Affording a bird’s eye vantage point with some of the most breathtaking views of Macau ever recorded, Guia Hill is no ordinary nature lover’s treat in Hong Kong’s incarnation of Las Vegas. Vaulted above the cityscape with an imposing height among the clouds this verdant hill with rolling lawns and open spaces is a tried and true ‘must-see’ highlight for all visitors touring Macau. The many attractions littering this historic and picturesque locale are as varied as its plant life as made evident by the first point of interest one comes across at the base of the hill. Dubbed the Flora Garden or (Jardin de Flora), the European inspired parkland at the foot of Guia Hill is a treat for the young and old with its own quaint aviary and zoo. Waterfalls also litter the venue which was once a thriving Portuguese mansion dubbed Flora Palace which one passes on your way up Guia Hill.
Once at the summit visitors can enjoys stunning views of greater Macau and the port while taking a trip down memory lane with the colonial remnants still visible atop the mountainscape. The Guia Fortress which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is of course its chief focus along with the 140 year old lighthouse and historic Guia Chapel. Believed to be the first contemporary style lighthouse in the Orient, the Guia Lighthouse is an icon on the Chinese coastline that is open to the public on select days of the year.
Constructed in the period between 1622 and 1638, the fortress is a stunning architectural marvel for the ages as is the sacred chapel where ancient frescoes displaying both western and eastern influences were found as recently as 1998. Those with a flair for underground edifices can explore the underground tunnels which were built to withstand air raids during times of war. Extending in all directions the vast network of tunnels that provided shelter for locals was opened to the public back in 2005 and boasts tunnels of varied length ranging from the longest which is a staggering 456m to the smallest which is a mere 47m in length.
Travellers in search of a luxurious Macau hotel will find no finer alternative to the stylish Galaxy Macau Resort Hotel. Offering guests modern living spaces with top-notch amenities this elegant rest is among the luxury hotels Macau counts among its best accommodation providers.