Penghu Archipelago: 5-Day Itinerary as an Addition to your Trip in Taiwan

Highlights: Fireworks Festival, basaltic terrain, uninhabited island camping, lavender coral reefs

I’m excited to share about my home country for the first time! Although the recent devastating earthquake near Hualien City has significantly impacted Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan’s most famous natural landscapes, which may now take decades to restore, Taiwan still boasts many other beautiful places that are worth visiting. The Penghu Archipelago, with their stunning beaches and unique culture, are definitely among these treasures.

I took this trip in 2021, during the global lockdown due to COVID-19. At that time, Taiwan hadn’t experienced an outbreak thanks to strict border controls, so domestic tourism was still possible. I have updated the travel information to 2024.

I somehow did not take any photos of some locations (haha, I can’t remember why), so I will provide you with links to certain hashtags that you can find on Instagram. Due to the unsettled policy on embedding public Instagram posts, I will not directly embed public Instagram content onto this blog.

I’m still figuring out the best format for a travel blog, so if you have any suggestions, please leave a message! All suggestions are welcome!

General Information

Geography

Penghu, located off the west coast of Taiwan, is a collection of islands, with the main ones listed below:

• Main Island: Islands are formed in a circle shape and connected through bridges. Generally, it could be separated into two parts: the North Ring and the South Ring. The downtown area, airport, and harbor are all located in the South Ring. The North Ring is usually suitable for a 1-day or half-day trip.
• Wang-an and Qimei Island: These two islands both have small airports, but they are within an hour by boat, which is what most people choose to do.
• Jibei Island: Most famous for its white sand beach and water activities. It is within 20 minutes by boat from the Main Island. (I didn’t go there this time due to time limitations.)
• South Penghu Marine National Park: Consists of four tiny islands. They are barely reachable without a tour. It is famous for its lavender-colored coral reefs and blue caves.

Weather & Peak/off-Season

The Penghu Islands experience a subtropical climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations that influence both the weather and tourist seasons. The peak months for visiting the Penghu Archipelago are during the summer, from May to July. This period features the Penghu Fireworks Festival, which attracts many tourists, and the warmer water temperatures are ideal for various water activities. However, summer is also the rainy season. Despite this, due to the lack of high mountains, the Penghu Archipelago generally experiences less rainfall compared to mainland Taiwan. The following table summarizes the general information on weather and tourist seasons:

Month	High / Low	Rain	Popularity	Fireworks
Jan	19 / 14℃	21 mm	Low	No
Feb	20 / 15℃	38 mm	Low	No
Mar	22 / 17℃	51 mm	Shoulder	No
Apr	26 / 20℃	78 mm	Shoulder	No
May	28 / 23℃	118 mm	High	Yes
Jun	30 / 25℃	148 mm	High	Yes
Jul	31 / 26℃	163 mm	High	Yes
Aug	31 / 25℃	229 mm	High	No!
Sep	30 / 25℃	100 mm	Shoulder	No
Oct	27 / 22℃	30 mm	Shoulder	No
Nov	24 / 29℃	26 mm	Low	No
Dec	21 / 16℃	28 mm	Low	No

How to get there?

By plane

Most international flights to Taiwan land at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), but there are no flights to Penghu (MZG) from Taoyuan International Airport. Most tourists visiting Taiwan would likely visit Taipei first; however, if you wish to travel directly to Penghu, you can take the Airport Line to Taipei Main Station, and then transfer to the Metro to reach Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA). I generally do not recommend self-driving in Taipei for first-time tourists due to the challenging driving habits of local drivers. Additionally, taking a bus is not advisable as most information is only available in Mandarin, and the driving habits of Taiwanese bus drivers could create the most horrifying experience for first-time tourists to Taiwan.

There are also regional airports in Kaohsiung (KHH), Tainan (TNN), Taichung (RMQ), Chiayi (CYI), and Kinmen (KNH) that offer flights to Penghu. You can adjust your travel plans based on which areas in Taiwan you intend to visit.

Skyscanner (Link): https://www.skyscanner.com/

By boat

Unless you are also visiting the southern part of Taiwan, taking a boat to Penghu may not be the best option, as most boats depart from Chiayi Budai Port to Penghu. The duration is about 80 minutes.

All Star / Tai Ji Jhih Shin / Kai Shiuan (滿天星/太吉/凱旋) (Link): https://www.kkday.com/en-us/product/19952

Reference price: TWD 1000 ($ 30)

Pescadores (百麗) (Link): https://www.kkday.com/en-us/product/161185

Reference price: TWD 500 ($ 15)

How to get around in Penghu?

