Tam Kung Temple
A temple at the end of Coloane village dedicated to a sea deity, holding a whalebone boat.
Updated 20 October 2026
The Tam Kung temple stands at the far end of the Coloane village waterfront, built in 1862 and dedicated to a deity venerated by fishing communities along this coast as a protector at sea. Its best known object is a model dragon boat carved from a single whale bone, about a metre long, with tiny figures of oarsmen aboard. The temple is small, dim and heavy with incense, and it is still used by village families.
History
The temple was built in 1862, when Macau was under Portuguese rule (Wikipedia, Tam Kung Temple (Macau)).
The main sights
- The whalebone boat - a dragon boat carved from a single bone with figures aboard.
- The 1862 building - the temple at the end of the village waterfront.
- The sea deity - Tam Kung, venerated as a protector by fishing communities.
- The village use - a temple still in regular use by local families.
When to go
October to December is dry and cool. The temple keeps daytime hours. Tam Kung's festival day brings the village out.
Practical notes
The temple is very small and fifteen minutes covers it. Incense smoke is heavy indoors. Photography of worshippers needs care.
Nearby
The Chapel of St Francis Xavier is along the waterfront, and Cheoc Van is south.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q27618690, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Tam Kung Temple
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Travel rod + reel - A packable multi-piece rod fits in a case and covers most holiday fishing. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
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