Penghu 3 day itinerary for solo travellers 澎湖

Visiting Taiwan‘s Penghu Islands solo? It’s not troublesome so that you can get round to see the sights independently by driving or on scooter. I visited the Penghu islands in Might over the well-known Penghu Fireworks Pageant season and put collectively this 3-day Penghu itinerary with my suggestions on issues to do in Penghu for fellow solo travellers.

For those who’re planning a visit to Penghu, try my Penghu planning put up with extra particulars on the best way to get to and getting across the islands. This put up focuses extra on what to see in Penghu in a 3 day itinerary, whereas this different put up reveals you a few of my favorite Penghu hidden gems.

How lengthy to spend in Penghu?

Penghu is the most important of Taiwan’s offshore islands and actually is a group of islands just like that of the Matsu Islands, not a single island.

The majority of vacationers will spend time in Penghu’s fundamental island the place Magong Metropolis is as a result of that’s the place its fundamental infrastructure, the Penghu airport and the primary ferry terminal are positioned. Penghu can also be related by land to three different islands so you’ll be able to see all that with out having to take one other switch.

I spent 4 nights in Penghu, flying in on a Monday late afternoon and flying out on Friday morning. This gave me 2 nights to expertise the Penghu fireworks competition on Monday and Thursday nights, and likewise the possibility to do a day journey to the southern islands of Qimei and Wang’an.

I like to recommend spending a minimal of three days to cowl the primary sights in Penghu and do a day journey to one among its additional islands. After all with extra time to spare you’ll be able to see extra of the opposite smaller islands in Penghu and have a extra leisurely time total, however minimally 3 full days of exercise can be ideally suited.

Day 1: Baisha + Xiyu 白沙 + 西嶼

Penghu’s fundamental island of Magong 馬公 is related by roads to Baisha 白沙 to the north, which is then related to Xiyu 西嶼 which curves again down in the direction of the west of Magong.

For those who drove alongside this highway with out stopping in any respect it ought to take about 50 minutes to get to the far finish of Xiyu, however with all of the stops you’ll wish to make alongside the best way, it ought to take the entire day to see the sights alongside this stretch.

Baisha is about quarter-hour drive north of Magong’s Nanhai Harbour.

Baisha 白沙

Zhongtun Wind Generators 中屯風車

The very first thing you’ll discover as you cross the bridge to Baisha are the enormous wind generators positioned close to the bridge. That is simply one of many indicators of how completely windy Penghu is, one thing you’ll hear me speak about repeatedly as a result of it really is. You’re feeling the wind particularly alongside these connecting bridges and being blown about whereas on a bit scooter.

I parked my scooter right here for a bit and took a stroll down the highway to the bottom of the windmills only for a fast looksee across the space, however there’s not a lot out right here.

Penghu Baisha Windmill
Windmills on the bridge to Baisha

Zhongtun Wind Generators 中屯風車 (Zhong Tun Feng Che) [Google maps]

Houliao Paradise Street 後寮天堂路

Houliao Paradise Street was a type of secret Instagram spots, a bit winding jetty that stands out into the ocean that makes for good little footage. It’s undoubtedly not a secret as of late, and also you’ll see numerous indicators pointing you in the correct course as you enter Houliao Village.

Penghu Baisha Houliao Paradise Road
Risking it for the ‘gram

I drove in and entered first at Houliao Wharf and seashore the place there have been some vibrant boats on show together with a handy rest room, however discovered one other highway that led me eastwards to a different a part of the seashore the place you’ll be able to see the Paradise Street a brief stroll away.

Penghu Baisha Houliao Boats
Cute vibrant little boats

Now climate is a key factor in outside locations like Penghu, and that day I visited winds have been significantly excessive and the sky was fairly overcast. I did stroll over to the highway however these waves have been uneven as hell, splashing up onto the highway. There are not any obstacles on the paradise highway so if a very sturdy wave comes alongside, you higher hope you don’t get swept off! I made a decision to not rick it and simply loved the view from the seashore, although numerous folks did take their footage on the highway, most selected to not enterprise out in the direction of the tip for security.

This seashore is made up of coral bits so it will get a bit poky! Positively don’t fall down right here.

