Orchid Island Travel Guide 2023: What to do in Lanyu, Taiwan?

Taiwan’s Orchid Island, also known as Lanyu (蘭嶼) in Mandarin, is a hidden gem in the Pacific Ocean. This remote island is not only the homeland of the indigenous Tao (達悟) tribe but also a place where natural beauty and cultural heritage intertwine seamlessly. Orchid Island boasts lush landscapes, captivating festivals, delectable cuisine, and a unique way of life. In this Orchid Island travel guide, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Orchid Island, from transportation to must-visit attractions and local delicacies.

Weather in Orchid Island and Best Time to Visit

Orchid Island has a tropical rainforest climate, making it an ideal year-round destination. However, the island experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year, leading to lush green landscapes. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to plan for your Orchid Island travel:

• March to June: This is the time to experience the unique culture of the Tao tribe. However, while the flying fish festival is ongoing, this also means some traditional fishing areas may not be accessible for other water activities. So if you are looking for a variety of diving spots, you might want to come later in the year.
• July to October: This is when you can enjoy Orchid Island at its most vibrant, sunny and warm times. Summer is the best time for water activities, and there will be tons of food, activities and crowds as well.
• October to February: Embrace a quieter atmosphere and witness the earliest sunrise in Taiwan during the New Year. However many restaurants and lodging options might not be open, as this is the seasonal break for the island’s tourism industry.

Getting to Orchid Island, Lanyu

Orchid Island is located in the southeastern waters of Taiwan, characterized by its volcanic terrain, rugged coastlines, and pristine natural beauty. To reach this island paradise, you have three main transportation options:

You can usually get ferry tickets at the port, and there is almost always enough seats for everyone. However, if you plan to go by plane, the planes can only take 19 people at a time, so do buy the tickets online beforehand.

Transportation on Orchid Island, Lanyu

Once you arrive on the island, renting a scooter is the most popular, convenient and affordable way to explore, roughly NTD$500/day. Rental shops are readily available near the harbor, and it’s an excellent way to discover the island’s beauty at your own pace. And don’t worry about stuffing your luggage on the tiny scooters, hotels and hostels usually provide pick-up and drop-off services!

Renting car is also an option, but it will cost around NTD$2000/day. Keep in mind that Orchid Island doesn’t have traffic lights, and there’s only one gas station, so drive cautiously if you’re not familiar with the roads. A leisurely trip around the island takes about 90 minutes, but with stops at various attractions, plan for at least 2-3 days or even more. If you’re feeling adventurous and have the time and stamina, cycling around the island is also an option. Bicycles can be transported on the ferry, making it accessible for non-drivers. Public buses are available for those without a driver’s license, but be sure to check the schedules to avoid long waits under the sun.

Where to Stay on Orchid Island, Lanyu

The location of each village plays a crucial role in shaping your travel plans, so it’s vital to choose the right place to stay. If you’re eager to witness the captivating sunrise, Dongqing is the perfect choice, offering stunning views as the day begins, making it a top pick for early risers. On the other hand, if you prioritize being close to the harbor and convenience, Yeyou is the place to be. This lively village not only provides various accommodation options but also situates you a stone’s throw away from the harbor, ensuring easy access to boat trips for exploring the island’s offshore attractions. Additionally, Fisherman and Hongtou villages also offer convenient options for your Orchid Island travel. Fisherman village is ideal for travelers catching a flight due to its proximity to the airport, while Hongtou is known for its numerous street vendors and seafood markets, making it a popular choice for night owls seeking culinary adventures. Consult our other post that examines the best choices for affordable and comfortable lodging on Orchid Island, enabling you to make the most of your experience on this picturesque Taiwanese island.

Must-Visit Attractions on Orchid Island, Lanyu

Next, we are going to highlight a couple attractions that truly deserve their popularity. To orient yourself a bit, Orchid Island’s can be divided primarily into six villages: Yeyou (椰油 or Coconut), Langdao (朗島), Dongqing (東清), Yeyin (野銀), Hongtou (紅頭), and Fishermen (漁人 or Yuren). Each village has its unique charm and scenic spots, we only listed out Lanyu’s 3 must-see places, but there definitely is more!

