Even cuter than Nara’s deer? Over a hundred sika deer & stunning sea views on Matsu’s Da Wu Island are ultra-healing

▲ The back view of sika deer gazing at the sea is super cute.

Reported and photographed by Chen Hanyin / Matsu

Many people think of Japan’s Nara when they imagine adorable deer, but Taiwan actually has its own “Deer Island” with even friendlier and more lovable deer! Da Wu is a small islet off Beigan in Matsu, home to just one resident and over a hundred sika deer. These gentle creatures are completely unafraid of humans—you can get up close and lock eyes with them, and their big, soulful eyes will melt every visitor’s heart.

▲ A beautiful island inhabited by over a hundred sika deer.

Travelers who’ve been to Nara know that the “spoiled” deer there either wear grumpy faces or go crazy for food. The deer on Da Wu Island are much cuter. These deer are all wild, having grown from an initial 13 to now populating the entire hillside. It takes about a 30-minute boat ride from Nangan to Da Wu Island. As soon as you disembark and walk up the slope, a sika deer struts right up to you. Local guide Wang Chunping says sika deer are actually quite wary of people, but they’ve grown accustomed to humans because of food—and she reminds visitors not to disturb or touch them.

▲ The combination of sea views and deer is simply healing.

▲ Be careful of their horns when feeding them.

Although there’s no deer food for sale on the island, tree leaves and fig fruits are their snacks. Visitors can pick these to feed them—figs are like fake yam-like fruit, rich in protein and vitamins, and a favorite of these “deer lords”! The island is home to only one owner of a claypot chicken shop. Hungry visitors can pre-order upon arrival and enjoy a meal after exploring the island. Cooling herbal tea is also a great choice.

▲ Juicy figs are their favorite.

▲ Boats usually stay for about an hour to let visitors explore.

The endless sea views paired with the healing presence of sika deer really lift your spirits. For long holidays when you want to escape your usual surroundings and let your heart travel, besides flying abroad, taking a trip to an offshore island is also a wonderful option. These lesser-known islands hold many natural treasures waiting for travelers to discover.

▲ The adorable little deer are completely unafraid of people.

2017 Da Wu Eco Flight (Departing from Nangan)
Daily departures in April, May, September, and October:
Departure: 09:50 AM from Fugang Port → Da Wu; Return: 12:10 PM from Da Wu → 12:20 PM from Baisha Port → Fugang Port.

Two daily departures in June, July, and August:
First departure: 09:50 AM from Fugang Port → Da Wu; Return: 12:10 PM from Da Wu → 12:20 PM from Baisha Port → Fugang Port
Second departure: 01:20 PM from Fugang Port → Da Wu; Return: 03:40 PM from Da Wu → 03:50 PM from Baisha Port → Fugang Port

* Uni Air [Uni Holidays] package: Matsu Card? Hero Hall free & easy flight + hotel from NT$5,399.