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Xiaoliuqiu information for the solo traveller 小琉球


Xiaoliuqiu is a Taiwan offshore island made fully out of coral and well-known for its ample sea turtles. Although it is among the smaller islands, Xiaoliuqiu’s proximity off the shore of Pingtung makes it a highly regarded Taiwan weekend journey with its perpetual solar, sand and sea. Right here’s my information on issues to do on Xiaoliuqiu as a solo traveller and tips about what to take a look at.

Taiwan‘s offshore islands are a few of my favorite locations to go to and Xiaoliuqiu was my first cease on my Taiwan island journey that included Penghu and the Matsu Islands. Take a look at my IG highlights to see some pictures and movies from my Xiaoliuqiu journey.

Xiaoliuqiu information for the solo traveller 小琉球Xiaoliuqiu information for the solo traveller 小琉球
Simply chilling with the turtles in Xiaoliuqiu

The place is Xiaoliuqiu situated?

Xiaoliuqiu is a part of Taiwan’s southern Pingtung county. It’s certainly one of Taiwan’s offshore islands situated to the south of Kaohsiung Metropolis. It additionally has many various names which you will notice on-line and on maps – Lambai Island, Ryukyu Island, Little Liuqiu, Liouchiou, although Xiaoliuqiu 小琉球 is the identify that I discovered mostly utilized by the Taiwanese.

Finest time to go to Xiaoliuqiu

Xiaoliuqiu is within the southern a part of Taiwan which typically makes its climate milder compared to the remainder of the nation. We’re speaking temperatures averaging round 25-35ºC even within the winter months, so you’ll be able to go to it any time of yr.

Nonetheless given its island vibes, summers (June to August) are when Xiaoliuqiu is at its busiest as locals and vacationers alike flock to its pretty waters and seashores. I visited in Might which is earlier than the height season and it was HOT. Like 30ºC++ with no clouds sort of sizzling. Undoubtedly very beach-friendly climate.

Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Me HatXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Me Hat
Cowl up! I had on numerous sunscreen however nonetheless ended up somewhat burnt across the mouth

The right way to get to Xiaoliuqiu

Xiaoliuqiu is best to get to should you’re already in Kaohsiung, however even should you’re in Taipei or coming from Taoyuan Worldwide Airport, it’s not troublesome to hop on a Excessive Velocity Prepare to get there.

1) HSR to Zuoying Station 左營高鐵

In the event you’re flying in to Taoyuan Airport, the best option to get to Kaohsiung is to first hop on the airport practice to Taoyuan HSR Station 桃園高鐵 (20-30 minutes, 25 NTD on easycard) after which take the excessive velocity rail all the way down to Zuoying Station 左營高鐵 (about 1.5 hours) [Google maps] – the HSR ticket I pre-bought through Klook [affiliate link] prices about SG$45 (Customary ticket on the HSR station is 1,330 NTD/S$58). Pre-booking means you’ll be able to reserve a seat on-line as nicely (no have to squeeze in non-reserved vehicles or stand)

Taiwan High Speed Rail Train TicketTaiwan High Speed Rail Train Ticket
HSR Prepare ticket from Taoyuan to Zuoying
Taiwan High Speed Rail Train SeatsTaiwan High Speed Rail Train Seats
HSR trains are fairly spacious and cozy

2) Vacationer Shuttle Bus 9127-D to Donggang Ferry Terminal 東港渡船碼頭

At Zuoying HSR Station, search for the ticket sales space and you should purchase a bus ticket for the Dapeng Scenic Space to alight at Donggang Ferry Terminal 東港渡船碼頭. Seat reservation is required! Even should you intend to pay by Easycard on the bus, you continue to have to pop by and ‘reserve’ a seat as a result of no standing is allowed on the bus and if it’s full, you’ll have to attend for the subsequent bus. It’s a big coach and you’ll put your baggage within the baggage space if you could.

The bus trip takes just below an hour and prices 120 NTD (106 NTD should you use your Easycard). Extra on Taiwan Vacationer Shuttle Bus 9127-D. You too can seek advice from this video by Freedive Nomad for a Youtube video exhibiting you precisely the place to go.

