Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island – A Journey into Wild Nature Exploration

When thinking of Taiwan as a travel destination, one might immediately picture the majestic landscapes of Alishan or the fairy-tale charm of the old streets in Shifen and Jiufen. However, what many don't realize is that Taiwan is home to several enchanting islands that are sure to captivate the hearts of travel enthusiasts. Among these, the stunning Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island stands out. Join Mytour as we embark on an adventure to uncover the mysteries of this beautiful island in the following article.

Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island Overview

Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island is a small island located approximately 15 km southwest of Taiwan's main island. It is also about an hour’s drive from Kaohsiung city. To reach Xiaoliuqiu, visitors must take a ferry. In addition to its well-known name, the island is also referred to by several other names such as Lamay Island, Lambai Island, Little Ryukyu, or Little Okinawa.

Though Xiaoliuqiu Island is isolated from the outside world, it continues to attract a large number of visitors thanks to its picturesque and serene coastal views. The island is blessed with a rich marine ecosystem and crystal-clear waters. When you step onto the island, you’ll experience a perfect sense of tranquility, with cool breezes and gentle waves.

Xiaoliuqiu Island is a peaceful, quiet place with pristine, stunning landscapes that will captivate anyone who visits (Image source: Collected)

Despite its small size, covering only about 6.8 square kilometers, Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island offers plenty of exciting activities. Notably, visitors can enjoy coral reef diving, turtle watching, scooter rides, or trekking through unique and lesser-known spots.

Even better, Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island is conveniently located just 12.5 km (7.8 nautical miles) from the mainland, making it closer than other islands like Penghu or Lyudao. As a result, many locals often visit Xiaoliuqiu for short breaks or weekend getaways. It’s a perfect spot for a quick day trip, offering both relaxation and adventure.

How to Get to Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island

The only way to reach Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island is by ferry. Visitors will need to catch a ferry from the Donggang ferry terminal in Donggang city. Based on local travel experience, ferries depart about every hour, and the Donggang ferry terminal operates from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the island from the mainland.

Cars or motorcycles are the fastest and most convenient modes of transportation to the Donggang ferry terminal. However, if you're unable to drive in Taiwan, you can opt for public transportation options, such as the following:

Taxi

The advantage of taxis in Taiwan is their safety and speed. If you're traveling from Kaohsiung to the Donggang ferry terminal, the ride will take about an hour. However, taxi fares in Taiwan can be relatively high, ranging from 1100 to 1300 TWD (approximately 700,000 to 1,000,000 VND) for a one-way trip. If you're traveling with a group of friends, you can share the fare to reduce costs.

Bus

For those looking to save on travel expenses, you can take the Dapeng Bay Liuqiu Express (9127D) bus. This route goes directly from Zuoying station to the Donggang ferry terminal. The bus ride typically takes about an hour. The first bus usually departs at 8:30 AM, and the fare from Zuoying station to Donggang is around 120 TWD (about 100,000 VND per person).

Tickets can be purchased directly at the Keting Express ticket counter at Exit 2 of Zuoying HSR Station. However, you should be mindful of the bus schedule, as the first bus of the day departs quite late. As a result, the overall travel time from the mainland to Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island may take longer. The first bus typically leaves at 8:30 AM.

How much does it cost to travel from Donggang ferry to Xiaoliuqiu Island?

Currently, three ferry companies operate services from the Donggang ferry terminal to Xiaoliuqiu Island: TF Express, Dongliu, and Leuco Sapphire. The ticket prices and travel times for these operators are similar. Therefore, it’s advisable to purchase a round-trip ticket, as bundled fares are generally cheaper than one-way tickets.

Additionally, round-trip tickets are valid for 7 days, allowing visitors to stay on the island for up to a week. For those planning to return on the same day, a public ferry with a lower fare (around 200 TWD per one-way trip) is a good option.

Visitors can easily reach the coral island by ferry (Image source: Collected)

When is the best time to visit Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island?

Surprisingly, you can visit Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island at any time of the year. In fact, Xiaoliuqiu is an ideal destination for weekends or short vacations. The island typically experiences a dry and humid climate, with summer being the only season when it can get hot and humid. However, this doesn’t significantly affect your travel experience.

Here are some seasonal travel suggestions for visiting Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island:

Spring (March to May)

This is considered the peak tourist season for Xiaoliuqiu Island. The summer weather is relatively cool, comfortable, and with little rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities. According to Taiwan travel experience, this is an ideal time to visit as the sky is clear, the sun is warm, the breeze is gentle, and the temperatures are not too hot.

Spring is the best time to embark on a journey to explore the island (Image source: Collected)

Summer (June to August)

Although summer is considered the off-peak season for Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island tourism, this does not make it any less exciting compared to other seasons. With ideal temperatures for outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy experiences like coral reef diving and underwater exploration.

The downside of summer is that the weather can be quite hot and stuffy, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C. As a result, visitors may easily become exhausted during outdoor sports activities. Additionally, this period often brings occasional rain showers and storms in many areas. It's advisable to check the weather forecast a week in advance to ensure your safety.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn temperatures are quite pleasant, ranging between 25°C and 30°C. Although autumn is not the peak tourist season, the weather is generally beautiful, and it coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival holidays in Taiwan, making hotel rooms fill up quickly. However, in September, Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island often experiences strong winds, storms, and large waves. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider your visit during this time.

