Translate
Overview
Green Island (綠島, Lǜdǎo) is a small volcanic island off the southeast coast of Taiwan, roughly 33 kilometres east of Taitung City in the Pacific Ocean. Despite its modest size — approximately 16 square kilometres — it holds an outsized reputation among divers, snorkelers, and history-minded travelers.
The island is encircled by clear, reef-rich water that supports diverse marine life, making it one of the premier scuba-diving destinations in East Asia. On land, the landscape is rugged and green, with coral-fringed coastline, basalt formations, and rolling hills.
Green Island also carries significant historical weight: it was used as a detention site for political prisoners during Taiwan's authoritarian period, and that history is now preserved and commemorated at the Lyudao Human Rights Culture Park. This duality — natural beauty alongside sobering history — gives the island a depth that rewards curious travelers.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and are subject to change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official National Immigration Agency of Taiwan (www.immigration.gov.tw) for up-to-date guidance before you travel.
What to pack
- Rash guard or wetsuit (even in warm months, extended snorkeling calls for sun and jellyfish protection)
- Reef-safe sunscreen — this is both courteous and increasingly expected given the fragile coral ecosystems
- Cash (NT$): ATM availability on the island is limited; bring sufficient funds from Taitung before departing
- Lightweight rain jacket — even in summer, brief tropical showers are common
- Motion-sickness medication if you are sensitive to boat travel; the ferry crossing can be rough
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major Taiwanese carriers (Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone) generally reaches the island, though it may be patchy in more remote areas. Wi-Fi is available at most guesthouses but speeds vary.
Getting There
Ferry from Taitung (Fugang Harbour)
The most common route is the ferry from Fugang Harbour (富岡漁港), south of Taitung City, to Green Island. Multiple operators run this service; crossing time is roughly 50 minutes under normal sea conditions. Schedules and sailings vary by season and weather — rough conditions can cause cancellations. Book tickets in advance during peak season (summer holidays and public holidays) and verify current schedules with the ferry operators or locally in Taitung.
Flight from Taitung Airport
Daily propeller-plane flights connect Taitung Airport (TTT) with Green Island Airport (GNI). The flight takes around 15 minutes. Seats are limited and sell out quickly in peak periods; book well ahead through Taiwanese domestic airlines serving this route (verify currently operating carriers, as services change).
Getting to Taitung first
From Taipei, Taitung is reachable by Taiwan High Speed Rail to Zuoying (Kaohsiung), then a transfer to the slower conventional railway, or by direct conventional train on the South-Link Line. The train journey from Taipei through Hualien along the east coast is scenic and worth considering.
Getting Around
Green Island is small enough that most of it can be circled by scooter in under an hour. Scooter and bicycle rental is the standard way to get around, with rental shops concentrated near the ferry pier.
- Scooter rental: Requires a valid driving licence; verify whether your foreign licence is acceptable before arrival. Rental shops will ask to see it.
- Bicycle rental: A lower-speed but rewarding option; the main coastal road is relatively flat.
- Shuttle services: Some accommodation operators run informal transfers from the pier — check with your guesthouse when booking.
- Walking: The main village area is walkable, but distances to key sites (such as the human rights park or Zhaori Hot Springs) make some form of transport practical.
Fuel stations are present but limited; fill up when you have the opportunity.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on Green Island runs from simple family-run guesthouses (民宿, mínsù) to small dive-oriented resorts. There are no large international hotel chains on the island. Most visitors stay in mínsù — a category of licensed homestay/guesthouse that is the backbone of tourism accommodation across rural Taiwan.
Many guesthouses are clustered near the ferry pier and main village, while a smaller number are spread along the coastal road for a quieter experience. Rooms vary considerably in quality; reading recent guest reviews is advisable before booking.
Advance booking is strongly recommended for weekends, Taiwan public holidays, and the summer season (roughly July–August). Booking platforms that carry Taiwanese accommodation listings are the most reliable way to confirm availability and current pricing. Some guesthouses offer package deals that include scooter rental and dive trips — worth comparing if you plan to do both.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
Green Island is widely regarded as one of the top dive sites in the western Pacific. The surrounding waters host coral walls, sea turtles, reef fish, and occasionally larger pelagic species. Numerous dive shops operate on the island offering equipment rental, guided dives, and PADI-affiliated courses. Snorkeling directly off the shore at several beaches is accessible even for non-divers.
