Have fun without leaving the country!Get the lowdown on Taiwan’s top six must-visit outlying islands

Tripbaa Funbaa: Asia’s Free Travel Expert

When it comes to Taiwan’s offshore islands, Penghu, Green Island, and Orchid Island might be the first that come to mind — but what about the others? Or maybe you’re still deciding where to go for your summer vacation this year? Why not follow our guide and explore the unique features of each Taiwanese island one step at a time? Don’t just follow the crowd blindly — figure out what sights and activities you truly want to experience.

The biggest highlight of Penghu’s attractions is undoubtedly the long-running Penghu International Marine Fireworks Festival, which is not only one of the grandest celebrations among Taiwan’s offshore islands, but also marks the start of the annual Penghu tourism season. The festival regularly features fireworks displays, light shows, evening galas, and more. Sitting by the Xiyi Rainbow Bridge with friends, feeling the breeze, stepping on the waves, and watching the spectacular light bursts is like the prelude to a summer symphony.

Beyond cultural events, Penghu boasts abundant natural resources and geographical features. One of the most unique aspects is its numerous islands — over 90 in total. Due to their different locations and environments, each small island has its own distinct character. Therefore, the most fun and essential way to explore Penghu is through “island hopping”!

First-time visitors to Penghu should definitely check out Jibei and Qimei Islands, as they have the most frequent and reliable ferry services. Both offer water activities such as snorkeling. For your second or third trip, you can plan around the ferry schedules to visit lesser-known gems like Husi Island, Niaoyu Island, and Mubuyu Island to enjoy serene and breathtaking island scenery.

For those interested in island hopping, it's recommended to select 1–4 islands (for landing & cruising), mixing one day on the outer islands with one day on the main island. This pattern can be extended for longer stays. Avoid tiring back-and-forth travel by boat, which can be exhausting and limit your actual exploration of Penghu’s attractions.

Among these beautiful small islands liesTaiwan’s only national park among its offshore islands — the “Penghu South Sea Four Islands National Park,” which is Taiwan’s ninth national park and its second marine national park.It consists of Dongjiyu, Xijiyu, Dongyupingyu, Xiyupingyu, as well as smaller surrounding islands like Toutou, Tiezan, Zhongzi, Zhumu Reef, and Chutouyu. Like scattered diamonds, these islands dot the southern waters of Peng

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"Blue Tears" is the most unique and famous feature among the attractions in Matsu. This phenomenon occurs when a type of bioluminescent plankton called dinoflagellates is disturbed by waves or wind, emitting a blue glow. When these organisms are densely spread across the sea, they create a magical glowing effect. The peak season for this spectacle is from April to June each year, attracting many travelers to visit Matsu specifically for it.

 

Unlike the Minnan-style architecture found on Taiwan proper and Kinmen, Matsu’s northern and southern islands feature many examples of Mindong-style buildings. These architectural techniques were brought over by settlers originally from Lianjiang and Changle in Fujian during earlier migrations. When applied to temple construction, the style features vibrant colors and exaggerated shapes, known as "fire-shaped gable and hip roof architecture." In contrast, ordinary residential homes tend to be more modest, referred to as "water-shaped gable and hip roof architecture."

The Mindong-style architecture commonly seen at Matsu attractions today is built using locally sourced yellow granite and bluestone from mainland China, resulting in distinctive stone houses. Because of their square shape, they are also called "one-imprint style architecture." The walls are constructed using a herringbone brick pattern, and for ease of repair, the roofs are usually not entirely sealed but are instead layered with individual roofing stones. The overall design allows for excellent ventilation, earning them the nickname "breathing houses."

Due to its unique geographical location, Kinmen presents the most distinct face among Taiwan’s outlying islands. On this simple, humanistic island, remnants of wartime history can be found everywhere. Its architecture blends elements of Mindong style and Baroque, such as in the Kinmen Folk Culture Village and the Juguang Tower. Every brick and tile at these Kinmen attractions represents the island’s special historical background and military culture.

Kinmen’s specialty, kaoliang liquor, is known far and wide, but aside from being delicious, kaoliang fields also offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Kinmen’s attractions. Especially in autumn and winter, golden stalks of kaoliang cover the landscape, and the air carries the faint fragrance of the grain — a sensory experience you can only have in Kinmen!