Penghu Baisha Houliao Beach
If solely the day had been much less overcast…

Houliao Paradise Street 後寮天堂路 (Hou Liao Tian Tang Lu) [Google maps]

Tongliang Nice Banyan 通樑古榕

Proper earlier than the Penghu Nice Bridge, you’ll be able to flip off into the village to search for the Tongliang Nice Banyan, which is a large Banyan tree whose roots have utterly overgrown and brought over the Bao’an temple right here.

Penghu Baisha Tongliang Banyan Crowds
Yup that roof is all banyan

This tree is outwardly over 300 years previous and is taken into account sacred, and the native authorities have additionally designated it because the official county tree due to its hardiness and resilience.

Penghu Baisha Tongliang Banyan
Higher have a look at these roots

Penghu is fairly keen on the overgrown Banyan tree, you’ll be able to see one other model in Nanliao Village as properly.

Penghu Baisha Tongliang Banyan Entrance
Entrance – the temple is on the correct and meals stalls on the left

It’s good and shady beneath the roots of the Banyan however aside from take a look or pray on the temple, there’s not a lot else to do right here. There are a bunch of little meals stalls although so it’s not a foul place to cease for a break and snack. Yummy cactus ice cream that Penghu is legendary for could be discovered right here!

Penghu Baisha Tongliang Banyan Cactus Ice Cream
Cactus ice cream below the banyan shade

Tongliang Fishing Harbour can also be positioned right here and has a pleasant photogenic little arch bridge to stroll over.

Tongliang Previous Banyan Tree 通樑古榕 (Tong Liang Gu Rong) [Google maps]. The temple is open 24 hours however the close by outlets are usually open round 8am-5pm.

Penghu Nice Bridge 澎湖跨海大橋

One among Penghu’s icons is the Penghu Nice Bridge which joins the islands of Baisha and Xiyu. Also referred to as the trans-ocean or Kuahai 跨海 bridge, it’s about 2.5km lengthy! Once more, one other very windy spot the place you’ll need to just remember to don’t get too blown about in the event you’re on a scooter.

Penghu Baisha Great Bridge Arch
Arch marking the Nice Bridge
Penghu Baisha Great Bridge Road
The bridge itself is fairly nondescript

Subsequent to this nice bridge you’ll be able to see some stays of the previous bridge that used to hyperlink the islands.

Penghu Baisha Great Bridge Old
Discover the pylons to the left? These are the stays of an previous bridge

Penghu Nice Bridge 澎湖跨海大橋 (Penghu Kua Hai Da Qiao) [Google maps]

Xiyu 西嶼

Whale Cave 鯨魚洞

Strictly talking, Whale Cave is positioned on one other island related to the north of Xiyu referred to as Xiaomen 小門嶼 or Shomon Island. There’s a fundamental parking space, and from there you stroll round to see the sights of this tiny islet.

The spotlight after all is the Whale Cave, which is de facto extra of an arch within the basalt rock that supposedly appears to be like like a whale from afar than an precise cave. The waves have been actually pounding the rock once I visited so once more, I didn’t go too shut.

Penghu Xiyu Xiaomen Coast
Xiaomen’s shoreline – the Whale Cave is within the distance
Penghu Xiyu Xiaomen Whale Cave
Xiaomen’s Whale Cave from up shut
Penghu Xiyu Xiaomen Whale Cave Sign
Numerous folks strolling to and from the cave

The remainder of the islet is commonly described as a mini Penghu – tremendous flat grasslands with no timber and loads of coastal views. A tiny little path circles the islet and can deliver you again to the place to begin, however I didn’t trouble strolling it because the climate wasn’t so nice. There’s a Geology Gallery right here as properly, however I didn’t trouble entering into.

As a substitute, I headed for some meals and ate at this little restaurant referred to as 秀鳳姐的店 or Xiufeng Sister’s store [Google maps]. One other of Penghu’s should eats is the Xiaoguan Mianxian 小管麵線 or squid vermicelli which is a pleasant soupy bowl of noodles with slices of squid rings to eat, yummy!