Lyudao Human Rights Culture Park (綠島人權文化園區)
This park preserves the site of a former political prison where thousands of people were detained during Taiwan's martial-law era (1949–1987). It is a meaningful and sobering place, with exhibitions documenting the White Terror period. The park is an important part of Taiwan's ongoing reckoning with its authoritarian history and is worth allocating several hours to visit. Verify current opening hours and any admission information on-site or through official Taiwanese tourism channels.
Zhaori Hot Springs (朝日溫泉)
One of only three saltwater hot springs in the world (alongside ones in Japan and Italy, by some accounts), Zhaori Hot Springs sits directly at the ocean's edge on the island's southeast coast. Soaking in the tidal pools while facing the Pacific is a distinctive experience. Opening hours and fees apply — verify locally.
Coastal Road Circuit
Circling the island's roughly 20-kilometre coastal road by scooter or bicycle gives a comprehensive view of the landscape: sea cliffs, small fishing hamlets, coral beaches, and basalt formations. The road is generally in good condition.
Guanyin Cave (觀音洞)
A natural sea cave containing a stalactite formation venerated as a representation of Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Compassion). It is a small but atmospheric stop on the island circuit.
Food & Drink
Food on Green Island is straightforward and centred on fresh seafood. The small town near the ferry pier has the highest concentration of restaurants and food stalls.
- Seafood: Locally caught fish, lobster (spiny lobster is a local specialty in season), sea urchin, and shellfish appear on most menus. Ask what is fresh that day.
- Local snacks: Look for flying fish products (a regional ingredient along Taiwan's east coast), and simple Taiwanese breakfast staples at morning stalls.
- Night market stalls: A modest cluster of evening food vendors near the main street offers grilled items, noodles, and cold drinks.
- Alcohol: Beer and spirits are available at convenience stores and some restaurants. Green Island has small convenience stores (verify current operators) but options are more limited than the Taiwanese mainland.
Prices at restaurants tend to run higher than equivalent food in Taitung City, reflecting the cost of supplying a small island. Dining options are concentrated; exploring off the main strip rarely turns up alternatives, so manage expectations accordingly.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs on Green Island are limited in number and may not accept all foreign cards. Withdraw sufficient NT$ cash in Taitung City before taking the ferry or flight.
Medical
Green Island has a small local clinic for minor issues. For anything serious, medical evacuation to Taitung is required. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency medical transport, including air evacuation if necessary.
Weather and typhoons
Taiwan's typhoon season runs roughly from July to September, with occasional storms extending into October. Typhoons can shut down ferry and flight services with little notice, stranding visitors on the island for several days. Monitor the Central Weather Administration of Taiwan (or its English-language services) during this period and build flexibility into your itinerary.
Emergency contacts
In Taiwan, the general emergency number is 110 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance). Verify any island-specific contacts with your accommodation upon arrival.
Electricity
Taiwan uses 110V / 60Hz with Type A (two flat prongs) outlets — the same standard as the United States and Canada. Travelers from Europe, Australia, and the UK will need an adapter.
Safety
Green Island is generally a safe destination with low crime. Standard travel precautions apply.
- Water safety: Ocean currents around the island can be strong. Swim and snorkel only in designated areas and heed local warnings. Do not dive unsupervised if you are not experienced.
- Scooter safety: Wear the helmet provided — it is legally required in Taiwan. Ride cautiously on unfamiliar roads, particularly on narrow coastal sections or after rain.
- Typhoons: As noted above, these can arrive quickly. Follow official guidance and do not attempt to cross by ferry or small aircraft in unsafe conditions.
- Sun and heat: The subtropical sun is intense; use sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Green Island's permanent population is small, and the community's livelihood depends heavily on seasonal tourism and fishing. Treating local residents and businesses with courtesy and patience goes a long way.
The island's most culturally distinctive landmark — the Lyudao Human Rights Culture Park — deserves respectful engagement. For many Taiwanese families, the site represents personal and generational trauma. Visit with awareness of that context.
Taiwan broadly, and Green Island specifically, has a relaxed attitude toward tourism, but a few courtesies are worth observing: remove shoes when entering private homes or guesthouses if others have done so, and ask before photographing individuals. At Guanyin Cave and any other religious site, behave quietly and follow any posted guidelines.