Zuoying HSR Dapeng Bay Ticket BoothZuoying HSR Dapeng Bay Ticket Booth
Dapeng Bay Ticket Sales space at Zuoying HSR Station
Zuoying HSR Dapeng Bay TimingsZuoying HSR Dapeng Bay Timings
My ticket reservation together with the bus departure timings
Zuoying HSR Dapeng Bay BusZuoying HSR Dapeng Bay Bus
The bus cease is only a brief stroll from the ticket sales space

Shared Taxis: There may be shared taxis going from Zuoying Station to Donggang Ferry Terminal, but it surely does rely upon whenever you arrive and so they watch for a sure minimal variety of pax earlier than they go away. It’s simpler for discover these on the Ferry Terminal to get again to the HSR Station. You may e book this shared transport through Klook [affiliate link] connecting you to Zuoying HSR, Kaohsiung Railway Station and downtown Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung Airport: Singapore doesn’t at present fly direct to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH), however I needed to get from Donggang Ferry Terminal to Kaohsiung Airport to catch my flight to Penghu. The automobile service advisable by my guesthouse quoted me 800 NTD, however on the ferry terminal I discovered a taxi driver who quoted me 700 NTD for the 1-way trip (we had a pleasant chat and he even gave me a sesame bun).

3) Ferry to Xiaoliuqiu

Donggang Ferry Terminal has a number of corporations promoting ferry tickets to Xiaoliuqiu. My guesthouse had organized my tickets for me through Tungliu Ferries 東琉線 and I simply needed to pop by the ticket window with my identify/telephone/reserving quantity and passport to retrieve my tickets. There was no mounted timing for the tickets, I simply took the subsequent accessible ferry. There’s a ferry schedule to offer you a tough concept of when the ferries go away.

The ferry trip takes about 20 minutes and the round-trip ferry tickets from Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu value 400 NTD/S$17. You may pre-book your Donggang-Xiaoliuqiu ferry tickets through Klook for Tungliu Ferries and TF Transport [affiliate links] – the ferry tickets additionally embrace an choice for shared taxi switch from Zuoying/Kaohsiung practice stations for an additional $7-8 which is fairly low cost and also you don’t have to fret concerning the bus. This Tungliu ticket has a QR code so that you don’t even have to fret about selecting it up, simply go straight to the ferry.

Word that there aren’t any airports on the island – the one option to get to Xiaoliuqiu is by Ferry. You too can take a look at LeucoSapphire 藍白航 or Liuxin 琉興航運 for extra ferry tickets and schedules.

Donggang Harbour EntranceDonggang Harbour Entrance
Busy Donggang Harbour
Donggang Harbour EntranceDonggang Harbour Entrance
Strolling out to the boat

The general public ferries dock at Baishawei Harbour 白沙尾漁港 on the northeastern finish of Xiaoliuqiu. Baishawei is just about Xiaoliuqiu’s downtown space and bsides a pleasant huge responsibility free store on the harbour for final minute buys, you can even stroll to the primary city space the place the guesthouses, scooter leases and exercise outlets are situated.

Xiaoliuqiu Baishawei Harbour FerryXiaoliuqiu Baishawei Harbour Ferry
Baishawei Harbour Ferry on Xiaoliuqiu
Xiaoliuqiu Baishawei SignXiaoliuqiu Baishawei Sign
Strolling to the primary city space from Baishawei harbour

There may be one other harbour at Dafu 大福 on the jap aspect of the island [Google maps] that non-public ferries go to that leaves from Yanpu Harbour 鹽埔港 which is simply north from Donggang Harbour [Google maps], however Dafu is far much less busy than Baishawei so that you might need issues should you don’t prebook a scooter of switch to your lodge. Take a look at Dafuliuqiu 大福琉球航運 or this hyperlink on Klook that sells Dafuliuqiu ferry + e-scooter packages [affiliate link] for extra.

Xiaoliuqiu Dafu HarbourXiaoliuqiu Dafu Harbour
Dafu Harbour – I handed by whereas scooting across the island and there’s not very a lot else close by right here!

The right way to get round Xiaoliuqiu

Scooter/E-bike

Xiaoliuqiu is a reasonably small island that’s about 6.8sq km massive with about 12km of shoreline. That interprets into you with the ability to circle the island in about half-hour on scooter should you rode nonstop. There’s a principal ring street 環道路 that follows the shoreline the place a lot of the points of interest are situated, in addition to 2-3 different bigger roads that run from north to south via the middle of the island.

Xiaoliqiu is comparatively flat although there are a number of slopey bits – e-scooters (which don’t require a driving license) can nonetheless handle these although there’s one notably steep street as much as the lighthouse/outdated Banyan tree lookout that they don’t suggest e-scooters take as a result of that could be a actual steep incline.

Xiaoliuqiu Baishawei Harbour ScootersXiaoliuqiu Baishawei Harbour Scooters
Scooters are one of the simplest ways to get round

Different modes of transport

There’s a public bus 601 that follows the primary ring street across the island of Xiaoliuqiu (601A cuts via the centre street), but it surely’s fairly rare (each hour or so) so plan nicely if you wish to use this.

