Lanyu, Taiwan (Orchid Island, Taiwan) Travel Guide 蘭嶼旅遊景點
If you’re in Taiwan and want to explore some of the outlying islands, Lanyu is one of the best options! Lanyu, or Orchid Island is the easternmost island of Taiwan and truly one of the most stunning places I’ve ever been to.
Lanyu is home to the Tao people, an indigenous Taiwanese group. They are maritime people with a culture rooted in fishing (and agriculture). One of their most well-known practices is the Flying Fish Festival; this annual celebration gives thanks to the abundant schools of flying fish that pass through during the spring and summer seasons. Additionally, they’re known for their decorative canoes and underground homes. As visitors of this island, it’s important to respect their space and culture.
Other than the Tao people, Lanyu is known for its lush mountains, deep blue seas, and unique wildlife. Because this island is so remote, it’s the perfect escape from society and a wonderful way to rest and restore through nature. This guide will cover all the must-see spots on Lanyu Taiwan (Orchid Island).
Lanyu is fine to visit anytime between April and November. I personally prefer late spring or early autumn because the weather is still nice but it’s a lot quieter with fewer tourists.
Flying Fish Season runs from March - June so it’s an exciting time to potentially learn more about indigenous Tao practices. Summer is obviously the most popular time for international tourists and locals alike, but with typhoon season hitting from August and September, it’s a relatively short season.
From November through early spring, Lanyu is pretty quiet with most businesses going on hiatus. Lanyu’s temperature during winter is quite moderate but because it’s the easternmost island, it does get hit with strong winds. Make sure to double check on flight and ferry statuses if you plan on traveling during this time.
Lanyu (Orchid Island) is approximately 56 miles (89.9 kilometers) from Taitung in eastern Taiwan and there are essentially two ways to get there: ferry or airplane.
The most common way is by ferry. You can either take the boat from Taitung’s Fugang (Fukang) Harbor or Kenting’s Houbihu Harbor (though this might not run during the off season).
Taking the ferry from Taitung’s Fugang (Fukang) Harbor
If you’re starting your journey in Taipei, you can either fly directly or take the train (TRA) down to Taitung. If you’re starting on the west coast, the fastest way to Taitung would be to take the high speed rail (HSR) to Kaohsiung and then to take the normal train (TRA) over to Taitung.
Once you get to Taitung, you’ll need to get to Fugang (Fukang) Harbor. It’s about a 15-20 minute taxi-ride from the train station. You can also take a local bus but coordinating the schedules there might be a little more complicated.
My favorite way to purchase ferry tickets is to pre-book them via kkday.com or klook.com. Make sure to check the ferry schedule the day-of to ensure that they’re not canceled due to rough currents. A round-trip ticket costs approximately $2300 NT and the ride takes 2-2.5 hours. This trip is notorious for its rough waves so if you tend to get seasick, make sure to take a motion sickness pill beforehand.
Taking the ferry from Kenting’s Houbihu Harbor
If you’re already hanging out in the south of Taiwan, another alternative is to take the ferry from Kenting.
To get to Kenting, take the HSR to Zuoying and then take a bus or shared taxi to Kenting. From there, Houbihu Harbor is a 20-minute drive from the main street. Ferries from Houbihu Harbor to Lanyu run during the summer and typically cost $2300 NT. The boat ride also takes 2-2.5 hours. Again, you can book your tickets beforehand and make sure to check the schedules to ensure that boats are running.
Taking the plane to Lanyu (Orchid Island, Taiwan)
For those that get seasick, you might want to consider flying.
The one airline that flies to Lanyu is called DailyAir. They leave from Taitung and offer 8 flights per day during the summer and 6 flights per day in the winter. Each plane only has 19 seats so booking a seat can get quite competitive! Flights go on sale exactly two months before departure so do your best to buy your ticket as early as you can.
Tickets run for about $3000 each way and the flight takes approximately one hour (including boarding time). The plane is quite small and the turbulence can be atrocious but if you’re really uncomfortable with traveling by ferry, know that there’s an alternative!
The best way to get around Lanyu is by scooter. This is by far one of the most challenging parts of the entire trip. Unlike Green Island, there are no electric scooters on this island and most rental shops will only rent you one if you have a scooter license (local or international). You could try with an international driver’s license but policies are pretty strict nowadays.
I’d recommend asking your Airbnb or hostel to coordinate for you. They usually have better connections and know the ins and outs of the island. You can also consider booking one via a third-party website like Klook or KKday or if a scooter rental really isn’t possible, you could always rent a car. I usually don’t recommend this route as the roads on the island are quite small and parking can get a little frustrating but it’s still better than nothing.
Heads up that there’s only one gas station on the island and it closes at 9pm so make sure to check your tank before the evening!
Once you’ve figured out your transportation situation, drop your bags off at your residence and then take some time to explore the island and get oriented! I’ve listed the destinations in a clockwise order from Kaiyuan Fishing just to make things easier.
