We officially kick off our island series in Taiwan. Since we could not return to the Mediterranean Sea this summer, we decided to make the most of our time here and explore Taiwan's islands. The first stop would be this Little Liuqiu.
Liuqiu is the only coral island in Taiwan and is about 13 kilometers (8 mi) southwest of Taiwan Island. It is known for its little fish town vibe, ecological setting, and crystal clear water. In the last decade, the traditional fishing island has been transformed into an eco-paradise for sea life and visitors.
With the landscape of Taiwan Island from the horizon, we start the island life from the shore's iconic Flower Vase Rock. You could even spot Green Turtles coming out from the water for some fresh air. Then we head up to the balcony and roof at our home away from home at the Santorini-like Mare Cielo villa to soak up the sun, enjoying the exotic setting that brings back the Greek memories Islands.
After leaving the charming Baishawei Fishing Village, we start the island tour on an electric scooter. There are rarely cars on the tiny island, and therefore, eco-friendly transportation is the best option to enjoy this tropical paradise. It is essential to cut down our carbon footprint during our travels.
Stepping into the water on the golden beach at Shanfu Fishing Harbor, we start our journey under the water. After spotting the colorful tropical fish, a giant green sea turtle swims towards us and forages right in front of our camera. The green turtle is an endangered species protected strictly by law in Taiwan, and we should not touch, harass, or feed the turtles during your encounter with them. I wish I could live a carefree life like the sea turtles here!
We ascend from the water and arrive at Duziping Intertidal Zone for more Vitamin Sea. The protected area can only be accessed with local guides, and it is the perfect classroom to learn more about sea life. Here, you could easily spot and feel the sea urchins, starfishes, sea cucumbers under the shallow water during low tides.
After the playful moments at the Liuqiu Yu Lighthouse and the century-old banyan tree, we arrive at Houshi secret beach and admire the fringing reefs in the surrounding area. Towards the end of the day, we make a stop at the scenic Venice Beach on the island for a dramatic sunset view to wrap up this sweet tropical getaway.
放棄了今夏原本計畫好的地中海人生活，決定開始在台灣的夏日跳島行程。第一站來到屏東的小琉球。小琉球不僅容易從台灣本島到達(僅僅三十分鐘的船程)，更是台灣離島中轉型成功的模範，從傳統漁村生活到現在的生態旅遊。這個小島雖然迷你，但是五臟俱全，在大自然的創作間，充滿了童趣與古早味。
小琉球是台灣唯一的珊瑚島，位於台灣島西南約13公里（8英里）。它以傳統漁村氛圍，豐富的海洋生態和清澈的海水聞名。在過去的十年中，因為保育的宣導以及落實，讓這個小島成為台灣的海洋生態天堂。
我們在小琉球的島嶼生活，從具有象徵性的花瓶岩開始，在地平線附近仍然可以看到台灣本島的輪廓。這附近生態豐富，你甚至可以發現綠蠵龜從水中探出，呼吸新鮮空氣。接著我們在大海的天空民宿的陽台以及屋頂迎接滿滿的陽光，享受聖托里尼風格般的異國風情，也開啟我們之前在希臘跳島的回憶。
離開迷人的白沙尾漁村後，我們戴上安全帽，跳上電動車開始了我們的環島之旅。小琉球上鮮少有汽車，因此，小巧與環保的交通工具是暢遊這個熱帶天堂的最佳選擇。無論在甚麼樣的旅行中，我們都應該要盡自己的力量減少自身的碳足跡。
踏上杉福漁港旁的金色沙灘，我們開始了水下的探險活動。首先迎面而來的是五顏六色的熱帶魚，緊接著，一隻巨大的綠蠵龜向我們游來，在我們的水中相機前覓食。綠蠵龜是瀕臨絕種的生物之一，受台灣法律嚴格保護。與海龜相遇時，我們不能觸摸，騷擾或餵食，以免觸法受罰。我和團隊都希望能像這裡的海龜一樣過著無憂無慮的生活！
緊接著我們跟著當地嚮導來到肚仔坪潮間帶保護區。該保護區猶如一個海洋生物的天然教室。在退潮時，我們可以在淺水區輕鬆地親近海膽，海星，海參等海洋生物，好不新奇。而在琉球嶼燈塔和百年榕樹旁稍作歇息後，我們來到厚石漁澳，欣賞周圍獨特的裙礁地形與吸收更多的維他命D。最後，我們停靠在迷人的威尼斯海灘(蛤板灣)旁˙，欣賞金黃色的日落美景，為這個充滿童趣與大自然的島嶼假期劃上句點。
Below are our favorite picks for Liuqiu Island. There are mostly local spots that do not have direct translation or names in English, we will do our best to provide our feedback and tips. In addition, many local spots offer different business hours during the peak and off seasons, and might have different days off during the week, we suggest to call before heading or paying a visit.
Place to Stay
小琉球大海的天空 MareCielo INN
Address: 929, Pingtung County, Liuqiu Township, Benyu Road, No, 102
Phone: +886 915 155 815
Email: marecielo.liuchiu@gmail.com
琉球茶室復古館 Tea House
Address: No. 7, Xinyi Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, 929
Phone: +886 966 837 338
朵貓貓海景民宿 Peekapoo
Address: 929, Pingtung County, Liuqiu Township, 肚仔坪路60號之 8 號
Phone: +886 8 861 3758
Email: kunxin0515@gmail.com
Place to Eat
夏味鮮 私房合菜海鮮
One of our favorites for Local Seafood, interesting menu with great layers of flavors. Recommend to get seated indoor with AC and suitable for groups and sharing.
Address: No. 35, Minsheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, 929
Phone: +886 8 861 3683
品軒在地風味小館
An exclusive fine dining spot with less than ten seats in the restaurant. The menu offers fusion Japanese cuisine along with local seafood and ingredients. It is amazing to find a quiet spot with great quality without any tourists.
Address: 929, Pingtung County, Liuqiu Township, 中山路一巷七號
Phone: +886 8 861 1396
旺來在地食堂
A simple and hidden local spot, you can find great southern Taiwanese flavors here throughout their noodles, soup and rice dishes.
Address: Sanmin Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, 929
Phone: +886 8 861 4457
褔應平價海鮮熱炒
Another great local seafood spot, limited seating but lots of daily fresh offerings.
Address: No. 123號, Zhongzheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, 929
Phone: +886 989 220 626
天台角冰店
Our favorite hand crafted shaved ice shop on the island. The brown sugar shaved ice covered in tropical fruits is a must-have!
Address: 929, Pingtung County, Liuqiu Township
Phone: 0913 819 799
小琉球冰箱冰舖
Address: No. 166-1, Zhongzheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, 929
Phone: +886 918 762 127
Things to Do
Scuba Diving/ Fundive/ PADI Diver Course
We recommend:
居琉潛水 Stay Liuqiu Diving (Also Divers Housing Available)
Email: longstayliuqiu@gmail.com
Phone: +886 937 980 670
Inter-tidal Zone Tour
(Scheduled Tour Only)
Get close to the sea creatures such as sea urchin, starfish, sea cucumber and tropical fish in the protected reserves during the low tide. It is truly the best classroom to learn more about sea life.
Place to See
We have pinned down and saved all our favorites for you. Go visit, check out and save our Liuqiu List on Google Maps!
Comments