Issues to do in Xiaoliuqiu

Baishawei Harbour is situated within the north of the island and the place downtown Xiaoliuqiu with essentially the most outlets and facilities are situated. Most individuals are inclined to go anti-clockwise as a result of the island’s extra well-known sights are situated on the west coast, in order that’s what I’ll do for this Xiaoliuqiu information to indicate you what you’ll be able to see alongside the way in which.

Most individuals do a day journey to Xiaoliuqiu, however I feel it’s value spending at the very least one night time right here to benefit from the island after the crowds go away – the final ferries depart between 5-6pm. I spent 2 nights right here which was loads of time to go across the island a number of instances.

NORTH WEST

Vase Rock 花瓶石

One in all Xiaoliuqiu’s most iconic sights, Vase Rock is a well-liked spot for photographers, in addition to snorkelers and scuba divers as there are lots of sea turtles to be discovered round right here.

Simply be ready for it to be perpetually crowded. I got here right here within the night when the tide was low to benefit from the sundown and there have been numerous folks milling round. The subsequent morning I scuba dived off the shore right here and there have been numerous snorkelling teams round.

Xiaoliuqiu Vase Rock SunsetXiaoliuqiu Vase Rock Sunset
Sundown at Vase Rock
Xiaoliuqiu Vase Rock Viewing PlatformXiaoliuqiu Vase Rock Viewing Platform
A small seaside results in the rock
Xiaoliuqiu Vase RockXiaoliuqiu Vase Rock
Nearer view from beneath. The ‘vase’ identify apparently is due to all of the vegetation discovered on high of the rock
Xiaoliuqiu Vase Rock Diving MeXiaoliuqiu Vase Rock Diving Me
Going in quest of sea turtles!

Vase Rock – Huaping Shi 花瓶石 [Google maps]

Magnificence Cave 美人洞

Additional alongside Meiren street is a barely elevated space referred to as the Magnificence Cave or Meiren Dong. Magnificence Cave really consists of two components – 1 bit stretches alongside the coast providing some sea caves to stroll via and coastal views, whereas one other bit is inland on the other aspect of the street.

It is a ticketed space and there are 2 cubicles (1 on every finish of the cave stretch) to purchase tickets to enter. The ticket contains entry to Wild Boar Trench and Black Satan Cave (extra on that beneath).

Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Ticket BoothXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Ticket Booth
Choose up your tickets at certainly one of these ticket cubicles
Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail MapXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Map
Map of the Magnificence Cave trails

The paved paths alongside the shoreline contain some stair climbing and lead via some attention-grabbing caves and rocks. In the event you’re feeling adventurous, seek out the 13 scenic view factors discovered right here.

Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Bat CaveXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Bat Cave
The Bat Cave had no bats in it although it was fairly poky
Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Cave StairsXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Cave Stairs
Stairs lead via the coral rocks

The inland space is extra of a forest path above the rocks and bushes. There are a bunch of Rocks of Significance to see alongside the way in which together with some pavilions, however mainly it’s a pleasant scenic stroll to get pleasure from nature. Tickets usually value 120 NTD and I’m undecided if there was some off-peak promotion occurring however I solely needed to pay 100 NTD once I visited.

Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail PathXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Trail Path
Strolling alongside the path.

Magnificence Cave – mei ren dong 美人洞 [Google maps]. Open 7am-6pm (summer time Apr-Oct), 730am-5pm (winter Nov-Mar). 120 NTD for mixed ticket for Magnificence Cave, Magnificence Seaside, Wild Boar Trench and Black Satan Cave.

Magnificence Seaside 美人沙灘

This cute little seaside is correct subsequent to the place the Magnificence Cave path is – you’ll be able to see it from the Magnificence cave coastal path however the entrance to the seaside is somewhat additional down the street. A lot of snorkellers out on the seaside that day having a wade within the shallows.

Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach ViewXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach View
Magnificence Seaside from above
Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach CoastXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Coast
Closeup of the crystal clear waters
Xiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Low TideXiaoliuqiu Beauty Beach Low Tide
Excellent seaside climate

Magnificence Seaside – mei ren sha tan 美人沙灘 [Google maps] – see Magnificence Cave for ticket particulars

SOUTH WEST

Shanfu Ecological Stroll 杉福生態廊道

This viewpoint additional down the street from Magnificence Seaside really appears fairly nondescript at first – there’s a stone marker right here, however observe the trail subsequent to it and also you’ll end up descending alongside a stone path into an outdated army bunker which opens as much as a sea view.

You may wander round this disused bunker which nonetheless has outdated army signage painted on its partitions, and benefit from the coastal views when you’re right here.

Xiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk MarkerXiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk Marker
The marker – the trail downwards is correct behind the stone
Xiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk PathXiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk Path
Taking place…
Xiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk BunkerXiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk Bunker
View of the bunker from beneath!
Xiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk ViewpointXiaoliuqiu Shanfu Ecological Walk Viewpoint
Sea view from right here

Shanfu Ecological Stroll – shan fu sheng tai lang dao 杉福生態廊道 [Google maps]

Wild Boar Trench Path 山豬溝生態步道

Additionally a part of the paid ticket, the Wild Boar (Sanzhu) Trench Path is a pleasant forest path the place you’ll be able to take a stroll amidst greenery. Beautiful coral rock formations with some very massive and outdated banyan bushes rising out of them amidst a thick jungle cover.

This place is nice for some brief hikes and never a nasty choice when it’s sizzling as a result of the thick foliage makes it a bit extra shady. Anticipate some stair climbing however the picket boardwalks are typically simple to stroll and nicely maintained.

No wild boars noticed right here regardless of its identify!

Xiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail TreeXiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail Tree
Large banyan rising out the highest of this rock
Xiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail Giant RockXiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail Giant Rock
Some trails minimize via the rock in mini tunnels
Xiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail YixiantianXiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail Yixiantian
Yixiantian or 1 sliver of sky is a really slim hole in a big rock

Yow will discover a row of small meals outlets on the entrance of the Sanzhu Path. Right here’s the place I ate a extremely cute turtle-shaped ice cream, simply one of many many turtle-shaped meals I’d encounter right here in Xiaoliuqiu.

Xiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail ShopsXiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail Shops
Outlets throughout the street from the path entrance
Xiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail Shops Turtle PopsicleXiaoliuqiu Sanzhu Trail Shops Turtle Popsicle
How cute is the turtle popsicle!

Wild Boar Trench Path – shan zhu gou sheng tai bu dao 山豬溝生態步道 [Google maps]

Venice Seaside 威尼斯沙灘

Also referred to as Geban Bay Seaside 蛤板灣, Venice Seaside is a uncommon sand seaside as most of Xiaoliuqiu’s seashores are fabricated from coral. No ticket is required to entry this seaside which has some attention-grabbing shallows that make for good intertidal walks, and its west-facing makes it a preferred sundown spot as nicely.

Xiaoliuqiu Venice BeachXiaoliuqiu Venice Beach
Venice Seaside from above on a cloudy day
Xiaoliuqiu Venice Beach StallsXiaoliuqiu Venice Beach Stalls
Some stalls right here together with a service the place you’ll be able to wash up with contemporary water for a small payment

Venice Seaside – wei ni si ya sha tan 威尼斯沙灘 [Google maps]

Black Satan Cave 烏鬼洞

The very ominous sounding Black Satan Cave is the final attraction on the paid ticket with Magnificence Cave and Wild Boar Trench and is known as a pretty coastal forest space for a stroll. There are some outlets outdoors the doorway as nicely although I didn’t get the prospect to verify them out.

Xiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave EntranceXiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave Entrance
Entrance to the Black Satan Cave is much less ominous in such good climate
Xiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave MapXiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave Map
The origin of the identify Black Satan is unclear – there’s an evidence on the signal which apparently is bullshit based on everybody on-line…

The precise cave is a really slim stairway main down right into a rock crack – it appears to have caved in so you’ll be able to’t actually shimmy your method via the cave although you’ll be able to observe the steps to emerge out one other spot alongside the trail.

Xiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave SignXiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave Sign
Enter the cave…
Xiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave TunnelXiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave Tunnel
Extra low rock tunnels to climb via

I favored the seaside paths finest! Xiaoliuqiu’s west coast is beautiful.

Xiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave Yi BridgeXiaoliuqiu Black Devil Cave Yi Bridge
Yi Bridge and a pleasant pavilion and seaview

Black Satan Cave – wu gui dong 烏鬼洞 [Google maps] Open 730am – 5pm

Sundown Pavilion 落日亭

Sundown Pavilion is on the southwestern tip of Xiaoliuqiu and given its identify, is meant to supply a few of the finest sundown views on the island. Sadly I used to be there on a relatively gloomy afternoon and needed to run from the rain after these pictures, so I suppose I’ll have to come back again once more in future to see if it’s true. Beautiful sea view although, with benches to take a seat round on and admire the view.

