Featured photo credit: Ksenia Kuzmina
Laid-back and picturesque, Hac Sá Beach on Coloane Island is a popular destination for locals and visitors. There is plenty of exciting things to do in the area, which makes it a perfect getaway. Eat, drink, swim, and enjoy this quirky little piece of land on the shore!
Paddle at the Hac Sá Reservoir Water Park
If you are into active leisure and water sports, check out the Hac Sá Reservoir Water Park. It’s a hidden gem in Macau as it’s off the beaten paths, not many people know about it. Those looking for peace and tranquility will appreciate the sounds of nature, lavish greenery, and turquoise waters of the park. You can rent paddleboats for two (MOP $20 for 30 minutes) or four (MOP $40 for 30 minutes) with vests included. The paddleboat rental facility open* on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00am–5:00pm.
Also read: Spring in Macau: Best Outdoor Spots to Welcome the Sun
*The paddleboat rental facility is not open at the moment due to Covid-19.
Hac Sá Reservoir Country Park 1918 Estrada de Hac Sa, Coloane, +853 2833 7676, nature.iam.gov.mo
Photo credit: Ksenia Kuzmina
Stretch your legs on one of the trails
As the green lungs of Macau, Coloane has the majority of hiking trails in Macau with several of them around Hac Sá. Among them are reservoir trails in the above mentioned Hac Sá Reservoir Water Park that offer stunning views and tranquility. Hac Sá Reservoir Fitness Walk with some sports equipment on the way will bring your hike to the advanced level of cardio and strength exercising.
Behind charming white cottages on the right side of the beach, there is another trail worth discovering. Long Chao Kok trail is easy to spot and leads into a couple of houses close to Cheoc Van Beach. Passing the prehistoric stones on your left, you will discover a peaceful pagoda above the sea where you can rest and meditate. If you are lucky, you might even see pink dolphins! Keep going and you will reach another trail, Caminho do Quartel de Hac Sá where you can appreciate the beautiful landscape of the South China Sea.
Also read: Guide to Coloane’s Hiking Trails
Photo credit: Ksenia Kuzmina
Swim at Hac Sá Park’s Olympic pool
If you are unsure about swimming in the sea but wish to escape the heat in refreshing waters, there is an Olympic pool open from May 1 to October 31. Take your goggles and swim cap because this pool is one of the best lap pools in Macau. The entry fee is MOP $15 for adults, MOP $5 for children under 12, MOP $7 for students, and the elderly above 65 years old. Before or after chilling out at the pool, you can play table tennis, badminton, or tennis in the adjacent park. Don’t worry about bringing racquets as they are available for rent for MOP $10–30.
Hác Sá Park Swimming Pool Estrada de Hac Sá, Parque de Hác Sá, Coloane, +853 2888 2289, www.sport.gov.mo
Also read: 5 Best Public Pools in Macau
Hang out in a park
Bring the family or hang out with a group of friends hiding from blasting sun in a shade of the trees. There are two parks on both sides of the main bus stop. Just walk a few meters to the right and you will enter Hac Sá Park. That’s where the pool is, as well as badminton, table tennis, tennis, mini football pitch, and basketball court–plenty of ways to spend an active day off!
See those tall pine trees on the left from the BBQ and shopping stalls? That’s Hac Sá Beach Park! Just strolling along the coastline under those trees is a pleasure. Kids would love the park’s playground overlooking the sea. If you are into basketball, walk a little further to find a spacious open court to shoot some hoops.
Grand Coloane Resort Cafe
Unwind & Dine
This is a definite must-do around Hac Sá beach. Grab a zhu pa bao (the famous pork sandwich, a grilled pork chop topped with honey and spices in a soft bun), grilled squid, chicken wings, or corn-on-the-cob. Then head to the nearby stall for a cold beer or fresh coconut and enjoy your cheap treat gazing into the South China Sea. Nothing beats a smoky grilled pork chop after a long hike!
For those looking for more elaborate options, check out Miramar that serves Portuguese seafood and fish dishes such as seafood rice, grilled fish and meat, and many others; Grand Coloane Resort restaurants (with western-style buffets and a great yam cha restaurant). Another spot to check out is Fernando Restaurant, one of Macau’s oldest Portuguese restaurants specializing in BBQ and grilled fish and meat, served all day long. Macau locals love it for its relaxing vibes, friendly service, and simple, yet delicious food. All three have outdoor seating and Miramar even allows four-legged patrons.
Grand Coloane Resort 1918 Estrada de Hac Sá, Coloane, +853 2887 1111, www.grandcoloane.com
Fernando Restaurant 9 Praia de Hac Sa, Coloane, +853 2888 2264, www.fernando-restaurant.com
Also read: Fernando Restaurant: Macau’s All-Time Favorite
Also read: Best Places to Eat at in Coloane
Photo credit: Ksenia Kuzmina
Relax on the Beach
Did you think we forgot about the main attraction here? After all, Hac Sá Beach is the center of gravity in the area. Now mixed with yellow sand as an attempt to prevent erosion, Hac Sá still has traces of its famous black sand that gave this beach its name (“hac sa” means “black sand” in Cantonese). To check the quality of water at the beach, head to the IAM website. IAM performs occasional tests to determine Escherichia coli level. Based on that, they conclude if the quality is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Furthermore, it is advised to not swim during or three days after heavy rain. So swimming is not always recommended, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have all other joys that come with the location–the sound of waves, feel of the sand, volleyball, kites, and anything else you can think of!
You can find straw mats sold at the little shops next to the bus stop. If you are with kids they will enjoy the selection of beach toys, too. To get into your swimsuit, head to the changing rooms nearby. Showers are available, so don’t worry about sand in your shoes after a great day at Hac Sa Beach.
Hac Sa Beach Estrada de Hac Sá, Coloane
This article was previously written by Estera Deunier in May 2016 and updated by Leonor Sá Machado in April 2019 and Ksenia Kuzmina in July 2020.
