Take in a water show, Macau style

Take in a water show, Macau style

Enter the city of Macau and you will be greeted with an array of shopping and entertainment options that will leave you pressed for time.

One of its crowning glories is a renowned water show called The House Of Dancing Water.

Held in the City of Dreams integrated resort in Cotai Strip, it is the world's largest and most spectacular water performance, costing a whopping US$250 million (S$312 million) in investments.

Inspired by Chinese culture, the show tells the tale of a fisherman and his unexpected quest to save a princess.

Spectators are treated to diving stunts, as well as motorcycle and aerial acrobatics, while seated in a water theatre which gives them a 270-degree view of the show.

The water stunts are executed from heights as much as 40m, and the theatre's stage can rise up to 1m above water and be submerged up to 7m in seconds.

Ms Susan Ng, in her 40s, said she was bowled over by the water and lighting effects.

"It is definitely one of the highlights of Macau that visitors should not miss," said Ms Ng, whose photo of the performance won the entertainment category of the Experience Macau Photo Contest organised by Singapore Press Holdings' online portal AsiaOne.

"A big show like this really stays in your memory."

Those looking for a different experience can check out the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion.

Visitors can catch sight of Macau's bundles of cuteness, Kai Kai and Xin Xin, via two viewing paths of different elevations aligned along the front of the fan-shaped pavilion.

Intended as a platform to promote public understanding of giant pandas, the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion hosts exhibitions and interest classes on a regular basis.

Other places of entertainment include children's playground Kids' City - which is well-equipped with climbers and slides - and a Michael Jackson gallery.

If shopping is more your cup of tea, then the Red Market and the Three Lamps District, popular for their great bargains, is a worthwhile visit.

The Red Market houses vendors selling a wide range of food, including seafood from China, as well as local fresh fruit.

On the other hand, the Three Lamps District located at Rotunda Carlos Da Maia, and its surrounding streets, has many tiny shops selling jewellery, clothes, shoes, cameras and electronic gadgets.

Not much of a bargain hunter? No problem.

You can go up-market at luxury shops in places like the Grand Canal Shoppes@The Venetian Macau, The Wynn Shopping Arcade and The Grand Lapa Macau.

Mr Michael Toh, 52, a contest winner in the shopping category, said his photo of a busy shopping street was a representation of the vibrancy of the city.

"The crowds, the brands and the bright lights - it's all very Macau," said the engineer.

Entertainment options

The House Of Dancing Water

This breathtaking water show draws inspiration from Chinese culture, particularly the "seven emotions" derived from classical Confucian beliefs.

Where: City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau (Tel: +853-8868-6688)

Show time: 5pm (selected dates) and 8pm

Ticket price: From 480 pataca (S$75)

 

‡‡Macau Giant Panda Pavilion

Home to giant pandas Kai Kai and Xin Xin, the fan-shaped enclosure is intended to serve as a platform to promote understanding of giant pandas.

Where: Avenida de Seac Pai Van, Coloane, Macau (Tel: +853-2833-7676)

Opening hours: 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm (Last entry 4.45pm) Ticket price: 10 pataca for regular entry. Free for children under 12 and seniors 65 years old and above.

Dragon's Treasure

An immersive multimedia show at the City of Dreams, Dragon's Treasure tells the story of the Dragon Pearl and its mysterious powers.

Where: City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau (Tel: +853-8868-6688) Show time: 12pm-8pm (every 30 minutes)

Ticket price: 50 pataca for adults, 25 pataca for children aged three to 12, and 30 pataca for seniors aged 60 and above.

samboh@sph.com.sg


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