Orchid Island just off the south-east Coast of Taiwan
Orchid Island (Lan-yu 蘭嶼) is one of Taiwan’s outlying islands known for its blue ocean, unique rock formations, and aboriginal culture.
Getting to Orchid Island
Orchid Island can be reached from either Taidong or Kenting’s Houwan by ferry. The ferry ride is about 2.5 hours and it can be rough. There are bags for those who may have an upset stomach because of seasickness. Taking some seasickness medication before the journey is a good idea.
Upon arriving in Orchid, visitors will notice beautiful green mountain peaks and spectacular clear blue ocean.
The ferry dock is a small area where just about everything is loaded and unloaded. Most visitors hop off the ferry and secure themselves a scooter and head off to their hostel or hotel. Orchid is a very small and simple place. It’s all local shops and businesses. After many years, a 7-11 eventually opened on the island.
The Tao people populate most of Orchid Island. They are famous for their colorful canoes which are used during festival periods.
Besides diving, which is spectacular, many people like to rent a scooter or ride a bicycle around the island. There is only one paved road and it takes about 45 minutes by scooter.
As you circle the island you will see many types of geo-rock formations. In different light and angles, these make for great photo-ops.
A herd of goats hanging out along the road on Orchid Island.
Unique rock scultures shaped by the elements are plentiful on Orchid Island.
More rock formations near the northeast corner of Orchid Island. The one above resembles a tiger with its claws out jumping up.
The rock formations match well with the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
These waters are home to the flying fish which are a delicacy on Orchid Island.
The ferry departs from Orchid Island at 1:00pm daily. It departs from Kenting at 10:00am. If you want to book a ticket, you can try this website. Round trip adult tickets are 2,000 NT. It is best to book in advance and get to the ferry terminal in Kenting at least 45 minutes before departure.
Tickets for Orchid Island Ferry
