Penghu is the most important of Taiwan‘s offshore islands consisting over 90 smaller islands. Situated off the western coast of Taiwan, Penghu is legendary for its fireworks competition in summer time, historic fishing tradition and a few spectacular pure geology.
Locals love to go to Penghu 澎湖 for a fast getaway and the favored sights can get fairly crowded. I spent a couple of days exploring the primary islands and located some Penghu hidden gems – spots the place you’ll be able to nonetheless expertise what Penghu is legendary for however away from the crowds.
Penghu’s Prime 10 Sights
In line with the Penghu Tourism Web site, Penghu’s high 10 websites are:
- Qimei Twin Coronary heart Stone Weir
- Daguoye Basalt Stone Columnar
- Fongguei Cave
- Kuibishan (Moses Components the Sea)
- Jibei Island
- Yuwengdao Lighthouse
- Erkan Historic Village
- Lintou Park
- Penghu Nice Bridge
- Aimen Seashore
I noticed most of those locations in my 5 days exploring Penghu (I missed out on Jibei Island and Lintou Park) and whereas these are all fairly sights, I assumed I’d suggest some alternate options to those fashionable sights which you can add to your Penghu itinerary.
This text is sponsored by Revenue Insurance coverage. I’m working with Revenue Insurance coverage to uncover hidden gems on my travels in 2023! Keep tuned for extra blogs on cool locations that I’ve visited around the globe and all the time ensure you’re lined by Revenue’s Journey Insurance coverage to journey with confidence. Get pleasure from 2x extra COVID-19 protection for abroad transport and lodging bills^ with Revenue’s Journey Insurance coverage!
Be taught extra about Revenue’s Journey Insurance coverage and take a look at the most recent journey insurance coverage promotions right here.
^Coverage and promo Ts&Cs apply. Protected as much as specified limits by SDIC.
Right here’s a video model in case you’re too lazy to learn, however I’ve added in another spots on this article that may’t be discovered within the video so maintain scrolling for extra!
MUST SEE
Qimei Twin Coronary heart Stone Weir 七美雙心石滬
Fishing was the primary lifestyle for many of Penghu’s residents for a very long time, and one of many distinctive fishing strategies they developed had been using stone weirs – fish traps within the intertidal space the place fish can simply enter at excessive tide and the bottleneck entrance stops them from escaping at low tide. The weirs are additionally linked to the shore so it’s simple for the fishermen to reap their catch.
Of all of the stone weirs left in Penghu immediately, the stone weir on Qimei Island is by far probably the most well-known not only for its romantic twin coronary heart form, but additionally as a result of it’s top-of-the-line preserved stone weirs left in Penghu.
Whereas it’s turn into a logo of Penghu, this stone weir truly takes some effort to see. Situated on Qimei Island, it requires a ship trip of about two hours from the primary Magong port, and one other 10-minute bus/scooter trip from the port space. Additionally, you’ll be able to solely see this iconic stone weir from afar.
Learn how to get there: there are numerous boat excursions that go to Qimei Island from Magong Ferry Terminal. Sometimes the excursions embody scooter rental for self exploration on the island or you’ll be able to trip the bus that’s offered by the boat tour to see the sights. [Google maps location]
HIDDEN GEM
Chixi Tiger Eye Stone Weir 池西虎目石滬
If you wish to see a stone weir up shut, head over to Xiyu Island the place there’s a much less well-known stone weir often called the Chixi Tiger Eye. Inbuilt 1947, that is Chixi’s solely remaining stone weir, and it has the standard single coronary heart form. Not like the Qimei stone weir, you’ll be able to truly stroll out alongside the stone connector at low tide for a more in-depth look.
As well as, this a part of Chixi could be very quiet and scenic. The rocky intertidal space is nice for nature lovers wanting a more in-depth have a look at intertidal sea critters. I managed to go to at low tide, however it was very windy and the waves had been very sturdy that day so I made a decision to not stroll out on the partitions.
Right here’s what it seems like from the air!
Learn how to get there: Chixi is situated on the west coast of Xiyu Island, which is related by land to the primary Penghu Island and about 40 minutes by scooter/driving from Magong Harbour. It’s on the opposite aspect of the bay the place Chixi Rock Waterfall is situated. [Google maps location]
MUST SEE
Daguoye Basalt Columnar 大菓葉柱狀玄武岩
Virtually all of the islands in Penghu are product of basalt rock and are the results of volcanic lava exercise. The erupted lava cooled and over time, weathered into uncommon hexagonal column partitions and these pure basalt rock options at the moment are one of many pure sights to see in Penghu.
Xiyu Island has a number of fashionable spots the place you’ll be able to see these basalt columns. To the east, Daguoye 大菓葉 could be very fashionable for its lengthy stretch of wall, the small pond in entrance of it reflecting the rocks and the gorgeous sea view close by.
On the west aspect, Chixi Rock Waterfall 池西岩瀑 could be very fashionable with Instagrammers because it’s proper by the ocean and there are some previous rock ponds the place you’ll be able to wade in.