Xiaoliuqiu Sunset PointXiaoliuqiu Sunset Point
Sundown Level on a dismal afternoon
Xiaoliuqiu Sunset Point FishermenXiaoliuqiu Sunset Point Fishermen
I like this shot of the fishermen simply perched on a rock in opposition to the large blue sea

Sundown Pavilion – luo ri ting 落日亭 [Google maps]

EAST

There appears to be extra issues to see on the western aspect of the island in comparison with the east, however the island is sufficiently small that you must be capable of make a number of spherical journeys simply should you wished to.

Guanyin Rock 觀音石

Alongside the southeastern coast is a small stretch of Rocks of Significance – the Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Rock appears to be essentially the most well-known however for the lifetime of me I can’t see Guanyin in any type, perhaps I’m simply not that divine.

Xiaoliuqiu Guanyin RockXiaoliuqiu Guanyin Rock
Simply admire the view

There may be additionally a Toad Rock which I missed, however I noticed the relatively rodent-like Rat Rock 老鼠岩.

Xiaoliuqiu Rat RockXiaoliuqiu Rat Rock
Rat Rock

[Google Maps] The Guanyin, Toad and Rat rocks are situated in fairly shut proximity to one another alongside the Huandao Street proper after you move by a small temple on the left.

Liuqiu Lighthouse 白燈塔

Positioned up a really steep slope, the lighthouse is often among the finest locations to get a view because it’s on excessive floor, however handle your expectations as a result of Liuqiu’s 10m tall lighthouse is surrounded by bushes so you’ll be able to’t see the coast in any respect from the bottom of the lighthouse. You may’t enter it both.

Xiaoliuqiu Lighthouse UpXiaoliuqiu Lighthouse Up
Trying up on the lighthouse
Xiaoliuqiu Lighthouse ForestXiaoliuqiu Lighthouse Forest
Yup blocked by bushes

Liuqiu Lighthouse (White lighthouse) – bai deng ta 白燈塔 [Google maps]. Take the small street left proper after the Toad Rock and go all the way in which up the slope.

Hundred 12 months Outdated Banyan Tree 百年老榕樹

Whereas the lighthouse view is disappointing, there’s one other spot very shut by which gives some nice views. Comply with the indicators to the Outdated Banyan Tree and also you’ll discover a small clearing with somewhat temple beneath a large banyan tree with sprawling branches.

Xiaoliuqiu Old Banyan Tree Viewpoint TempleXiaoliuqiu Old Banyan Tree Viewpoint Temple
Temple underneath the outdated banyan tree

The attention-grabbing bit is definitely situated behind the Banyan Tree, the place there’s a small path the leads previous the bushes…

Xiaoliuqiu Old Banyan Tree Viewpoint PathXiaoliuqiu Old Banyan Tree Viewpoint Path
Secret path! Nicely I imply with all these warning indicators it’s not that hidden however nonetheless…

Have a look at the view of the east coast of Xiaoliuqiu! Maybe a pleasant dawn spot should you can stand up. That’s Secret Seaside beneath. I made a enjoyable brief video about this discover which you could watch on my Instagram.

Xiaoliuqiu Old Banyan Tree Viewpoint CoastXiaoliuqiu Old Banyan Tree Viewpoint Coast
Panoramic view of Secret Seaside and the kayakers

Hundred 12 months Outdated Banyan Tree – bai nian lao rong shu 百年老榕樹 [Google maps]

Secret Seaside 秘密沙灘

A type of secrets and techniques that’s not likely hidden, Secret Seaside is a really picturesque little sheltered cove amidst the rocks that looks like a preferred spot for kayakers and SUPers. And it’s additionally in style with snorkelers and turtle recognizing.

Xiaoliuqiu Secret Beach CoveXiaoliuqiu Secret Beach Cove
Not-so-secret seaside

Secret Seaside – mi mi sha tan 秘密沙灘 [Google maps]

Lobster Cave 龍蝦洞

Up on the northeast nook, I finished at Lobster Cave to see what it was all about, however this appeared to be extra of a snorkeling spot whenever you stroll out onto the rocks. There was a spot the place you’ll be able to clamber down some rocks to get to the seaside to see the precise Lobster Cave (extra like a cut up within the rocks) however I didn’t trouble.

Xiaoliuqiu Lobster Cave BeachXiaoliuqiu Lobster Cave Beach
Climbing all the way down to Lobster Cave for the ‘gram
Xiaoliuqiu Lobster Cave CoastXiaoliuqiu Lobster Cave Coast
I stayed up high to admire the view

Lobster Cave – lengthy xia dong 龍蝦洞 [Google maps]

Scuba Diving in Xiaoliuqiu

I did have an opportunity to go Scuba Diving in Xiaoliuqiu which was organized via my acccommodation. I’d initially booked a group scuba diving session through Klook [affiliate link] however sadly there weren’t sufficient folks so it obtained cancelled.

