Liuqiu Coral Island: Taiwan's Underwater Paradise Awaits!
Liuqiu Coral Island: Taiwan's Underwater Paradise… Right? (My Unfiltered Take)
Alright, let's cut the crap. Liuqiu Coral Island. Sounds dreamy, right? Turquoise waters, vibrant coral, a tropical escape… It IS, kinda. BUT, and this is a big BUT, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. My experience? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a bumpy ride.
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Keywords: Liuqiu Island, Coral Island, Taiwan, Underwater Paradise, Travel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Dining, Accommodation, Things to Do, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Hotels, Restaurants, Safety, Family Travel
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This is my personal, brutally honest, and hopefully helpful review of a trip to Liuqiu Island, Taiwan. We're talking accessibility, food, the spa (oh, the spa…), the rooms, and the all-important "things to do" – because let's face it, a pretty view gets boring after a couple of hours if you're not doing anything.
Accessibility: Getting There (and Keeping Your Cool)
First things first: getting to Liuqiu is a bit of a trek. You're taking a ferry, which is fine, but be prepared for potential seasickness. My partner, bless her heart, turned a shade of green I've only seen in a horror movie. Important Note: Check the ferry schedule thoroughly. Waiting around at the port in the scorching sun is no fun for anyone. And for those needing accessibility, well, it's… work in progress. The terminals could be better, and maneuvering around the island itself can be a bit tricky with limited accessible options. I'm not the right person to give a definitive answer, but I saw a lot that would make me think you'd need to research this deeply ahead of time. Look into the hotel’s specifics on facilities for disabled guests and call to confirm. Transportation services around the island, too. This island wants to be accessible, but it isn't yet. It needs to try harder.
Rooms & Amenities: Comfort vs. Expectations
Okay, so the actual accommodations? Mixed bag. We stayed in a… let's call it a "non-smoking room", which was good because my lungs are precious and I have an intense sense of smell (which, as you'll soon discover, could be a superpower or a curse depending on the day). We had air conditioning (essential!), free Wi-Fi (amen, although the speed was sometimes… leisurely. Okay, it was slow. Very, very slow. I spent valuable vacation time getting really angry, which wasn't ideal.), a coffee/tea maker (a lifesaver!), and a mini bar (expensive as hell, but hey, vacation, right?). The bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch, I'll admit. However, the view from the window that opens was, uh… of the alley. Disappointing to be honest. I was really hoping for a sea view but apparently the hotel thinks that's worth a premium because no.
The cleanliness was good, though. Good. Let me clarify: Rooms sanitized between stays is a big plus. Also, daily housekeeping was a godsend because I am a complete slob. The separate shower/bathtub situation was also handy. I would say our room was pretty soundproof too.
Internet & Tech: The Curse of Connectivity
The Internet access – wireless was pretty bad. Like, dial-up bad. But hey, they offered Internet access – LAN(I didn't even use it, because who has a LAN cable anymore?! What is wrong with the world?!) They also had a business center which I did not use.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Adventure
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Because food is EVERYTHING. The island has a decent selection of restaurants. Some are better than others.
- Restaurants: Loads of options! The Asian cuisine restaurants were generally a safe bet.
- Breakfast: We generally had breakfast at our hotel. We had some options, and the Asian breakfast was fine. The Western breakfast was a little… sad.
- Snack Bar/Coffee Shop: Great for a quick bite. And that caffeine drip? Oh, yes. Thank the lord for a coffee shop.
- Bar: A bar! They had a happy hour which I took advantage of. Always a good time.
- Poolside bar: I took advantage.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I loved this because I am vegan.
- Desserts in restaurant: I was too full to eat dessert.
- A la carte in restaurant: Standard in my opinion.
- Buffet in restaurant: Meh.
- Bottle of water: Always a good thing.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: I hate it.
- Poolside Bar: Yes, yes, and yes!
- Room service: We didn't, because we are cheapskates.
- Salad in restaurant: My gut needed some roughage.
- Soup in restaurant: Delicious.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Yay!
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Okay.
The "Spa/Sauna": My Personal Hell-Heaven
Okay, buckle up. This is the big one. Because I am obsessed with spas. My partner and I were looking for a truly relaxing experience, the kind where you emerge feeling like a new human. We heard about the spa.
- The Spa/sauna itself looked promising. Clean, serene… The brochure promised "a journey to inner peace." Oh, the irony.