As a result of these rocks are pretty simple to entry, these spots are typically very crowded so getting an honest image might be difficult.
Learn how to get there: Daguoye and Chixi Rock Waterfall are each situated on Xiyu Island, a 40 minute drive west from Magong Harbour. [Daguoye on Google maps] [Chixi Rock Waterfall on Google Maps]
HIDDEN GEM
Sanshibi 三石壁
Sanshibi is a well-hidden spot to see the basalt rock columns up shut. Not like the opposite two spots, this one is located a bit extra inland – there’s a lake which is lined by partitions of those hexagonal columns and jogs my memory of a quarry lake.
Slightly additional in is one other clearing with a smaller pond and extra rocks, however there was just one different couple right here once I visited so I had the area principally to myself and plenty of time to admire the rocks up shut.
Learn how to get there: Sanshibi is definitely a really quick distance away from Daguoye, just about simply across the nook. There are not any bodily indicators marking this place however you’ll be able to comply with the route on Google Maps and search for the stone path resulting in it. [Google maps location]
MUST SEE
Moses Components the Sea 摩西分海
One of many highlights on Penghu’s Huxi is named Mo Xi Fen Hai 摩西分海 or Moses Components the Sea. There may be an island off the shore known as Chiyu 赤嶼 and at low tide twice a day, a stone path reveals itself for about 1-2 hours and means that you can stroll straight throughout the ocean to the island.
That is one in every of THE issues that folks come to Penghu specifically to see so it will likely be crowded. Examine the tide timetable earlier than you go because the occasions are totally different daily – I recommend going about 30-45 minutes earlier than the low tide so you’ll be able to see the ocean degree drop and the trail reveals itself. The seashore is often blocked, however when the tide is low sufficient, workers will open the gates and let folks go right down to the seashore and stroll throughout the island.
Chiyu is a tiny island and also you’re not allowed to stroll round it. You will have about an hour earlier than the workers will gently shoo you again to shore and shut the gates till the subsequent low tide. The tides actually transfer fairly rapidly, and fairly quickly after that there might be no signal of the trail once more, however it’s a reasonably cool factor to see for your self.
Learn how to get there: Kuibishan is situated within the northeastern nook of Huxi Island, a few 25 minute drive from Magong Harbour [Google maps location]
HIDDEN GEM
Kuibishan Path 奎壁山步道
To the left of Moses Components the Sea is a small hill which you can climb – that is Kuibishan 奎壁山. A small path up the hill takes you to a primary viewpoint at some kind of management station the place you’ll be able to see Mo Xi Fen Hai from up excessive. You will get a pleasant full shot of the stone path connecting the seashore to Chiyu from the aspect.
When you maintain strolling alongside the path, you’ll discover a second viewpoint that reveals one other island that can also be solely seen at low tide that even fewer folks learn about – that is Fanshawei 番沙尾. You’ll be able to stroll to it from the seashore in case you actually need to at low tide, however it’s fairly distant and slippery so take further care to examine the tide occasions and terrain in case you do
This stroll is just not tough to do and far fewer folks come up her – most simply stick across the seashore space.
Learn how to get there: Kuibishan Path is situated on the hill to the left of Chiyu Island whenever you face it. [Google maps location]
MUST SEE
Erkan Historic Village 二崁傳統聚落保存區
Erkan Village 二崁聚落 on Xiyu Island is one in every of Penghu’s greatest preserved villages with homes relationship again greater than a century. The attention-grabbing factor about this village is that it was began by a person named Chen Yanyi who got here from Kinmen, however due to the remoteness of this village, it by no means actually expanded past his prolonged members of the family, so each member of this village has the identical surname ‘Chen’.
Timing undoubtedly issues whenever you go to as a result of the slender lanes might be laborious to navigate when the tour buses come alongside! The homes listed here are Southern Chinese language Fujian model – in case you look carefully on the partitions across the homes, you’ll see that as a substitute of brick lots of them utilised coral as a substitute which is a Penghu custom as a result of that’s the solely pure useful resource present in abundance on the islands.
Apart from testing the traditional structure – the Chen Household Historical Home dates again to 1910, there are a handful of retailers to get some snacks at as properly on this quaint little village.
Learn how to get there: Erkan Historic Village is situated in the course of Xiyu Island, about 40 minutes drive from Magong Harbour. [Google maps location]
HIDDEN GEM
Nanliao Village 南寮村
Nanliao Village was a little bit of an sudden discover for me. I noticed some vibrant murals as I headed in the direction of Kuibishan within the morning so I made a decision to examine issues out on my means again. It occurred to be near lunchtime so it was the right time for a break.
Due to its inland place away from the ocean, Nanliao Village was not fashionable with the fishermen, and sadly its agriculture didn’t accomplish that properly both so it misplaced lots of people over time. Whereas the structure right here general isn’t as previous as Erkan’s, it does have an historic home from the mid 1800s known as the Xujia Outdated Residence, and one other one fully overtaken by a large banyan tree.
