Thousands of tiny islands adorn the Pacific, and these remnants of volcanic eruptions have evolved into tourist hot spots, with prime diving and scenic beaches. Green Island Taiwan is one of them.
Green Island, located 21 miles off the eastern coast of Taiwan, is the perfect place to escape the congested mainland. No traffic noise or pollution here; just the coast, green mountains, and plush vegetation.
For those of you working in Taiwan, it can easily be done in a weekend! And most excitedly, you get to take a ferry to Green Island Taiwan!
How to get to Green Island Taiwan
Getting to Green Island involves hopping onto a ferry! You can book a Green Island Taiwan ferry from Taitung and Green Island here.
From Kaohsiung
Hop on a train to Taitung (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and $360NT), take a quick taxi ride to the ferry dock (10-15 minutes $375NT), and then take the ferry to Green Island (50 minutes $920NT round-trip).
From Taipei
Train to Taitung is approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes, and the average fair is $785NT. You’ll then need to hop onto the Taitung to Green Island ferry. Use the below search box to search for trains from Taipei to Taitung.
Green Island Taiwan Travel Tips
1. Make sure to purchase your train tickets in advance at Kaohsiung or Taipei Main Station, as the tickets to Taitung are popular. Visit Taiwan Railway for train times and prices, but don’t rely on the website to order tickets. I found that many times tickets were sold out online, only to be available at the station. You can also look for tickets on the 12Go website.
2. When you arrive in Taitung, head for the Visitor Center at the train station, and they will point you in the right direction. The lady there spoke English, and she even reserved our Green Island ferry tickets for us. (Our ferry left Taitung at 11:30 AM on Saturday, and departed Green Island at 2:30 PM on Sunday).
3. If you wish to rent a scooter on Green Island you must have a motorcycle license. No exceptions. They are very strict because an American without a license died in an accident last April. Scooters go for around $350NT a day, and bicycles go for around $150 (depends on your haggling skills). The circumference of the island by road is only 12 miles, so cycling is a feasible option.
4. Free camping can be found on the grounds next to the hot springs, and at the elementary or middle school. Alternatively, search for accommodation on Green Island here.
A few Green Island accommodation options include:
- Budget-friendly: Follow Me Hostel
- Homestay: Her Home Homestay
- Boutique: Sanasai Inn
- Luxury: Island River
5. Visit the salt water hot springs while there (they are one of only three in the world). Entrance fee $200NT.
6. If you are a keen scuba diver or want to learn, then make sure to check out the diving around Green Island. You can book either a discover diving session or do an advanced open water dive.
And remember – when exploring Green Island Taiwan, take only photographs, leave only footprints.
