Xiaoliuqiu Peninsula One-Day Plan | Coral Island's Blue Trail, Sea Rocks, and Easy Food and Accommodation Guide 🪨🍽️

#SeptemberDestinations2025 A circumnavigation of Taiwan's only coral reef island: admire the sea erosion, hike the trails, and catch the sunset in the evening. Finish with a bite to eat at a local snack and a sea-view guesthouse. • Location: Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County (Xiaoliuqiu/Liuqiu Island), incorporated into the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area in 2000. • Getting There: From Donggang Pier to Baishawei Tourist Harbor, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Round-trip fares for the Dongliu Line are $450 for full-fare and $225 for half-fare (subject to official announcements). • First stop on the island: The area around Baishawei Tourist Harbor is the busiest. The nearby Liuqiu Visitor Center offers maps and information on tides and conservation precautions for the day (No. 20-1, Minzu Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County).  ⸻ Background and Development | Coral Grows into an Island, History Echoes in its Caves Xiaoliuqiu Island is composed of coral reefs, limestone, and mudstone. Early coral reefs on the seafloor were exposed to the surface by crustal uplift, resulting in the sea-eroded platforms, karst gullies, and caves visible throughout the island today. Trails are often built along these gullies, allowing visitors to learn about geography while walking. The most memorable event in its cultural history is the 1636 Lama Island Incident: the Dutch East India Company attacked the local indigenous people, resulting in their genocide. Later generations called the caves where the indigenous people hid and perished "Black Devil Caves," a name that was once misinterpreted as associated with black people. Today, pausing before the explanatory signs, we can better understand this island memory. The island also boasts a white lighthouse (Liuqiu Island Lighthouse), built in 1929 and standing on high ground. It is the only lighthouse in Taiwan funded by a fishing association, and it has served as a witness to the maritime route from the Japanese colonial period.  ⸻ A Stroll Along the Photographs: From Ocean Colors and Reefs to Mediterranean-Style Architecture • Houshi Reefs: The southeastern coast is covered in reefs resembling a pleated skirt, with undulating sea-eroded platforms and reef trenches that resemble veins. Driving along the island's circular path, you'll often encounter coral reef pillars resembling "Guanyin Rocks," identical to the massive rocks rising from the driveway in your photos, creating a dramatic atmosphere. • Vase Rock: A classic landmark, differential erosion has resulted in a larger top and smaller bottom. Stinkweed and box fruit vines grow on its summit, resembling a flower vase. It stands right next to Baisha Harbor, making it a great spot to check out on your first day. • Beach Options: For surfing and sunset viewing, visit Clam Bay (Venice Beach), with its white shell sand and approximately 100-meter curved bay. For serious water play, choose Ao Beach (the largest on the island and offering the best swimming conditions).  • Mediterranean-style accommodations: The white-walled, blue-windowed building in your photo bears a striking resemblance to the island's famous Mediterranean Seaview Hotel. Located at 161-9 Fuxing Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, its blue roof, white walls, and grassy slopes facing the sea make it a popular choice for many travelers seeking a "fake trip abroad."  ⸻ How to enjoy Turtle Island? (Important Conservation Rules) The green sea turtles of Xiaoliuqiu are incredibly adorable, but please remember to "do not touch, chase, or surround them, maintain a distance of 5 meters, and do not feed them." Violations can result in fines. Before entering the water, check with the establishment to see if they are using coral-friendly sunscreen. These aren't just formalities; they're crucial to keeping the turtles coming back.  ⸻ One-Day Peninsula Tour Proposal Day 1 Rent a car at Baishawei Tourist Harbor → Watch sea turtles exhale at Vase Rock → Get out of the sun at noon (coffee or nap) → Walk the Beauty Cave Trail and Wild Boar Valley in the afternoon (it's super cool walking through the karst forest) → Catch the sunset at Clam Bay in the evening → Return to the harbor for a snack at night.  