Relax - Festival lights up Macau

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Seasoned travellers will tell you that if you really want to get to know a country, you need to experience it as a local does. And when better to get that authentic feel than at some of the country's important festivals and other large-scale events? If you're looking to travel just around the region, look to Macau - a short hop, skip and a jump from Singapore.

It's a place with a distinctive blend of East meets West, and you'll find a wide range of Chinese festivals alongside Christian and food festivals, and even a fireworks festival, that will all be a delightful feast for the senses.

Take, for example, the very intriguing Feast of the Drunken Dragon festival.

Celebrated in May and helmed by Macau's fishermen associations, it starts off in the morning at Kuan Tai Temple, with men performing a drunken dance with wooden dragons.

This is to honour a heroic Buddhist monk who, according to legend, drank alcohol to boost his courage to slay an evil dragon and rid a village of plague.

But what's most interesting about this festival is that, as the procession heads towards Inner Harbour, the locals will stop at each shop and pier along the waterfront to guzzle wine - until they are unable to continue. This is one riotous celebration that's certainly worth watching.

Another large-scale event that visitors to Macau definitely won't want to miss is the annual international fireworks competition, which takes place in the September-October period. This year's festival will begin on Sept 8 and end on Oct 1.

It's one of the largest and most prominent fireworks displays in the world, and international teams compete to light up the sky with the best of their countries' fireworks on weekends.

More than 100 teams from China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Britain, France and Germany have taken part in this marvellous light-and-sound display to wow local residents and tourists since the competition started in 1989.

Into its 24th edition this year, the competition will again be held over Nam Van Lake and at the waterfront near Macau Tower.

If you are visiting the island in November, you definitely don't want to miss the fun and buzz of the Macau Grand Prix.

This is one of the best-known international events in Macau, and you will get triple the usual dose of excitement in this three-category race. Experience the vroom not just from single-seater supercars, but also from touring cars and motorbikes.

This race is the only one of its kind in the world, where both the car and motorcycle races are held in the same street circuit.

What's more, the Macau Grand Prix is famously known as one of the most demanding circuits in the world, with its numerous tight corners and uncompromising crash barriers. It's a test of nerves for even the most experienced drivers.

With the loud roar of engines, colourful race flags flapping in the wind and cheers from the crowd, it will definitely be a thrilling experience, especially as the race hits its 60th anniversary next year.

As for those who are foodies, you'll want to make sure that your visit coincides with the Macau Food Festival in November.

A favourite among local residents and tourists, it brings together some of the most delicious Asian, European and local delicacies all under one tent. You'll find not just snacks and main courses, but also delectable desserts.

There are also game booths, live performances and even a beer competition at the annual event held at Sai Van Lake Square. Let your nose be your guide as you explore the more than 100 food booths.

But remember, go on an empty stomach!

Last but certainly not least, do consider joining the Macau International Marathon if you are headed there in December.

Three types of races are held each year: the full 42km marathon, a half marathon, and a shorter mini-marathon of about 6.5km.

You'll be able to take in the sights as you run through the islands of Taipa and Coloane, even as the marathon begins and ends at the Macau Olympic Complex stadium.

Take the chance to test your endurance and shed a few kilograms in preparation for the year-end festivities. You'll need it.

reicow@sph.com.sg

APPS AND GUIDES

A visitor can navigate Macau with ease with the Macau Map app.

It will not only point you in the right direction from your hotel to the hottest tourist attractions and map out bus routes you can take, but it will also provide you with a short introduction to the places of interest.

Download it for free from http://www.macautourism.gov. mo/macaumap/en/index.php The Macau tourism office is launching a free audio guiding device and service later this month (a deposit of MOP200, or S$31, is required).

The device will be available at the Macau Government Tourist Office information counter at Senado Square.

DEALS & MORE

Cathay Pacific Airways is offering return economy airfare to Hong Kong at $498 per person (including taxes), together with a one-way ferry trip from Hong Kong to Macau on CotaiJet's high-speed catamarans.

The offer lasts until next March. Call the travel agencies listed to book your tickets, or to ask about more Macau deals.

1. AD Travel: 6535-1040

2. ASA Holidays: 6303-5318

3. Asia-Euro Holidays: 6338-5566

4. Asia Pacific Travel: 6535-3433

5. Chan Brothers Travel: 6212-9679

6. CTC Travel: 6536-3345

7. Dynasty Travel: 6532-5455

8. Farmosa Holiday Tours: 6534-1133

9. Five Star Tours: 6533-5555

10. Focal Travel: 6536-3033

11. Ik Chin Travel: 6535-4334