Tank Rock 坦克岩:
If you know anything about Taiwan, they love naming interesting rock formations. Tank rock is a large boulder in the northwest corner of the island that supposedly looks like an army tank. Before you arrive at it, you’ll pass this opening through the rocks that create a stunning frame of the ocean. A lot of people stop to take photos there but because you’d literally have to stand in the middle of the road, please be careful!
Jikarahem 五孔洞:
Jikarahem is the indigenous name of this series of five sea caves! Two are currently used as churches and are sealed off and the other three are connected and you can walk through. In the olden days, the locals considered these caves to be taboo and women and children were forbidden from being along the caves for too long. They were used for relaxation or for sumo fights between conflicting tribes.
Iraraley Secret 朗島秘境:
A beautiful and peaceful inlet close to the Iraraley (LangDao) Village. This was one of my favorite places to swim on the island! The waters were calm and refreshing as the rocky coast blocked off most of the waves. I felt safe the entire time and there were always other visitors looking out for each other! Great place to snorkel for beginners. Just watch out for sea snakes and cliff divers.
Twin Lion Stones 雙獅岩:
This rocky formation is located in the northeast corner of the island. From afar, it looks like two lions resting on the shore.
Warship Rock 軍艦岩:
If you look out from the northeast coast of Lanyu, you’ll see a small islet called warship rock. Nothing too exciting but still good to note!
Ghost’s Cave 蘭嶼鬼洞:
Traveling down the eastern coast of the island, you’ll come across Ghost’s Cave. It’s a man-made cave on the side of the mountain that connects surrounding villages.
Lover’s Arch 情人洞:
Lover’s Cave is one of the most popular photo destinations on Lanyu! It’s a natural stone arch that opens out to the ocean. It's a beautiful spot for photos because of the way the volcanic rock naturally frames the ocean.
Iranmeylek Secret 東清秘境:
Another wonderful place to swim! Iranmeylek’s Secret is one of the best places to snorkel on this island. The rocky coast protects from large waves and the area itself is large enough to accommodate multiple groups of people.
東清灣 Dongqing Bay:
Right around the corner from the secret snorkeling spot is Dongqing Bay. This is a nice sandy bay with a lot of traditional Tao canoes. It’s only a few feet from the island’s second 711 and was one of my favorite spots to catch the sunrise.
Ivalino Village 野銀部落:
Ivalino Village has the largest collection of underground homes on the island but because these are people’s homes, it’s important to remain respectful. The best way to visit this area is to book a tour with a local guide or ask your homestay for recommendations.
Yeyin Cold Spring 蘭嶼野銀冷泉:
Natural cold springs on Orchid Island (Lanyu)! On a hot summer day, this is the perfect place to swim. Freshwater mixes with seawater and the volcanic rocks provide a natural barrier from strong currents. Make sure to wear sandals because the volcanic rock can be quite prickly!
Dragon Head Rock 龍頭岩:
Another rocky landmark! This structure along the southern coast of the island vaguely resembles a large and spiky dragon head. Take a peek and see if you can see it!
龍頭岩 Dragon Head Rock on Google Maps
Longmen Harbor 龍門港:
A harbor near the southern tip of the island. This is where I went for my first freediving experience! It’s a popular spot for swimming and diving all around because the space is technically open water but protected from strong currents.
Green Green Grassland 青青草原:
One of my favorite places on Orchid Island (Lanyu, Taiwan) and the place where I saw one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life. This spot hosts fields of long grassy cliffs that look out into the ocean. There is a well-marked stone path and draws groups of young individuals looking to hang out and catch the sunset. Bring a blanket and some snacks and just enjoy your time!
Red Head Mountain 紅頭森林步道:
I really wanted to hike this trail but it was closed when I visited. It’s a moderately challenging hike that takes you through the heart of Lanyu and gives you the opportunity to see some wildlife that you can’t find on the main island of Taiwan.
Datianchi 大天池:
A fun hike if you need a break from all that ocean time. I found it pretty challenging mostly because the trail was largely unmarked and I climbed it in sandals. It can be a little muddy and you will have to scramble over some tree stumps, but if you go with the appropriate shoes, you’ll be fine.
Lanyu Museum 蘭嶼文物館:
A small museum that introduces the culture of the island! The first floor consists mostly of souvenirs and crafts made by locals and the second floor contains some cultural artifacts. On the weekends, they sometimes have a little outdoor market.
Yeyou Village 椰油:
The most populated spot on the island with a good amount of restaurants and bars. Parking can be a little bit of a challenge but it’s a nice spot to stroll around.
Mantou Rock 饅頭岩:
A cute little rock that looks like a small mantou (plain steamed bun). Nothing too special but a fun landmark regardless.
