I’d already planned on going to Cotai Strip, Macau that one rainy day but since most of my day was spent at Senado Square and The Ruins, I decided to check out Cotai Strip at night. I’ve read that it’s a wonderful kaleidoscope of entertainment and luxurious indulgence – both of which I had no plans to partake in that time, but I was already in Macau so might as well see what’s up.
I also had no interest in gambling and didn’t plan on even going inside the casinos (I never did). I had no detailed itinerary and was not really expecting anything. I figured I just wanted to walk around and enjoy the vibrant night lights by myself. If you haven’t read my previous post, I went on a solo trip to Macau from Hongkong.
Macau’s Cotai Strip is a vibrant stretch meticulously built upon reclaimed land and seamlessly connects the islands of Coloane and Taipa. Often dubbed the “Las Vegas of Asia,” Cotai Strip offers an unforgettable experience that caters to a variety of interests.
I took the bus from a bus stop near Senado Square to Cotai. Using my trusty Google Maps, I arrived just fine. My target location was Parisian Macao so that I could see the Eiffel Tower. It was drizzling and chilly outside but it did not stop me from wandering. The streets were actually a little empty when I arrived except for some 2-3 tourists I saw outside the hotels.
The silence felt a bit eerie at first but because I was so amazed by the night lights, I felt calm and at peace after a few minutes. I think I took a bazillion photos of the Eiffel Tower. 😅 Don’t blame me. I found it really beautiful. The lights were enchanting and full of life and color. I was supposed to go up the tower but I wasn’t able to book tickets in time for the last trip that’s why I just took the time to admire it from below.
I saw two Chinese tourists taking photos under the rain with the Eiffel Tower backdrop and I wanted to do the same. I requested one of the ladies to take a photo of me and she happily obliged despite the rain. It’s heartwarming when strangers take beautiful photos of you. I was grateful for that encounter because the lady really took time to take good photos and even said she wanted to capture the beautiful lights of the tower.
After my photo sesh, I decided I’ve had enough photos so I walked around the area to take some more. Haha. Outside, I could already hear the lively music coming from The Londoner getting louder and I wondered how loud it must have been inside. Despite my curiosity, I never bothered to go inside the hotels and casinos at all. I was just outside admiring the lights and the idea of being there.
Funny enough – at some point, my tears started falling uncontrollably and I was like “Am I crying?” Haha. Yes I was indeed crying. I didn’t know why. Maybe I was just so tired of all the walking under the rain or I cried because I was alone and lonely or just lonely – I wasn’t sure. It wasn’t a bad thing or a bad cry I think. It was more of a ‘whew can’t believe I’m here alone’ kind of cry. More tourists came walking down the street so I stopped crying and kept walking.
I was so thrilled to be there though ! Little did I know that it was only the start of my solo adventure.
I decided to go home after a few minutes. I was supposed to take the bus from the bus stop across the street. There was also a bus stop where I was standing and when I saw a bus with the same bus number that’s supposed to take me back to my hotel, I immediately took that bus instead.
WRONG. I got carried away. I should have crossed the street to the other bus stop. I didn’t realize that the bus I took would still have to finish the entire route before heading back to the hotel.
I only realized it when there were only two of us passengers left in the bus. The other one was an elderly woman who was a local. After what felt like forever, the bus driver stopped at an empty station and stood up to walk out of the bus. I was confused and asked him what’s happening but he didn’t speak English. He just looked at me like I was a weird girl and didn’t speak to me at all.
He walked somewhere to a building across the street and disappeared – leaving me and the other passenger alone at the stop. I felt SO LOST IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE and maybe a bit nervous and scared. To be fair though, this middle-of-nowhere was not in an abandoned warehouse or a dirt road. That would have launched a full-on panic attack on my system.
I tried to think of a way out. It was already late at night and there’s no one to ask around. Beyond the bus stop, I could only see darkness. There seemed to be no other modes of transportation that time so I didn’t want to leave because I might just get into more trouble. “Wait, am I really in trouble?” I thought. I just trusted the fact that it’s the same bus number I took earlier and if I’d just take that bus again, it would bring me back to the hotel no matter what happened.
The only consolation was that the other passenger with me was equally confused or at least she looked like she was. I asked her what’s happening and even showed her my Google Translate but she didn’t seem to get the question. She just smiled at me politely and nodded. I took it as a sign that we should just wait.
In my mind, I had so many questions! “How am I supposed to go home? Maybe this old lady will be kind enough to bring me to her house and not murder me or something – then I’d just go home in the morning after I spent the night at her house.”
Maybe the driver would come back.. or not? Or maybe he’s already done for the night? My throat was a bit dry with nervousness. Spending the night at the bus stop was not part of my plan at all. All of a sudden, the happiness I felt earlier in the night when I saw the Eiffel Tower came crashing down on me. Dramatic I know. Surely, there’d be another bus coming to pick us up in case that driver already went home to sleep right??
I TOOK A DEEP BREATH and told myself to stay calm and not overthink. “You’ll be fine,” I said.
We waited patiently. I wasn’t sure what we were waiting for but I just waited. After again what felt like eternity, we saw the bus driver coming back! WUHOOO. In earth hours, it was probably 20 or 30 minutes. I didn’t check anymore but it truly felt like forever.
I WAS SO RELIEVED. I went up the bus and was finally able to breathe properly. We drove down empty streets. I was checking Google Maps in real time, and at one point, we were at Coloane! Damn it was the joyride of a lifetime. I saw more passengers at the next bus stop and felt relieved.
Thankfully, I made it back to the hotel safe and sound and I live to tell this tale of the day I felt lost in Macau. 😎
And that my friends is my story.
More About Cotai Strip
The crown jewel of Cotai Strip is undoubtedly its collection of colossal casino resorts. Each meticulously themed property transports you to another world. Take a gondola ride through the enchanting canals of The Venetian Macao, complete with classical music and gondoliers in striped attire.
Eiffel Tower enthusiasts will find Parisian charm at The Parisian Macao, complete with a scaled-down Eiffel Tower and charming Parisian streetscapes.
Luxury knows no bounds here. You can also explore the grandeur of The Londoner Macao. On the other hand, Galaxy Macau offers a thrilling blend of world-class entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a sprawling casino floor.
PS: I’ve seen both ‘Macau’ and ‘Macao’ being used everywhere so I’m using them interchangeably. I suppose they’re both correct.
Beyond the Casino Floor
While the casinos are a major draw, Cotai Strip offers a wealth of experiences beyond gambling. Indulge in retail therapy at high-end designer boutiques or discover unique finds at the sprawling shopping malls that snake through each resort. Foodies will find their paradise with a dazzling array of restaurants, from Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine to casual international fare.
Unleash your inner child at the exciting theme parks and entertainment centers. Catch a world-class performance or a captivating live show. Adrenaline junkies can also brave the skydiving simulator at the Lisboeta or soar through the air on Asia’s longest zip line.
Planning Your Cotai Strip Adventure
Macau is easily accessible from Hong Kong via ferry or bus. The Macau Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system provides convenient and affordable transportation within Cotai Strip too. In my case, I just took the bus everywhere. Taxis were scarce and often hard to book.
Accommodations range from luxurious suites to budget-friendly options. With careful planning, you can find a stay that perfectly matches your style and budget. Since Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, be sure to check visa and entry requirements before your trip.
Whether you’re a seasoned gambler, a thrill-seeker, a die-hard foodie, or simply looking for a solo escape like me, Cotai Strip has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the dazzling world of Macau’s Cotai Strip.
As for me, I shall be back and explore more of Cotai, Coloane, and Taipa soon.