Penghu Xiyu Xiaomen Squid Vermicelli
Heat house fashion noodle soup meal

Whale Cave 鯨魚洞 (Jin Yu Dong) [Google maps]. The eateries listed below are usually solely open until about 4-5pm+.

Erkan Historic Village 二崁聚落保存區

Penghu has a number of historic villages, however Erkan might be probably the most well-known of all of them. This village has preserved most of the previous southern Min-style homes with their barely upturned roofs that date again as much as 300 years! Penghu’s homes are fairly distinctive, that includes partitions constructed of basalt stone and coral as a result of these have been the one materials simply discovered on the islands again within the day.

Penghu Xiyu Erkan Village Alley Crowd
Gotta time your self to keep away from the vacationer crowds…
Penghu Xiyu Erkan Village Coral Wall
Have a look at that coral! It’s fairly superb…

Erkan is good sufficient to wander about in, although these slim lanes can get crowded when the large vacationer buses come alongside. There are some outlets round right here promoting snacks and different souvenirs.

The primary home to see is the Chen Household Historic Home, you do have to pay an entrance price to go in, I principally simply loved seeing it from the skin.

Penghu Xiyu Erkan Village House
Conventional Penghu home

Erkan Historic Village 二崁聚落保存區 (Er Kan Ju Luo) [Google maps] There aren’t actually any hours however it’s nonetheless a residential space in any case, and the little outlets are principally open solely within the afternoons.

Daguoye Basalt Columnar 大菓葉玄武岩

Not far-off from Erkan Village is one other well-known sight in Penghu, the hexagonal basalt columns shaped from volcanic exercise. There are a number of locations you’ll be able to see these basalt columns in Xiyu, and Daguoye is maybe probably the most well-known of the lot due to its proximity to Erkan Village and its seaside location. These rocks have been unearthed once they needed to construct wharf close by.

Penghu Xiyu Daguoye Basalt Wall Crowd
Basalt wall and the many individuals who come to see it
Penghu Xiyu Daguoye Basalt Wall Pano
Pano shot from the highway
Penghu Xiyu Daguoye Coast View
Sea view close by!

Daguoye has a pleasant lengthy stretch of basalt columns with a fairly little pool in entrance of it. Sadly once I visited, it was crowded and due to rain/different causes the pool was kinda murky as properly.

Daguoye Basalt Columnar 大菓葉玄武岩 (Da Guo Ye Xuan Wu Yan) [Google maps]

In case you are searching for a quieter different to see basalt columns, try Sanshibi just some minutes away. I wrote about it in my Penghu hidden gems article.

Penghu Xiyu Sanshibi Pond
Sanshibi is a a lot quieter different

Chixi Rock Waterfall 池西玄武岩

Throughout the primary highway from Daguoye, you’ll be able to pop over to see extra basalt columns in an actual coastal location at Chixi Rock Waterfall. Personally I believe that whereas it is a smaller stretch of rocks, the view right here actually proper by the ocean is prettier. They name this a rock waterfall because it looks as if the rocks are flowing straight into the ocean.

Penghu Xiyu Chixi Rock Waterfall Me
Getting that ‘gram
Penghu Xiyu Chixi Rock Waterfall Pano
Chixi Rock Waterfall proper by the ocean is tremendous picturesque however can get crowded too

There are additionally some previous rock weirs discovered within the water right here. If the water isn’t too tough, you would in all probability stroll out on the weir partitions and have a dip right here too.

Penghu Xiyu Chixi Rock Waterfall Weirs
Some weirs or fishing swimming pools in entrance of the rock waterfall
Penghu Xiyu Chixi Rock Waterfall Weirs People
Wading within the water – it’s not as uneven due to the break water

Chixi Rock Waterfall 池西玄武岩 (Chi Xi Xuan Wu Yan) [Google maps]

If you wish to see an instance of Penghu’s heart-shaped weirs however aren’t planning to go to the well-known Qimei double coronary heart model, you’ll be able to see a single coronary heart model on the opposite aspect of the bay on the Chixi Tiger Eye Weir. No raised platforms round right here although so that you won’t get the total impact of the form from floor degree. Extra on my Penghu Hidden Gems put up.

