Taipa is the largest island of Macau and one of the nicest areas in the territory, but while many tourists come here to visit the old “village” and the new casino-resorts on Cotai Strip, less than a few of them know the island boasts some less familiar sightseeing spots that are also worth visiting.

This article will guide you through three of the less visited sightseeing spots in Macau.

1) Pou Tai Un Temple

Tacked on small Lou Lim Leok Street, far from the Taipa’s touristy areas, this temple and monastery is not as ancient as the famous temples on the peninsula, but what it lacks in age, it makes up for in lavish decorations and ornaments.

Built 150 years ago, Pou Tai Un Temple is possibly the territory’s most architecturally rich shrine and other than beautiful statues and religious pieces-of-art, it also boasts some beautifully manicured gardens. Another good reason to come here is the temple’s vegetarian restaurant, where you can enjoy a nice meal at a fairly moderate price.

2) Taipa Pequena Hill

Only a few of the visitors who come to Macau know that Taipa used to be two separate islands in the past, until land reclamation projects united them… Taipa Pequena Hill (Small Taipa), is one of these “historic” islands.

Rising above Pou Tai Un Temple, in the northern part of Taipa, the forested hill boasts a nice and fairly easy trail, as well as some view points from which you can take beautiful views of Macau Peninsula and the mighty bridges.

One of the main attractions here is the “Taipa sculpture complex”: A chain of beautiful wall reliefs on a zigzagged wall, depicting the day-to-day life of the people of Macau. These sculptures were created by Portuguese artist Dorita Castel-Branco, who was inspired by The great wall of China.

3) Taipa Grande

Taipa Grande, the island’s highest hill, is located in the southeastern corner of Taipa, between Macau International Airport and historic Taipa Village, and just like Taipa Pequena, this hill was also once a separated island.

The main draw here is the “Taipa Grande Trail”, which climbs to the top of the hill, passing through some lovely observation points and primary forest.

The trail starts from Nicolau de Mesquita Street. To get here from Taipa Village, you should walk through Rotunda Ouvidor Arriaga and Hotel Taipa, until you see a tiny park on your right hand side, neighboring a small cemetery.

That’s all folks, if you plan to stay in Macau for more than just a day or two, and want to see more than just the usual touristy spots, than Taipa’s “hidden gems” are well worth thinking about.