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Lanyu Island is a small, uninhabited gem that exudes an extraordinary sense of tranquility. Its romantic, picturesque charm entices every visitor to experience its serenity. As the island is still relatively unexplored and untouched by mass tourism, its natural beauty remains awe-inspiring and pristine. Join Mytour as we explore the wonders of Lanyu Island in the following article!
Lanyu Island (Orchid Island) – Where is it located?
Lanyu Island, also known as Orchid Island, is situated in the Taitung County of Taiwan. Despite its stunning beauty, the island has a very low population density, primarily inhabited by the indigenous Yami people.
Lanyu Island – A top destination for those who appreciate breathtaking natural landscapes (Image source: Collected)
Perhaps due to its low population, the island has become somewhat of a “mysterious land” that not everyone is aware of. As a result, Orchid Island is the perfect getaway for nature lovers seeking peace and tranquility. Moreover, it serves as a sanctuary for those looking to heal from the emotional scars of city life, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living.
What are the ferry operation hours to Lanyu Island?
To reach Lanyu Island, both visitors and locals must travel by ferry. The ferry route to Lanyu Island departs from Fugang Harbor in Taitung/Kenting (departure point) or Houbi Lake. Below are the specific operating hours for the ferry service to Orchid Island:
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Taitung to Lanyu Island: From 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
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Kenting to Lanyu Island: From 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
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Lanyu Island to Taitung: From 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
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Lanyu Island to Kenting: From 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
How to reach Lanyu Island, Taiwan?
Before heading to Lanyu Island, travelers can first reach Taitung County via subway or train. From there, they will continue their journey by ferry to Lanyu Island.
Currently, Lanyu Island has two main ferry routes for visitors traveling to Orchid Island: The Fugang - Lanyu route from Taitung and the Houbihu - Lanyu route (from Houbi Lake in Kenting). These ferry routes may vary based on operating schedules. The Fugang - Lanyu route, passing through the Six Islands, is more frequent during the peak season. The Houbi - Lanyu route, however, mainly operates from mid-October to March the following year. The service may stop at certain times due to adverse weather conditions.
The ferry is the most common means of transportation to Lanyu Island (Image source: Collected)
Mysterious Places to Visit on Lanyu Island
It is no coincidence that Lanyu Island, with its unspoiled beauty, attracts a large number of visitors. The stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and peaceful lifestyle are the key factors that draw travelers to Lanyu. Here are some of the most notable attractions on the island that you may want to explore.
The Hidden Cave
It is no exaggeration to say that Dong Thanh Bi Cave plays a crucial role in the tourism development of Lanyu Island. Not only is it the main food distribution center on the island, but it is also a perfect tourist destination.
Upon first setting foot in Dong Thanh Bi Cave, visitors will be mesmerized by the massive hidden lake nestled within the trails. What makes this lake so unique and fascinating is its ability to shift from a turquoise to a deep blue hue. As sunlight reflects off the water's surface, the colors create an enchanting, almost mystical scene.
The gigantic lake in Dong Thanh Bi Cave is the most popular attraction (Image source: Collected)
In addition, the area surrounding Dong Thanh Bi Cave offers three other stunning destinations for visitors to explore. These include the Lover’s Cave, symbolizing eternal love for couples; the serene Niutou Mountain, a wild nature retreat; and finally, Dong Thanh Bay, a picturesque beach resembling a real-life paradise garden.
Thanh Thanh Grasslands
Thanh Thanh Grasslands is one of the most popular check-in spots on the journey to explore Orchid Island. Visitors are drawn to this place by the stunning trail and the vast, endless grasslands stretching out to the horizon. From the distant hilltops, you can enjoy a panoramic view of peaceful Lanyu Island bathed in the soft morning sunlight.