- We went for a massage. And it was… intense. Let's just say the therapist's definition of "gentle" and mine were worlds apart. I felt like I'd been through a medieval torture session. In fact, I think I preferred the torture.
- I did love the foot bath, though.
- We tried a body wrap. It was… fine. Nothing to write home about. It did make me feel like a beached starfish, in a good way?
- The steamroom? Yeah, that was delightful. A brief respite before the next round of… torture.
- Body scrub. Yes.
And the pool with view? Ah, the pool. The view? Absolutely stunning. The pool itself? Impeccably clean. The only problem? I was too sore from the massage to enjoy it properly. I spent most of my time in the sauna because it was the only place I felt I could relax without the threat of immediate pain.
Things to do… Beyond the Beach (and My Sore Back)
Okay, so besides the potential for spa-induced trauma, what is there to do?
- Snorkeling/Scuba Diving: A MUST. The coral reefs are stunning, seriously. The underwater world is unbelievably beautiful.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes. A lot of these.
- Things to do: Loads!
- Ways to relax: YES.
- Fitness center/ Gym: I saw one. I avoided it.
- Shrine: Didn't see it.
- Proposal spot: Didn't need it.
- Terrace: The outdoor event venue (I think).
- Meeting/banquet facilities: I tried to crash a meeting.
- Indoor venue for special events: I tried to crash the event.
- Outdoor venue for special events: I tried to…
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yes!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Yes!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Yes!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes!
- Hand sanitizer: Yes!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes!
- Sterilizing equipment: Yes!
- Safe dining setup: Yes!
- Shared stationery removed: Yes!
- Cashless payment service: Yes!
- Doctor/nurse on call: Yes!
- First aid kit: Yes!
- Fire extinguisher: Yes!
- Smoke alarms: Yes!
- Smoke detector: Yes!
- CCTV in common areas: Yes!
- CCTV outside property: Yes!
- **Security [
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this Coral Island Liuqiu itinerary is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "me wrestling with a scooter, a questionable seafood decision, and the existential dread of souvenir shops." Get ready for glorious chaos.
Coral Island Liuqiu: A Hot Mess Express of Sunburn and Squid Ink
(Note: This is a suggestion - feel free to do whatever the hell you want. I sure will be!)
Day 1: Arrival, Scooter Mayhem, and Instant Regret (But in a Good Way)
- Morning (aka, the Pre-Coffee Panic):
- Arrive at Donggang Ferry Terminal. Okay, first hurdle. Getting there from wherever you are is a whole other story I'm not going to bore you with yet. Let's just assume you got there.
- The ferry! Hopefully, the sea is kind. I have a terrible history of seasickness that rivals my fear of clowns. Crossing my fingers the Dramamine kicks in.
- Touch down on Liuqiu. Woah. Instant island vibe, the air thicker with salt and something vaguely…fishy. But in a good way. I think.
- Mid-Morning (aka, the Scooter Conspiracy):
- Scooter rental. THIS. I am not a graceful person. I'd like to think I can handle a scooter, but I'm more prone to embarrassing myself in front of a crowd. My first attempt to get on the scooter will be a monumental. Prepare for a wobbly performance. I'm talking about me, not the scooter.
- Rambling thoughts: Why did I agree to this? Is that a child staring at me? This is gonna be epic disaster. I just know it.
- The (inevitable) first clumsy maneuver. Pray for me.
- Lunch (aka, the Initial Seafood Assessment - It's a gamble):
- Find a local eatery. I've read online reviews, but I have a bad habit of falling for glowing paragraphs only to end up with something that tastes like the ocean floor. Let's face it, the ocean floor is a valid texture. I'm adventurous, I guess.
- The seafood order: I'm torn between something familiar and something I can't even pronounce. I probably won't know what I'm actually eating. Possibly a questionable decision.
- Opinionated thought: I hope I don't get food poisoning. I refuse to spend my vacation hugging a toilet.
- If the seafood is good: Oh. My. GOD. Best. Seafood. Ever. I feel like I've been touched by a culinary angel! (I'll probably say that a few times, actually.)
- Afternoon (aka, The Lighthouse Fiascos and Sandy Blunders):
- Check into accommodation. (Because hopefully it's great!)
- Explore the island's famous lighthouse. I'll definitely take a picture…or 200. Maybe more.
