Visit the UNESCO sites in Macau

The Historic Centre of Macau is a collection of over twenty locations that witness the unique assimilation and co-existence of Chinese and Portuguese cultures in Macau, a former Portuguese colony. It represents the architectural legacies of the city's cultural heritage, including monuments such as urban squares, streetscapes, churches, and temples.

Ruins of St. Paul’s

Arguably Macau’s most famous landmark, the Ruins of St. Paul’s continue to captivate visitors centuries after it was originally constructed. Built from 1602 to 1640 by Jesuit priests who traveled to the Far East to spread Catholicism, the site originally included St. Paul’s College and the Church of St. Paul.

Located at the top of a hill, the structure was the largest church in Asia at the time, and was acclaimed as ‘The Vatican of the Far East’. Its existence was meant to express the triumph of the Roman Catholic Church through the ornate grandeur of the buildings. The original structure was made of wood, which burned down in a fire during a typhoon in 1835, leaving only the beautiful granite façade and a grand staircase of 68 stone steps leading up to it.

A-Ma Temple

Built in 1488, A-Ma Temple is the oldest and most famous Chinese temple in Macau. It’s dedicated to the goddess Mazu, protector of seafarers and fishermen, and is believed to be the temple from where Macau’s name is derived.

The site consists of the Gate Pavilion, the Memorial Arch, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Benevolence, the Hall of Guanyin, and Zhengjiao Chanlin (a Buddhist pavilion). The temple is inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and multiple folk beliefs. The goddess A-Ma is still very popular among local residents. On her birthday – the 23rd day of the third moon of the Chinese lunar calendar – the square in front of the temple is packed with all sorts of street performances.

Leal Senado Building

Located in the heart of Macau’s colorful Senado Square, the Leal Senado Building was originally built in 1784. This was Macau’s first municipal chamber and is still home to Macau’s municipal council. The building is neo-classical in design and has retained all of its original master walls and primary layout, including the courtyard garden in the back.

Today the building houses a gallery holding regular exhibitions on the ground floor, a public library storing old foreign books between the 17th century and mid-20th century, and an auditorium with a chapel. At the back of the building, there is a relatively quiet Portuguese-style courtyard with a flower nursery in the shape of a celestial globe and a bust of the Portuguese poet Camoes.

Holy House of Mercy

Founded in 1569, the Holy House of Mercy is famous for its beautiful arcaded façade and was modeled on one of Portugal’s oldest charitable organizations. Part of their work was to help the families of sailors who drowned.

A neo-classical building that’s painted a refined white on the outside, it is closely bound up with the origins of Macau. It is also home to The Holy House of Mercy Museum. Opened in 2001, the museum comprises a collection of Macau’s Catholic relics, which bear testimony to the history of Western culture that was introduced to China through Macau.

See more: Visit Macau to admire incredible artworks

Source: Internet

5 most beautiful islands around Okinawa

Okinawa is home to 150 different islands, some of which have the most beguiling beaches with cerulean blue waters and pristine white sands! Some of the best islands around Okinawa with the best attractions are highlighted here to help you plan your island hopping itinerary, or if you are simply taking a day trip to a peaceful, seaside getaway!

Zamami

Zamami Island is located approx 40 km away from the main island and belongs to the Kerama Islands Group. Zamami island is the second largest island of the group after Tokashiki Island, both known for their top-rated beaches. The island is a popular side trip destination from Naha city, as it can be accessed by speed boat within 1 hour.

Kume Jima

If you want pristine, untouched, white sand beaches, sail straight for Kume Jima! Explore gorgeous beaches and the Okinawan culture on Kume Jima. The entire island could probably be covered in a day, as the distance from one end of the island to the other is less than 10 km (6.2 miles)!

Hatenohama beach is the main beach on the island, and a popular snorkelling and diving hotspot. Unlike the typical beaches, Hatenohama beach is a 7 km (4.3 miles) long sandbar in the middle of the sea! Do note that the beach is only accessible via a tour, which you can easily find all around Kume Jima.

Taketomi

Taketomi Island is one of Yaeyama islands group and located 4km away from Ishigaki Island. As well as their beautiful beaches, the island is best known for its charming site of preserved, traditional Ryukyu village. As the island pretty small, visitors can get around on foot along the traditional village and beautiful nature.

Ishigaki

Ishigaki is the main island of Okinawa’s Yaeyama island group, and the gateway to many of the smaller, less accessible isles. Ishigaki city is lively enough that you will not feel cut off from civilization, yet the beaches that line the island’s coast are among the best in the country. One of the most beautiful spots is Kabira Bay, an oasis of ocean where black pearls are cultivated. A glass-bottomed boat ride is the best way to enjoy it.

For those who prefer a more active vacation, the mountainous area in the center of the island offers some great hiking trails. One of the best is a steep forest route up Mount Omoto, which at 1,722 feet is the highest mountain in Okinawa.

Hatoma Jima

With only 50 inhabitants on the island, Hatoma Jima is a small, peaceful sanctuary where everything is within walking distance! Though less than a kilometer (0.6 mile) wide, Hatoma Jima has much to offer!

You can go snorkelling and admire the wildlife at the huge coral reefs, lounge under the shady palm trees, check out the gargantuan Banyan trees in the north and discover a rustic lighthouse! Do note that the island is very dark at night, so do bring along a flashlight if you are catching the sunset by the beach!

Read more: Top 5 popular Christmas dishes in Japan

Source Internet

7 diving spots for adventure lovers in Indonesia

Diving is almost a must-try activity for every traveller when visiting Indonesia. This archipelago country surely does not lack islands for a diving experience, and these are the best ones to check out.

Raja Ampat

Synonymous with the diving scene in Indonesia, Raja Ampat is an archipelago of 1,500 small islands and it boasts about 1200 fish species. Raja Ampat is found within The Coral Triangle – the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity – which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and East Timor. It is also probably the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be diving in Raja Ampat during the right season, you might even spot some whale sharks.

Togian Island

Located North of Sulawesi, Togian Island is a group of islands that is mostly untouched. You must make it point to dive at the apparently best dive site in the area, B24 Bomber Wreck, located 16 kilometres northeast of Kaidiriri Island. With the high visibility underwater, it’ll be a breeze for you to take in the beautifully coloured coral reefs and black-tail barracudas! Also, check out Una Una, which is a volcanic island that has lava ash sand.

Bali Island

Diving in Bali is something that should be on all of our bucket lists, especially since it is one of the most accessible destinations in Indonesia. Because of the very light or total lack of currents, beginner divers can go to Amed, Padang Bay, and Pulau Menjangan.

Lombok Island

Lombok Island, neighbour to Bali Island, has somehow managed to keep its spectacular dive sites that feature untouched coral reefs and pinnacles very low key. The Gili Islands, located northwest of Lombok, is one of the most popular diving site nearby. While diving around Lombok, keep your eyes out for those hammerhead sharks amongst other spectacular marine life species.

Weh Island

The best time to go diving at Weh Island is during the country’s dry season, from April to November. The Indonesian government has made efforts to preserve a part of this island and its wildlife by declaring two areas as marine parks. Beginners can look to dive at sites like Limbo Gapang, Batee Meuroron, Lhong Angen and Pantee Gua!

See more: Top amusement and theme parks to visit in Jakarta, Indonesia

Source: Internet