Flight to Macau (MFM)

Macau is a compact Special Administrative Region of China on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, where four centuries of Portuguese rule left cobbled squares, pastel churches and a cuisine found nowhere else. Today it pairs that heritage with the glittering entertainment district of Cotai. Booking a flight to Macau from Singapore puts you at Macau International Airport, a short ride from both the old town and the resorts, and it makes an easy add-on to a Hong Kong or Pearl River Delta trip.

About Macau International Airport (MFM)

Location

Macau International Airport sits on reclaimed land along the eastern shore of Taipa island, with its runway built out into the sea. That puts it close to Taipa Village and the Cotai Strip, while the historic Macau Peninsula lies across the bridges to the north. Because the whole territory is small, few airports in the region are as close to the places visitors actually want to see.

Terminals

The airport handles passengers through a single terminal building, so there is no need to work out which terminal your flight uses. Check-in, immigration, baggage claim and the arrivals hall are all under one roof, which keeps connections simple. Allow extra time at busy holiday periods, when queues at immigration can build.

Getting to and from the airport

The Taipa line of the Macau Light Rapid Transit has a station at the airport, linking it with Taipa and Cotai. Public buses run from the arrivals forecourt to the peninsula and Coloane, and metered taxis wait outside. Many of the large resorts also run their own shuttle buses from the airport and the ferry terminals, which is handy if you are staying in Cotai.

Macau has a second travel code on Traveloka, XZM, which you can see on the Macau XZM page. For regular passenger flights from Singapore, MFM is the airport to search for.

Direct and connecting flights to Macau

Nonstop services between Changi and Macau run on this route, although the choice of flights varies through the year. When you search, switch on the Direct filter to see only nonstop options, then compare departure times and baggage allowances side by side. If no nonstop flight suits your dates, a connection through another Asian hub such as Taipei, Bangkok or a mainland Chinese city is the usual alternative.

Some travellers also fly into Hong Kong and cross to Macau by ferry or by coach over the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge. That can widen your choice of times, but it adds a transfer, so weigh the total journey rather than the fare alone.

When to fly to Macau

Macau has a humid subtropical climate. Late autumn and early winter, roughly October to December, bring clear skies, lower humidity and comfortable temperatures, which makes this the most pleasant time for walking the old streets. Summer is hot and sticky with heavy showers, and the typhoon season, which peaks from about June to September, can disrupt flights and ferries, so keep your plans flexible if you go then.

Demand from Singapore rises during the June and December school holidays and around Chinese New Year, when Macau fills with visitors from across the region. The Macau Grand Prix in November and the international fireworks contest in autumn also draw big crowds. The monthly price chart on this page shows which periods tend to be quieter, and a Price Alert will tell you when fares for fixed dates move.

Popular places in Macau

Ruins of St. Paul's

The carved stone facade of this old church, all that remains after a fire, is the symbol of Macau. Climb the broad steps for photos, then explore the Mount Fortress and the Macao Museum next door.

Senado Square

Paved with wave-patterned Portuguese tiles and ringed by pastel colonial buildings, this square is the heart of the Historic Centre of Macao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow lanes lead off it to churches, snack stalls and souvenir shops.

A-Ma Temple

One of the oldest temples in Macau, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, climbs a hillside at the south-western end of the peninsula, facing the Inner Harbour entrance. Incense coils hang from the ceilings and the site is especially lively during festivals.

Macau Tower

This slender tower on the waterfront has observation decks with views over the peninsula, Taipa and across to Zhuhai. Thrill seekers come for its bungy jump and outdoor skywalk.

Taipa Village and Coloane

Taipa Village keeps a small-town feel with its food street and colourful houses, while quieter Coloane further south has seaside chapels, hiking trails and Hac Sa beach with its black sand.

Where to stay in Macau

The Macau Peninsula suits travellers who want heritage and street food on their doorstep, with areas around Senado Square and the Inner Harbour close to most sights. Cotai, the reclaimed strip between Taipa and Coloane, is the place for large integrated resorts, shows and shopping, and it is the closest area to the airport. Taipa offers a middle ground with local restaurants and good transport links, while Coloane is the choice for a slower, greener stay.

Food to try in Macau

Portuguese egg tart

Flaky pastry and a caramelised custard top make this the snack every visitor queues for. Eat it warm, straight from the bakery.

Pork chop bun

A marinated, bone-in pork chop fried and tucked into a crusty bun is Macau's answer to the burger, found in Taipa and on the peninsula.

African chicken

This Macanese dish coats grilled chicken in a rich, spicy sauce of peppers, coconut and peanut, a reminder of Portugal's trade routes.

Minchi

Minced beef or pork fried with potato, soy and spices, usually topped with a fried egg, is the comfort food of Macanese homes.

Serradura

Layers of sweet cream and crushed biscuit give this chilled dessert its name, which means sawdust in Portuguese.

From baroque churches to Cotai's bright lights, Macau packs a lot into a small space. Book your flight to Macau on Traveloka, and Easy Reschedule is there if your plans shift.