There sure are a lot of things to do in Macau. From gambling to…more gambling. But if you’re not too keen on losing your money, there are better ways to spend it. How about eating some great Portuguese food for instance; or exploring the historic centre of Macau (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). And how about visiting the Macau Tower, home to the world’s highest bungee jump and the Macau Skywalk.
About Macau
Under the policy of “one country, two systems”, Macau is one of the Special Administrative Regions (SAR) of China. Hong Kong is the other. Macau was the last Portuguese colony in Asia and even today has a strong Portuguese influence. From food to the old town, Macau is an eclectic mix of Chinese culture and Portuguese heritage. But today, it’s most famously known as the world’s largest gambling hub, surpassing Las Vegas.
Macau is a good day trip to make if you’re visiting Hong Kong. A 45-60 minute ride on a ferry from Hong Kong will get you to Macau in absolute comfort. You can of course decide to stay a couple of nights in Macau, but I somehow feel that a day trip is enough to cover what the city has to over.
So then, you’re in Macau and looking for a fun activity. You’ve decided to get on top of the Macau Tower, and now you’re staring down 233 meters (764 feet) through the glass floor. You’re watching people scream their heads off as they plunge from the world’s highest bungee jump! But then, you also notice a group of people walking, running and swinging on the edge of the tower. Which one do you go for?
We opted for the skywalk, and so I’m going to spend some time writing my Macau Skywalk review.
My Macau Skywalk Review
The Macau Skywalk X is run as a subsidiary activity to the bungee jump run by the same company, AJ Hackett. The skywalk involves walking around the edge of the perimeter at the top of the Macau Tower. The path around the perimeter is less than 2 meters wide with no rails on either side. You are tied to a harness (and a backup harness) that is attached to a set of rails on top of the outer perimeter.
Doing the bungee jump comes with its own bragging rights and as exhilarating and famous as the bungee jump sounds, here is why I think the Skywalk is equally, if not more, fun.
It lasts longer and has better views
Unlike the bungee jump, which literally lasts a few seconds, the Skywalk can last up to 20–25 minutes. What’s more is that it involves walking around the perimeter of the tower, which gives you access to stunning 360-degree views of Macau and China on a clear day. Not the same view when you go for the bungee!
Fun to do as a group
Unlike the bungee jump, the Skywalk can (and should) be done as a group. The walk usually occurs in groups of 5. Once outside, your guide makes you perform stunts. Trust me, you’ll be cheering and laughing at your mates as you notice the terrified look on their faces! It’s a fun and enjoyable group activity.
No waiting
We landed up at the tower without any prior booking or agenda. When we asked if we could do the jump, we were told the waiting was easily 7 hours or more. So, we decided to chuck the idea but still wanted to go up to the top. That’s where we noticed these people strapped on their harnesses who were jumping and swinging on the edge of the tower. We knew instantly that’s what we wanted to do! Luckily, there was no waiting involved. Just pay up, put on the shirt, put away all belongings and come outside.
But if you book online, you could save 13%.
Economical
The bungee jump costs MOP 3,088 and lasts a few seconds. The Skywalk costs MOP 788 (approximately MOP 650 if you book online) and lasts 20 minutes. I’m not saying one is better than the other, but if the price is a factor then consider the Skywalk as your go-to thrill-seeking option. Also, the pictures and t-shirt (that we are seen wearing in the pics) are included in the cost of the Skywalk. To get the full package (pictures and video) for the bungee jump you’ve got to cough up another MOP 700.
Also, your fearless Skywalk guide is your photographer for the adventure. Not only does he push your limits over the edge (literally) but also dangles off at times to take capture some brilliant angles for the photographs.
Macau Skywalk Photos
Skywalk X, Macau Details
Hope you enjoyed reading my Macau Skywalk review. So, the next time you visit Macau I hope you’d consider it as one of your things to do.
Macau Skywalk Price: MOP 788 + MOP 130 for the tower entry (approximately MOP 650 if you book online). There is no guarantee that the tickets will be available for the day you arrive. It’s advisable to book your tickets before you go.
Opening Hours
September to June: 11am – 7:30pm Mon – Thurs / 11am – 10pm Fri – Sun
July and August: 11am – 10pm everyday
Location: Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre
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