Green Island (綠島) is a popular holiday destination approximately 33km off the eastern coast of Taiwan. Administratively under Taitung County, this volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean is home to several excellent snorkelling and scuba diving sites. On land, the island is blessed with dramatic coastlines, peculiar rock formations and a rare saltwater hot spring. Join us, as we share with you the Places to see on Green Island, Taiwan! (based on our 4-days trip in Sep-2019)
Green Island Travel VLOG
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Getting around Green Island
Green Island is a relatively small island. The single main road on it hugs the coast (at most parts) and forms an 18km-loop around the entire island. A leisurely scooter/e-scooter ride looping the island (via the main road) typically takes an hour.
The road condition is fairly good. And wide enough to handle the traffic on the island in most parts. The only exception is during evenings at the island’s main shopping/dining street (i.e. Main Street). Most visitors would be at Main Street during this time to shop and dine, and traffic congestion is common.
Safety-wise, it is generally safe to ride on Green Island. Most road users (both tourist and locals) ride/drive safely. Cars/trucks/buses are limited on Green Island. And thus, typically do not pose any major issues to riders.
Renting a scooter/e-scooter
Due to the lack of public transport, all visitors to Green Island typically rent scooters or e-scooters to get around the island. All rental companies are located next to the main ferry terminal on the island. Facilitating visitors in picking up their ride upon arrival.
The reservation of scooters/e-scooters is usually done in advance via the visitors’ accommodation/dive shop. Upon arrival (via ferry), visitors will immediately pick up their scooters/e-scooters and ride to their respective accommodation. Luggage will be collected by the accommodations’ staff at the ferry terminal and sent to the property separately.
With regards to cost, there are varying accounts online from different travellers. For us, below are what we paid for via our accommodation (dive shop):
Regular Scooter: NTD 450/day. Additional flat fee of NTD 100 for petrol (one-off payment per rental).
e-Scooter: NTD 600/day. Includes unlimited change of battery (one fully charged battery is enough for a single loop of the island).
License for renting a scooter on Green Island
A Taiwan motorcycle license is (strictly) required when renting regular scooters (petrol). For those without a license, it is possible to rent e-scooters instead. However, note that most rental companies restrict e-scooters to only carrying the rider (no pillion allowed).
How to get to Green Island
Refer to our other blog post on how to get to Green Island (via ferry/flight).
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Places to see on Green Island 綠島
Below are the land-based places of interest we’ve visited on Green Island. Listed in random order. For the list of scuba diving sites we’ve explored, refer to our other blog post.
#1: Green Island Human Rights Culture Park 綠島人權公園 (Video 03:02)
Green Island used to be a penal colony for the nation’s political prisoners. In 2001, the government opened the Green Island Human Rights Culture Park to remember those that were suppressed and who had sacrificed for the nation’s democracy and human rights.
Other than the historical exhibits, the coastal area in front of the park boasts a dramatic coastline with breathtaking views. A must-see on Green Island.
#2: Lyudao Lighthouse 綠島燈塔 (03:09) (07:26)
Situated next to the island’s sole airstrip, Lyudao Lighthouse is 33m high. First constructed in 1939 (after a shipwreck), the original lighthouse was destroyed by an airstrike during WWII. The current lighthouse was built in 1948.
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#3: Main Street 綠島大街 (07:29) (12:07)
The main street on Green Island is next (north) to the island’s ferry terminal. It is around 1km in length and has the highest concentration of food and retail outlets on the island. Most visitors on Green Island will congregate here during evenings for dinner/shopping and to soak in the atmosphere.
#4: GuiWan 龜灣 (12:24)
GuiWan translates to “Turtle Bay” in Chinese. A short but dramatic stretch of coastline at the south-western part of the island.
#5: Horseshoe Bridge 馬蹄橋 (12:48)
A small bridge located along GuiWan. Horseshoe Bridge is presumably named as such due to the road that it is replacing is shaped like a horseshoe.
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#6: Zhaori Hot Spring 朝日溫泉 (10:59) (Must-see!)
A definite must-visit on Green Island. Period.
Zhaori Hot Spring holds the distinction of being one of the only three saltwater hot springs in the world. It is located at the south-eastern coast of Green Island and faces the morning sun, thus its name “Zhaori” in Chinese.
Green Island was formed by volcanic activities during prehistoric times. The seawater at this part of the island penetrates a fault in the ground and become heated by volcanic lava. It is then pressurised and forced back to the surface. Through this process, the water in the pools is maintained between 60-70degC.
The most popular way of enjoying the hot spring is to catch the sunrise while soaking in the pools. Get ready to ride to the hot spring and reach it by its 5am opening time. Then grab the best spot in the pools while taking in the majestic sunrise. Definitely one of the must-do activities on Green Island!
Opening hours: 5am to 2am
Entrance fee: NTD 200
Tip: Many accommodations/dive shops offer discounted tickets for the hot spring. Enquire with your accommodation/dive host.
#7: FanChuanBi Grassland 帆船鼻大草原 (13:00)
FanChuanBi Grassland is a scenic green grass plateau located next to Zhaori Hot Spring. Due to its elevation and location along the coast, it offers sweeping views of both Zhaori Hot Spring and surrounding coastline. Do not miss this after your trip to the hot spring.
The short stairway leading up to FanChuanBi Grassland is located at the end of the hot spring’s parking area. Entry is free.
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#8: Sleeping Beauty Rock 睡美人岩 and Pekingese Dog Rock 哈巴狗岩 (14:00)
Located on the island’s eastern coastline, Sleeping Beauty Rock and Pekingese Dog Rock are two adjacent rock formations that resemble their namesakes.
Together with Little Great Wall (see below), the area is known as HaiShenPing 海参坪 and is the remnants of a prehistoric volcanic crater. After thousands of years of erosion, the edges of the crater was worn down until only isolated rock formations remain.
#9: Little Great Wall 小長城 (14:03)
From the parking area overlooking Sleeping Beauty and Pekingese Dog Rock, the Little Great Wall is a short footpath leading to a lookout for the two rocks.
Built on a ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides, the footpath ends at a small pavilion lookout located at the edge of a cliff. With its elevated position, the pavilion offers dramatic views of the surrounding coastline and the two rock formations.
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Scuba diving sites at Green Island
To know the scuba diving sites at Green Island (and the dive sites that was shown in our above VLOG), refer to our other blog post.
Review: Ah Si Diving Club (Green Island)
During our Green Island scuba diving trip, we engaged the services of Ah Si Diving Club (綠島阿禧潛水俱樂部-過日子民宿) and stayed at their BnB. For our review Ah Si Diving Club refer to our other blog post.
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Our other scuba diving blogs:
- Sipadan Scuba Diving Travel Blog (Sabah, Malaysia)
- Mataking Island Scuba Diving Travel Blog (Sabah, Malaysia)
- Scuba Diving in Bali (Indonesia)
- Scuba Diving in Miri (Sarawak, Malaysia)
- Weekend Scuba Diving Trip at Tioman Island (Pahang, Malaysia, 2016)
- Tioman Dive Trip (Pahang, Malaysia, 2015)
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