Day Trip To Coloane Island - Discover A Portuguese Influenced Historical Quarter
Macau lies 60 kilometres off Hong Kong overlooking the South China Sea
, resting on the west end of the Pearl River Delta. Coloane and Taipa islands make up the entirety of Macau and these two islands are connected by a landfill bridge called Estrada do Istmo. While Taipa is famous for its many temples, Coloane is more popular among tourists as a destination packed with historical attractions.Macau boasts a history that spans more than 22 centuries, whereas in the 16th century the region became a Portuguese colony. During its history Coloane underwent major changes from being a mere sea salt farm to a key trading port of the Portuguese and even became a base of pirates for some time.
For the history buffs taking a day trip to Coloane is like hunting for an undiscovered treasure trove. It is also just as important for the Christian devotee as the island contains an important chapel where the sacred relics of Saint Xavier were once enshrined. This is the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier built in 1928 in memory of a missionary extolled throughout the world as an Apostle to the Far East. This baroque styled chapel also boasts many sacred relics, particularly of the Catholic priests who were persecuted in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Once you are in Coloane you ought to check out the lifestyle of the Macanese and the best place to start exploring is from Eduardo Marques Square. Surrounding this square you will find a market packed with local goods and restaurants serving a luscious delicacy called Portuguese Egg Tarts. The local houses are separated by narrow lanes that give you a feeling of the warmth of tightly knit lives in this quaint neighbourhood.
Due to its geographical terrain Coloane is packed with great hiking trails awaiting the adventure seekers from all over the world. Macaus highest point can be found in Coloane, a peak called Alto de Coloane, reaching a height of around 170 metres.
At the top of this peak is the imposing 20 metre tall white jade statue of a goddess called A-Ma. Macau is said to have been named after this goddess. Alto de Coloane is also home to a famous cultural village called A-Ma Cultural Village which nestles close to the huge Tian Hou Temple. At the village you will also find a museum, restaurants and handicraft shops.
Tam Kung is a sea deity revered by Hong Kong and Macanese people; Coloane too has a temple dedicated to this deity. While Tam Kung was still a human the legend says he could even predict the weather and cure sick people since childhood. The Huizhou Provinces Nine-Dragon Mountain was where he attained immortality when he was just 20 years old. Dedicated to this deity Coloane too boasts a Tam Kung Temple at Rua de Cinco de Outubro, with a striking crimson facade adorned with golden colour inscriptions.
Add a trip to Coloane in your Macau travel itinerary and explore many historical sites, reminiscing the Portuguese colonial times. Coloane Island also contains two parks for anyone who needs a respite amidst greenery in addition to scenic beaches fringed with rocky outcrops. If extravagance is your style, why not stay at The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel? This 40 storey grand hotel Macau is said to be the biggest of its kind in Asia and is packed with a world of entertainment besides housing a vast number of spacious suites.
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