Coloane Guide, Macau 路環, 澳门
Coloane is the southernmost part of Macau, previously an island, located south of Taipa via the Cotai strip, to which it is now connected by reclaimed land. It offers a quieter, more traditional contrast to the city's famous casinos and dense urban life.
History
Historically an area dedicated to the production of sea salt for shipment to Imperial China, Coloane was annexed by the Portuguese in the 1860s.
Largely undeveloped, Coloane was inhabited by a mix of fishers, smugglers and pirates. The pirates were only eventually dislodged by the Portuguese in 1910 after a 10-day battle.
Attractions
Things to see in Coloane include the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, a bright yellow church built in 1928 and the Tam Kung Temple - one of several temples in the area including Tin Hau, Kun Iam, and Sam Seng.
The chapel once safeguarded some of the most revered Christian relics in Asia, including the remains of 26 foreign missionaries and Japanese Catholics martyred in Nagasaki in 1597, along with relics of believers killed during the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637 also in Kyushu, Japan.
These relics are now preserved in the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, which opened in 1996. The chapel also housed a relic of Francis Xavier himself, a bone fragment from his arm. After his death in 1552 on Shangchuan Island, about 80 kilometers from Macau, this relic was later transferred to St. Joseph's Church.
Tam Kung Temple is dedicated to Tam Kung aka Tam Tai Sin a Taoist sea god worshipped in both Hong Kong and Macau. The temple dates from 1862 and the Portuguese period in Macau. The rather dark interior typical of Chinese temples is noted for a whale bone that has been carved into the shape of a racing dragon boat and painted in vivid red.
Hac Sa Beach on the eastern coast is known for its distinctive black sand, and is the largest natural beach in Macau. It is a popular spot for both swimming and al fresco barbecues.
Coloane Village charms visitors with its pastel-colored houses, narrow lanes, and local eateries serving Macanese cuisine. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Coloane Trail and surrounding parks offer hiking routes through lush greenery with views of the South China Sea.
Eat & Drink in Coloane
Lord Stow's Bakery established in 1989 by the English former pharmacist Andrew Stow is a must-visit for its world-famous Portuguese egg tarts, originally created here and now a signature snack of Macau. The bakery combined English custard tart techniques with Portuguese pastry, creating a lasting Macau culinary staple. The business, which is now a small chain, is managed by his daughter, Audrey Stow, and sister, Eileen Stow.
Fernando's Restaurant is one of the most famous dining spots near Hac Sa Beach, known for hearty Portuguese dishes like grilled seafood and clams. It has a rustic, open-air atmosphere and is a long-time favorite among locals and visitors.
Espaço Lisboa is a cozy, authentic Portuguese fusion restaurant in Coloane Village, popular for homestyle dishes such as duck rice and bacalhau, offering an intimate dining experience.
Miramar Portuguese Food along the beach, serves classic Portuguese and Macanese cuisine in a relaxed seaside setting.
Access
Getting to Coloane is relatively easy despite its tranquil feel. It is connected to the rest of Macau via the Cotai area, which links Coloane to Taipa and the Macau Peninsula.
By bus take the 26A Transmac service from near Senado Square at stops along Almeida Ribeiro. It goes directly to Coloane with stops at Coloane Village and Hac Sa Beach. Journey time is between 35 and 45 minutes.
Other attractions in Macau include Senado Square and other UNESCO heritage sites such as the Dom Pedro V Theatre, Macau Cathedral and St Lawrence's Church.
Macau Essentials
- For cheap flights to Macau check elong.com. A lot of budget airlines (Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Asia, AirAsia, Tiger Airways etc.) fly to Macau.
Macau International Airport has flights to a number of international destinations worldwide including Bangkok, Manila, Seoul and Taiwan and to many other Chinese cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shantou, Xianmen and Xian. - Trains - for non-fliers the best option is to take a train to Hong Kong from Beijing West Railway Station and then a ferry to Macau.
Tip: A cheap / fast way to get from Beijing to Macau is to fly from Beijing to Shenzhen and then take a coach to Hong Kong. The flight from Beijing to Shenzhen is considered domestic and therefore much cheaper compared with flying to Hong Kong direct. - Buses and taxis are the major modes of public transport in Macau. Pedicabs are also available for sightseeing. Macau drives on the right, like the rest of China, except Hong Kong.
- Visas: most passport holders of Western countries receive a free 30 or 90-day visa on arrival. To re-enter China requires a multiple entry Chinese visa, or a valid single/double entry visa.
Accommodation in Macau
Grand Lapa Hotel
For those looking for a comfortable and family friendly hotel, then a hidden gem is the 5-star Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau which is located directly next to Fisherman's Wharf and the Sands Hotel.
The hotel has undergone a transformation and has elegant interiors as well as some newly renovated hotel rooms. The hotel also has a modern spa, gym facilities and a swimming pool which has a water slide as as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi.
The Grand Lapa Hotel also offers a whole host of organised activities for children so parents can have a break. In terms of dining, visitors can try the Cafe Bela Vista, Naam Thai restaurant and Kam Lai Heen Chinese restaurant. The hotel's breakfast buffet is also very famous and worth sampling.
Address: Grand Lapa, 956 - 1110 Avenida Da Amizade, Macau
Wynn Palace Hotel
For those looking for more glitz and glamour in terms of accommodation then they can book accommodation at one of the most over the top hotels in Macau, namely the Wynn Palace. An incredible and vast structure, not only does the interior mimic the exterior in term of glamour and opulence, the hotel boasts an incredible water show and its own cable car system.
The hotel has a famed buffet and also boasts some international acclaimed restaurants such as Sichuan Moon, SW Steakhouse and Japanese specialities at Mizumi. If visitors love shopping then the Wynn Esplanade is a shopping mecca spread over 106,000 square metres.
Address: Avenida Da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau
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