Thanh Thanh Grasslands is the best spot to witness both sunrise and sunset on the island (Image source: Collected)
A short 10-minute walk to the mountain peak rewards you with breathtaking views of the majestic natural landscape. The best times to enjoy the scenery are at sunrise and sunset. The sunrise over Thanh Thanh Grasslands is truly beautiful! It’s when the sky is painted in vibrant golden hues, and the lush green grasslands take on an almost dreamlike charm. Be sure to visit and capture stunning photos of this magical moment!
Coral Reef Diving on the Island
Scuba diving to explore coral reefs is one of the most unique and exciting experiences on Orchid Island. There's nothing more exhilarating than diving into the vast ocean and immersing yourself in the crystal-clear waters. Not only will you have the chance to witness vibrant underwater ecosystems, but you’ll also visit Long Tou Rock, Quan Hanh, and explore the coral formations and marine life. It promises to be an unforgettable destination for ocean enthusiasts.
Coral reef diving on the island is a popular outdoor activity among tourists (Image source: Collected)
Return to Childhood Memories at Yayu Elementary School
Few people know that a remote island like Orchid Island is home to such a well-maintained elementary school. From the classroom windows, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the blue sea and white sands. It’s truly remarkable, as the childhood of the children here is deeply intertwined with the vast ocean and a life of peace and carefree living.
Must-Try Delicacies on Orchid Island
Whenever visiting a new destination, cuisine is always a top priority. So what delicious dishes can you find on Orchid Island? Where are the best places to eat?
Fried Millet Cake
Dongtang Night Market is one of the most vibrant markets on Orchid Island. It's famous for its signature millet cakes, a beloved snack among the locals. The millet cakes at Xiaomi's shop are deliciously flavorful and tempting. What makes it unique is that each cake is paired with a cup of homemade spring black tea.
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Operating hours: 5 PM to 10 PM.
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Price: 35 TWD per cake, 30 TWD per cup of spring black tea.
Tofu Pudding
To beat the scorching heat of summer, you can cool off with tofu pudding. According to many, the best tofu pudding on Orchid Island is served at Mr. Bean Huabo’s shop. His tofu pudding is dense and incredibly fragrant, despite the simple preparation process.
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Opening hours: From 12 PM.
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Address: Opposite the Yayu 7-11.
Egg Tart
Although the shop is named Dongqing 33 Chocolate Quiche, it's famous for its egg tarts. It would be a real shame to visit Orchid Island and not try this delightful pastry. The egg tart crust is rich and flavorful, and with each bite, you'll taste the creamy egg filling perfectly blending with the crisp, flaky shell.
Don't miss the iconic egg tarts on Orchid Island! (Image source: Collected)
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Orchid Island
Where can I buy ferry tickets?
If you're planning to travel to Orchid Island by ferry, it's recommended to book your tickets in advance through the hotline 089-281477 or 089-280226. Alternatively, visitors can directly purchase tickets on the official Lanyu ferry website.
Things to keep in mind when booking ferry tickets to Orchid Island:
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Please complete your ticket request at least one week in advance.
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Confirm your information within two days after receiving the email from the system.
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If you haven't received the system's email within two days, check your spam folder.
Is it possible to fly directly to Orchid Island?
Yes, it is possible! However, at the moment, only Daily Air offers flights to Orchid Island. The Daily Air flight has only 19 seats and a flight time of approximately 20 minutes. Although the flight is short, it can be affected by weather conditions, and the number of available tickets is limited to only 4. Therefore, it’s recommended to book your flight tickets 1-2 months in advance to secure your seat. That said, the best option is still to take the ferry, as it is more affordable and you won’t have to worry about ticket shortages.
What is the best time to explore Orchid Island?
The best time to visit Orchid Island is from April to November, as this period offers calm seas and balanced weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Orchid Island is a perfect retreat destination for Taiwan tours. Here, visitors can enjoy not only the pristine and magnificent landscapes but also find peace and tranquility away from the hustle of daily life. Come and savor these unforgettable moments. For booking a Taiwan tour, please contact Mytour at the hotline 028 3827 0404 for a free consultation!
