“Sometimes, the quietest places speak the loudest.”

The road from Our Lady of Penha Chapel led me to the unfamiliar grounds of Barra. I felt like I had been transported from the casino-studded crown jewel, Cotai Strip, into the quiet charm of Barra’s quaint streets.

Barra’s Simple Charm

There was no rush here, no flashing lights. Just time, space, and stories tucked in every corner. I felt the moment was unhurried, allowing me to savor the life where I could simply exist and breathe.

The mural paintings I passed near Barra Kitchen spoke to me of life’s simplicity and quiet gestures. Everyday moments—so ordinary, so easily overlooked—suddenly felt meaningful, as if each brushstroke was telling a story I had forgotten to notice.

Barra invited me to slow down, to appreciate the quiet beauty tucked in the corners of the day, and to find joy in the small details that often go unseen.

I stopped by A-Ma Temple, a place I knew I couldn’t leave Macau without visiting. Steeped in history, it felt like a living thread that connects the city’s past to its present, shaping the cultural tapestry that makes Macau so unique.

Next on my itinerary: Macau’s Light Rapid Transit (LRT). As a railway enthusiast, I’ve always found joy in riding trains in every country I visit. There’s something magical about the hum of the tracks, the rhythm of the doors closing, and the soft whoosh of the air as the train glides forward. Every ride feels like a new chapter, and this one was no different.

From Barra Station (Estação de Barra), I hopped on the LRT to Lotus Station (Estação do Lótus). I found a quiet spot by the window and watched Macau unfold in front of me, a blend of old-world charm and modern hustle.

At Lotus Station, right next to Studio City, I stepped off the train and waited for Bus 50, which would take me to Coloane Village—another corner of Macau that had been calling me all along.

Coloane Village Is Calling

The bus stopped at Vila de Coloane, and as I stepped outside, I was immediately greeted by the laid-back, tranquil atmosphere of Coloane Village, the southernmost area of Macau. Time slowed down. It was peaceful and picturesque.

Here, traditional Portuguese landmarks, a century-old chapel, and the Coloane port painted the village with a quiet history.

The Legendary Lord Stow’s

From the bus stop, I noticed a steady stream of people coming and going from a tiny store, each one leaving with a yellow paper bag and boxes of pastries in hand. My feet led me straight there—just one of the many delights waiting to be savored in this hidden gem. I knew it was the main branch of Lord Stow’s Bakery, which I had heard so much about.

I missed the signage completely—my eyes were locked on those yellow paper bags. The scent of freshly baked egg tarts lingered in the air. Curiosity got the better of me, and before I knew it, I was walking out with not just one, but two boxes of freshly baked egg tarts, all for myself.

It wasn’t my first time tasting an egg tart from Lord Stow’s Bakery—there are branches back in my home country. But standing in front of the original store? That felt surreal, like ticking off a sweet little item from my travel bucket list.

Hello From The Other Side: Macau to Hengqin, China

With two boxes of egg tarts in hand, I made my way toward the waterfront. I noticed a few locals enjoying their lunches there, while some tourists savored Lord Stow’s famous egg tarts. Finding a quiet chair, I sat facing the waterfront, my eyes drawn to the island in the distance. Tall buildings loomed over the horizon, and from what I could make out, there was a theme park with cable cars. The scene felt oddly familiar—peaceful, yet a little surreal.

It was only later that I learned the island was part of mainland China called Hengqin. And in that moment, I couldn’t help but smile and sing, “Hello from the other side…”—Adele’s lyrics fitting perfectly with the realization that I was so close, yet still a world away—a new chapter to explore someday.

I slowly rose from my seat and wandered down the narrow streets, savoring the ocean breeze and the village’s serene atmosphere. With every step, I could feel the sense of peace and tranquility in this charming corner of Macau.

Fan moment: Yoon Eun-Hye, the Princess Hours scene

I remember binge-watching the Korean classic Princess Hours and instantly becoming a fan of its lead actress, Yoon Eun-Hye. I’d also read a few blogs about the drama’s filming locations in Macau—places I’d been dying to visit. It took a while, but I finally made it.

St. Francis Xavier Chapel instantly brought back memories of Princess Hours. Standing inside, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. I whispered a quiet thank you—for being here, for finally setting foot in this place I had long dreamed of visiting.

It was both nostalgic and surreal to stand by the fountain in front of the chapel, imagining the scenes from the drama coming to life. That moment felt like stepping into a memory I never thought I’d get to live—and it’s one I’ll cherish forever.

Pastel Streets & Personality-Filled Homes

I wandered down a road I didn’t recognize, not sure where it would lead. Soon enough, I stumbled upon the colorful residential houses of Coloane Village—hidden gems that added a lively touch to the laid-back surroundings.

As I meandered through the streets, I couldn’t help but admire how each house seemed to have its own personality. The mural paintings that adorned the walls created a picturesque scene, one that was both captivating and comforting. It was as if the houses themselves were telling their own quiet stories, each corner more charming than the last.

My endless wandering led me back to the waterfront of Coloane Village, on Avenida Cinco de Outubro. The peaceful waterfront offered a relaxing view of the sea, the gentle waves echoing the tranquility I had found in this corner of Macau.

As I continued my exploration, I stumbled upon Biblioteca, a quaint library tucked away in Coloane. Surrounded by stories and stillness, I felt at peace, knowing that this trip had been everything I had hoped for.

Coloane Port & Sweet Combat Scene

When I saw Coloane Port in one of the episodes of Sweet Combat, I promised myself I’d come here. This was the spot where Lu Han (former EXO member) and Gong Xiao Tong shared a heartfelt farewell after their brief meeting in Macau. Standing there, I could almost feel the emotion from the scene, blending the world of fiction with my own.

Coloane Port, though small and understated, held a certain charm. The soft sounds of the waves made it feel like a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Macau.

The port, with its laid-back vibe and scenic views, felt like a timeless space where stories lingered in the air, and I was lucky enough to witness a part of that fiction come to life.

Next, I followed the road to Lai Chi Vun, where the historic shipyards and traditional houses painted a picture of a bygone era. The quiet street offered a glimpse into Macau’s rich maritime history.

Parting Thoughts

From transporting myself back in time to the reality of departure, I boarded Bus 25 to Studio City. It wasn’t goodbye, Coloane—it was a heartfelt thank you for the great memories and a promise that we would see each other again. I never realized how quickly time flew until I found myself on the Studio City free shuttle bus, headed toward Macau International Airport.

Birthday Reflections

On my final day in Macau, I understood why. Courage doesn’t always roar—sometimes it’s just you and those told in whispers inside the chapels, in the silence of the ports, or in drama scenes I once watched from the comfort of my room. No loud prayers, no rehearsed words—just a quiet surrender. I let the silence absorb everything I hadn’t been able to say out loud for months.

Some people travel for food. Others for sights. Me? I travel for stories. I wasn’t just chasing tourist checklists—I was chasing feelings too. Quiet ones. Bittersweet ones. The kind that lingers like the last bite of a Lord Stow’s egg tart, soft and golden and gone too soon.

My last day wasn’t just a farewell to a city—it was a celebration of life, courage, and quiet dreams finally lived. I ticked off bucket list moments with a heart full of gratitude, a camera full of memories, and two boxes of Lord Stow’s egg tarts all to myself. No regrets.

*** This is the last installment of my Macau 2025 series. My last day in Macau felt like the season finale to a show I didn’t want to end. My heart swelled with tears of joy, knowing that this trip had left an indelible mark on me. It was a silent promise that this wasn’t really goodbye but see you once again.***