Explore all fairylands in one trip – A must-visit Itinerary to Orchid Island

Photos provided by Xiao Feng – Photography Fun of the Wind

Take an island-hopping trip at least once a year
After Penghu, Green Island, and Little Liuqiu
This time, choose a trip to Orchid Island
Taitung<->Round-trip ferry tickets to Orchid Island cost $2360
It’s recommended to book ferry schedules by phone in advance, and you can pick up your tickets directly at the pier
Golden Star departs at 09:15
Green Island Star departs at 07:30 and 13:00 (subject to daily ferry schedules; sometimes only one trip per day is available)

Green Island Star
The voyage takes about 2–2.5 hours

Those who are prone to seasickness can enjoy the scenery outside the cabin
But be sure to stay safe
The sea meets the sky – here I come, Orchid Island

Besides boarding from Taitung’s Fugang Pier
You can also depart from Kenting’s Houpihu Pier

Usually, homestays will arrange for someone to pick you up at the pier
But we went straight to a car rental shop and rented a vehicle for $500/day
Orchid Island is divided into six tribes
In terms of cardinal directions
(East) Dongqing -> (Southeast) Yeyin -> (West) Hongtou -> (West) Yuren -> (Northwest) Yeayu -> (North) Langdao

Our accommodation was at the Sea Bottom City Homestay in Dongqing Tribe
Since this was purely a photography trip, a basic and affordable homestay was sufficient
The paddle canoes on Dongqing Bay are a classic sight

Heading north from Dongqing Tribe
The Nipple Mountain Trail, located next to Lover’s Cave, takes about 10–15 minutes to hike
The north side offers a breathtaking view of the scenic beauty beneath the ring road
while the south side overlooks the Dongqing Tribe

Arriving at Yeyin Tribe
Taking the East 81 Township Road to the west side is more time-efficient
Otherwise, you’ll have to drive around the outer perimeter
Overlooking Yeyin Tribe, home to some of the most well-preserved traditional underground houses
which create a striking contrast against the colorful homestays

Photography Tips in Orchid Island
The west side has front lighting during the day and backlighting in the afternoon
The east side has backlighting during the day and front lighting in the afternoon

Drying flying fish is one of the traditional cultures of Orchid Island
The backlight creates enchanting light and shadow effects

The west side of Orchid Island is perfect for sunset photography
The most popular spot for photos
is undoubtedly the view of Sunset over Steamed Bun Mountain from Hutou Slope

Sunset photography complete, take a short rest and enjoy a meal
Then wait for the Milky Way to rise around nine in the evening
Being on an offshore island with no light pollution, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye
It’s usually best to shoot during the new moon when there’s no moonlight interference
Dragon Head Rock Milky Way is a must-shoot spot
How to photograph the Milky Way?
1. Ultra-wide-angle lens
2. Large-aperture lens
3. Shutter speed of 30 seconds — exceeding that will result in star trails
4. ISO value around 800–3200 (adjust according to ambient light)
5. Check moonrise and moonset times via the Central Weather Bureau
The optimal period is from the 2nd to the 5th day before the new moon
Check the moonrise and moonset schedule
and align your photography with the Milky Way’s rising time each month

Milky Way Rising Time Reference Table
Month Direction Rise Time Direction Set Time
End of January Southeast 5:30* Southwest 12:00
End of February Southeast 3:30* Southwest 10:00
End of March Southeast 1:30* Southwest 8:00
End of April Southeast 23:30* Southwest 6:00
End of May Southeast 21:30* Southwest 4:00*
End of June Southeast 19:30* Southwest 2:00*
End of July Southeast 17:30 Southwest 0:00*
End of August Southeast 15:30 Southwest 22:00*
End of September Southeast 13:30 Southwest 20:00*
End of October Southeast 11:30 Southwest 18:00*
End of November Southeast 9:30 Southwest 16:00
End of December Southeast 7:30 Southwest 14:00
 

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