Central l East l Islands l North l Kaohsiung l Tainan l Taipei

Islands

Lanyu (Orchid Island)

Orchid Island is an island of 45 sq. km, and is considered a jewel in the waters surrounding Taiwan. Its location is 60km east of Taiwan's southern tip and 80km southeast of Taitung.

This island is home to 4,250 Yamis. One of Taiwan's indigenous tribes, the Yami society is a strongly matriarchal society and often referred to as the northernmost extent of Polynesian ancestry. Their lives are very simple. They live off catches from the sea, complimented with taro and some fruits. Yami boats are built merely with hand tools and natural materials, and are exquisite with delicate carvings and decorations.

Yamis prefer to live as their ancestors lived, which is in traditional homes built underground against hillsides or embankments. The homes come with many rooms for different uses. Open pavilions are built on stilts for scorching summer days.

Driving around the island would only take two hours. As you drive, take note of the unique coastal rock formations, eroded by weather and water. These formations include the Lion Rocks, the Beauty Stone, and the Battleship Fleet. A distinct trait of the island is its wild orchids. Unfortunately, all have been removed and sold.

Springtime is the best period to come to Lanyu. Parades of new boats are launched during the Yamis' festive season and a favorite delicacy, flying fish, leap into their boats.

Taitung offers regular flights to Lanyu Island, but to fly from Taipei and Kaohsiung would be based on demand. There are plenty of accommodations and meals available at Orchid Island Inn that would make visitors feel right at home.

Lu Tao (Green Island)

Lu Tao was once known as Fire Island when beacons were burned to prevent fishing vessels from wrecking its coral shores. Located about 30km due east of Taitung, this 16 sq. km island had only adopted its new name in 1949. Once an isolated island, it had only recently been developed for the tourism industry. The water and reefs around Lu Tao are excellent for swimming, scuba diving, fishing, and shell collecting. Glass-bottom boats are also available for views of coral reefs and the colorful underwater life. For those who do not fancy the water, there is a 17-kilometer-long road that circles around the rim of the island. Trails leading into the hills are also accessible for day-hikes. The entire coastline is unique with its ever-changing profile.

The Kuanyin Cave is located at the northeast corner of Lu Tao. According to legend, an old fisherman had lost his way at sea in a terrible storm. A fireball suddenly appeared in the sky, guiding him safely back to shore. There, he found safety in this cave, as well as a stone that resembled Kuanyin, goddess of mercy. Taking this as a divine sign, he gave thanks for his safe return. Since then, the cave has been sacred to island inhabitants.

Lu Tao is accessible by air through regular flights from Taitung. On top of that, three ferries service the island on infrequent schedules from Taitung. A cozy hostel is available at the southern tip of the island for those who wish to stay over.

Penghu

Penghu (Pescadores Islands) is situated between Taiwan and the mainland. This 64-island archipelago, covering only 130sq. km of land is rich is history. Penghu was the mainstage of almost every army that has attacked Taiwan. The Mongul Yuan Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, Dutch, Koxinga, Manchu Qing Dynasty, and the Japanese all had influence in Penghu en route to Taiwan.

Now, Penghu forms Taiwan's only island-county. Half of the island's population lives in Makung on the main island of Penghu. The fishing industry is a source of income while the agriculture yields are for making potent Kaoliang liquor. Makung has numerous attraction sites, namely the old town wall and its gates, some old temples, the Four-Eyed Well, the Crossing Sea Bridge, which is the longest bridge between two islands in Asia, Hsitai Fort, Lin Tou Park Beach, Shihli Beach, and the Isle of the Seven Beauties.