Rent a car

There are no international car rental brands operating in Penghu, and even the larger domestic companies in Taiwan have no branches there. Therefore, it’s better to rent through third-party agencies that provide websites in English if you don’t speak Mandarin. However, the prices are generally cheaper than in most countries, so don’t worry!

However, car rental companies in Penghu typically offer only compulsory insurance and insurance for no business loss in the event of a car accident. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is not available. If this concerns you, consider discussing additional coverage options with your travel insurance company.

Rent a scooter

A scooter provides convenience and easy parking, but it can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the specific traffic rules for scooters in Taiwan. I generally don’t recommend riding a scooter in big cities like Taipei for first-time travelers to Taiwan. However, in Penghu, there are fewer cars and scooters, making it a more suitable place to try scooter riding, though you should still proceed with caution. Additionally, there is no insurance available for renting a scooter, not even the basic compulsory insurance, which applies only to cars.

Car or scooter rental (Link): https://www.kkday.com/en/car-rentals-taiwan

Reference price: $ 35 per day for a five-seater

Is it safe to travel to Taiwan?

Despite the constant military tension with China, Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the safest places on Earth. On various crime indices, Taiwan, when counted separately from China, often ranks alongside traditionally safe countries like Singapore or Japan. For instance, you don’t have to carry your backpack in front of you to avoid pickpockets anywhere in Taiwan. It is safe to leave your bag, laptop, or phone at your seat while you order food in a cafe or go to the restroom. Nobody is going to steal from you. The police take theft very seriously and would concentrate on your case because it seldom happens. Additionally, there are no scams at popular tourist sites.

The most dangerous thing you might encounter in Taiwan is being hit by a car/scooter/taxi/bus/truck, so be very careful when navigating the streets, even when you are walking on the sidewalk.

Day 1: Arrival, South Ring (南環)

(A) Penghu Airport (澎湖馬公機場, MZG)

(B) Fongguei Cave (風櫃聽濤)

Due to its unique geological formation, Fenggui Cave is famous for the powerful sounds created by waves crashing into the cave’s openings, resembling a roaring sound.

(C) Snake Head Mountain Recreation Area (蛇頭山遊憩區)

Known for its picturesque landscapes and panoramic views, this area is perfect for hiking and nature walks.

(D) Shili Beach (嵵裡沙灘)

Known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. It offers various water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Below, E1 and E2 are both great options for viewing the fireworks at night.

(E1) Penghu Bay (澎湖灣)

• There is this SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) activity that you can participate in to see the fireworks.

Night SUP paddling with fireworks (Link): https://poseidon.rezio.shop/en-US/product/FireworksSUP – The website is not very foreigner-friendly, but you can use Google Translate and it becomes quite readable. – There are two parts to the activity: 1. Afternoon Paddling Session (16:00-18:00): This session is designed to teach beginners how to paddleboard. 2. Night Paddling Session (20:00-21:30): This session takes you to the harbor to see the fireworks. For safety reasons, two people will share a board during the night session, according to the company. – Meeting Points: 1. Afternoon Session: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nz9FAYyoApdxaysA7 (Location D) 2. Night Session: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X5xn3Jg27XGC67EUA (Location E1)

Reference price: TWD 2,500 ($ 77)

(E2) Shooting The Breeze Cafe (吹吹風咖啡)

• You can watch the fireworks while having dinner.

Shooting The Breeze Cafe: – Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YGaNta4cTjpUJ17g8 (There are multiple locations of this cafe, but only this one offers a view of the fireworks.) – Website (Link): https://www.facebook.com/Islandbreezecoffee – On nights with fireworks, it’s best to reserve a seat in advance.

(F) Xiying Rainbow Bridge (西瀛虹橋)

• This is where the fireworks take place. The festival occurs annually from early May until the end of July, typically on Mondays and Thursdays. However, there are sometimes special additional shows on the smaller islands of the Penghu Archipelago. Please check the schedule before planning your visit.

Penghu Fireworks Festival (Link): https://penghutravel.com/ThemeActivity/Fireworks/Fireworks2024/FR202403/fr20240301.htm – Again, the website is not very foreigner-friendly, better use Google Translate. – Starting time: 21:00, on Mondays / Thursdays

• There are some photos of the bridge on Instagram that look a lot better than the ones I took.
  • https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/xiyingrainbowbridge

Day 2: South Penghu Marine National Park (南方四島國家公園)

National Park Day Tour

• We took a one-day tour package from KKday to visit the national park.