Most people might have only seen this character in textbooks, but in fact, you can find the horseshoe crab in the Taiwan outlying islands — specifically in Kinmen. However, due to ecological and environmental changes, sightings have become increasingly rare. As a result, Kinmen has made considerable efforts in conservation and public awareness, aiming to introduce more people to this precious living fossil that dates back thousands of years. So when planning your Kinmen attractions itinerary, don’t forget to visit the Kinmen Aquaculture Research Institute to see them!

Kinmen address: No. 2, Xihai Road, Jincheng Township, Kinmen County
Opening Hours: 08:00–17:00 (Closed on weekends)
Phone: (08) 232-6407

Xiaoliuqiu is the closest of Taiwan’s outlying islands to the main island. A boat ride from Donggang takes just 30 minutes, and because the island itself isn’t very large, it’s a convenient and popular travel destination. But some might wonder — apart from snorkeling and island-hopping, what else can you do on such a small island? Will you run out of Xiaoliuqiu attractions too quickly?

Besides snorkeling and island tours, one unique way to explore more of Xiaoliuqiu’s attractions is by kayak. Beginners can try short routes under 5 km to spots like Beauty Cave or Sunrise Pavilion. With guidance from instructors and a bit of practice, you can easily get the hang of it and even swim alongside sea turtles.

For those with ample energy and a love for outdoor activities who want to take in the full island view, you can opt for a circumnavigation kayak trip. Paddle across the sea to admire coral reefs rising from the water, and enjoy the sound of the waves and the stunning ocean views all to yourself.

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As Little Liuqiu is the island in Taiwan with the highest concentration of sea turtles, you have a very high chance of seeing them pop their heads out while you’re snorkeling or canoeing — it’s a truly touching and exciting ecological moment, and definitely a must-see among the attractions in Little Liuqiu.

The hot springs in Green Island are the only hot spring resource among Taiwan’s outlying islands, and also one of the few natural submarine hot springs in the world — they can only be found in Italy, Kyushu, and Green Island. These hot springs have a slightly salty taste from the seawater but are not irritating to human skin. Moreover, with breathtaking mountain-and-sea views, you can soak in the hot springs while watching the sunrise. A trip to Green Island is rare, so you certainly shouldn’t miss this dual enjoyment that nourishes both health and the eyes.

Since the Japanese colonial period, Green Island has had detention facilities specifically for housing gangsters, and over time, three different types of prisons were built, including Oasis Villa, Taiwan Green Island Prison, and Green Island Skills Training Center, making it once the island with the highest density of prisons in the world. Currently, only the Taiwan Green Island Prison still holds inmates.

Because many inmates who were considered “dissidents” or “political prisoners” were held in Green Island, you can find many slogans and ideological reform phrases on the prison walls. This history and architecture are important testimonies to Taiwan’s journey toward democracy, as well as its emphasis on human rights and freedom. If you come here, don’t forget to visit this special spot in Green Island to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s outlying islands.

10 Taiwan Green Island Prison. (Photo / Taitung Tourism Network)

Phone: 886-(89)-672510
Address: No. 192, Zhongliao Village, Green Island Township, Taitung County
Opening Hours: Interested individuals may apply in accordance with relevant regulations and will be allowed to visit upon approval.

When it comes to the most beautiful snorkeling spots among Taiwan’s outlying islands, none can rival Orchid Island. With some of the cleanest waters in the world — visibility of up to 300–50 meters — plus hundreds of species of live coral and fish, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeling enthusiast, you won’t be disappointed here. On the contrary, you’ll be amazed by the most stunning and immersive snorkeling experience possible.

Aside from its rich marine resources, one of Orchid Island’s most treasured features is its well-preserved Tao (Yami) culture. The Tao people are the only Austronesian ethnic group in Taiwan distributed on an outlying island, thus developing unique cultural traits. As a primarily patrilineal society sustained by fishing, their traditional elements such as the Flying Fish Festival, wooden plank boats, and the underground houses — traditional dwellings closely tied to the daily life of Orchid Island residents — are all must-see highlights.

[Authorized Repost by Tripbaa Fun Bar] Original article from [6 Islands, 14 Local Features – A Complete Guide to Exploring All of Taiwan’s Outlying Islands]