Hansen's Hikes
| ... exploring Macau's other side... |
Macau
Macau is rarely considered a hiking destination, but there really is such an alternative to the gambling and shopping
activities normally associated with this former Portuguese colony, so join us as we hike the southernmost island of
Coloane and later visit the historical centre of Macau.
Our hike starts at the small zoo at Seac Pai Van when we ascend a small road up to the head of our trail. While our path
does climb a little in the beginning, we soon find ourselves on an excellent level gravel path, which will be synonomous with
most of the day’s route. In general terms, we will be following a series of contour trails criss-crossing the island. We start
above the village of Coloane with good views towards the mainland and up the river. Later, winding our way around
boulders and through pines, we look out over the endless South China Sea from above the new village of Cheoc Van.
Just as Hac Sa beach comes into view, we have to face a steep, but very short, climb up the 141-steps to the A-Ma Cultural
Village, which comprises a bell tower, a drum tower, a carved marble altar in the Tin-Hau Palace and a museum. Nearby at
the top of the Alto de Coloane is a statue of the Goddess A-Ma. Made from white jade, this is the tallest statue of its kind in
the world at 19.99 metres and a good place for a snack break.
From the statue, it is a long and winding descent around more boulders and through woodland to the pretty little Hac Sa
reservoir, where a short cut can be made across a suspension bridge. Having crossed the bridge, it is just another 15
minutes down to and along the pine tree fringed Hac Sa (Black Sands) Beach to a well-deserved lunch at the famed
Fernando’s Restaurant (not included).
After lunch, we have a look around Coloane Village, which is awash with temples, churches and other places of historical
interest. We will stop for coffee and Portuguese egg tarts, before bussing it back to Macau proper. Here we stroll through
the UNESCO World Heritage listed historical town centre as we slowly head for the 6:30pm ferry back to Hong Kong.
Macau is rarely considered a hiking destination, but there really is such an alternative to the gambling and shopping
activities normally associated with this former Portuguese colony, so join us as we hike the southernmost island of
Coloane and later visit the historical centre of Macau.
Our hike starts at the small zoo at Seac Pai Van when we ascend a small road up to the head of our trail. While our path
does climb a little in the beginning, we soon find ourselves on an excellent level gravel path, which will be synonomous with
most of the day’s route. In general terms, we will be following a series of contour trails criss-crossing the island. We start
above the village of Coloane with good views towards the mainland and up the river. Later, winding our way around
boulders and through pines, we look out over the endless South China Sea from above the new village of Cheoc Van.
Just as Hac Sa beach comes into view, we have to face a steep, but very short, climb up the 141-steps to the A-Ma Cultural
Village, which comprises a bell tower, a drum tower, a carved marble altar in the Tin-Hau Palace and a museum. Nearby at
the top of the Alto de Coloane is a statue of the Goddess A-Ma. Made from white jade, this is the tallest statue of its kind in
the world at 19.99 metres and a good place for a snack break.
From the statue, it is a long and winding descent around more boulders and through woodland to the pretty little Hac Sa
reservoir, where a short cut can be made across a suspension bridge. Having crossed the bridge, it is just another 15
minutes down to and along the pine tree fringed Hac Sa (Black Sands) Beach to a well-deserved lunch at the famed
Fernando’s Restaurant (not included).
After lunch, we have a look around Coloane Village, which is awash with temples, churches and other places of historical
interest. We will stop for coffee and Portuguese egg tarts, before bussing it back to Macau proper. Here we stroll through
the UNESCO World Heritage listed historical town centre as we slowly head for the 6:30pm ferry back to Hong Kong.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Download Reservation Form here or click here to request more information.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
|