Tired of slot machines and neon lights? Hop over to Coloane Island, Macau’s secret garden. This little slice of paradise at Macau’s southern tip is where the pace slows down, the air gets fresher, and egg tarts taste like heaven itself.
From pirates to egg tarts
Once a pirate territory, now you’ll find hiking trails, black sand beaches, and quite possibly the best Portuguese egg tarts this side of Lisbon. Stroll through Coloane Village, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a watercolor painting. Narrow streets wind between pastel-colored houses, leading you to gems like the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. This beauty catches your eye with its sunshine-yellow walls and turquoise doors, you’ll definitely feel like someone took a Portuguese church and gave it a tropical makeover.
Now, let’s talk about those egg tarts. Lord Stow’s Bakery isn’t just a bakery; it’s a must-go for everyone who enjoys some good food. Creamy custard with a just-right caramelized top, well, let’s just say that, one bite and you’ll understand why people cross oceans for these little circles of joy. Pro tip: they’re best eaten warm, and no one judges if you go back for seconds (or thirds).
Want to work off those tarts? Hit the Coloane Trail. This 8.1-kilometer path takes you through forests that feel straight out of a Chinese painting. Climb to Coloane Alto, Macau’s highest point, and you’ll find yourself eye-to-eye with a massive statue of A-Ma, the sea goddess. The view’s not bad either – on clear days, you can see all the way to China.
Beach time
Hac Sa Beach has your name on it. Its black sand might look like something from a sci-fi movie, but it’s all-natural, baby. Grab a spot under an umbrella, watch the waves roll in, and forget that casinos even exist.
The island’s got its share of temples too. Tam Kung Temple’s been blessing sailors since before Instagram was a thing, while Kun Iam Temple offers the kind of peace you can’t find in a meditation app. Time it right, and you might catch a festival – think dragon boat races, traditional performances, and enough food to make your stretchy pants stretch.
Discover some of the best hiking and natural spots in Macau here.
And now some pandas
For something completely different, swing by the Giant Panda Pavilion. These black-and-white celebrities live better than most of us in their 3,000-square-meter pad. Watch them munch bamboo like it’s their job (which, technically, it is) while their red panda neighbors steal the show with their acrobatics.
Modern luxuries? Got those too. The Grand Coloane Resort sits pretty among the trees, with a golf course that makes every shot feel like a postcard moment. Just try not to get distracted by those South China Sea views – they’ve ruined many a good golf swing.
Discover the best places to stay in Macau, from hotels, hostels, and Unique Lodging Options here
Back to modernity
Getting here’s a breeze – hop on a public bus and watch the city fade away in your rearview mirror. Or better yet, rent a bike and take the scenic route. The coastal paths are like nature’s answer to the Cotai Strip, minus the neon.
So next time you’re in Macau, give the dice a rest and head south to Coloane. Where else can you hike through a forest, watch pandas play, feast on world-famous egg tarts, and lounge on a black sand beach – all in one day? This isn’t just another island; it’s Macau’s best-kept secret hiding in plain sight.
