New hidden gems in Macau’s old districts

Hidden like a secret garden, Hotel Mong-Ha is tucked away atop a small hill in the northern part of the Macau Peninsula, shielded by a sweeping expanse of lush greenery. Though it’s situated on a “hill,” its location is far from remote — it takes just 15 minutes by car from the city center.

 

The original building was a Portuguese military barracks built in the 1970s. After several transformations, the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies was established here. The guest rooms were originally too small to serve as classrooms, but they turned out to be perfect spaces for students to gain hands-on experience. As a result, everyone from the front desk to housekeeping at Hotel Mong-Ha is managed by students. The staff, dressed in school uniforms, exude a touch of youthful naivety, yet their service is filled with genuine warmth. This human touch has become one of the hotel’s defining features. It has been recommended for three consecutive years in the Michelin Guide Macau and even topped TripAdvisor’s list of best hotels in Macau in 2011. Hotel Mong-Ha is especially popular with travelers from Hong Kong and Japan, and also attracts many backpackers from Europe and the U.S. Though still relatively unknown to Taiwanese visitors, it holds a special charm.

In fact, a quick stroll around Hotel Mong-Ha reveals why it captivates travelers and keeps them coming back. The hallway leading to the guest rooms retains its original blue-and-white Portuguese tiles, adorned with nautical patterns, while sunlight streaming through the courtyard highlights a serene and sacred-looking fountain. Equally enchanting is the rooftop herb garden at the back of the hotel, where vines and leaves climb abundantly over trellises. Basil, mint, and oregano fill the air with their fragrance, and the garden also grows a variety of fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, eggplants, and corn. This unexpected burst of vitality makes the experience even more delightful. Paired with Western pastries and Portuguese dishes served in the institute’s restaurant, it’s easy to forget the bustling glamour of the city outside and instead seek refuge in this low-key sanctuary.

 

[Info]

Address: Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, Mong-Ha Hill, Macau, China

Phone: +853-2851-5222

The San Dak Deng area is packed with popular eateries, but Long Wah Tea House, located next to the Red Market traditional market, stands out as a local institution and crowd favorite. The tea house’s second-floor storefront is painted in soft yellow, with window sills adorned with various classic potted plants. Even passersby glancing across the street might be compelled to slow their pace. And that’s exactly the nostalgic vibe that Long Wah Tea House offers.

The old-fashioned tiled staircase leading to the second floor feels like a time machine taking you back to earlier days. The tea house has rows of wooden-framed windows, and the light blue walls seem to have faded slightly over time under the midday sun, lending a cinematic feel. A bespectacled owner with an intellectual air greets you: “How about a pot of tea? Jasmine? Tieguanyin? Or chrysanthemum pu’er? Taiwanese visitors love chrysanthemum pu’er.” We happily ordered a pot of chrysanthemum pu’er, and the owner went back contentedly to prepare his signature dish, scallion oil chicken. Before we knew it, while admiring the ink paintings and antique decorations around us, two plates of food arrived, stacked like small hills — just as the menu proudly proclaims, “Premium ingredients, generous portions.” Eager to try everything, we selected a basket of steamed fish-stuffed eggplant from the dim sum trolley, and it was indeed delicious. Sitting in our wooden-paneled booth, with a three-bladed ceiling fan slowly circulating warm air above, I found myself lost in thought, no longer concerned with the passage of time. With each sip of freshly brewed tea and every bite of food, the relaxed pace of life on the second floor seemed to pause just for us.

 

[Info]

Address: 3 Rua do Coronel Mesquita, Macau, China

Phone: +853-2857-4456