- Check out a beach. I'm not a fan of sand in every place. Prepare for pictures full of sand and me doing my very best to avoid it.
- Emotional reaction: Oh my god, the sunset! I’m gonna cry. It truly is a breathtaking view!
- Evening (aka, The Night Market Showdown):
- Night market time. Here’s where memories are made.
- Eat ALL the things. Or at least try.
- The big question: Do I dare try stinky tofu? I'm a coward. Yet, I have this compulsion… the allure of the weird. Wish me luck.
- Stroll, laugh, and stumble upon a souvenir shop, always a gamble.
Day 2: Snorkeling Shenanigans and Cliffside Contemplations (With More Scooter Chaos)
- Morning (aka, The Underwater Adventure - Please let me see something interesting):
- Snorkeling time! If I see a turtle, I might die of happiness. If I get eaten by something, well, at least I'll have a good story. Right?
- Equipment check. Fingers crossed the mask doesn't leak, and I don't panic.
- Into the water! I'll probably look like a flailing seal at first.
- Quirky note: I am so bad at holding my breath.
- Opinionated thought: This better be worth the effort of trying to breathe in a tiny tube.
- Mid-Morning (aka, The Cliffside Views and Emotional Overload):
- Scooter to a scenic viewpoint.
- Park like a sane person (cross your fingers).
- Take in the view. Breathe. Reflect. I'll probably get all philosophical for a minute. (It'll pass.)
- Emotional reaction: This is why I travel. To feel small. To feel insignificant. To realize everything is okay. Damn, that's deep. Pass the chips!
- Lunch (aka, The Seafood Round Two - No regrets, probably):
- More seafood! Different restaurant, different menu, potential for the same level of joy (or disaster).
- Opinionated thought: If the noodles are greasy and the fish is bland, I'm going to complain to the chef. Nicely, but firmly.
- Afternoon (aka, The Tidal Pool Tango and Souvenir Struggles):
- Check out the tidal pools. I have visions of crabs and sea stars!
- Souvenir shopping. The dreaded moment! I will inevitably overspend on something utterly useless and then deeply regret it. I have a weakness for anything that's even vaguely cute.
- Rambling thought: Will this "Liuqiu Rocks!" t-shirt ever see the light of day? Probably not. But I MUST HAVE IT.
- The internal debate: Do I really need another tiny ceramic turtle? The answer, of course, is yes.
- Evening (aka, Last Dinner & Ferry Feelings):
- Farewell dinner. One last amazing meal!
- The aftermath: Try to remember everything. Laugh at the mistakes.
- Ferry back to Donggang.
- Emotional reaction: I don't want this to end!
Day 3: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Bag Full of Questionable Purchases)
- Morning:
- One last coffee (because I can't function without it).
- Savor the remaining moments. Soak it all in.
- Departure:
- Head to the airport or continue on your adventure.
Final Thoughts (aka, The Post-Trip Ramblings)
This itinerary is a suggested framework. Change it. Ditch it. Get lost! That's the beauty of travel, right? Embrace the imperfections, the accidental seafood poisoning (hopefully not), the sunburn, the scooter mishaps. Liuqiu is a unique and beautiful island. Go wild. Be yourself. And for the love of all things holy, try the stinky tofu! If you dare. And take lots of pictures!
Luxury Getaway: Zhongshan Tegao Business Hotel Awaits!
Liuqiu Island: You *Think* You Know Paradise... Think Again! (FAQ, Maybe?)
So, Liuqiu... Where *Even* Is This Place? And Is It Worth the Trek?
Alright, picture this: You're in Taiwan, sweating slightly because, well, you're in Taiwan. Now, imagine a tiny, perfectly formed coral island just off the southwest coast. That's Liuqiu! Getting there? Fly into Kaohsiung, then it's a ferry ride. Easy, right? *Easy* is what the brochures say. Let me tell you, hauling your luggage through the Kaohsiung heat, finding the right pier, and then the slightly-too-fast ferry… yeah, that's an experience. A sweaty, slightly-seasick one. But WORTH IT? Absolutely. The second you hit the water, you're done for. It's like someone cranked up the saturation on reality. The coral, the fish... it's unreal. Seriously, ditch the filters. This place *is* the filter.
Side note: Be prepared for a lot of scooters. Like, a *lot*. Driving those things? I can’t. I failed. But the locals are super chill, and they'll probably giggle at your attempts to not crash. Embrace the chaos!