My guesthouse booked me a non-public diving session with Ocean House 海之家潛水店 for two,000 NTD (S$85) which included tools rental + pictures/movies – Not the most cost effective, but it surely was a reasonably final minute reserving and likewise a non-public information. This dive store additionally has courses for these trying to take their Open Water programs, or non-divers trying to simply do the Expertise dive.

Xiaoliuqiu Scuba Diving Centre CounterXiaoliuqiu Scuba Diving Centre Counter
Ocean House’s inside

We obtained all arrange on the dive store and I hopped on a scooter behind my dive information and we headed over to Vase Rock (it was excessive tide that morning) and did a shore dive from there. The water was fairly clear and whereas not essentially the most attention-grabbing maybe by way of sea life, there have been a bunch of turtles throughout. I had one swim up fairly near me.

Xiaoliuqiu Vase Rock Diving MeXiaoliuqiu Vase Rock Diving Me
All able to dive in
Xiaoliuqiu Scuba Diving Rock MeXiaoliuqiu Scuba Diving Rock Me
Underwater pictures!
Xiaoliuqiu information for the solo traveller 小琉球Xiaoliuqiu information for the solo traveller 小琉球
Turtle encounter

Ocean House – hai zhi jia qian shui dian 海之家潛水店 [Google maps] Discover them on Instagram


What to eat in Xiaoliuqiu

In search of locations to eat on Xiaoliuqiu? Whereas it is a small island, it will get fairly packed on the weekends so be sure to make reservations for in style spots and meals. Most of the meals stalls and eating places may be discovered within the city space within the north, however there are eateries scattered throughout the island.

Sì bù huò Sushi 肆不惑 壽司.丼

The identify of this sushi restaurant interprets into one thing like ‘Don’t be confused’, and this is among the hottest Japanese sushi eating places on Xiaoliuqiu. It’s so in style that the restaurant doesn’t take walk-ins and they are often booked out weeks prematurely. I lucked out as a result of I occurred to search out their web page the day after they opened their bookings, so I despatched in a request to eat right here and see whether or not it’s value all of the fuss.

Xiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo ExteriorXiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo Exterior
Tiny restaurant and its cheery yellow partitions

It’s a sushi restaurant that serves donburi, sashimi and sushi. I ordered a Caterpillar Roll 毛毛蟲捲 which is a rice wrapped round seaweed, crab stick and egg and topped with avocado and fish roe and was contemporary and yummy. Miso soup is served as a aspect and likewise excellent.

Xiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo Caterpillar RollXiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo Caterpillar Roll
Caterpillar Roll

I additionally ordered a Chawanmushi (steamed egg) which in most Japanese eating places is served in a small cup, however this one was a full rice bowl portion which stunned me. Once more, good and engaging and a beautiful heat silky distinction to the sushi roll.

Xiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo ChawanmushiXiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo Chawanmushi
rice bowl sized chawanmushi

I even ordered some freshly ready sushi, and sadly I can’t inform you what this meat is as a result of I simply requested the chef on the counter to suggest me stuff, however the one on the correct so so tender and delectable. I’m not often a fan of uncooked fish however in locations the place they do it contemporary, it’s simply so good.

I spent 360 NTD in whole, about S$15 for some fairly stellar sushi.

Xiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo SushiXiaoliuqiu Sibuhuo Sushi
The left aspect is 軟絲 (which I feel is a few type of squid) and the correct is 鰭邊肉 (flatfish?) – the flatfish was actually tender

The right way to e book: Ebook through Fb Messenger on their Fb web page. Bookings open for the next month on twenty fifth of the earlier month (e.g. Might bookings open on 25 Apr). Drop them a Fb Message with the date/time/no. of pax/identify/telephone quantity (there are directions which you could Google Translate of their FB posts), and watch for them to ship you a calendar for affirmation.

Sibuhuo Sushi 肆不惑 壽司.丼 [Google maps]. Closed on Mon. Open for dinner 6pm – 9pm (Lunch 1130am – 2pm on Tue, Fri-Solar)

Yoyo Cheese Roll 起司捲

Yoyo cheese roll is one other meals that I saved seeing pop up in my Xiaoliuqiu searches, and I occur to likelihood upon the stall whereas driving round on my second day. I didn’t make a reserving however simply popped by to see if there was any likelihood to select some up.

Whereas it’s name Yoyo Cheese Roll, the Pie 派 is definitely the well-known factor to eat right here, not the Roll 卷. And since that is an island, you’ll wish to get the tuna which is their speciality. I didn’t know any higher and so they solely had rolls left, so I picked up a rooster roll (70 NTD) however even that was fairly delicious.

