 | ||
| Green Island | ||
| county | Taitung County | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | 86 m | |
| Tourist info web | http://www.lyudao.gov.tw | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
| ||
The Green Island Green Island (Chinese: 綠島) is a barrier island in Taiwan in the province Taitung.
background
The green island is of volcanic origin and about 35 km from Taitung. It is the fourth largest island in Taiwan and is best known for its prisons and beaches.
getting there
Due to its location in the sea, it is only possible to arrive by ship or plane.
By plane
Green Island has a very small regional airport that is served by Taitung Airport. Due to the very short runway, the flight is not for the faint of heart. [1]
By boat
At the port of Taichung you can get tickets for the crossing to Green island. The speedboat crossing is similar to a rollercoaster ride, even in calm water, but there are enough bags hanging at each place just in case. The crossing takes about 50 minutes [2]
mobility
The best way to get around the island is by scooter. There are countless opportunities to rent such a vehicle at the port. Not every dealer pays attention to an international driver's license and you move in a gray area. But what you can get legally without any problems are electrically powered scooters. Another way to explore the island is by bike. There are even guided bike tours around the island. There are no taxis on the island, and only a few cars. If you have large suitcases, it is best to pick them up from the B&B.
Tourist Attractions
- Jhaorih Hot Springs. One of the three hot salt water springs that exist worldwide. If you don't mind the crowds, you should come here early and enjoy the sunrise. The spring is open 24 hours in summer.
- Human Rights Memorial Park. The old prison complex was an active prison for political prisoners of white terror until 1987. Today the facility houses an exhibition about the life and everyday life of the prisoners as well as about the political background. If you follow a little path behind the prison you come to the 13th Company, the old dilapidated prison cemetery and a small grotto by the sea.
- Haishengping. The small Great Wall is a 400 m long path from which you have a beautiful view of the rock formations.
- Guanyin cave. The cave is the largest religious monument on the island. The limestone cave houses a stalagmite, which looks similar to Guanyin.
activities
Green Island is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The coral-covered coast drops steeply very quickly. There are diving schools that can help you almost on every corner. Here you can also rent equipment for a snorkeling trip.
shop
In the vicinity of the port there are some shops with local specialties such as dried fish or jelly. Here you can also find a Family Mart and a 7/11 to stock up on groceries.
kitchen
In Green Island, the local deer is the specialty and of course seafood. There are restaurants scattered across the island, most of them in the village-like residential areas.
accommodation
Most of the accommodations on Green Island are B & Bs, which are mostly diving courses or starting points for diving trips. The accommodations are often very rustic and simple. Of course there is also a campsite on the island.
security
A visit to the island is only worthwhile in the summer months. In winter and when there is a typhoon warning, the ferries only run sporadically or fail completely due to the swell, which is why you are stuck on the island until the next ferry.
Practical advice
Taiwanese and Chinese. English especially with the diving instructors.
