Solo Birthday Trip to Macau
Every year, I love celebrating my birthday somewhere far away—alone, in a new place where I can reflect, explore, and create new memories. Traveling solo on my birthday has become a personal tradition that allows me to reconnect with myself while discovering the beauty of the world.
For my birthday in 2025, I decided to visit Macau and Hong Kong on a 5–6 day DIY trip.
Booking My Cheap Flight to Macau
I booked my flight very early—on March 28, 2025, even though my birthday trip was scheduled for November. Yes, eight months in advance. I was simply too excited to secure a good deal.
I managed to book a Cebu Pacific flight for only Php 4,490.18, flying into Macau and exiting through Hong Kong. I’m not entirely sure if it was a seat sale, but the price was definitely much cheaper than regular fares. Booking early is one of the best travel hacks if you want to score affordable international flights from the Philippines. See my flight details below:
Preparing for My DIY Macau Trip
Before every trip, I spend time researching the destination to make sure everything goes smoothly. Preparation is especially important when traveling solo.
Here are a few things I made sure to prepare before flying to Macau:
- Currency exchange – I exchanged some money into Macanese Pataca (MOP) and Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) for easier transactions.
- Accommodation booking – I reserved my hotel one week before my flight.
- Travel essentials – I always bring my tumbler with me to stay hydrated during my travels. Medicine, in case of sickness.
Simple preparations like these make solo travel much more convenient and stress-free.
Where I Stayed in Macau
For my Macau accommodation, I booked through Agoda and stayed at Macau Hotel S from November 16 to 18 (2 nights).
- Room: Standard Room
- Price: Php 8,906.59 for two nights
- Location: Macau Peninsula
I chose this hotel because of its strategic location in the heart of Macau Peninsula, making it accessible to many tourist attractions, restaurants, and transportation options. It’s also reasonably close to the airport, which was perfect for my short stay.
Arrival at Macau International Airport
My flight from Manila to Macau departed on time at around 7:00 PM and landed at Macau International Airport at around 9:30 PM.
One good thing about traveling to Macau is that it shares the same time zone as the Philippines. Since I arrived in the evening, I wanted to go directly to my hotel and get some rest before exploring the city the next day.
Buying a Macau Pass at the Airport
During my research, I learned that one of the most convenient ways to get around Macau is by using a Macau Pass, which can be used to pay for public bus fares and some purchases.
After passing immigration, I immediately looked for a 7-Eleven inside the airport, because that’s where travelers can buy the Macau Pass. At first, I couldn’t find the store, so I asked a few people for directions. Eventually, I spotted it and successfully bought my pass.
Interestingly, I expected to receive a card, but instead they gave me a keychain-style Macau Pass—which I found really cute. The design featured China Games 2025, likely part of the promotional campaign for the upcoming national games. It also comes with a free black wristband.
Here are the details of my purchase:
- Macau Pass: 98 MOP
- Initial Load: 50 MOP
With this, I could conveniently pay for my bus rides around Macau, making transportation easier for my DIY trip.
Taking the Bus from Macau Airport to the City
After buying my Macau Pass, I went outside to the transport terminal to wait for the bus. At this point, I felt a little nervous because there were almost no people waiting at the bus stop, while the taxi lane had long queues of passengers. For a moment, I wondered if I was waiting in the correct place. But since I really wanted to save money on transportation, I decided to trust my research and wait for the bus instead of taking a taxi, which was much more expensive.
Eventually, a bus arrived—Bus MT4. I quickly searched the route on my phone to make sure it passed near my hotel. When I confirmed that it did, I gathered my courage and hopped on. As soon as I entered the bus, I tapped my Macau Pass, and the fare automatically deducted 6 MOP. The trip took around an hour, but I didn’t mind at all. Since it was already nighttime, I spent most of the ride simply staring outside the window, amazed by the city lights and impressive buildings we passed along the way.
At that moment, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. I couldn’t believe that I was once again in another country, exploring the world on my own. Traveling always reminds me how vast and beautiful the world is—and how much more there is to discover.
Finding My Way to the Hotel
I eventually got off at the bus terminal closest to my accommodation. According to Google Maps, my hotel was only about a 3-minute walk away. However, as someone who isn’t very good with directions, that “3-minute walk” turned into a bit of an adventure. Dragging my suitcase behind me, I walked around trying to follow the map. I must have gone up and down the footbridge about four or five times, but somehow, I still couldn’t find the hotel. I even tried asking a few people for directions. Some tried to help and pointed me toward certain streets, but it was still a bit confusing.
At that point, I started laughing at myself. I was already tired from traveling, and the last thing I wanted was to still be wandering around when my birthday arrived at midnight. So finally, I decided to take a taxi. I showed the driver the hotel location on my phone. The funny thing was, after a very short drive—just a quick turn and a few meters ahead—we had already arrived. I couldn’t believe it. The hotel was actually very close to where I had been walking earlier. The taxi fare for that very short ride was 24 MOP.
Checking In at My Hotel
At last, I arrived at my accommodation. I honestly thought I might end up celebrating my birthday somewhere on the street while trying to find the hotel, but thankfully I made it just in time.
At the reception, I presented my booking confirmation and passport. The check-in process was smooth, and the staff handed me the key card to my room. When I entered the room, I was pleasantly surprised. It was clean, spacious, and comfortable, including the bathroom. The room also had a Nespresso machine, which was a nice touch—although I personally don’t drink coffee. After settling in, I arranged my belongings, took a moment to relax, and finally rested after a long day of traveling.
