Sounds of the Sea: Off-the-Beaten-Path Edition – Top 10 Hidden Paradises in Orchid Island

By MOOK Scenic Spots’ Christopher, compiled and reported

Besides its iconic traditional Tao culture, Orchid Island is also one of Taiwan’s potential UNESCO World Heritage sites, boasting rich marine erosion landscapes and island scenery. Here are ten must-visit hidden gems on Orchid Island, including villages such as Langdao, Dongqing, Yeyin, Hongtou, Yuren, and Yeyou, each hiding breathtaking views not found on the main island.

1. Dongqing Bay
Located on the eastern side of Orchid Island, Dongqing Bay is the island’s largest bay and the first place in Taiwan to greet the sunrise every day. Occasionally, you can also spot one of the Tao people’s most iconic traditional boats, the wooden plank canoe, here.

2. Yeyin Tribe
Near Dongqing Bay, Yeyin Tribe not only showcases one of the best-preserved traditional Tao settlements but also features vibrantly colored houses set against the bright sun and vast blue sea—truly a stunning scene.

3. Langdao Secret Spot
Known as the most polite of the Tao tribes, Langdao is home to the most beautiful natural pool—“Langdao Secret Spot.” Surrounded by coral rocks, it sits at the meeting point of freshwater and seawater, offering a refreshingly cool escape.

4. Langdao Prayer Mountain
Most residents of Orchid Island are Christian or Catholic. There are three local prayer mountains here, among which “Langdao Prayer Mountain” is the hardest to climb due to its steep and narrow paths. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Langdao Tribe and the endless blue sea.