Taking the TurboJet to Macau

By alantvuong on April 18, 2020

Back in December 2017, when a buddy and me visited Hong Kong, we wanted to explore Macau too. We knew that Macau has a strip of casinos and hotels just like Las Vegas and that it is known for its riches and gambling. This Asian Las Vegas is the hub of luxury and entertainment and will be totally different than what we experienced in Hong Kong.

Macau – Asian Las Vegas

Getting There

We stayed at Mirador Mansions which is a budget hotel located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. Our hotel was only about a 10 minute walk/stroll from both Star Ferry Pier which we used to visit Hong Kong Island and from China Ferry Terminal which is where we need to go to take a TurboJet Ferry to Maccau. After a late lunch, we quickly went to start our adventure.

the main entrance to Mirador Mansion had a few steps, there is a ramp at the back that is open certain hours

China Ferry Terminal

China Ferry Terminal is also located right next to Harbour City which is a large shopping center. This terminal was quite packed and very similar to other airports and bus terminals. There is a lot of shopping, restaurants and other services located in here too. There were two ferry companies to choose from, either TurboJet which takes us to Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal or Cotai Jet which takes us to Taipa Ferry Terminal which is close to Cotai strip.

passport is needed to buy ticket to Macau

We chose TurboJet and only bought a 1 way ticket because we didn’t know what time we wanted a return ticket for. The fare was $171 HK which equals to about $22 USD. A passport is needed to buy a ticket just like we were at an airport. We then waited in an airport style waiting area and then took an elevator down to the dock when it was time to go. Wheelchair guests got to be at the front of the line and a staff member helped me down the long accessible ramp before we were loaded onto the TurboJet.

inside China Ferry Terminal

waiting to get on the TurboJet

TurboJet

The TurboJet was similar to how an airplane is set up with similar style seats and layout. However, unlike sitting in an airplane, I had the option to stay in my wheelchair or get help to transfer to a regular seat. I was just parked in front of an empty seat as to not bother or block anyone else. The 50 minute ferry ride to Macau was quite pleasant with small bumps throughout the water. Sometimes it sounds like we are going fast like a speedboat but it never uncomfortable.

I got to stay in my wheelchair inside the TurboJet

another pic inside the TurboJet

Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal

When we arrived at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal, it wasn’t too busy. Maybe because we went on a Wednesday and not a weekend. We looked for someone to ask about finding an accessible taxi but couldn’t really find anyone that speaks English. We eventually found a map of Macau and then decided to leave the terminal to wander around ourselves. There was construction on the roads right by the exit of the terminal but we managed to leave without too many problems.

Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal

Fisherman’s Wharf

First thing we visited was Fisherman’s Wharf. This whole area is an integrated waterfront, hotels, casinos, restaurants, retail and entertainment complex. This opened just in time for New Year’s Eve 2006. We were really shocked at how quiet it was, but we had fun looking and taking pictures at an outdoor replica of Rome’s Colosseum.

replica of Rome’s Colosseum

Cotai Strip

The Cotai Strip is what is considered like a smaller version of the Las Vegas strip and started opening in 2007. It is not truly a strip line like in Las Vegas, but more of a grid filled with luxury hotels and casinos. Some familiar hotels include The Venetian, The Plaza, Wynn Palace, MGM Cotai and more. It really was fascinating and remarkable how these big hotels look similar to the ones in Las Vegas. The Cotai Strip sidewalks and intersections were quite wheelchair accessible and all the hotels and casinos were too. I been to Las Vegas so many times and it definitely made we want to go back since I love that city.

inside MGM Cotai

Food

Macau is known for their fusion of Southern Chinese and Portuguese cuisines. We decided to eat at some small local restaurant that served Chinese. We ordered a few dishes to share between the two of us and a couple who sat beside our table decided to invite us to join their table. The man decided to buy all of us food and drinks, he kept ordering everything from lobster to fish and more and told us not to worry about the cost. My buddy and I ended staying at the restaurant for a long time eating, drinking and socializing before we left to look around Macau a bit more and before heading back to the ferry terminal.

this guy bought all of us food and drinks including lobster

some of the dishes we had

Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge

The Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge (HZMB) opened October 2018 which was almost a year after we visited, so we didn’t get this as an option to get to Macau. HZMB is the longest sea crossing and the longest open-sea link in the world and is One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Only a limited number of private cars can use this bridge and it requires a lot of paperwork and a special license. Otherwise, buses and special taxis use this bridge that takes 45 minutes to cross. HZMB is 20 times the length of San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge. No pedestrians are allowed on the bridge and cars can not stop in the middle of the bridge for anyone to get out.

World’s longest sea-crossing

Taking the TurboJet to Macau is definitely wheelchair accessible and the staff were as helpful as can be. We enjoyed our time in Macau and wish we had more time to visit other great attractions here. Visiting on a weekday in December wasn’t too busy and the weather was a bit cooler once the sun sets. I plan to revisit during a warmer time and want to spend more time in both Hong Kong and Macau.