1. Dongqing Village 

Dongqing Village of Orchid island is considered one of the most prosperous village out of the six. A visit there will definitely make your Orchid Island travel unforgettable.When you visit Dongqing, you definitely can’t miss the “Dongqing Secret Paradise” hidden along a small path. The water in this paradise is not very deep, gradually deepening from shallow to emerald green. When the sunlight pours down, it looks exceptionally clear, making people eager to immerse themselves in it. Near the Secret Paradise, there are also other attractions: Lover’s Cave, Nipple Mountain, and Dongqing Bay. Nipple Mountain is a famous hiking trail on Orchid Island, with an elevation of about 60 meters. It features a wooden boardwalk, and the round trip to the summit takes only about 30 to 40 minutes. The summit offers a panoramic view, where you can overlook Dongqing Bay, Dongqing Village, and cool formations like Lover’s Cave. This a highly recommended scenic spot that many people suggest visiting when you come to Orchid Island. And never forget, as Dongqing is on the east side of the island, people love to come for its breathtaking sunrise.

2. Green Grassland

Located in the southwest, Green Grassland is the perfect place to chase the sunset! As you walk along the trail, the scenery gradually becomes clearer. Looking out, you’ll see a grassy plain that stretches to the edge of the cliff. The hilltop is right in front of your eyes, and it’s only a short walk of about ten minutes to reach the closest point to the sunset. Orchid Island’s sunset feels like it’s spreading warmth to everyone, casting a beautiful golden hue over everything.

3. Yeyou Elementary School

You might think it’s weird to visit an elementary school, but Yeyou Elementary School is known as the most beautiful elementary school on all of Orchid Island and even the best in Taiwan, it truly lives up to its reputation. Can you imagine looking out the window during class and seeing the deep blue sea? Just the thought of it makes you envy the children here, who get to grow up under the protection of the ocean! Remember not to disturb the school’s activities during school season.

Water Activities in Orchid Island, Lanyu

Most of us visit islands for the beaches and fun water activities. Taiwan’s Orchid Island offers a wide range of ocean activities, making it a perfect destination for water enthusiasts. Common activities include stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, surfing, whale and dolphin watching and beach combing etc. Remember to prioritize safety during all water activities. If you’re not experienced in a particular water sport, consider hiring a local guide or instructor to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. With its warm waters and diverse marine life, Orchid Island offers a rich array of ocean activities for travelers of all ages and interests. The most popular water activities on the island are snorkeling and diving! We have compiled for you the most detailed diving guide for Orchid Island Taiwan, it features all the best spots and cool things you can explore underwater, along with tips for a fun journey for divers of different levels, Do not miss it if you are excited to dive!

Tao Tribe and the Flying Fish Season

One of the most renowned aspects of Orchid Island travel is the rich Tao Tribe culture and their unique Flying Fish Season. This festival is deeply ingrained in the culture of the indigenous Tao tribe. This seasonal celebration revolves around the harvest of flying fish, a vital part of the islanders’ diet. The Flying Fish Season includes three phases:

• Flying Fish Inviting Festival (招魚祭): Held from February to March, it marks the beginning of the flying fish season. As flying fish start migrating to surrounding waters, he Tao people summon flying fish and pray for a bountiful catch for the year. After the Fish Inviting Festival, the Tao people are allowed to use torches at night to catch flying fish. In April, they are permitted to catch larger fish during the day but not at night. From May to July, they can catch flying fish during the day but are prohibited from catching other fish species.
• Flying Fish Collecting Festival (收藏祭): Held annually from June to July. This festival marks the end of the flying fish season, and from this day onwards, flying fish cannot be caught anymore. Instead, they catch other fish for consumption. The abundance of flying fish caught during the fishing season is dried and stored for consumption during the winter.
• Flying Fish Ending Festival (終食祭): After the Mid-Autumn Festival every year, the Tao people prohibit the consumption of flying fish. Any remaining dried flying fish is hung on wooden racks near the houses for pigs and dogs to eat, showing respect for the flying fish and avoiding wasteful disposal.