One-day tour (Link): https://www.kkday.com/en-us/product/23914-2023-penghu-fireworks-festival-4-southern-island-hopping-day-tour-by-motorcycle-bus-taiwan – The itinerary is listed below. – Meeting point: Nanhai Visitor Center (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3kXxEFEGKUidQcKz8) DeYi Yacht counter (得意遊艇). Check in before 07:40. – Duration: 9 hours (07:40-16:40)

Price: TWD 1,500 ($ 41.6)

Magong Harbor (馬公港) cruise tour

• Painted oil tanks, Snake Head Mountain

Su-Jiau Islet (四角嶼) and Keelung Islet (雞籠嶼) cruise tour

Chu-Tou Islet (鋤頭嶼), Lobster Cave cruise tour

Dong-ji Island (東吉嶼) walking tour

• Eye of Dong-ji (東吉之眼), Dong-ji Chi-Ming Temple (啟明宮), Dong-ji Island Lighthouse (東吉嶼燈塔), Dong-ji Island Weather Station, Baguashan (八卦山)

The traditional houses were built with basaltic stones. As fewer and fewer people live there, they have been poorly maintained, giving them a ruin-like feel.

Xiji Island (西吉嶼) Blue Cave
cruise tour

Qimei Island (七美島) self-guided tour

• Snorkeling is optional with an additional fee.
• Dragon Wave-Cut Platform (龍埕海蝕平台), Stone Lions (石獅), Little Taiwan (小臺灣), Twin-Hearts Stone Weir (雙心石滬)

Dongyupingyu (東嶼坪嶼), Xiyupingyu (西嶼坪嶼), Tiezhenyu (鐵砧嶼), Toujinyu (頭巾嶼), Wang-an (望安島) & Jiangjunaoyu (將軍澳嶼) cruise tour

Kuibi Mountain (奎壁山)

This is where you could see the tidal island of Fanshawei (番沙尾). During low tide, a natural pathway emerges, allowing visitors to walk from Kuibi Mountain to the tidal island, creating a spectacular sight. The area offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and is popular for hiking, photography, and experiencing the wonder of this tidal phenomenon.

Day 3: North Ring (北環)

On a day trip around the North Ring, you generally drive along Road 203 and take side roads to see the attractions.

(A) Jhongtun Wind Turbines (中屯風車)

These windmills are part of a renewable energy project aimed at harnessing the strong coastal winds to generate electricity for the island. The area offers stunning panoramic views.

(B) Wave-shaped Seawall (波浪海堤)

• I can’t believe I didn’t visit this place at that time. It’s very pretty and Instagrammable. The location is not searchable in English, so here’s the link to the map location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PEYSoua1YCTHZvvJ7

• You can find photos on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/%E6%B3%A2%E6%B5%AA%E6%B5%B7%E5%A0%A4

(C) Houliao Paradise Road (後寮天堂路)

The pier extends into the clear blue waters, providing visitors with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

(D) Tongliang Great Banyan (通樑古榕) and Bao’an Temple (保安宮)

A centuries-old banyan tree covers a vast area including the Bao’an Temple, creating a natural canopy that offers a cool, shaded retreat for visitors.

(E) Cross-sea Bridge

(F) Whale Cave

The natural rock formation that resembles the shape of a giant whale. This impressive geological feature, formed by centuries of erosion.

(G) Erkan Historic Village (二崁聚落)

A well-preserved traditional settlement, showcasing classic southern Fujian(福建)-style architecture.

(H) Daguoye Columnar Basalt (大菓葉玄武岩)

Daguoye Columnar Basalt, Three Stone Wall, and Chixi Rock Waterfall are all stunning geological formations unique to Penghu. Each site offers a distinct natural beauty: the impressive vertical columns of Daguoye, the rugged coastal cliffs of Three Stone Wall, and the serene cascade of Chixi Rock Waterfall.

(I) Three Stone Wall (三石壁)

• This one is not searchable in English. So here’s the link to the map location. https://maps.app.goo.gl/npJoB8zSEMW4CbHV6

(J) Chixi Rock Waterfall (池西岩瀑)

(K) Yuwengdao Lighthouse (漁翁島燈塔)

Built during the Qing Dynasty, this historic lighthouse stands tall with its striking white exterior.