And so they’ve made some attention-grabbing artwork installations from used and deserted fishing buoys across the village for the snap-happy folks so it’s price popping in for a bit.
Learn how to get there: Nanliao Village is on Huxi Island, about 20 minutes away from Magong Harbour, alongside the best way to get to Kuibishan and Moses Components the Sea. [Google maps location]
MUST SEE
Fongguei Cave 風櫃洞
Fongguei 風櫃 is a reasonably distant nook of the primary Magong Island and apparently on this a part of the island, the lava and basalt rock have eroded into caves and sea trenches alongside the coast, so at excessive tide, not solely do you get some spectacular splashes, the wave crashing sounds are additionally speculated to be fairly loud.
I believe I may need gone there on the flawed time – you want it to be excessive tide for the wave motion and the whole lot was tremendous calm once I was there so no splashing for me.
The opposite promoting level is the mushroom-looking viewing tower which all people is making an attempt to snap an image of. It’s fairly, however actually laborious to {photograph} with no pal. The climate was additionally fairly gloomy once I went, however that is apparently an awesome place for sunsets when it’s clear!
Learn how to get there: Fongguei Cave is about 20 minutes drive away from Magong Harbour on the tip of the island. [Google maps location]
HIDDEN GEM
Whale Cave 鯨魚洞
As you cross the Nice Bridge onto Xiyu Island, there’s a turnoff in the direction of the north to an island known as Xiaomen 小門 or Shomon. When you’re in search of a cool geological rock formation by the ocean, I believe the Whale Cave at this geopark seems much more spectacular than what you will discover at Fongguei.
The Whale Cave 鯨魚洞 is just not a cave, however an arch fashioned from the basalt rock and marine erosion. What I favored about this place is that whereas the primary village space main as much as the whale cave is usually a bit crowded as a result of there are some eateries round there (squid vermicelli! yum~), in case you take a stroll previous the Whale Cave, it typically is so much quieter and you may admire the shoreline in peace.
Learn how to get there: Xiaomen is about 35 minutes drive away from Magong Harbour within the northern finish of Xiyu Island. Many of the island is definitely restricted to site visitors, so whereas it seems like you’ll be able to drive proper as much as the Whale Cave on Google, you truly have to park round Xiaomen Seashore and perform a little strolling [Google maps location]
Have you ever been to the Penghu Islands? Inform me about any hidden gem spots that you simply discovered! I hope to return some day and discover Penghu’s different islands that I missed on this journey. Within the meantime, try a few of Taiwan’s offshore islands right here:
This text is sponsored by Revenue Insurance coverage. Whether or not it’s climbing to a viewpoint or exploring hidden corners of an island, ensure you’re lined by journey insurance coverage earlier than your journey so you’ll be able to have enjoyable exploring adventurous hidden gems and journey with confidence. Get pleasure from 2x extra COVID-19 protection for abroad transport and lodging bills^ with Revenue’s Journey Insurance coverage.
Be taught extra about Revenue’s Journey Insurance coverage and take a look at the most recent journey insurance coverage promotions right here.
Coverage and promo Ts&Cs apply. Protected as much as specified limits by SDIC.
^Based mostly on comparability of profit limits for an insured particular person beneath Revenue’s Journey Insurance coverage Most well-liked Plan and Enhanced PreX Status Plan for journey cancellation and journey shortening towards comparable plans in Singapore.
All opinions expressed listed here are these of The Occasional Traveller and never of Revenue Insurance coverage Restricted (“Revenue”). The knowledge offered right here is for basic data solely and doesn’t represent a proposal, suggestion, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any insurance coverage product(s). You need to search personalised monetary recommendation earlier than you buy any insurance coverage product. The Occasional Traveller is accountable for the accuracy and completeness of all data offered and mental property used on this article. Revenue is just not accountable nor liable to any occasion for the content material of this text and mental property used on this article. Shopping for insurance coverage that isn’t appropriate for you might affect your skill to finance your future insurance coverage wants. Exact phrases, circumstances and exclusions of the insurance coverage product are discovered right here. The insurance coverage product referred to on this article is underwritten and issued by Revenue.
This text may comprise hyperlinks to 3rd occasion web sites which can be included to your comfort. Such linked web sites are usually not beneath Revenue’s management and Revenue is just not accountable for the contents of such linked web sites or the results of accessing any hyperlink in any such web sites. Revenue can also be not accountable for any type of transmission obtained from any third occasion web sites. The inclusion of any such hyperlink doesn’t suggest endorsement by Revenue of any such third occasion web sites or any affiliation with its homeowners or operators. You agree that any entry to and/or use of such linked web sites is at your individual danger and any dealings with any such third events included inside this text, and some other phrases and circumstances related to such transaction and promotion is solely between you and the third occasion. Revenue won’t be liable or accountable for any a part of such transactions and promotions.
Info is appropriate as at 14 Aug 2023.