The festivals are extremely fun and eye-opening, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Tao culture and witness the island’s deep connection to the sea. Obviously, while visiting Orchid Island and experiencing its festivals, it’s essential to respect the customs and traditions of the Tao tribe. Here are some important cultural aspects and taboos to be aware of:

1. During the Flying Fish Season, visitors should refrain from swimming or diving in the ocean, as it may disrupt the fishing activities.
2. Respect the traditional ceremonies and rituals of the local communities. Do not disrupt or interfere with their proceedings.
3. It is considered disrespectful for women to touch the boats or enter them during the Flying Fish Season.

Another essential elements of the Tao people are their plank canoes and traditional underground house. For the Tao people, plank canoes are essential tools for their livelihoods and ceremonial activities at sea. The Tao people’s plank canoes are not only beautifully crafted with simple and elegant colors but also showcase the wisdom of using various island woods. In addition to passing down the craftsmanship between fathers and sons, the construction of these canoes is associated with boat-related rituals that symbolize the social significance of the people.

The launching ceremony of a newly constructed canoe is one way for men to bond with their family and extended family members and to expand their social relationships. During the Flying Fish Festival, the large canoes become symbols of family cooperation within the tribe.The construction of plank canoes holds deep cultural significance on Orchid Island, not only as a representation of the local culture but also within the broader context of the Austronesian language family’s migration and development. Plank canoes often represent the cultural image of the Tao people, such as the circular totem symbolizing the eyes of the boat, which is widely used by the Tao people and the media to represent the Tao people or the image of Taiwan’s indigenous people.

Finally, the Tao people, adapting to the unique climate and environment of Orchid Island (high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and frequent typhoons), have developed distinctive semi-underground house architecture using locally sourced materials. Currently, only the Yeyin Village has relatively well-preserved traditional underground houses, while the Langdao Tribe also maintains a few original dwellings. These houses are approximately 1.5 meters high, constructed with stone walls, wooden beams, and thatched roofs or tin sheets, and are built by excavating the ground.

If you are curious about the culture of Tao tribe, there will be so much for you to see on Orchid Island. Their rich and unique culture truly defines the island and its people! Interacting with the local Tao people and citizens is the best way to learn, we encourage you to talk to the locals for an enriching Orchid Island travel.

Delightful Local Cuisine on Orchid Island, Lanyu

No Orchid Island travel would be complete without savoring the local cuisine, which heavily features seafood. Here are some dishes and snacks you must try:

1. Flying Fish: The island’s specialty, available in various forms, including grilled, sashimi, and soup.
2. Sea Urchin: A delicacy that’s best enjoyed fresh from the sea.
3. Mullet Roe: Known locally as “hongchao,” this is a savory and salty delicacy often used as a condiment.
4. Hornet Rice Cakes: A unique snack made with glutinous rice and hornet larvae, offering an exotic taste.
5. Squid Dishes: Try the grilled squid or squid soup for a delightful seafood experience.
6. Taro Rice: A traditional Tao dish made with taro and sticky rice, wrapped in banana leaves. Taro locally grown on Orchid Island is extra fluffy and soft, try it yourself!

If you want more to learn more about Orchid Island’s must eat foods, read our super detailed suggestions on best food on Orchid Island from local Taiwanese!

Wrap up…

Orchid Island, with its blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, offers a truly unique travel experience. Whether you’re captivated by the stunning landscapes, the intriguing Tao culture, or the thrill of participating in a flying fish festival, this remote paradise in Taiwan is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Remember to travel responsibly, respecting the island’s traditions and preserving its pristine environment for future generations to enjoy. Orchid Island welcomes you with open arms, ready to share its treasures and traditions.