Text by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler
The scorching summer vacation is just around the corner, and Taiwan’s outlying islands are gearing up for their busiest season of the year. In recent years, Orchid Island has become a popular alternative to Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, thanks to its rich indigenous culture and laid-back, off-the-beaten-path vibe. Aside from snapping photos of the iconic wooden canoe, there are plenty of hidden gems on Orchid Island that you shouldn’t miss. Let’s explore this island from a unique perspective and capture its stunning beauty through your lens.
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The white cross seems to symbolize Orchid Island as the happiest paradise. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Team)
Coconut Oil Prayer Mountain
Each of Orchid Island’s six villages has its own prayer mountain, featuring a massive glowing cross at night surrounded by large stones where tribal members can sit and pray. Coconut Oil Prayer Mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Coconut Oil Bay and Steamed Bun Mountain.
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Coconut Oil Prayer Mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Coconut Oil Bay and Steamed Bun Mountain. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Team)
Dongqing Trail
Leading from Lover’s Cave to Dongqing Village, you’ll find a wooden boardwalk partially obscured by foliage at its end. As you wind your way uphill, the full view of Dongqing Bay gradually unfolds before you, along with a clear outline of the entire Dongqing Village. It’s one of the secret spots for capturing stunning aerial views of Dongqing Bay. Locals also call this hill “Nipple Mountain Trail” because it resembles a woman’s breast when viewed from afar.
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Gazing at Dongqing Bay, one can’t help but recall Chen Jian-nian’s song “Dongqing Village No. 3.” (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Team)
Yeyin Underground Houses
Yeyin Village is home to the most well-preserved underground houses on Orchid Island. Climb up to the third-floor terrace of En Hui Homestay and wait for dusk to fall, when the village’s low streetlights gradually illuminate, shining like stars.
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The underground houses of Yeyin Village are among the most precious architectural relics on Orchid Island. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Team)
Yeyin Cold Spring
Not far from Yeyin Village lies a cold spring formed by mountain streams. Cool all year round, it’s a refreshing escape under Orchid Island’s blazing sun. Whether you take a dip in the cold spring or simply soak your feet, it’s a delightful experience. At the entrance of the cold spring is a cave where locals collect pristine mountain water in bottles to take home. The water quality here has remained unpolluted for centuries. The owner of a Yeyin homestay told us that closer to the sea, there’s another spring affectionately called a “hot spring” by locals. Though also crystal-clear, it serves as Orchid Island’s most natural sauna.
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The cool mountain cold spring, refreshing all year round, is the perfect retreat from Orchid Island’s strong sunshine. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editing Team)
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