6 Best Taiwan Islands Guide: Which Island Should You Visit?
Taiwan might be an island, but beyond its shores there are even more islands to explore. Each of Taiwan’s islands has its own story and culture that add to Taiwan’s greater identity and beauty.
So if you’ve been wondering what the best Taiwan islands to visit are, here’s my guide to each of the islands and what stands out about each of them, plus how to get there and get around.
I’ve visited most of Taiwan’s islands, and even lived on Kinmen Island for an entire year.
Disclosure: Some links to products and recommendations are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).
What are the Best Taiwan Islands to Visit?
Taiwan has various islands to consider visiting, so knowing which Taiwan island to visit, especially your first time, isn’t an easy choice.
Do you love to freedive? Or are you super into military history? They all offer something different, and my Taiwan island guide covers what makes each special.
Plus, depending on your time and budget, some Taiwan islands may be easier to visit than others.
In this article, I’ll dive into each of these amazing Taiwan islands to visit, and you can decide for yourself the best Taiwan islands to visit.
- Kinmen Islands
- Matsu Islands
- Green Island
- Penghu
- Orchid Island (Lanyu)
- Xiaoliuqiu (Little Lambai)
Kinmen Islands
I’m completely biased towards Kinmen, but as someone who lived there a whole year, Kinmen has my heart. I learned (some) Mandarin because I lived here, immersed myself in the history of Kinmen and Taiwan, and started my video-making journey exploring Kinmen’s abandoned sites.
If you’re looking to explore somewhere that’s very different than the rest of Taiwan, Kinmen is the place to go. In fact, it’s so close to China you can see Xiamen from across the water.
Why Go to Kinmen: History, culture, architecture, urbex
Best time of year to go: Late summer and fall. Spring is also okay, but can bring heavy fog. Winter is very windy and chilly (only good if you have a car).
How to Get to Kinmen
To get to Kinmen, you need to take a flight. You can fly from cities like Taipei (Songshan), Taitung, Tainan, Taichung, Chiayi, and Kaohsiung.
The two airlines that serve Kinmen most frequently are Uni Air and Mandarin Airlines. My favorite part of flying this route is that both basic tickets include checked luggage up to 10 kilos. I typically always fly with Uni Air.
You can arrive about 1-1.5 hours before the flight as check-in is quick.
Best Things to Do on Kinmen
Kinmen is incredible for its historical culture and even the food scene (especially if you love beef)! Since this article is a summary of the best Taiwan Islands, I’ll keep this brief with some bullet points and potential tours to go on as well.
- Night Otter Spotting: a favorite and special Kinmen thing to do
- Explore historical mansions: Cheng JingLan Mansion, Chen Qing Ji Yang Lou
- Shanhou Folk Culture Village
- Zhaishan & Jiugung Military Tunnels
- Try Kinmen Beef Noodles
- Try Kinmen Kaohliang (locally made)
- Go Wind Lion Spotting
- Try shaved ice with locally grown taro (this shop is my favorite!)
Where to Stay on Kinmen
The absolute best stays in Kinmen are those in historical mansions or Minnan-style buildings. Do consider the location of these, especially as you usually need a scooter to get around Kinmen.
There are buses as well, which, when combined with day tours, can also work.
序室 Narrative: Beautiful Minnan-style building in Qionglin. I had a friend who volunteered here, and I wanted to visit, but never got the chance. The host actually helped produce a beautiful mini-doc about Kinmen.
Beishan Old Western Style Hostel: Located in the stunning and old Beishan Village, this is one of the popular hostels in Kinmen. You can also get to many attractions from this area, and it’s not too far from the main town of Jincheng.
Dwell in Quemoy: Another historic Minnan-style building in Oucuo. Ideal to have a car or scooter here for sure.
How to Get Around on Kinmen
I used to rent an electric motorbike from KMFUN in Kinmen. I only had my regular driver’s license.
It’s best to have your IDP just in case (and then you can rent a car!), and be sure to contact them ahead of time to ask, as rules and regulations may change.
Green Island (Lu Dao)
Green Island is one of the most beautiful and clear scuba diving and free diving sites in Taiwan. I’ve been twice, and whether the weather is hot or chilly, the waters were always worth getting into.
Why Go to Green Island: Green Island has some of the most impressive visibility for both scuba and freedivers. Not into either? The views on the island are still stunning, and Taiwan has a lot of significant history here.
