Why travel far when the beauty is close by? A complete guide to exploring Taiwan’s five major offshore islands!

FunTime

Taiwan boasts rich natural landscapes and marine resources, where both mountains and seas are breathtakingly beautiful, and there are five stunning offshore islands you absolutely must visit in your lifetime—Penghu, Matsu, Green Island, Little Liuqiu, and Orchid Island. How many have you been to?

Every summer, you might find yourself craving a refreshing summer dessert under the midsummer night sky of Green Island; or perhaps enjoying dazzling fireworks in Penghu. There’s no way to get tired of exploring the offshore islands. With summer vacation approaching, we’ve put together a special feature on Taiwan’s offshore islands—perfect for a fun water adventure this summer!

Penghu consists of 90 scattered small islands, yet its history dates back 400 years earlier than that of Taiwan’s main island. While some say Penghu’s cost of living is high—comparable even to Taipei—its rich cultural history and recent rise as a popular diving spot mean you’ll never run out of things to do in a three-day, two-night trip. Instead, you’ll likely find yourself even more enchanted. Let’s explore the charm of Penghu!

(source by the editor’s friend Ray)

1. By Plane

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Penghu is by plane. Flights are available from Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, but be sure to book your tickets and accommodation early, especially from April to June when the Penghu Fireworks Festival takes place each year!

■ Airlines flying to Penghu: Uni Air, Far Eastern Air Transport, Mandarin Airlines, and TransAsia Airways

2. By Ferry

Another way to reach Penghu is by ferry. Both Chiayi and Kaohsiung offer ferries to Magong Harbor in Penghu.

Penghu is made up of 90 small islands where history and the sea blend seamlessly. You can wander through traditional villages and encounter history, admire the natural masterpiece of basalt along the coast while listening to the waves, or dive into the water for a memorable snorkeling experience. These are all delightful ways to explore Penghu.

Penghu hosts its annual Fireworks Festival from April to June. This year’s International Marine Fireworks Festival kicked off on April 19, 2018, and will run until June 21, 2018. If you’re keen to see the spectacular fireworks, start planning now!

Green Island, formerly known as Fire Burn Island, is located about 33 kilometers east of Taitung City. Covering an area of 16.2 square kilometers, it is a volcanic island composed of block lava. With abundant natural scenery and marine resources, it has long been one of Taiwan’s most beloved offshore islands and a diver’s paradise.

There are two ways to reach Green Island: by plane or by passenger ferry. Flying is quicker and avoids seasickness, but is more expensive. The ferry takes about 50 minutes one way but may be suspended due to weather conditions, though it is more affordable.

Green Island is arguably one of Taiwan’s top diving destinations, with crystal-clear waters where you can even swim alongside adorable sea turtles. Although diving prices on Green Island aren’t cheap, once you’re here, missing out on such a stunning ocean encounter would be a shame!

Recommended reading:

Orchid Island is one of the eastern islands, formed just like Green Island by submarine volcanic eruptions where magma solidified upon contact with seawater. Its hot and humid climate, coupled with the Kuroshio Current, results in even clearer water visibility than on Green Island. Additionally, the unique culture of the Tao people adds another layer of charm.

1. By Plane

Taitung Fongnian Airport → Orchid Island Airport, approximately 25 minutes one way

■ Airline: Daily Air (19-seater small aircraft)

2. By Ferry

There are only two high-speed ferry routes to Langyu Kaiyuan Port:

■ Taitung Fugang Fishing Port → Langyu Kaiyuan Port
■ Pingtung Hengchun Houbei Lake Fishing Port → Langyu Kaiyuan Port

1. Rent a scooter: A driver’s license is required. The daily rate is about NT$350–700.

2. Island Loop Bus: The Langyu Island Loop Bus runs only four times a day—two clockwise and two counterclockwise. Check the Island Loop Bus Schedule and Fare Chart.

1. Great Tianchi (Big Heavenly Lake)

Langyu’s Great Tianchi is a volcanic crater formed by magma eruptions and later shaped into a high-altitude lake through rainwater accumulation. It’s a rare natural wonder. Due to its limited accessibility, it sees fewer visitors. Travelers planning to visit are advised to go with a local guide. (Some homestays offer packaged tours to Great Tianchi.)

2. Tao People’s Millet Festival

When visiting Taiwan’s outlying island of Langyu, don’t miss the unique cultural ceremonies of the Tao people, such as the Flying Fish Festival that honors the flying fish and the Millet Festival celebrating harvest joy. Everyone can experience the Tao people’s warmth and gain an in-depth understanding of Langyu’s distinctive culture during these festivals—making for a culturally rich trip to Langyu.

Liuqiu Island, commonly known as Little Liuqiu, is a coral island located southwest of Donggang Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. Covering an area of just 6.802 square kilometers, its landscape differs from other outlying islands. In addition to famous spots like the Flower Vase Rock and Beauty Cave, the island enjoys year-round warm sea temperatures above 25°C due to the influence of the Kuroshio Current’s branch, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.

1. By Ferry

The only way to reach Little Liuqiu is to drive or take public transport to Donggang Harbor first, then transfer to a passenger ferry to get to the island.

Little Liuqiu Attractions

Little Liuqiu boasts abundant ecological resources and uniquely spectacular natural scenery. Attractions such as Beauty Cave, Mountain Pig Gully, and the annual King Boat Festival are major draws. Additionally, it is a hotspot for snorkeling, with clear waters often revealing green sea turtles.

Matsu is arguably one of Taiwan’s most talked-about outlying islands in recent years. Whether it’s visiting the distinctive old houses in Qimei Village or admiring the shimmering “Blue Tears” on the sea at night, both Beigan and Nangan are incredibly beautiful, captivating many travelers.

1. By Plane

There are daily flights between Songshan (Taipei), Nangan, and Beigan, with flight durations of around 50 minutes. There are also regular flights between Taichung and Nangan, taking about 65 minutes.

■ Airline: Uni Air (One-way from Taipei: approx. NT$2,007 / One-way from Taichung: approx. NT$2,455)

2. By Ferry(Routes: Details available)

■ One-day trip (Matsu first, then Dongyin): Keelung → Nangan → Dongyin → Keelung
■ Two-day trip (Dongyin first, then Matsu): Keelung → Dongyin → Nangan → Keelung

Recommended Reading:

The blue tears of Matsu are truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime magical sights. The shimmering lights on the sea resemble ocean sprites, dancing across the water’s surface as night falls. The season for blue tears runs from April to June each year. During the day, visit Qinpibu Village to admire this small fishing village by the coast, and at night, head to the shore to witness the enchanting blue tears — an experience that's simply delightful.

A little insider tip from us:The chances of seeing the blue tears are much higher on nights without moonlight.

All the prices mentioned above are calculated based on average tourist spending. The total cost can also vary depending on your choice of transportation and accommodation. Additionally, airfare fluctuates between peak and off-peak seasons, and diving fees to reach the outlying islands are not cheap — so your expenses could be even higher.

Many homestays on the outlying islands also offer discounted package deals that include ferry tickets, diving, scooters, and more — helping you save quite a bit of money.

Taiwan’s outlying islands are truly an endless source of fun, each with its own unique charm and character. Today, we’ve put together a guide covering transportation and sightseeing highlights for five of Taiwan’s outlying islands. This summer, why not plan a vacation to the islands?

[FunTime Travel Recommendation] Authorized reprint. Original article from [Penghu, Matsu, Green Island, Little Liuqiu, and Orchid Island – A Summer Splash Comparison]