Day 4: Jin Gua Tsai Skerry (金瓜仔礁)

The meeting time for the camping tour is in the afternoon, so there’s still time for some sightseeing in the morning. I plan to visit the Nanliao Houses at the easternmost part of the South Ring, and then explore some attractions near the harbor, close to the meeting point.

(A) Nanliao Ancient House (南寮古厝)

It is a traditional settlement located in the eastern part of Penghu. These historic homes are constructed with coral stones and showcase the unique architectural style of the region, reflecting the island’s cultural heritage.

(B) Penghu Tianhou Temple (澎湖天后宮)

It is a historic temple dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea. As one of the oldest and most significant Mazu temples in Taiwan, it serves as a cultural and religious hub, preserving the rich maritime heritage of the region.

(C) Duxingshi Village (篤行十村)

It is a historic military dependents’ village, known for its well-preserved traditional houses and nostalgic atmosphere. Originally built to accommodate soldiers and their families, the village now serves as a cultural and historical site.

(D) Jin Gua Tsai Skerry Overnight Camping Tour

Although it is an uninhabited island, it is very close to Jiangjunaoyu (將軍澳嶼), which belongs to the Wang-An Island administrative district. Jiangjunaoyu is one of the inhabited islands we cruised through on day 2. It’s highly recommended to visit.

Overnight camping tour (Link): https://www.excitingpenghu.com.tw/tours/idx_15 – The itinerary is listed below. – Meeting point: Nanhai Visitor Center (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3kXxEFEGKUidQcKz8) Coral Reef Yacht Counter. Check in before 13:30. – Duration: 20 hours (13:30-09:30+1)

Price: TWD 4,800 ($ 148)

Lavender Coral Snorkeling

The weather was not good during our trip to Penghu, so the water was a bit murky, which affected the quality of the pictures. However, seeing it with your own eyes is incredibly beautiful. I think this is definitely the highlight of the trip. The lavender-colored coral is truly epic and one of a kind.

Stone oyster harvesting

You can harvest it with a hoe. It was tiny and tasted like regular oysters, but more flavorful.

Sunset & Sunrise

Day 5: Last Day, back to Taiwan

I took a plane back to Taiwan after returning from camping in the morning, making the trip technically only 4 days long. There are some water activities that you could definitely participate in if you had more time.

Other Activities to Consider

Kayaking

There are many kayaking tours in Penghu, but I’d like to highlight this particular one because it offers a sunset tour. It kayaks around the island where the beautiful Whale Cave is located, providing a unique and picturesque experience. There are also kayaking tours in Penghu offering transparent boats, allowing you to see underwater. However, it’s important to note that these tours usually avoid areas with precious coral reefs, such as the lavender coral areas, to prevent damage to these delicate ecosystems. This ensures the preservation of the coral reefs while still providing an enjoyable and eco-friendly experience for kayakers.

Xiaomen Island Sunset Kayaking Tour (Link): https://www.kkday.com/en-us/product/22968 – Meeting point: WanderingWhale (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7w7YoJWyVx3Sz3qG7) – Duration: 4 hours

Price: TWD 1,700 ($ 52.7)

Scuba Diving

You can see the amazing coral reefs of Penghu up close with a scuba diving tour. There is also an underwater mailbox where you can drop a postcard.

Scuba Diving Tour (Link): https://www.kkday.com/en-us/product/100652 – Meeting point: 日日潛水 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/W5gEZBDTJjbvTfaKA) – Duration: 2.5 hours

Price: TWD 2,700 ($ 84)

Day Trip to Jibei Island

Jibei is famous for its beautiful white sand beach and water activities. I’m not a beach enthusiast, but if you are, visiting Jibei Island is a no-brainer!

Jibei Island Day Trip (Link): https://www.kkday.com/en-us/product/114796 – Meeting point: North Sea Visitor Center – Xinyang Speedboat (新揚快艇) Counter (https://maps.app.goo.gl/sxwaXPLqYEiddrJL7) – Optional with an additional fee: scooter rental and water activities.

Price: TWD 300 ($ 9.3) (for round trip boat tickets only)

Reflecting on my photo album, I realized that although it was only three years ago since I took this trip, my photos were really horrible! Some attractions I even forgot to photograph! Maybe it was because of the bad weather, or perhaps because iPhones weren’t as advanced compared to recent models. I think I can do better in the future, and if given the chance to visit Penghu again, I would definitely renew the subpar photos from this trip. Thank you for reading all the way to the end. Feel free to leave a comment or any questions below!