Visit Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong in a single trip? Seems tiring, but it is actually possible.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province and the Macao Government Tourism Office have joined forces to encourage more Malaysian travellers to explore the region – known as the Greater Bay Area – through “multi-destination” holidays.
Consisting of nine cities in Guangdong, along with Hong Kong and Macao, the Greater Bay Area is home to a mix of cultures, attractions and cuisines in one connected region.
Accessible transport links, such as high-speed rail and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, make it convenient to travel from one place to another in the region, with some areas being less than an hour apart.
To get to Macao or Zhuhai from Hong Kong, travellers can board the “Golden Bus” shuttle from the Hong Kong Port located near the airport.
HKTB executive director Anthony Lau said in a press conference in Kuala Lumpur recently that the region is well suited to travellers who want a trip that is easy to plan and has a variety of activities to experience. Hong Kong can also serve as a gateway to other destinations in the bay area.
“By working closely with our partners in Guangdong and Macao, as well as the Malaysian travel trade, we hope to inspire more travellers to discover how one journey can offer many different travel experiences,” said Lau.
Each of the three destinations has its own appeal. Hong Kong is known for its famous city skyline and diverse neighbourhoods. It also has an expanding range of Muslim-friendly facilities, including halal-certified and Muslim-owned restaurants.
Guangdong, meanwhile, has a blend of modern cities, history and food, from Shenzhen’s technology-driven cityscape to Guangzhou’s heritage and Cantonese cuisine.
As for Macao, the city is shaped by Chinese and European influences, with attractions such as its Unesco-listed Historic Centre. It was also recognised as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017.
To make multi-destination vacations easier for Malaysian travellers, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has also teamed up with AirAsia and several local travel agents to offer packages and promotions covering the Greater Bay Area.
Travellers can check them out during the second annual Matta Fair, happening from Sept 4-6.
