Home / Taiwan

A complete guide to visiting Taiwans' Islands: Green island (Lüdao), Lanyu, Penghu and Lambai (Liuqui)

Taiwan's islands are often overlooked by travelers to the country - they are a bit hard to get to, but they do offer a lot to the curious traveller: From snorkeling with turtles in beautiful coral reefs, to learning about the history of the country, the islands of Taiwan are definitely worth a visit!

Key information at a glance

Best time to travel:Spring (March-May) & early autumn (August to October)
For you if:You like beach destinations without the usual frills
Country Overview:Head here for a general overview over Taiwan

Introduction to Taiwans islands

When I first planned my 8-month stay in Taiwan, I had no idea about the smaller islands dotting its coastline. But let me tell you, these little gems - Green Island (Lüdao), Lanyu, Penghu, Kinmen and Lambai (Liuqiu) - are absolute gems if you're looking to experience a different side of Taiwan. During my first visit to Taiwan in 2015, the friends I made there invited me to join them on a trip to Penghu, and when I came back to the country last year, it was clear that I would use my time to also explore the other islands.

Views inside a traditional home on Penghu
Views inside a traditional home on Penghu

Getting to these islands takes a bit more effort than hopping on the high-speed rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung. But trust me, the extra planning is worth it. Each island has its own unique vibe, from pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to fascinating cultural experiences and landscapes that'll make your jaw drop.

However, I would say not all of the islands will please every type of traveler - read on to find out which island might be for you. Also, if you're pressed for time, there are plenty of sights in mainland Taiwan to keep you occupied for at least two weeks. It all depends what experience you're looking for!

Map Overview

Let's start with an overview of where the different islands are located around Taiwan:

All about Green Island (Lüdao)

Green Island, or Lüdao as the locals call it, is a tiny volcanic island that - for being only about 15 square kilometers - offers a lot of activities. I would suggest you spend around 2 days here. That will give you plenty of time to explore without getting bored (it's a really small island, after all). If you really love snorkeling, you can stay even longer - we met a woman that was on the island for a week to have enough time to check out all the snorkeling spots.

Things to do:

  • Go Snorkeling and Diving: Some of the best coral reefs in Taiwan are right here. If you're into underwater adventures, you're in for a treat.
  • Take a bath in the Hot Springs: Ever bathed in a saltwater hot spring while gazing out at the ocean? The Zhaori Hot Springs on Green Island let you do just that. It's one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world! Pro tip: go at sunrise or sunset for an extra magical experience.
  • Enjoy the Scenic Beauty: Rent a scooter and cruise around the coastal road. The views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline are beautiful.
  • Take a History Lesson: Visit the former Green Island Prison, now a human rights memorial park. It's a sobering but important reminder of Taiwan's martial law period. I did not know anything about this part of Taiwans history even though I lived there in 2015 - it's super interesting and even though the museum is small, it's well made.
Exloring a cave on Green Island
Exloring a cave on Green Island

Getting there:

Fly from Taipei to Taitung, or take the train from Kaohshiung to Taitung. You can then either fly to Green Island or hop on a 50-minute ferry. Be forewarned though: The ferry ride can be quite choppy depending on the season.

Where to stay and eat:

For a full list of recommendations (as well as all places to visit mentioned above), head to our Google Map. Here are a few tips:

All about Lanyu (Orchid Island)

Lanyu, also known as Orchid Island, is where you go if you want to feel like you've stepped into a completely different world. It's home to the indigenous Tao (or Yami) people, and the island's culture is unlike anything else you'll see in Taiwan. Of all the islands in this article, Lanyu is the one with the least developed tourism infrastructure.

