Many travelers upon arriving in Macao head straight to the luxury resorts in Cotai Strip or Taipa town center, overlooking Coloane Island at Macao's southernmost tip. Without light rail coverage, it preserves Macao's last remaining tranquility and simplicity. Getting to this "last piece of unspoiled land in Macao" is simpler than you might think.
Coloane is about a 15-minute drive from Taipa town center. While there's no light rail station reaching directly there, multiple public transport options exist. The main method is taking a bus from Taipa Pier or Cotai Strip. Along the way, you'll pass by Stonecutters Island public housing and the Cotai Connecting Road, reaching Coloane town center in about 20 minutes. Bus departures are frequent, with tickets costing just MOP$6 (about HK$5), making it the most cost-effective option.
If departing from the Macau Peninsula, you can transfer at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge port or Outer Harbour pier. Especially recommended for those departing from Outer Harbour, take bus AP1 or No. 56. The ride takes about 40 minutes, offering views of the Macau Bridge along the way. After crossing the bridge, you'll enter the Cotai Strip area.
Lai Chi Wan Shipyard Trail
This is the most talked-about revitalized attraction in Coloane in recent years. The former shipyard has become a seaside promenade, preserving 1960s-era I-beam columns and stone channels. At dusk, the sunset paints the sea in orange and red, making it one of Macao's rare coastal views. The trail is free and open 24 hours, but visiting between 5-7 PM is recommended for the best lighting for photos.
St. Francis Xavier Church
This small church built in 1928 gained fame through the Korean drama "The King and I." Its baroque-style facade and butter-yellow tones create a dreamy contrast against the blue sky. The square in front of the church is paved with Portuguese-style cobblestones, with the "Time Tunnel" restaurant nearby offering Portuguese cuisine. Free to visit, open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Black Sand Beach
Macao's only black sand beach—the sand is actually light-colored, but appears dark due to seagrass stones from the seafloor being washed ashore by waves. In summer, families often come here to play in the water, with changing rooms and restrooms available. Small food stalls beside the beach offer grilled fish and roasted chestnuts, priced around MOP$30 to MOP$50 per serving. Winter is ideal for散步,感受海風的凜冽.
Cheoc Van Beach and Hotel
Located on the east side of Black Sand Beach, the water at Cheoc Van is even clearer. The nearby Pousada de Coloane is Macao's only boutique hotel, featuring Portuguese colonial-style architecture with white walls and red roofs, resembling a small castle. The hotel's ocean-view restaurant serves buffet lunch at approximately MOP$250 per person, requiring advance reservation.
Lord Stow's Bakery Headquarters
Speaking of Coloane, this legendary bakery that brought Portuguese egg tarts to the world is a must-mention. Located in Coloane town center, the headquarters produces a limited number of egg tarts daily, often selling out before 3 PM. Each tart costs about MOP$12, the same price as identical products at resort shops in Cotai Strip, but with shorter queues. Takeout only—no seating available.
Rua do Camilo
This coastal road ends at the famous "St. Francis Xavier Monument," directly opposite Zhuhai's Guishan Island. On clear days, you can clearly see the skyscrapers on the opposite shore. Old buildings along the road are being gradually revitalized, with some already transformed into cafes and creative shops. Visiting in the early morning is recommended, when fewer tourists allow you to experience Coloane's most original tranquility.
Coloane has no light rail, but that's exactly what makes it charming. No large resorts, no casino crowds—only elderly people taking walks, fishing boats at anchor, and the salty breeze from the sea. It's recommended to plan half a day to slowly explore this "corner forgotten by time."