Best time of year to go: Depends on activities, but for water activities it’s better late spring through summer. I went in November for scuba diving, which was still fine. You do have to be aware of typhoons in September-October.
How to Get to Green Island
There are two ways to get to Green Island: by ferry (most popular) and by plane.
The ferry is the most cost-effective option, although I recommend taking motion sickness medication beforehand! I’ve done this trip twice, and both times I was horribly sick until I learned my lesson and took the medication.
You can also fly to Green Island from Taitung. Check out more flight information here.
If you’re coming from Taipei or another city in Taiwan, you’ll need to catch a Taiwan Railways train to Taitung first, then take a bus to the ferry pier from the train station. You can also fly to Taitung.
Best Things to Do on Green Island
Green Island is one of the best Taiwan islands in this guide for getting into the water. The visibility is truly mesmerizing. But there’s also plenty of nature and culture. These are the best things to do:
- Soak in Zhaori Hot Springs, one of three saltwater hot springs in the world! Especially great on a cool evening after diving.
- Go Scuba Diving (I trust Islands Dive, with English-speaking instructors and guides)
- Eat some amazing food: I recommend the Zhuwu Restaurant for group dinners and 綠島好樂早餐吧 for breakfast.
- Ride the coastal loop around the island (stop at Niutoushan for incredible views)
- Go inside the Blue Cave (I wish I had done this!)
- Visit Green Island’s lighthouse
- Tour the former political prison / White Terror memorial park
Where to Stay on Green Island
MiYuTime B&B: This accommodation is in one of the best locations on Green Island, with sea-view rooms. Set between the ferry harbor and main street, it’s a very walkable place to everything. And the rooms have a super clean and cute style!
Relax Chamber (private and bunks): Relax Chamber is one of the more aesthetic and homely stays on Green Island. They have dorm beds & private rooms, plus a huge social space and garden to hang out in. To stay here you’ll need a set of wheels all the days as it’s further out.
How to Get Around on Green Island
To get around on Green Island, you’ll absolutely need a set of wheels.
A scooter is recommended, but if you cannot rent a scooter, e-bikes are also available.
Last time I went in April was on a trip with many other tourists, and we all rented e-bikes. This rental place offers both scooters and e-bikes, which is where we rented from.
Xiaoliuqiu (Little Lambai)
Xiaoliuqiu is one of my favorite islands for diving that’s easy to get to! I’ve been at least 5 times, and each time there are more amazing restaurants, bars, and experiences popping up.
Why Go to Xiaoliuqiu: Xiaoliuqiu is one of the best Taiwan islands that has it all: history, culture, water activities, food, and just relaxing. It’s also one of the closest islands and easiest to reach compared to others.
Best Time of Year to Go: The best times of year to go to Xiaoliuqiu would be February – May (can be chilly, but not too bad weather), and then from July-September. Do keep an eye out for weather conditions and typhoon season, as they can be unpredictable.
If there is any heavy rain or typhoons, the visibility can get pretty bad.
How to Get to Xiaoliuqiu
The only way to get to and from Xiaoliuqiu is by ferry from Donggang. To get to Donggang, there’s a bus from Kaohsiung’s Xinzouying Station.
There are a couple of ferry companies, but all are basically the same. Pick what makes the most sense for you time-wise.
It’s about a 20-minute trip.
Best Things to Do in Xiaoliuqiu
Xiaoliuqiu is one of the best Taiwan islands to explore because it really has something for everyone.
You can adventure below the seas and go diving, or just hang at the beach. There are also many nice sea-view restaurants for BBQ and drinks. It can definitely be a bit of a party place (but not toooo much).
- Snorkel with green sea turtles. Xiaoliuqiu has one of the highest sea turtle concentrations in the world! And do not touch them.
- Stroll to Vase Rock, the island’s iconic coral formation; it’s a must
- Explore the Beauty Cave (Meiren Dong) coastal scenic area
- Try a glass-bottom boat tour or kayak
- Snorkel independently at Zhongao Beach (if there are no waves!) It’s super close to town.
- Learn to freedive or scuba dive. I learned with Ray of Freedive Nomad years ago!
Where to Stay on Xiaoliuqiu
Xiaoliuqiu has sooo many unique places to stay, which is another reason it’s one of the best islands in Taiwan to visit. Here are a few options.
