The Ultimate Travel Guide to Taiwan’s Most Exotic Island
Orchid Island, or Lanyu (蘭嶼), is one of Taiwan’s offshore islands created by a volcanic eruption. It is best known for a stunning natural beauty untainted by human development and the livelihood of Tao indigenous culture and tradition nowhere else to be found.
The exotic island may be only two-hour away by ferry from Taitung. But being geographically, culturally, and economically isolated from modern development in mainland Taiwan, it feels like a world apart. And that makes the trip to Lanyu quite a desirable adventure.
Like other hidden gems in Taiwan, visiting Orchid Island can be challenging. This post will share everything I learned before and after visiting Lanyu to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Table of Contents
If you have more than three days in Taiwan, venture out to the gorgeous East Coast Taiwan:
- Taitung, the Garden of Taiwan
- Things to Do in Hualien
- 9 Best Taroko Gorge Trails for Beginers
- Orchid Island, the most remote island known for diving, flying fish and exotic Tao culture
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Is it worth visiting Orchid Island?
Many Taiwanese considered the Orchid and Green Islands as the most beautiful destinations in Taiwan. Oddly enough, no one I talked to has been to Lanyu in person, whereas more have traveled Green Island. This anecdotally shows the psychological and physical distance to Lanyu.
Both islands have been on my bucket list for a while. This summer, I finally decided to visit them. (Long story short, I made it to Lanyu; however, my trip to the Green Island got canceled due to the lockdown.)
When it comes to Orchid Island, getting there is half the game. Booking and planning took quite the work as well. This was primarily due to the lack of detailed information and mass tourism, but partly due to other unpredictable factors. Despite all these inconveniences, is it worth visiting Orchid Island, you may ask?
Orchid Island is for you if: you appreciate pristine nature and exotic cultural experiences. You wouldn’t mind a bit of inconvenience and can overlook the lack of infrastructure. And you are flexible with your time and itinerary.
Orchid Island is NOT for you if: you dream of a luxury oceanfront resort on a white sand beach. You expect access to all modern conveniences available in the city. (e.g., fast, accessible Internet and transportation, convenience stores everywhere, use of ATM and credit cards, etc.) Any last-minute changes will not make you happy.
With a bit of luck, I was blessed with the perfect weather. My flights did not get canceled. I got to enjoy many other things this island had to offer. And diving experience alone made it so worth it for me to visit Orchid Island.
I will be honest, though. I can see how Orchid Island would not be a perfect destination for others. But who knows? Maybe you will change your mind after reading this post.
Orchid Island Weather
Orchid Island is warm and humid all year round. It has an average temperature of 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is expected in tropical rainforest climates. Typhoon frequently hits the island.
The high season is between May and September, when the ocean is calmer. As it is still an off-the-beaten path, you will get to enjoy an uncrowded island and have lots of options to do, eat and stay.
Personally, I think the best time to visit Orchid Island is May. Statistically, May has the most pleasant weather, hence less chance of canceled trips. It also is in the middle of the famous flying fish season (March-June) when your experience on the island is as exotic as the island can get.
Start from Taitung
Whether you take a ferry or flight, your journey to Orchid Island starts from Taitung. So you might as well explore Taitung.
How to Get to Orchid Island
Your journey to Orchid Island starts in Taitung. Wherever you are in Taiwan, first get to Taitung via flight (UNI Air or Mandarin Airlines), train (ticket), bus, or drive (rental car).
Orchid Island by Flight
From Taitung Airport, fly to Orchid Island (Lanyu) on Daily Air. The ride takes less than 30 minutes. My roundtrip fare was about NTD2,700 (a little short of USD100), almost the same as ferry fares.
The ticket sales open up precisely two months in advance and sell out quickly. When sold out, put your name on the waiting list. Daily frequency depends on the season. (When I traveled in May, a total of 8 flights operated daily.) The propeller planes can carry a maximum of 19 passengers; however, some seats are reserved for the island residents, which may open up at the airport if not filled. Check the flight schedule here.
The Daily Air website is in Mandarin only. But you can use Google translate toggle function if you need. Or, ask your guesthouse or local friends to help you book the flight.
Insider Tip: Flights get canceled more often than you think. And no matter how you book, a refund is only made at Taitung Airport.
Orchid Island by Ferry
From Taitung Fugang Fish Harbor, hop on a ferry to Lanyu (NT2,460 roundtrip). The trip takes 2 hours. You may bring your scooter on board at an extra NTD400. >> Book your ferry here (option to rent a scooter).
From Kenting Houbihu, the ferry ride to Lanyu (NTD2,460 roundtrip) takes about 2.5 hours. Note that this route only operates between April and September. >> Book your ferry here (option to rent a scooter).
A ferry ride to Orchid Island is notoriously choppy. From what I hear, most people experience seasickness. Be prepared with motion sickness medicine (e.g., Dramamine). Alternatives like Sea-Band wristband or ginger chews alone might not prevent you from barfing but may help with the drug.
Due to the unpredictable weather, ferries can get canceled at any time. It is just the way of life there, so have some flexibility in your schedule.
Insider Tip: My friend was already at the Taitung ferry terminal when her ferry unexpectedly got canceled due to a typhoon. With the last-minute change of her travel plan, she hired a private charter to explore Taitung instead.
How to Get Around Orchid Island
Image Credit: Taitung Tourism Website
Does the Orchid Island resemble the Queen’s Head Rock in Yehliu Geopark? One main road circles around the island, and a hilly path cuts through the Queen’s neck.
The best way to get around Orchid Island is by riding a scooter. Your guesthouse can also book a scooter for you, so you can pick it up at the airport or harbor. The average rate per day is NTD500, including helmets.
Typically, scooter rentals require an international (or local) motorcycle license, although my guesthouse never asked for one. However, if you don’t know how to ride a scooter, please don’t take the risk, especially not on the remote island. Instead, rent a car for NTD2,000 (5 seats) or NTD2,500 (7-9 seats) daily.
Orchid Island is not huge, but I cannot imagine getting around without a scooter or car. I saw many groups of road bikers and asked my guesthouse where I could rent one. But apparently, they have brought their bikes to the island. If you want to rent one, you have to request it before getting there, so I was told. (I am not sure why!)
Insider Tip: Orchid Island has only one gas station, which is located near the Kaiyun Harbor [Open Google Map]. Make sure you calculate your daily usage and fill up your tank accordingly. If you don’t plan well, you might have to travel across the island just to put gas.
Checklist: What to Bring to Orchid Island
Keep in mind that Lanyu is a remote, undeveloped island. Although I am all for packing light, I highly recommend you bringing everything you need with you.
1. Cash
The island has two 7-Eleven stores with ATMs. Here is the kicker. It does not always work. (If you have a Taiwanese bank card, you can use an ATM at the post office in Hongtou Village.) And many local establishments and tours only accept cash. I’d recommend bringing some extra money, in case you are stranded on the island due to the bad weather.
2. SIM card
Only Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信) works on the island. If you use other carriers, buy a tourist SIM card BEFORE you leave mainland Taiwan.
3. GoPro
Bring GoPro to your underwater activities because it is so gorgeous down there! If not convinced, at least get a waterproof cell phone case. Although you can’t bring your phone down under, it will protect your phone from other water/beach activities.
4. Towels & Toiletry
Businesses on the island strive to stay eco-friendly. As part of the effort, some guesthouses won’t provide any to