Taiwan: More Than Just an Island

Perhaps most travelers are unaware that Taiwan's territory extends beyond a potato-shaped island. Taiwan boasts hundreds of archipelagos and islets, each distinct from one another and the mainland. For adventure enthusiasts, exploring these off-shore islands promises a truly valuable experience.

Remnants of the Chinese Civil War, Kinmen and Matsu, two islands in the Taiwan Strait, house the oldest towns and villages in Taiwan, dating back centuries. Meanwhile, Orchid Island, Taiwan's farthest island, combines captivating landscapes with volcanic scenery, attracting the most adventurous souls. Green Island and Penghu, situated on the opposite side of the main island, are where locals often flock to enjoy the most beautiful beaches, as well as popular water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Pristine beaches, coral reefs, and golden sands make them ideal places to relax and 'recharge.'

Also known as Pescadores, Penghu is an archipelago with over 60 small islands on the west coast of Taiwan. Inhabited for centuries since the Ming dynasty, this famous archipelago boasts its distinctive architecture, with houses built from coral, and numerous temples, mostly dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu. The oldest Mazu temple in Penghu, dating back to the Ming dynasty, is also the oldest temple in Taiwan, over 400 years old.

Considered one of the windiest places in the Southern Hemisphere, Penghu is also an ideal location for various water sports such as windsurfing and wakeboarding, thanks to its pristine beaches that cater to these activities all year round. The crystal-clear waters around Penghu are also a fantastic spot for snorkeling or scuba diving, offering numerous options for exploring the underwater world of Penghu.

Some more secluded islands of Penghu include Jibei in the north, and Chimei and Wang'an in the south. These enchanting coastlines are home to rare wildlife, pristine shores, ancient Fujianese architecture, and the heart-shaped fish, a distinctive feature of Penghu. Numerous boats depart from Magong Harbor daily, and day island tours bring joy to travelers before returning to Magong at night.

Located 76km off the east coast of Taitung, at the southeastern tip of Taiwan, Lan Island extends to the outermost edge of Taiwan's territorial waters and is often overlooked by tourists due to its geographical isolation. However, this does not diminish the value of this island. Those who visit these coastlines will find a beautiful volcanic island, home to the friendliest people of Taiwan, the Tao, one of the 16 recognized indigenous groups of Taiwan.

The islanders coexist with the ocean, and flying fish (飛魚) are present in almost every meal, playing a vital role in the local cuisine. Colorful fishing boats line the island's coastline, and if you're lucky, you may witness the departure ceremony of one of the island's boats. The Tao people, 'Tao no pongso' meaning 'people of the island' in their language, are extremely friendly, and visitors to the island will feel rewarded for their journey.

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Kinmen, once a battleground in the mid-20th century, lies just 2km from China's Haimen Port, boasting the oldest villages and towns in Taiwan. Playing a crucial role in history, the island was where the legendary Ming dynasty general, Koxinga, initiated the liberation of Taiwan from the Dutch in the 17th century. 300 years later, Kinmen became the frontline in the Chinese Civil War, serving as a temporary home to hundreds of thousands of soldiers and enduring daily bombings until the 1960s.

However, the military presence in Kinmen is now merely symbolic. Forgotten bomb shelters and observation towers stand unnoticed amidst the millet fields, scattered across the island to produce the famous Kaoliang liquor. The tranquil beaches of the island, once restricted and surrounded by mines, have been cleaned up and opened to tourists.

Located further north of Kinmen and off the coast of Fuzhou City is Matsu, a small archipelago formed by 18 islands. Like Kinmen, the archipelago has military outposts, and tourists visiting the island don't need to go far to encounter a resident in uniform. The largest islands, Beigan and Nangan, showcase classical Fujianese architecture, with locals often considering those across the strait as relatives rather than distant Taiwanese. Noteworthy attractions include dozens of secret military tunnels, once used to repel Chinese army attacks, now open to tourists and serving as a storage facility for locally produced rice liquor.

Located 30km off the southern coast of Taiwan, Green Island was once the refuge for political prisoners sent here by martial law for their sentences. Now, instead of the former prison, there's a museum and human rights memorial, and the island is a destination for tourists (not prisoners) who come to enjoy some of the most beautiful diving spots in Taiwan and one of the world's only three saltwater hot springs.