Most people visiting Taiwan rush to the likes of Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and Jiufen. But did you know Taiwan is surrounded by a collection of smaller islands equally as stunning and diverse as the main island?
Taiwan’s offshore islands offer a wide range of experiences, from tropical beaches and rugged coastlines to interesting cultural sites and rich histories. While each of Taiwan’s islands is different with its own distinct character, they all share a common thread of incredible natural beauty and awesome island vibes, offering visitors a welcome respite from the bustling cities of the mainland.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a glimpse into traditional culture, the outer islands of Taiwan have it all!
Here are the most unmissable Taiwan islands that deserve a spot on your Taiwan itinerary!
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Tips for Visiting Taiwan’s Offshore Islands
Before we dive into which islands of Taiwan not to miss, here are a few quick tips to help you plan a seamless trip.
- It can be hard withdrawing money on some of Taiwan’s outer islands, especially Xiaoliuqiu and Green Island. The ATMs don’t accept international bank cards, so bring enough cash for your trip.
- Most of the islands covered in this list are accessible via ferry. Know that ferries don’t sail in poor weather. It’s also best to book ferry tickets a few weeks in advance to guarantee you have a seat.
- You might run into language barriers on some of Taiwan’s smaller islands. Make sure you have Google Translate (set to Traditional Chinese) on your phone. Read my post on handy travel apps in Taiwan for more tips.
- Book all kinds of activities like diving, snorkeling, SUP, island hopping online in advance. I use Klook.
- The best way to explore Taiwan’s outer islands is by scooter. Like elsewhere in Taiwan, you’ll need a local license or an IDP specifically for a motorcycle.
- Make sure to schedule enough time for your Taiwan island adventures. Getting to most of the islands mentioned on this list takes time, and the last thing you want to do is rush. Except for Turtle Island and Qimei, I suggest setting aside at least three days to explore each island.
The Best Islands of Taiwan
Green Island
Green Island, or Lyudao, is a small volcanic island located off the southeast coast of Taiwan. It’s known for its lush vegetation, stunning coral reefs full of marine life, natural sea caves, and even has hot springs.
While most visitors come to swim, dive, and snorkel in the clear and warm waters surrounding the island, there’s more to Lyudao than its treasure-filled underwater world. Some of the island’s main attractions include the Lyudao Lighthouse, Zhaori Hot Springs (one of only three saltwater hot springs worldwide), and the Little Great Wall. There are also a bunch of unique geological formations scattered around the island resembling everything from a sleeping lady to a lapdog and even an elephant!
Green Island also has a rich history and cultural heritage, including a former prison, now a popular tourist attraction. Here you can learn about the island’s history and the lives of the prisoners once held there. Make sure also to visit the White Terror Memorial Hall Park, which is dedicated to promoting human rights awareness.
Green Island is easily accessed via ferry from Fugang Harbor in Taitung. Boats sail twice a day (weather permitting), and it takes about 50 minutes to reach the island.
Where to Stay: Tube 18 | Slow Island Hostel | Chaikuo Waterfront
Klook.comXiaoliuqiu
Xiaoliuqiu, also known as Lambai Island, is a tiny coral island located off the southwest coast of Taiwan, not too far from Kaohsiung.
Best known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, the island is a paradise for snorkelers, divers, and free divers. As an ecological conservation area, it’s also one of the best places in Taiwan to spot endangered green sea turtles up close.
While most of the activities on Xiaoliuqiu revolve around water, the island also hosts a bunch of other cool things to do. It’s home to several unique geological formations, including the Houshi Fringing Reef and the famed Vase Rock – a unique mushroom-shaped rock jutting out of the sea.
If hiking is your thing, the island has several trails which allow you to get close to nature. Don’t miss the Beauty Cave trail and the Wild Boar Trench trail. Another unmissable stop is the Black Dwarf Cave – an underground cave where a group of enslaved people were once abandoned and later massacred after being discovered.
Numerous speed boats depart daily (weather permitting) from Donggang Ferry Terminal. The ride takes about 30 minutes, and a return ticket is open-ended for seven days. Since it’s such a hotspot, it’s always best to book a ferry ticket in advance.
Where to Stay: Begin Inn | Secret Path B&B | Outline B&B
Klook.comGuishan Island
Guishan Island is a small uninhabited volcanic island located off the northeast coast of Yilan in Taiwan. It is named Turtle Island due to its resemblance to a turtle.
Once home to the indigenous Kavalan people and later a military outpost, Guishan is today better known as a dedicated ecological reserve. Since it’s home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, it is a hotspot for nature lovers, hikers, and bird watchers.
The island’s main attraction is the Milky Sea – a rare phenomenon caused by the discharge of hot water from the underwater hot spring located under the island. When this water mixes with the surrounding seawater, it releases gas and minerals that create a stunning milky appearance. The best way to observe this rare and fascinating natural phenomenon is on a boat tour around the island.
