Go Beyond Macau’s Bright Lights and Off the Beaten Path

These off-the-beaten-track destinations prove there’s far more to Macau than opulent casinos and Senado Square. Don’t worry that there’s too much to pack into your trip; each of these adventures takes just 60 minutes.

Taipa Waterfront

Far from the glitz of the casinos, Taipa’s cycling track is separated from the road and offers an ideal way to see some sights while escaping the crowds.

Bikes are easy to rent starting around 2 p.m. daily, and the track takes riders under lush tree canopies, past the University of Macau’s old campus and within view of Sai Van Bridge. Beat the heat and pound the trail by foot for some early-morning exercise, or ride the trail at night when Macau’s impressive skyline is at its glittering best.

Hác-Sá Reservoir Country Park

Hiking trails, paddle boating and a green maze await at Hác-Sá Reservoir Country Park. The fitness trail will take you to Hác-Sá Beach, or ‘black sand beach’ in English, while the Trilho Do Morro de Hác-Sá trail is a longer walk with views over the South China Sea.

Pick up meat and skewers at a supermarket on the way—barbecuing is a popular pastime among locals, and the smell of food sizzling on the grill always produces a hunger pang or two. Grab a pit and get cooking!

Coloane Village

Journey back to Macau’s multicultural maritime past at Coloane’s sleepy fishing village, where colorful Portuguese houses mingle with Chinese temples, European churches and abandoned shipyards.

Famously the location where Englishman Andrew ‘Lord’ Stow created his iconic flaky egg tarts, the village boasts a wide selection of culinary treats. Shop locally made shrimp paste, oyster sauce, almond cookies and meat jerky for souvenirs, and then sample authentic Macanese cuisine for dinner.

Fancy yourself a shutterbug? Going to these places won’t take more than 15 minutes in a cab from Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel.

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