Macau's Secret Gardens: Coloane, Cheoc Van & Grand Taipa

For most tourists, Macau is a city defined by neon-lit casinos and the crowded Ruins of St. Paul's. But if you venture south past Taipa to Coloane, you'll discover that this micro-city hides a stunning green backyard. Today, we leave the poker chips and shopping bags behind to explore Macau's quietest countryside getaways.

Overlooking the Cotai Strip: Grand Taipa Hill

Our first stop is Grand Taipa Hill Country Park in Taipa. The most fun way to get here is by taking the free inclined elevator located near the Taipa Houses. The hill not only features a free artificial grass-sliding area that kids love, but it also serves as an incredible observation deck. Standing on the lookout trail, you get a completely unobstructed, panoramic view of the luxurious Cotai Strip below—including the Venetian, the Parisian's Eiffel Tower, and the Londoner's Big Ben. It is a surreal feeling to stand in absolute tranquility while looking down at extreme luxury.

Lazy Fishing Village Days: Coloane Village

Next, we head to Macau's southernmost tip: Coloane Village. Known as Macau's "last backyard," there are no skyscrapers or massive crowds here—just colorful tin houses, old shipyard ruins, and century-old banyan trees along the waterfront. Your first mission here is to buy a freshly baked, perfectly caramelized Portuguese egg tart from the original Lord Stow's Bakery. Then, stroll along the coastline, feel the sea breeze, look across the water to Hengqin, Zhuhai, and soak in a laid-back vibe that is incredibly rare in Macau.

Faith in the Forest: A-Ma Cultural Village

After a snack in the village, we head up to Macau's highest point, Alto de Coloane. Hidden at the peak is the spectacular A-Ma Cultural Village. This grand temple complex is built in the style of a Qing Dynasty palace and exudes majesty. At the end of the plaza, a 19.99-meter-tall white marble statue of A-Ma (Mazu) stands tall, watching over the sea. The area is surrounded by dense forests and the Coloane Trail network, making it a sacred and peaceful sanctuary for locals to hike and forest-bathe on weekends.

A Touch of Southern Europe: Cheoc Van Beach

While Hac Sa (Black Sand) Beach is more famous, we highly recommend the nearby Cheoc Van Beach. The sand here is golden, the crowds are much smaller, and the environment feels more secluded and peaceful. Surrounded by tall pine trees, the beach features a public open-air swimming pool that looks right out at the ocean, alongside a few authentic Portuguese restaurants. Order a glass of Sangria, listen to the waves, watch the sunset, and you'll feel as if you've been teleported to a small coastal town in southern Portugal.