Winter (December to February)

This is considered the most interesting time to embark on a journey to explore the coral island. Winter weather is quite comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 25°C. Moreover, winter usually sees fewer tourists, making it ideal for a true relaxing getaway. If you enjoy peaceful, tranquil natural scenery, this is the perfect time to visit the island!

How long should you stay on Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island?

Most visitors opt for a day trip to Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island rather than spending multiple days. A one-day journey is usually enough to experience all the activities and attractions the island has to offer. In a single day, visitors can check out some popular spots, enjoy fresh seafood, or even try coral reef diving.

However, if you prefer to take more time exploring every corner of the island, staying longer is also a great option. On Xiaoliuqiu, you can unwind and enjoy peaceful moments, allowing yourself to slow down and immerse in the island's serene lifestyle.

Transportation on Xiaoliuqiu Island

Here are some transportation options you can consider on Xiaoliuqiu Island:

• Motorbike rental: This is one of the most popular modes of transportation on Xiaoliuqiu Island, chosen by many visitors. You can rent a motorbike near the harbor for around 450 TWD (approximately 340,000 VND). However, to rent a motorbike in Taiwan, you must have an international driving license. Alternatively, if you don’t have one, you can use an electric scooter instead.

• Trekking: Hiking through the island’s unique spots is one of the most exciting activities on Xiaoliuqiu. There's nothing better than enjoying the cool breeze of nature while taking in the stunning views throughout your trek.

• Bus: Xiaoliuqiu also has a bus system that operates around the island. However, this mode of transport is more commonly used by locals.

Must-visit Attractions on Xiaoliuqiu Island

Vase Rock

This rock is striking for its shape, which resembles a flower vase. Over time, Vase Rock has become a symbol of Xiaoliuqiu Island. It is also a must-visit spot for anyone visiting the island. The beach is located fairly close to the harbor, making it easy to access by ferry, so you don't need a motorbike to explore the area.

What’s most fascinating is that the beach almost disappears when the tide comes in. However, witnessing this phenomenon is not guaranteed, so it's purely a matter of chance. Vase Rock is also a popular spot for snorkeling and watching sea turtles.

The mysterious rock formation, resembling a giant flower vase, has become a prominent symbol of Xiaoliuqiu Island (Image source: Collected)

Beauty Cave

If you head along the northwest coastline of the island, you will reach Beauty Cave, one of the three most beautiful natural caves on Xiaoliuqiu Island. For just 120 TWD (approximately 90,000 VND) for an entrance ticket, you can explore both Beauty Cave and Black Devil Cave in one go. Here, you'll have the chance to admire the stunning trail winding through the caves.

Sea View Pavilion

After your cave exploration, a trail will lead you to the Sea View Pavilion. It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the best spots to enjoy the view of the Taiwan Strait. The entire structure of the Sea View Pavilion is designed in the traditional Chinese architectural style.

From the Sea View Pavilion, visitors can take in the serene natural beauty of Xiaoliuqiu Island. The crystal-clear blue waters interspersed with coral reefs, alongside the majestic hills and mountains, all come together to create a picturesque and romantic landscape.

From the Sea View Pavilion, visitors can enjoy the full view of the island's coastal scenery (Image source: Collected)

Important Tips for Visiting Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island

To ensure a perfect trip to Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island, there are a few essential things you should keep in mind:

• Bring Cash: As there are very few ATMs on the island and local residents only accept domestic bank cards, make sure to bring enough cash for your expenses!

• Sunblock: Most activities on Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island take place outdoors. Therefore, sunscreen becomes an essential item throughout your beach trip. However, if you plan to go snorkeling or observe sea turtles, it is recommended to choose eco-friendly sunscreens. This is because the marine life on the island is highly sensitive and can be harmed by regular sunscreen.

• Camera & Power Bank: For those Instagram-worthy photos, don't forget to bring a good camera! Additionally, outdoor activities all day long will quickly drain your phone's battery. So, be sure to pack a power bank to stay connected with family and friends through your phone!

• Waterproof Bag & Phone Case: If you plan to snorkel, you won't want to miss taking photos with coral reefs and schools of fish under the ocean. Therefore, prepare the best waterproof bag. This will not only protect your phone but also allow you to enjoy the ocean fun without worry.

• Umbrella & Hat: Spending long hours outdoors can expose you to the risk of sunstroke or seasickness. Therefore, hats and umbrellas are great saviors, helping you shield from the intense heat of the island.

• Avoid Restricted Areas: Typically, restricted areas are off-limits to the public. So, don’t let curiosity lead you to these places as they may be dangerous.

This is the full detailed information about Xiaoliuqiu Coral Island provided by Mytour. We hope that these insights will help travelers discover a unique and attractive destination for their upcoming trip to the island. For any inquiries or to book a Taiwan tour, please feel free to contact Mytour's hotline at 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!