While you don’t necessarily need to step foot on Turtle Island, it’s worth paying a few extra dollars to explore it. A visit will allow you to tour the remnants of the old settlement, see the military bunkers, admire the natural lagoon, and even hike to the 401 Highland for a fantastic view over the island, ocean, and Yilan County in the distance.
The only way to visit Turtle Island is to join a guided tour. Only 1800 people can go to the island daily, so it’s best to plan ahead. Since the island is a protected area, it’s only open to tourists from March to November. Tours depart from Wushi Harbor in Toucheng and usually last 4.5 hours. If you want to hike to 401 Highland, book your tour at least 20 days in advance, as you need a special permit to go up there.
Penghu Islands
Located just off the west coast of Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait, you’ll find one of Taiwan’s most popular offshore island destinations – Penghu.
The Penghu Archipelago (also known as the Pescadores) is a group of 90 islands and islets revered for their pristine white sand beaches, incredible marine life, and unique geological formations, including basalt columns and sea trenches!
The main island of Magong is where you want to base yourself. It offers a whole host of fun things to do – from snorkeling in crystal clear waters and lounging on dreamy beaches to island hopping and visiting the massive basalt columns.
If you’re into culture, pop by the famous Tianhou Temple, which dates back to the Ming dynasty. Other highlights include visiting the Whale Cave, wandering around Zhongyang Old Street, getting a closer look at the Tongliang Great Banyan and visiting Erkan Old Village – a laidback settlement featuring traditional houses built with coral and seashells.
For foodies, another must-do is sampling the delicious local cuisine. Most of the food in Penghu is centered around the abundant seafood caught in the surrounding waters, but also make sure to try the cactus ice cream and brown sugar cake.
The fastest way to get to Penghu is to fly from Taichung Airport, Songshan Airport, or Kaohsiung Airport. However, if you’re not in a rush, it’s also possible to take a ferry from Chiayi to access the island. Make sure you buy a ticket with a transfer from the HSR or train station for a stress-free trip!
Where to Stay: Oasis Hotel | Miao Miao Villa | Discovery Hotel
Klook.comQimei Island
Qimei (literally translated to ‘seven beauties’) is a tiny island just over an hour’s boat ride from Magong City. Although it technically forms part of the Penghu Archipelago, it undoubtedly deserves its own spot on this list of the best Taiwan islands to visit.
What really makes this little island so special is its spectacular scenery. With gorgeous coral beaches, stunning rocky coves, basalt cliffs, and undulating grasslands, Qimei is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Taiwan.
The most popular attraction on Qimei Island is the Twin Hearts Stone Weir, a traditional fishing method used by the local people for hundreds of years. The weir consists of two stone walls that form a heart shape, and fish are caught in the enclosure when the tide goes out. Another attraction on Qimei Island is the Little Taiwan Rock, a flat rock that resembles the shape of Taiwan when viewed from above.
Qimei is quite small, but the best way to explore is by renting a scooter near the harbor. That way, you can see all its best bits at your own pace. The easiest way to get to Qimei is to join a day tour from Magong City. The tour includes an option to rent a scooter and even go snorkeling while visiting the island.
Klook.comEssentials for Visiting Taiwan’s Islands
To make the most of your Taiwan island hopping adventures, here are a few essentials worth bringing along on your trip.
- Eco-friendly sunscreen: Many of the islands in Taiwan are protected areas. Pack a reef-safe sunscreen that will keep you and the environment safe.
- Quick drying towel: You’re definitely going to be swimming at these dreamy Taiwanese islands. Pack a lightweight towel, like this Turkish beach towel that dries in a jiffy.
- Waterproof cellphone case & dry bag: Since you’ll spend most of your time near the water, keep your stuff safe with a decent waterproof cellphone case and a dry bag.
- Camera: The islands of Taiwan are absolutely stunning, so don’t forget your camera! I use an Olympus mirrorless camera, but if you’re into videography, make sure you add a Go Pro or this DJI mini drone to your kit.
- Mosquito repellant: Mozzies can be a real pain in Taiwan. It’s a good idea always to have bug spray or mosquito-repellent bracelets handy.
- For more tips, check out my detailed Taiwan packing list.
Taiwan Islands in Conclusion
While these are just a handful of Taiwan’s most beautiful offshore islands, they should give you a good starting point!
Well, there you have it – the absolute best Taiwan islands to visit! If you have any other suggestions for cool islands in Taiwan, let me know in the comments below so I can add them to my Taiwan island-hopping list!
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I never visited Taiwan. But I always wanted to visit Taiwan.. I remember when you posted an article about stuff to do in Hualien Taiwan, I’ve been trying to visit since then. And the Green Island you mentioned in this post, seems incredible… I have been watching videos from youtube, and I am literally crazy about visiting Green Island… I wish I can visit Taiwan….. Gotta pack my bag and visit Taiwan. And I will keep telling people how a single post inspired me to visit Taiwan! Anyways, keep doing what you are doing… I never commented ever on your posts, but I always to interact with you!
Awesome, thanks Bilal! Hope you get a chance to visit Taiwan soon!