What's the deal with the snorkeling/diving? Is it, like, actual good?
Okay, buckle up. This is where things get… obsessive. The snorkeling and diving? Forget every other underwater experience you've had. I'm talking mind-blown, colors-you-didn't-know-existed, 'I-think-I'm-a-mermaid' good. The visibility is insane. I swear, I saw a turtle yawn! A freakin' *turtle*! I will never forget that yawn. It was majestic. And they're everywhere! You'll see green sea turtles munching on seagrass like it's the best salad bar in the world. Get a guide, though. They know the secret spots, and they can point out things you'd miss (like the tiny, ridiculously adorable nudibranchs). They're absolute pros. But be ethical. Don't touch the coral! It's precious and fragile.
My first dive… ah, that's a story. I panicked. Full on, arms flailing, 'I'm-going-to-drown-even-though-I'm-on-oxygen' panic. The instructor was amazing, though. Calm as a cucumber. Eventually, I calmed down. And then… and then… It's like I was a different person underwater. Truly. Magical. Weird. I still get chills thinking about it.
I'm not a diver. Can I still have fun?
Absolutely! Seriously, don't let the diving thing put you off! Liuqiu is so much more than what you see beneath the surface. The snorkeling is fantastic, even for total newbies. Plus, there's the land! Rent a scooter (or get a ride; seriously, driving yourself is terrifying at first). Explore the dramatic rock formations, hike the coastal trails. They are incredible. Sunset views from the lighthouse are a must. And the beaches… oh, the beaches. Just gorgeous. Even if all you do is lie on the beach, drink bubble tea, and watch the waves, you’re winning.
Food-wise? Forget the diet. Seafood is everywhere and incredibly fresh. And the night markets! Just try everything. Be adventurous! (But maybe pack some antacids, just in case.) I developed a serious addiction to the fried taro balls. Don't judge me.
What's the vibe like on the island? Is it touristy?
It's getting more touristy. It's popular for a reason! You definitely see mainland Chinese tourists, and it's becoming more popular for Westerners too. But it's not *overrun*. And it's a good thing. The local community is still very present, and they're incredibly welcoming. You'll eat in family-run restaurants, stay in cozy guesthouses, and see kids playing in the streets. It has that feeling of a place that's still real. It's not polished or perfect; it's charmingly imperfect, if that makes sense. Embrace the slower pace of life and be respectful of the environment and the local culture. Don't be *that* tourist. You know the one.
Can I see the bioluminescence?
Oh. My. God. Yes. THIS IS THE STORY. The bioluminescence. It's best viewed at night. Okay, so you go to the beach, and they turn off the lights. Then they tell you that *maybe*, if the plankton are in the mood, you'll see it. Yeah, right. I was skeptical. But I did a night swim. I wasn't sure what to expect. But I hopped in. And I started to panic at first - it was pitch black. But then, the tiniest swirl of movement... then BOOM! Every stroke, every movement, was a cloud of shimmering blue light. It's like swimming through stars. I swear I cried. Honestly. Tears. It was the most beautiful, surreal, and frankly, otherworldly thing I've ever experienced. I’m getting goosebumps *now* thinking about it. I’d go back to Liuqiu just for that. It was a *moment*. A holy moment, even though I'm not religious. Just… *go*. And hope the plankton are feeling romantic. Don’t miss it. Seriously.
When's the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is generally pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and you'll still have great visibility for diving and snorkeling. Summer is hot and humid, and typhoons can be a problem. Winter can be a bit cooler and the water isn't as warm for swimming. But honestly? I'd go anytime. Each season has its own charm. Just be prepared for the potential weather and crowds.
Bonus tip: Book your accommodation and ferry tickets in advance, especially if you're going during a holiday. Trust me on this one.
What Should I Pack?
Swimsuit. Sunscreen (reef-safe!). Hat. Sunglasses. Light, breathable clothing. Comfortable shoes for exploring. A reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!). Rain gear (just in case). A waterproof bag for your phone. Your sense of adventure! And maybe some Dramamine for the ferry. (I learned that the hard way.)
Don't overpack. Seriously. You'll be on a tiny island. Keep it simple. And bring a camera. You *will* want to capture the memories. And maybe a waterproof phone bag, so you can get those Instagrammable bubble tea pics. Priorities.
Honeymoon Havenst