A Forest Homestay (bunks & budget rooms): A Forest Homestay is a super quaint place to stay in Xiaoliuqiu, not far from the harbor. The bunk rooms are super affordable as well for how nice they are!
SHOW Liuqiu B&B (Container rooms): Show Liuqiu is one of the more unique stays on Xiaoliuqiu as the rooms are each in containers and they all have balconies! And of course they have AC so don’t worry about the sun beaming down.
Xinghai Seaview Guesthouse (Pool & Ocean Views): Okay, this is on the high end of Xiaoliuqiu places to stay. The guesthouse has a pool, and there are rooms with sea views and huge bathtubs.
How to Get Around on Xiaoliuqiu
It’s necessary to have a scooter to get around on Xiaoliuqiu. And yes, you can rent electric scooters if you don’t have a license.
With that said, the traffic can be a bit hectic in the center of the town area, especially the big 3-way roundabout/intersection.
Penghu Islands
Penghu is known for its stunning clear waters, island hopping trips, and beaches. There are some 90 islands that make up the entire archipelago.
Why Go to Penghu: Tropical beach vibes, amazing snorkeling, and boat trips
How to Get to Penghu
To get to Penghu, you’ll usually need to fly, although there are ferry services (approx 4 hours) that leave from Kaohsiung and Chiayi.
If you’re coming from Taipei, for example, then you’ll have to opt for a flight.
Best Things to Do in Penghu
Penghu is one of the islands with stunning blue waters and intriguing geology, and there’s even a yearly fireworks show that thousands attend. These are the top things to enjoy in Penghu, making it one of the best Taiwan Islands in our guide.
Note: Many of these experiences and tours are run by Mandarin-speaking businesses, as most tourists are usually from Taiwan. Inquire ahead of time if needed, but often they know some English.
- Southern 4 Islands Tour & Qimei
- Lobster Experience + Sea Activities
- Scuba Diving (English Guide available)
- SUP & Snokeling
Where to Stay on Penghu
I’ve gathered some of the best hotels in Magang, Penghu (central & walkable). These make it easy to get to and from the airport, go on tours, and still get awesome views.
Beach Castle & Sea View Villa: This villa in my best Taiwan islands guide takes the cake for its charming interior and sea-view rooms (pictured above). The bathtub view from their deluxe room is something I’d love to return to after a long day to soak in.
Starrywhale Hostel (budget rooms): Don’t get it twisted with hostel in the name; Taiwan’s hostel game is high level. They have cozy private rooms, but for those more on a budget, they don’t actually have bunk rooms.
Island Nook B&B: Island Nook has that boho hotel feel, with one of the best outdoor terrace spaces in this list. The rooms have private balconies as well. The room interior is something I can only describe as quite a Taiwan-style. Trust me, if you’ve stayed at enough hotels and B&Bs around Taiwan, you’ll see what I mean.
Travel Light Hotel (Beachfront access): The Travel Light Hotel gives a bit of a Santorini vibe with its all-white exterior. Inside, they use simple standout colors to energize the space, and some rooms have balconies and sea views.
How to Get Around on Penghu
Penghu has a few options to get around, including by car (with an IDP), e-bikes, and even a tourist shuttle bus system.
If you are okay with using the Penghu Tourist bus routes, you can get to many attractions around the island on quite a budget.
Orchid Island (Lanyu)
Orchid Island is one of the more difficult islands to reach in Taiwan, but that just makes the effort even more worth it.
Why Go to Orchid Island: Strong indigenous culture and preservation, scuba, freediving, and snorkeling
Best Time of Year to Go: March to May is best for the more moderate climate. June and July will be hotter and busier, and then typhoons are possible, which can cause plenty of ferry disruptions.
How to Get to Orchid Island
To get to Orchid Island, you need to either fly or take a ferry from Taitung. But keep in mind the ferry is much longer (about 2-2.5 hours) than the one to Green Island, so don’t forget to take medicine!
You can also check out the flight schedule here. I haven’t made it to Orchid Island yet, and knowing how I feel on the Green Island ferry, I might consider flying!
Best Things to Do on Orchid Island
Orchid Island is most famous for the Tao people and their culture and practices. And of course, the freediving and scuba diving are also well known. I suggest that anything you think you want to do on Orchid Island, you should do it, as it’s quite the trip to get there!
