Penghu has had an important position on sea navigation routes since ancient times. Landings by the Dutch, French, Japanese, and Chinese in succession and the mix of these four influences bestowed the Penghu archipelago its rich history and culture. Among the...
Taiwan has many offshore islands, which despite the ease and rapidity of modern transport access from the mother island are a world apart from it – and from each other. Their mutual geo-physical, cultural, and historical dissimilarities are striking. Of late...
Ahoy! We’re headed out to the scores of islands big and small, populated and unpopulated, that make up the Penghu Islands, all within the Penghu National Scenic Area gem that floats smack in the middle of the Taiwan Strait. What awaits...
Here’s a collection of all lighthouses we have been to over the years and some we have yet to visit. We love lighthouses, because they are usually in scenic locations with sea view and you can always learn a thing or...
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. In concert, Taiwan has implemented a 4-year program with special tourism themes for each year, with 2018 the Year of Ocean Bay Tourism. Ten...
e spent one night on Little Liuqiu, staying at the Hao Ho Homestay. The three-story guesthouse is on a narrow, quiet street in Little Liuqiu’s Baisha town, a short distance from the ferry dock. The friendly owner-couple keep their breezy, bright-colored place spic-and-span....
Dapeng Bay is a mainland/offshore island “water world” national scenic area, in Taiwan’s deep southwest, is built around a massive lagoon, Taiwan’s southernmost mangrove forest, a large upraised-coral island just a short ferry sprint across the sun-sparkled, brilliant-blue Taiwan Strait waters,...
The Matsu Islands are among the most fascinating places to visit in Taiwan. We recently explored the islands of Dongyin, Dongju, and Nangan on a whirlwind 3-day trip. Text: Rick Charette, Photos: Chen Cheng-kuo main “themes” in the remote Matsu Islands, all...
On our last trip to Penghu we went by this place and interviewed the friendly owner. We didn’t stay there but thought that this would be our top choice for our next trip. Located by the shore on the inland sea,...
Where Taiwan Is Not Quite Itself Riddle: What’s the farthest away you can get from Taiwan while still in Taiwan? Answer: sdnalsI ustaM (hold up to mirror) Text: Rick Charette; Photos: Chen Cheng-Kuo he answer, yes, is the Matsu Islands. “Taiwan” is...
Summer Trip to One of Taiwan’s Most Popular Sun and Beach Destinations In-the-know foreign travelers love this still-little-known, off-the-beaten-track Taiwan travel destination. Text / Rick CharettePhotos / Chen Cheng-Kuo The Penghu Islands – an archipelago of very small islands floating in...
Exploring Traditional Villages, War History, Slow Living, and Scenic Beaches Close to Mainland China Rich military history + traditional architecture + cycling/scootering excursions + birdwatching & eco-touring = the “Golden Gate” Text: Rick Charette; Photos: Chen Cheng-kuo veryone in Taiwan knows of...
Lanyu, or Orchid Island, may be a place on Taiwan’s doorstep – two and a half hours by ferry from Taitung – but it is a world apart.Home to the Tao indigenous people, it has a culture, lifestyle, traditions, cuisine, and...
Exploring Scenery, Nature, Beaches, Seafood, and Quaint Villages on a Penghu Trip The Penghu Islands will be whatever you wish them to be. What is it you desire? Beach-action and water-play tour? Island-hopping tour? History tour? Seafood and fishing tour? On...