Xiaoliuqiu Yoyo Cheese Roll MenuXiaoliuqiu Yoyo Cheese Roll Menu
Menu
Xiaoliuqiu Yoyo Cheese Roll StallXiaoliuqiu Yoyo Cheese Roll Stall
Freshly fried and cooling down
Xiaoliuqiu Yoyo Cheese Roll ChickenXiaoliuqiu Yoyo Cheese Roll Chicken
Snacking on my oozing rooster roll. Yum.

Yoyo 起司捲 [Google maps] Open 11am – 430pm. Test their Fb web page for closures and if you wish to make an order, name (or ask somebody to name) them straight.

Mizi’s Home 蜜仔琉部 餐館

Mizi’s Home is an Instagrammers dream, a stupendous 2 storey home close to the port adorned with vegetation throughout its exterior and inside. It even has its personal greenhouse of kinds. Their menu (which has some English) principally consists of fusion pastas and pizza.

Once more, I attempted my luck strolling in fairly early (earlier than 6pm) and managed to get a counter seat with none bookings.

Xiaoliuqiu Mizis House ExteriorXiaoliuqiu Mizis House Exterior
All of the vegetation at Mizi’s Home
Xiaoliuqiu Mizis House InteriorXiaoliuqiu Mizis House Interior
Such an enthralling inside

My order was the spaghetti with shrimps, garlic, mushroom and white wine (380 NTD) which was tasty and filling, and paired that with a Xiaoliuqiu craft beer with an orange flavour profile and a cute turtle label – tasty however fairly gassy~

Xiaoliuqiu Mizis House Pasta BeerXiaoliuqiu Mizis House Pasta Beer
Pasta and craft beer for dinner

Mizi’s Home 蜜仔琉部 餐館 [Google maps]. Closed on Tues. Open 11am – 2pm (5-8pm Fri-Solar). Extra on their Fb web page.

Sea Daze

I chanced upon Sea Daze situated close to the Shanfu Ecological Stroll and it’s a beautiful seaside bar full with sand… on high of the hill. It’s a really fairly spot and whereas I meant to sit back on the market for some sundown beers, it seems that that they had a celebration the night time earlier than and had been nonetheless not fairly able to open once I popped by at their opening time, ah nicely island life.

Nonetheless they let me sit by the ocean with out having to order something as they prepped the bar and I obtained to benefit from the view at no cost. Could be an amazing place to hang around at night time as they solely shut previous midnight.

Xiaoliuqiu Sea Daze TablesXiaoliuqiu Sea Daze Tables
Sitting on the sand with hill views at Sea Daze
Xiaoliuqiu Sea Daze ViewXiaoliuqiu Sea Daze View
Prime seats by the ocean, too unhealthy there wasn’t a lot of a sundown

Sea Daze [Google maps] Open 5pm – 1am. Extra on their Instagram.

Tiantaijiao Ice Store 天台角冰店

I ended up at this store whereas on the lookout for a spot to attend out a sudden downpour that began whereas I used to be on the Sundown Level close by. I handed by earlier and doubled again to this spot and obtained myself a pleasant refreshing ice cream to chill down and watch for the rain to clear.

This little dessert store has a cute cottage vibe and so they do quite a lot of shaved ice desserts however these seemed method an excessive amount of for lil’ me, so I settled for a vanilla ice cream topped with black sugar which was an ideal option to settle down within the humid climate.

Xiaoliuqiu Tiantaibing ExteriorXiaoliuqiu Tiantaibing Exterior
Tiantaijiao ice store has principally sheltered seating
Xiaoliuqiu Tiantaibing TablesXiaoliuqiu Tiantaibing Tables
Cute poky little place
Xiaoliuqiu Tiantaibing Black Sugar Ice CreamXiaoliuqiu Tiantaibing Black Sugar Ice Cream
My black sugar ice cream

Tiantaijiao Ice Store 天台角冰店 [Google maps]. Open 11am – 5pm. Extra on their fb web page.

Ocean Trying Ice (Haizhaobing) 海找冰

The climate on Xiaoliuqiu was so heat and tropical that I ended up taking quite a lot of ice cream breaks, and certainly one of my favorite spots needed to be Haizhaobing. Positioned at Houshi proper after the Rat Rock, this artsy little dessert spot has nice views of the shallow rocky shoreline alongside the east coast.