- Learn about the Tao (Yami) indigenous culture — one of the indigenous cultures in Taiwan
- See traditional hand-carved wooden canoes on the beaches
- Visit during Flying Fish Season (roughly Feb–July)
- Hike Mount Hongtou for stunning island views (a bit of a challenging hike!)
- Check out the traditional Tao houses, built to withstand typhoons
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Scooter the round-island road
- Dive or snorkel. Lanyu (Orchid Island) is considered one of Taiwan’s best diving spots (there’s even a shipwreck but you’ve got to be an advanced diver!)
- Lanyu Museum
Where to Stay on Orchid Island
LanYu My Home B&B: This B&B offers private rooms, bunk beds, and breakfast. They’re on the beachfront, with access to hiking trails. Not a bad option.
Banai Homestay: Another one with direct beach access, but more private, cozy rooms.
How to Get Around on Orchid Island
Orchid Island is another one of the best Taiwan islands you’ll need to have a set of wheels. Without a license, there are e-bikes available, but be careful about attempting to go around the whole island as the battery may not be enough for a full loop!
Matsu Islands
Matsu is an archipelago of 36 islands Northwest of Taiwan, closer to Fuzhou, China, actually. They were small islands where fishermen used to live before the ROC used them for military purposes.
Fun fact: the name Matsu actually comes from a goddess named Mazu, who is the protector of those at sea.
Why Go to Matsu:
How to Get to Matsu Islands
To get to the Matsu Islands, you’ll have to fly, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a ferry from Keelung (about 8 hours).
For flights, you can fly to Matsu from Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
Pro tip: Matsu has two airports: Beigan and Nangan. Check for those names when booking!
Best Things to Do on Matsu Islands
Matsu, like Kinmen, has plenty of historical activities with some unique natural edges.
- Chase the “Blue Tears” during bioluminescent plankton season, best seen April–June
- Take a ride on the Beihai Tunnel Blue Tears boat through an old military tunnel
- Wander Qinbi Village on Beigan
- See the giant Mazu (Guanyin) statue on Nangan (also many in Kinmen!)
- Explore old military sites like the Iron Fort and Dahan Stronghold
- Visit the Matsu Folk Culture Museum for local history and architecture
- Try to spot wild sika deer (on Daqiu Island)
Where to Stay on Matsu
Matsu has some precious places to stay that are tranquil and, of course, historical.
Matsu Island View Restaurant Bed and Breakfast (Nangang): This has to be one of the best value stays on Matsu, including shuttle transit (check if still available) and views over the island.
芹壁德順號民宿2館 Chinbe D S House (Beigan): Pictured above, this is one of the traditional stays on Matsu, located on Beigan. I would highly recommend this because it’s beyond a stay, but stepping into history and culture.
Fuaowo Backpackers Homestay (Nangang): This backpackers stay is one of the most convenient places to stay in Matsu, with nearby convenience stores. They of course offer shared dorms, and there’s a common space.
How to Get Around on Matsu
A scooter is by far the best way to get around Matsu, but be warned it’s very hilly! Even with an e-bike, I would be nervous to lose control.
Luckily, there are also public buses and even the Taiwan Haoxing Tourist Shuttle Bus 台灣好行, which stops at the main attractions.
There are two main islands, Beigan and Nangang, which you need to use a ferry to get between. You can book the ferry tickets easily on Klook.
FAQ About the Best Taiwan Islands to Visit
How Long Do I Need to Visit Taiwan Islands?
As Taiwan’s Islands aren’t too big, you can visit most of them in 1-3 days. I would recommend at least two days.
Which Taiwan Islands Can I get to From Taipei?
You can get to most of the Taiwan Islands from Taipei, but for direct flights, you can get to Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu directly.
For the others in this Taiwan Island guide (Green Island, Orchid Island, and Xiaoliuqiu), you will need to get to them from closer cities.
What Taiwan Island is Easiest to Get to?
It depends on what you mean by easy, but Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu are all an easy flight. Xiaoliuqiu is also quite easy, especially from Kaohsiung.
Getting to Green and Orchid Island from Taiwan takes more time, unless you already happen to be in Taitung.
What More Should I Know Beyond This Best Taiwan Islands Guide?
I’ve written a lot about visiting Taiwan, from how to prepare the perfect trip to the best budget hotels.
Read more of my Taiwan guides here:
