Offshore Islands Guide
Taiwan’s offshore islands offer experiences markedly different from the main island, each with distinct geography, history, and culture shaped by their unique positions in the Taiwan Strait and Pacific Ocean. Understanding what makes each island special - rather than simply following generic itineraries - allows you to select destinations that align with your interests, whether you’re drawn to military history, indigenous culture, marine ecosystems, or volcanic landscapes. This guide provides the context you need to make informed choices about which islands deserve a place in your Taiwan travel plans.
Penghu (Pescadores) Islands
The Penghu archipelago comprises around 90 islands formed from ancient basalt lava flows, creating dramatic columnar rock formations and a landscape entirely unlike Taiwan’s mountainous main island. The islands’ position in the Taiwan Strait has historically made them a strategic naval crossroads, evidenced by Dutch and Japanese fortifications alongside traditional Fujianese fishing villages with distinctive coral stone architecture. The name Pescadores comes from the Portuguese Ilhas dos Pescadores - “Islands of the Fishermen” - a name given in the 16th century when Portuguese sailors observed the area’s many fishing communities. Penghu’s intense seasonal winds have shaped both the environment and culture: summer brings calm seas ideal for snorkelling, whilst winter’s fierce gales have historically isolated communities and influenced local architectural adaptations. The islands suit travellers interested in geological formations, beach activities during the summer months (June-September), and sampling exceptionally fresh seafood, particularly the local speciality of grilled squid and cuttlefish caught in surrounding waters. Consider Penghu if you appreciate island-hopping by scooter or boat, as the inter-island connections allow you to experience both developed Magong city and remote fishing communities within a single trip.
Kinmen
Kinmen (Quemoy) sits merely two kilometres from mainland China’s Fujian coast, and this proximity has defined nearly every aspect of the island’s modern identity through its role as a front-line military garrison during decades of cross-strait tension. The landscape remains dotted with psychological warfare broadcasting stations, anti-landing beach obstacles, and an extensive network of tunnels hewn through solid granite, which now open to visitors, creating what is essentially an open-air museum of Cold War history. Traditional southern Fujianese architecture, particularly the ornate “western-style” mansion houses built by returning overseas Chinese merchants, coexists with this military heritage to create a unique cultural landscape. Kinmen appeals particularly to history enthusiasts and those interested in cross-strait relations, as you can literally see mainland Chinese cities across the water whilst exploring how geopolitics has shaped daily life. The island also produces renowned kaoliang (sorghum) liquor and distinctive knife craftwork fashioned from recycled artillery shells, offering insight into how communities adapt resources during prolonged isolation.
Matsu
The Matsu archipelago, positioned even closer to mainland China than Kinmen at just 10 kilometres from Fujian’s coast, shares a similar military heritage but possesses a notably different geography and cultural character rooted in its fishing village origins. These small, granite islands feature traditional Fuzhou-style stone houses built into steep hillsides, creating villages that cascade down to natural harbours where fishing remains economically and culturally significant despite the islands’ military past. Matsu’s extensive tunnel networks, carved to protect military assets during times of bombardment, now serve as atmospheric attractions where the scale of excavation work astounds visitors. The islands suit travellers seeking relatively undeveloped destinations with authentic fishing community culture, dramatic coastal scenery, and a tangible sense of geopolitical significance. Visit during the spring “Blue Tears” phenomenon (April-June) when bioluminescent algae illuminate the shoreline at night, though this natural occurrence varies in intensity and cannot be guaranteed, understanding that unpredictability is part of engaging with natural phenomena rather than curated attractions.
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.
Lanyu (Orchid Island)
Lanyu represents something fundamentally different from Taiwan’s other offshore islands: it is the traditional homeland of the Tao people (also called Yami), an indigenous Austronesian group with cultural and linguistic connections to the Philippines rather than mainland China or Taiwan proper. The island’s dramatic volcanic landscape features rugged coastal cliffs, bizarre rock formations sculpted by wind and waves, and lush interior vegetation that creates a raw, untamed beauty distinct from Taiwan’s more developed destinations: scenery that has earned it the nickname “Orchid Island” for the wild orchids that once flourished here. The island’s sparse human population (approximately 5,000 residents) is actually outnumbered by free-roaming goats, which you’ll encounter wandering along roads and coastal paths, contributing to the island’s distinctly unhurried, remote character. The Tao maintain distinct cultural practices including the creation of distinctive carved wooden boats (tatala), traditional underground houses designed to withstand typhoons, and elaborate flying fish ceremonies that govern seasonal fishing practices according to traditional ecological knowledge. Visiting Lanyu requires understanding that you’re entering a living indigenous community rather than a tourism attraction, meaning respectful engagement with local culture, awareness of photography protocols, and consideration of how tourism affects the community. The island suits travellers interested in indigenous pacific cultures, anthropology, dramatic natural scenery, and those willing to adapt their expectations to community rhythms rather than demanding convenient tourist infrastructure. Lanyu’s relative remoteness (reached by small aircraft or ferry from Taitung) and limited tourist facilities mean you should prepare for higher costs, fewer English resources, and the possibility of travel disruptions due to weather: factors that contribute to both the island’s preserved character and its spectacular, relatively untouched landscapes.
Xiaoliuqiu Island
Xiaoliuqiu, Taiwan’s largest coral reef island, lies just 13 kilometres off the southwestern coast of Kaohsiung and has developed into the most accessible offshore island destination with frequent ferry services and well-established tourist infrastructure. The island’s primary draw is guaranteed sea turtle sightings whilst snorkelling, as the protected waters host a thriving population of green sea turtles that feed on the seagrass beds surrounding the island: making it ideal for travellers wanting marine encounters without diving certification requirements. Be aware that touching, chasing, or harassing sea turtles is illegal under Taiwan’s Wildlife Conservation Act and carries substantial fines, so maintain a respectful distance and allow these creatures to swim naturally whilst you observe. Xiaoliuqiu’s small circumference (approximately 12 kilometres) and flat terrain make it perfect for a day trip or overnight visit, with the entire island easily explored by rental electric scooter. The island suits travellers with limited time, families seeking straightforward beach activities, and those who prefer developed tourist amenities over remote exploration. However, Xiaoliuqiu’s accessibility and popularity mean you should expect crowds during weekends and holidays, representing the trade-off between convenience and solitude that travellers must weigh when choosing between Taiwan’s various island destinations.
Choosing Your Island Destination
Rather than attempting to visit multiple offshore islands in a single trip, which consumes considerable travel time and expenses, consider what type of experience you’re genuinely seeking. Ask yourself whether you’re more drawn to military history (Kinmen, Matsu), indigenous culture (Lanyu), natural marine environments (Xiaoliuqiu, Green Island, Lanyu, Penghu), or geological features (Penghu’s basalt columns). Consider practical factors including your available time, comfort level with limited tourist infrastructure, language abilities for locations with fewer English resources, and whether you prefer developed or undeveloped destinations. Each island requires at minimum a full day when accounting for transport, though most reward longer stays that allow you to experience the slower rhythms of island life rather than rushing through attractions. By understanding these distinctions and honestly assessing your priorities, you can select the island or islands that will provide the most meaningful addition to your Taiwan journey rather than simply visiting because a destination appears on a must-see list.