Old Lanyu Lighthouse 舊蘭嶼燈塔:
Super small and old lighthouse close to Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor. It’s always interesting to see original structures in comparison to modern ones!
Old Lanyu Lighthouse 舊蘭嶼燈塔 on Google Maps
Lanyu is small and there aren’t nearly as many specific tourist attractions as Penghu, Lambai Island or Green Island, but that’s what makes it charming. It’s a really great place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Lanyu’s got some of the most beautiful seas I’ve ever seen. They’re the easternmost island of Taiwan and strong currents bring in lots of interesting fish that you might not see around other islands. I signed up for both a scuba experience and a freediving experience on the island.
I registered for my scuba experience with Blue Ocean House Dive Resort. The experience was approximately $2500 NT and was quite similar to my experience on Green Island. You fill out a waiver before your dive and then they run you through some common hand signals. You’re paired with an instructor one-on-one the whole time so it’s a super safe and accessible experience. Please note that you should bring a usb for your photos or you can purchase one at the shop afterwards!
I went freediving for the first time by signing up for a freediving experience with Unlock Dive. It was a really casual time. The instructor ran us through the basics of breathing, breath holds, equalization, and recovery breaths. We then scooted to Longmen Harbor, she set up, and another student and I took turns diving into the water. We went slowly at first and she always stayed close by to ensure that we were safe.
Flying fish is obviously one of the most famous foods to experience on this island. Taro and sweet potatoes are also grown locally. Below are some of the restaurants I really enjoyed eating at during my stay. Please note that depending on the season that you visit, some of the store hours may vary.
雯雯芋頭冰
I had the flying fish dish and taro ice cream here. Highly recommend it! Everything was super tasty and you’re right on the coast. I actually went back for the taro ice cream twice…it was that good!
蘭嶼阿東飛魚刈包(創始店) ︎飛魚(卵)炒飯 ︎蘭嶼在地美食-冰沙 ︎蘭嶼家常特色創意料理
This place serves a special flying fish gua bao. It’s limited in quantity so I recommend going right when they open at noon. I stopped by and tried to get it for dinner one time and they were long out. The shop owner said that sometimes they get orders of 10-15 baos and that’s why they run out so quickly.
蘭嶼阿東飛魚刈包(創始店) ︎飛魚(卵)炒飯 ︎蘭嶼在地美食-冰沙 ︎蘭嶼家常特色創意料理 on Google Maps
蘭嶼旅人·Rover
Super cute and aesthetic cafe right on the ocean. Their coffee machine was broken when I went but I ordered the mango slushy and it was delicious. This cafe has plenty of space but I’d recommend calling and making a reservation if you’re going with a large group of people.
蘭嶼海很藍咖啡
One of the few cafes that actually stay open late! I walked by multiple times in the evening but finally got to try it on my last day on the island. The interior is painted with bright colors and decorated with lush plants. The vibe was really chill and I think they serve cocktails at night!
Do House逗號咖啡
One of the few cafes with wifi on this island. Do House is situated right by the airport and is pretty far removed from everything else. Watching airplanes take off while doing work was a pleasant experience though!
蘭嶼巴漾複合式餐廳酒吧BAYANG BAR
I think this bar is connected to a dive school but am not completely sure. They had a nice outdoor space and even a small pool overlooking the ocean. Their coffee and snacks were really tasty! No wifi but I spent my time editing photos so it was fine.
蘭嶼巴漾複合式餐廳酒吧BAYANG BAR on Google Maps
安逸酒吧 Angit Bar
Right in the heart of Yeyou! This bar/cafe is popular with visitors and locals alike. I had a delicious rice ball and coffee here while I did some work. They also have a mingling event with cocktails at night!
Yayou Drinks and Ice
I stopped by this casual ice shop for a fruit juice in the morning. Lanyu is known for Hala fruit or Lingtou fruit (林投), which is a mildly sweet bright orange fruit and I really wanted to try it out! It was refreshing and a nice way to start off the day.
咖哩咕曼kanikoman?
Nothing super special about this curry place but the staff was really nice! Few restaurants stay open past 6 pm on Lanyu and this was one of the few spots that were still open.
蒸吟早午餐
Cute breakfast shack off the side of the road. I really enjoyed their flying fish dan bing 蛋餅 and coffee. It was a solid breakfast spot all around!
蘭嶼 東清三十三號
A hip breakfast spot in Dongqing. This space sells flaky dan bings and other classic Taiwanese breakfast items with a stunning view of the sea. They have both outdoor seating and indoor seating and don’t take reservations–so get there early! This is the perfect spot to stop by after watching the sun rise on the bay.
There you have it–an essential guide to Lanyu, Taiwan (Orchid Island, Taiwan). This was truly one of my favorite islands to visit and I definitely plan on going back to get my scuba training there. Please let me know if you check any of these spots out on your trip and share some additional insights with the community in the comments below!