creating care packages for Muslim visitors which include a prayer mat, a compass, and a guide to find the direction of Mecca for prayers.
She said: “Macao also has the Macao Mosque. It may be small, but it is an active hub of the Muslim community in Macao.”
Ng said currently, Macao touts nine halal eateries. Four of these are certified halal by the Islamic authorities in Hong Kong, two are Indian Muslim restaurants, one is an Indonesian restaurant, and one is a kebab place.
According to her, visitors with families have plenty to see, do and experience in Macao.
There are 30 world heritage sights in the territory which highlight the two predominant cultures in Macao: Chinese and Portuguese.
Macao is also home to iconic natural attractions such as the Macao Giant Panda Pavilion.
Thrill seekers can have a one-of-a-kind experience at the Macao tower where they can bungee jump, participate in a skywalk, or even sky jump.
For those who seek a spectacular show, there is the House of Dancing Water acrobatic and stunt show.
Throughout the year, Macao also celebrates and plays host to a wide range of festivals and celebrations offering different experiences all year round.
“Macao has five entry points through land, sea, and air. Currently, only AirAsia offers a direct flight from Malaysia to Macao,” Ng said.
As for moving around in the territory, she said that visitors can take the shuttle bus, local bus, or taxi, or even walk to get around the island and the peninsula.
“Macao is relatively small. A taxi drive across the island would take approximately 45 minutes. It is also very safe even at night.”
For those looking for Muslim-friendly packages, Mitra Tours & Travel now offers three four-day-three-night packages. They are:
»the Family Fun package,
»the Fun & Shopping package, and
»the Macao & Hong Kong package.
»There are also two three-day-two-night packages:
»the Cultural & Historical package, and
»the Golf in Macao package.
Packages start from RM780 up to RM3,960 per person, and require a minimum of two persons per booking, except for the Golf package which requires four.
These packages do not include flight tickets and are only valid until Dec 10, except for the Golf in Macao package which is valid until Dec 20.