Snorkeling inside a cave on Lanyu
Snorkeling inside a cave on Lanyu

Things to do:

  • Learn about the Indigenous Culture: Check out the traditional Tao underground houses and learn about their unique culture
  • Flying Fish Festival: If you're visiting between March and June, you might catch this cultural event.
  • Hike: To the Lanyuqixiang Station for some killer island views, or to Great Heaven lake
  • Snorkel or dive: Similar to Lüdao, Lanyu has beautiful coral reefs you can explore, e.g. with Lanyu Flying Fish Snorkeling or Lanyu Fun

Getting there:

Getting there: Fly from Taipei to Taitung, or take the train from Kaohshiung to Taitung. Then catch a small plane to Green Island or ferry to Lanyu. The ferry first stops on Green Island, so you could easily combine the two islands in one trip. Just be advised that the crossing from Green island to Lanyu is usually very choppy (even more so than from Taitung to Green island!).

Where to stay and eat:

For a full list of recommendations (as well as all places to visit mentioned above), head to our Google Map. Here are a few tips:

Chill island life on Penghu
Chill island life on Penghu
The beaches on this island are white sand
The beaches on this island are white sand

All about Penghu

Penghu, or the Pescadores Islands if you're feeling fancy, is actually a group of 90 islands and islets in the Taiwan Strait. It's a mix of golden beaches, historical sites, and some seriously good water sports action. If you're into Kite Surfing, this is the place to be!

You'll probably base yourself on the main island, Huxi Island, and in Magong. From there, you can explore more islands as well as drive around the main island by scooter.

Things to do:

The best way to explore the main island is by scooter - take a day and drive around the island to the sights listed here.

Unfortunately, many of the traditional homes on the islands of Taiwan have fallen into disrepair
Unfortunately, many of the traditional homes on the islands of Taiwan have fallen into disrepair

Getting there:

You can fly directly to Penghu from Taipei, or take a ferry from Chiayi or Kaohsiung.

Where to stay and eat:

For a full list of recommendations (as well as all places to visit mentioned above), head to our Google Map. Here are a few tips:

All about Lambai (Liuqui)

Lambai, also called Liuqiu or Xiao Liuqiu, is a small coral island that's perfect if you want to slow down and enjoy island life at its most chill. It's known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and loads of sea turtles!

Lambai surprised me - somehow I did not expect much, but I just couldn't get enough of watching and swimming with the turtles. Don't worry about "finding" them or joining a guided tour: On Lambai, you just step into the water and there they are.

Cordt and me during our snorkeling trip to Lambai
Cordt and me during our snorkeling trip to Lambai
Swimming with turtles all around you was magical!
Swimming with turtles all around you was magical!

Things to do:

  • Island Time: Experience that relaxed island lifestyle and friendly local culture.
  • Snorkeling: One of the best places in Taiwan to see sea turtles just doing their thing in nature. The island is also surrounded by coral reefs.
  • Geological formations: Check out the Vase Rock, Beauty Cave, and other cool geological formations
  • Fresh seafood: An abundance of restaurants serve tasty fish and other seafood

Getting there:

Take a ferry from Donggang Harbor in Pingtung County. You can get to Donggang by bus or taxi from Kaohsiung.

Where to stay and eat:

For a full list of recommendations (as well as all places to visit mentioned above), head to our Google Map. Here are a few tips:

Fish spotted!
Fish spotted!

Which Taiwanese island should you visit?

Okay, so you're probably thinking, "These all sound amazing, but I can't visit them all!" (I mean, you could, but that would be one long vacation.) Here's a quick guide to help you choose:

  • Green Island: Go here if you want a bit of everything - hot springs, snorkeling, and easy navigation on a compact island.
  • Lanyu: Perfect if you're into off-the-beaten-path adventures and want to experience unique indigenous culture.
  • Penghu: Great for beach bums, water sports enthusiasts, and history nerds who want a mix of relaxation and exploration.
  • Lambai/Liuqiu: Choose this if you're all about seeing sea turtles, enjoy snorkeling, and want to experience that laid-back island life close to the main island of Taiwan.

Full Google Map

Are you looking for the ultimate travel guide to Taiwan? I’ve put together a personalized Google Map that highlights all my top recommendations — from hotels and restaurants to must-see sights and hidden gems across the country.