Most people come to Macau to gamble, particularly those from China and Hong Kong. However, as the number of international resorts and casinos grow, so does the demand for other activities and global appeal.
No visit to Macau would be complete without some gambling. There are no less than 33 casinos in Macau, with 23 located on the Macau Peninsula and 10 on Taipa Island. The largest is the Venetian, but all offer standard games such as baccarat, slots, roulette, poker, keno, and blackjack. They also offer Chinese games such as Sic bo and Fan Tan to cater to the locals.
Another form of gambling that is popular in Macau is horse and greyhound racing. The Macau Jockey Club is located on Taipa Island and dates back to 1980. The biggest thoroughbred events are the Macau Derby (April), the Macau Gold Cup (May) and the Star of the Sand Stakes (June). The greyhound track is the Canidrome, located on the northern part of the Macau Peninsula. Races take place on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and weekends.
Thrill-seekers will be surprised to know they can bungee jump off of Macau Tower, which is the second highest jump site on the planet. Operated by A.J. Hackett, the premier bungee company in the world, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into because it's not an activity for the faint-hearted. If that is too much, then consider the Skywalk (a stroll around the edge of the Macau Tower), Skyjump (like a zipline) or Mastclimb (climbing the Macau Tower).
Macau is located on the coast and swimming is one of the premier outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here. There are two popular beaches on the southern part of Coloane Island, Hac Sa and Cheoc Van. Hac Sa, literally means "black sand," but the beach is more gray in color. If white sand is your preference, then head to Checo Van. The beaches are popular among locals and are not particularly aimed at tourists, so amenities can be somewhat limited.
One fun activity for those over 16 is go-karting. The Macau Motor Sports Club on Coloane offers tracks and hosts motorcycle races. Just under a mile in length, the go-karts can reach speeds of about 40 mph. There are both one- and two-seater cars and visitors can enjoy eating at the race-themed restaurant.
Macau is home to two golf courses and if you're looking to play a round. The Macau Golf and Country Club is home to an 18-hole course on the southern end of Coloane Island. The other is the Orient Golf Macau, also an 18-hole in Cotai, located next to the Westin. Every year, the Macau Open is held at the Macau Golf and Country Club and packages to this premier event are available through Macau.dom.
Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing at the Garden of the Lake Climbing Wall. Located in Taipa, the 50-foot wall offers a range of challenges from easy to advanced. It was modeled after the design used at the World Climbing Championship in France in 1996 and regularly hosts speed and lead competitions. Trips and tours are available through RockClimbingHolidays.com.