When it comes to Coloane, many tourists' first reaction is "Is there a ferry I can take?" The answer: No. Coloane Island doesn't have any ferry services to and from other areas, which is different from Taipa or the Macao Peninsula. Don't worry—this article will help you figure out the correct way to reach Coloane, as well as the highlights on the island that are worth the trip.
Coloane is the most "rural" of Macao's four major areas (Macao Peninsula, Taipa, Cotai, Coloane). No Casinos, no fancy shopping malls—it retains Macao's only two natural beaches: Hac Sa Beach and Cheoc Van Beach. For travelers tired of the hustle and bustle of the casino city seeking tranquility, this is Macao's backyard.
Getting to Coloane is surprisingly simple. From the Macao Peninsula, you can take Bus 15 (fare MOP$6.0, about 25 minutes) directly to Hac Sa Beach or Cheoc Van Beach. From Taipa, take Bus 15 or 21A (about 15 minutes). If you're coming from the Cotai Strip, it's about a 20-minute walk to Coloane Village, passing by the Lei Lei Wan Ancient Shipyard where you might catch a craftsman repairing a traditional Chinese junk boat if you're lucky.
【Recommended Spots】
1. Hac Sa Beach
Macao's only black sand beach—the sand appears unique grayish-black due to its high iron content. The beach has a barbecue area and parking lot, and many local families come here for picnics on weekends. In summer, you can rent beach umbrellas (MOP$30-50 per umbrella per hour), while winter is perfect for a leisurely walk along the beach to watch the sunset. Remember to bring sunscreen—there's not much shade here.
2. Cheoc Van Beach
Smaller than Hac Sa but even more peaceful. Next to the beach is the Portuguese-style Cheoc Van Hotel (room rates MOP$800-1,500 per night), which looks like a small castle from the outside. The hotel's restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine. The hotel swimming pool is free for hotel guests; non-guests can pay to use it (MOP$150 per session).
3. St. Francis Xavier Church
A small church built in 1928, with yellow Baroque architecture that looks great against the blue sky—perfect for photos. The square in front of the church has a walking path paved with Portuguese-style calçada stones; it's said that couples who walk hand in hand will receive blessings. The benches next to the square are a great spot to watch local elders play chess.
4. Tam Kung Temple
One of the oldest temples in Coloane, dedicated to the sea guardian Tam Kung. The ancient cannon outside the temple is a cultural relic cast in 1890. Every year on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, the Tam Kung Festival is celebrated with a grand temple fair featuring lion dances and traditional rituals. Next to the temple is a longan tree over a hundred years old, where elderly locals often gather to relax and chat.
5. Lord Stow's Bakery
If you haven't tried Lord Stow's egg tarts, you haven't really been to Coloane. MOP$10 per Portuguese egg tart—the pastry is flaky and layered, with a sweet but not cloying custard filling. Founder Andrew Stow adapted a British recipe and settled in Coloane, and it remains the top reason most tourists make the special trip. We recommend avoiding peak weekend afternoons to skip the long queues.
【Practical Information】
Transportation: Bus 15 and 21A connect various areas, fare MOP$6.0 (MOP$5.0 when using Macao Pass)
Island Transportation: Mainly on foot or by taxi; buses run approximately every 15-20 minutes
Main Costs: Lord Stow's egg tarts MOP$10 each, Hac Sa Beach umbrella rental MOP$30-50 per hour, Cheoc Van pool MOP$150 per session
Best Visiting Time: Most comfortable before 10 AM or after 4 PM; the midday sun can be intense
【Travel Tips】
There are no bank exchange offices in Coloane—it's recommended to exchange your money in the city area first. The bus schedule displayed at stops is only a reference; actual waiting times may be longer. If you want to explore deeper, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the coastline—the routes are flat and easy to ride. Remember to bring mosquito repellent in summer; there are more mosquitoes near the beach. If you love seafood, there are several local cha chaan tengs in Coloane Village. Seafood rice dishes served at lunch cost around MOP$40-60 per plate—much better value than tourist areas.
Next time someone asks you "Is there a ferry to Coloane?" you can answer: No, but it's worth arriving here in a different way.