Day 2 (Half Day) Morning: Climb to Bai Lighthouse to enjoy the sea breeze → Visit Houshi Reefs on the southeast coast → Return to harbor for a boat trip after brunch.  ⸻ Where to Eat and Where to Stay (Including Addresses | Real Experiences) Snacks | 861dayday Sea Turtle Grill • Address: No. 35-1, Minsheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County • My Thoughts: A slightly crispy crust with a firm filling. This is a cute "I've been there" snack, photogenic, and perfect for grabbing while walking.  Breakfast Tips | Hong Mama Breakfast Shop • Address: No. 28-5, Heping Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County • Must-try: Local Liuqiu Cake and Brown Sugar Mercedes-Benz Bun; affordable, fast lines.  Recommended Accommodation | Mediterranean Seaview Hotel • Address: No. 161-9, Fuxing Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County; blue roof, white walls, grassy slope facing the sea, family-friendly facilities, and the exterior has the same ambiance as the building in your photo. Booking early during peak times is recommended.  ⸻ Practical Information Card (essential for island hopping) • Access and Ticket Prices: Donggang to Baishawei, approximately 30 minutes each way, round-trip fare $450, half-price $225 (subject to official prices).  • Where to Check In: ​​Visit the Liuqiu Visitor Center (No. 20-1, Minzu Road) to get a map, inquire about tides, and check conservation information.  • Safety Tip: The sea conditions at Clam Bay occasionally experience rip currents, making it suitable for strolling and watching the sunset, but it's not recommended to stray far from the shore. Zhongao Beach is the preferred spot for water play.  • Panoramic Photography Spots: Houshi Reefs (perspective of the giant rocks and natural swimming pool), White Lighthouse (highland seascape).  ⸻ Seven Reasons I Recommend Xiaoliuqiu 1. Unique Landforms: The entire island is a geography classroom, with coral reefs and sea-eroded platforms everywhere.  2. Rich History: Visiting Wugui Cave connects you to the 17th-century Latin American events.  3. Accessibility: The 30-minute ferry ride from Donggang offers clear fares and flexible last-minute departures.  4. Great Photo Spots: Vase Rock, Houshi Rock, and White Lighthouse offer excellent photo opportunities.  5. High Sea Turtle Encounters: Conservation regulations are transparent, allowing for a harmonious relationship between tourism and the environment.  6. Numerous dining and accommodation options: From sea turtle hotpot to local breakfasts, from hipster harborside cafes to ocean-view B&Bs, everything is available.  7. Visit year-round: Unaffected by the northeast monsoon, island getaways are possible even in winter.  Travel Mini-Theater (My Real Moments) On the coastal highway near Houshi Reef, the sea breeze turned my sweat salty. I leaned against a coral rock and felt its surface, punctuated by tiny pores and star-shaped veins, as if time had been frozen in stone. In the evening, I sat on the steps of Clam Bay, watching the sunset paint the sea golden. At night, I returned to the balcony of my B&B, listening to the waves lapping against the shore and catching sight of the lights of Kaohsiung Harbor in the distance. This island isn't overly fancy, but every scene is clean and honest, easily tempting a second visit. 🙂🌊 Check-in List (Attractions/Hotels/Restaurants) • Vase Rock (within walking distance of Baisha Harbor) • Houshi Reefs (Southeast Coast Fringing Reef Landscape) • Clam Bay (Venice Beach) (Sunset Spot on the West Coast) • White Lighthouse (Highland on the Island, Built in 1929) • Mediterranean Seaview Hotel | No. 161-9 Fuxing Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County • 861dayday Turtle Grill | No. 35-1 Minsheng Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County • Hong Mama Breakfast Shop | No. 28-5 Heping Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County #Xiaoliuqiu #Liuqiu Island #Pingtung #Vase Rock #Houshi Reefs #Clam Bay #Zhongao Beach #White Lighthouse #Sea Turtles #Donggang Pier #Baishawei Tourist Harbor #Island Travel #Taiwan's Only Coral Reef Island #Eco-Friendly #Mediterranean Seaview Hotel #861daydayTurtleBakery #HongMamaBreakfastShop #DapengBay #TaiwanIslands #TravelNotes