Green Island

Green Island (Ludao), located 33 kilometres off Taiwan’s southeastern coast, combines volcanic coastal landscapes with a sobering political history as the site of a notorious political prison during the authoritarian White Terror period. The island’s unique features include one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world, where geothermally heated seawater creates natural pools alongside the coast, and exceptional coral reef ecosystems that make it one of Taiwan’s premier diving destinations. Beyond recreational activities, the preserved Green Island Human Rights Culture Park occupies the former political prison, offering crucial historical context about Taiwan’s democratisation and the price paid by political prisoners during martial law. This juxtaposition of natural beauty and difficult history makes Green Island particularly suitable for travellers who appreciate destinations offering both outdoor activities and meaningful historical engagement. The island’s small size allows exploration by scooter in a single day, though divers and those interested in the historical site typically spend two to three days to fully appreciate both dimensions.