Xiaoliuqiu Haizaobing EntranceXiaoliuqiu Haizaobing Entrance
Haizhaobing’s artsy entrance
Xiaoliuqiu Haizaobing CafeXiaoliuqiu Haizaobing Cafe
I visited at a bizarre mid-day time that’s why it was emptyish
Xiaoliuqiu Haizaobing View Low TideXiaoliuqiu Haizaobing View Low Tide
Have a look at that pretty view. These mountains within the distance are someplace round Pingtung on the mainland of Taiwan

Cooling down with a mermaid tail ice cream! Such a enjoyable dessert, however I actually loved with the ability to chill by the shoreline and the low tide view. This place apparently will get very crowded so there’s a minimal 100 NTD order per particular person and a time restrict of 90 minutes.

Xiaoliuqiu Haizaobing Ice CreamXiaoliuqiu Haizaobing Ice Cream
How cute is that this ice cream with a chocolate mermaid’s tail and turtle chocs!

Ocean Trying Ice – 海找冰 Haizhaobin [Google maps] Closed on Tues. Open 11am – 5pm (10am Sat-Solar). Extra on their Instagram.

Liubing Hand Made Popsicles 琉冰手作冰棒

Xiaoliuqiu’s heat climate means there are many causes to take pleasure in iced desserts, and Liubing’s handcrafted popsicles are maybe the prettiest that I’ve seen on the island.

Xiaoliuqiu Liubing EntranceXiaoliuqiu Liubing Entrance
Liubing handcrafted popsicles

This dessert store makes their very own popsicles with numerous fruit and color – these sticks are ridiculously instagrammable but in addition fairly tasty as well.

Xiaoliuqiu Liubing FreezerXiaoliuqiu Liubing Freezer
Making an attempt to choose
Xiaoliuqiu Liubing PopsicleXiaoliuqiu Liubing Popsicle
Lastly selected a Mango-Strawberry mixture with a kiwi for kicks

Liubing Hand Made Popsicles 琉冰手作冰棒 [Google maps] Closed on Wed. Open 10am – 730pm (1130am on Tue, 930am on Solar, 9pm on Sat). Extra on their Fb web page.


The place to remain in Xiaoliuqiu

Straightforward Keep 尹居民宿

I picked a visitor home referred to as Straightforward Keep for his or her fairly priced rooms and central location close to the primary city space.

I had a room on the 2nd flooring and the room itself is sort of fundamental and whereas I didn’t actually have any view, it was ok to calm down in after lengthy days outdoors. The one factor is that the air-conditioning was proper above the mattress so it may get a bit chilly however apart from that it was nice.

Xiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse RoomXiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse Room
My room was clear although not likely anyplace else to take a seat in addition to the mattress. The home windows can open however there’s no view
Xiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse ToiletXiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse Toilet
The form of the bathe was a bit awkward however the water strain was wonderful

The employees at Straightforward Keep was very pleasant and accommodating. What was nice about speaking to Straightforward Keep through LINE as an alternative of via the reserving platform is that they created a complete bundle for me that included my ferry tickets in addition to scooter rental together with the room bundle so I didn’t have to fret about reserving all this stuff individually.

On reserving.com I’d have paid 4,104 NTD for a double room for two nights. I ended up paying a bundle value of 5,200 NTD which additionally included scooter rental (800 NTD) and my ferry tickets (400 NTD). Usually the Taiwanese method is to switch a deposit to substantiate your reserving, however as a result of I’m a foreigner and Taiwanese banks are an actual ache to switch cash to, they’re often alright to obtain fee in money/card whenever you arrive.

The scooter they supplied was nicely maintained, and so they additionally helped me to rearrange my scuba diving session fairly final minute too, total I used to be very glad with their service.

Straightforward Keep is an efficient guesthouse if you need a easy, no-frills place to relaxation after all of your exercise round Xiaoliuqiu. Not the fanciest if you need luxurious or views, but it surely has a handy location (FamilyMart proper reverse and the Baishawei port a couple of minutes away by scooter, or strolling should you actually wanted to) and good service.

Xiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse LoungeXiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse Lounge
Lounge space on the primary degree of the guesthouse – the rooms had been upstairs, accessible via a door simply behind the pink wall
Xiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse SnacksXiaoliuqiu Easy Stay Guesthouse Snacks
Free snacks! That is the well-known braided biscuit that individuals purchase from Xiaoliuqiu

Take a look at Straightforward Keep on reserving.com [affiliate link]. You too can contact them straight through LINE @449rmucn to make a reserving and different preparations.

Different lodging choices I thought of:


Have you ever been to Xiaoliuqiu? Let me know if there’s something cool that I missed out on so I can hopefully see it in future! Within the meantime take a look at a few of the different Taiwan offshore islands that I’ve visited:



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