Penghu Xiyu Chixi Tiger Eye Stone Weir Sign
You may see the highest of the wall extending outwards within the distance

Yuwengdao Lighthouse 漁翁島燈塔

There are a bunch of smaller stops and issues to see on the far finish of Xiyu Island (Nei’an Seaside is fairly, however the climate wasn’t proper for seashore time once I was there), however to say that you simply’ve actually made it to Xiyu, it’s a must to pop by the Yuwengdao Lighthouse or Fisherman’s Island Lighthouse on the far western finish of the island.

There’s a small lighthouse there and a pleasant sea view, and you may try a number of the different close by sights in case you have time earlier than making the lengthy drive again to Magong. There’s a small village there referred to as Wai’an the place you may be capable of seize some meals at.

Penghu Xiyu Yuwengdao Lighthouse
The lighthouse
Penghu Xiyu Yuwengdao Lighthouse Entrance
Entrance to the lighthouse space

Yuwengdao Lighthouse 漁翁島燈塔 (Yu Weng Dao Deng Ta) [Google maps] Open 9am – 6pm, closed on Mondays.

Day 2: Magong + Huxi 馬公 湖西

Flip your bike eastwards of the primary Magong Metropolis space for a extra indepth exploration of the Huxi island. It’ll take you lower than half an hour to get to the easternmost finish of the island from Magong Metropolis in the event you drove continuous.

Huxi 湖西

Kuibishan Moses components the pink sea 奎壁山摩西分海

One among Penghu Island’s must-see spots is positioned at Kuibishan. Generally known as Moses components the pink sea 摩西分海, low tide reveals a stone path that leads out to the smaller Chiyu island 赤嶼 simply off the shoreline. The novelty is in with the ability to stroll throughout this tiny sand bar that solely seems twice a day and for a really brief time span.

Penghu Huxi Moses Path Crossing
Individuals crossing the ocean to Chiyu island

Checking the tide timetable for this spot is important in planning your itinerary as low tide occurs twice a day. My suggestion is to be on the spot a minimum of 30-45 minutes earlier than so you’ll be able to see the reveal occur for your self. Crowds additionally begin to construct up nearer to the bottom tide time.

Employees are readily available to make sure that guests are protected and don’t attempt to cross earlier than the tide is low sufficient. The seashore is closed to the general public, and solely opened by the workers when it’s about time to cross. Intrepid people will attempt to be the primary ones to cross, however you’ll be able to afford to attend for a bit bit when the tide has correctly receded in the event you don’t wish to get your footwear moist in any respect.

Penghu Huxi Moses Path
A greater have a look at the trail that solely seems at low tide

You may stroll throughout the trail to Chiyu however folks aren’t allowed to stroll round Chiyu itself. You could have about an hour or so earlier than the workers begin herding folks again to the shore and the tide rises once more, rendering the trail invisible fairly shortly.

Penghu Huxi Moses Path Near Chiyu
Nearer to Chiyu island, you’ll be able to see the stones that make up this path

Most tour buses will zoom straight off after the trail disappears, however I like to recommend sticking round and heading over to the precise Kuibi Hill for a brief stroll. It’s not a troublesome climb, however the path round this little hill provides you a pleasant chook’s eye view of Chiyu and the place the trail seems, in addition to a have a look at the opposite low-lying areas that get uncovered throughout low tide like Fanshawei.

Learn extra over at my put up on Hidden gems on Penghu.

Penghu Huxi Moses Shore Kuibishan
Kuibishan to the left of the seashore entrance – the small highway that leads up could be considerably seen to the left the place the small ‘hut’ is positioned
Penghu Huxi Kuibishan Fanshawei
Fanshawei within the distance as seen from the highest of Kuibishan

Kuibishan Moses components the pink sea 奎壁山摩西分海 (Kui Bi Shan Mo Xi Fen Hai) [Google maps]. Path to Chiyu solely opens 2x a day at low tide, depending on the tides – test the tide schedule earlier than you go if you wish to do the crossing.

Nanliao Village 南寮

On the best way out from Kuibishan, cease over at Nanliao Village. This village was not as well-liked with fishermen as different villages due to its extra inland location, however right now they’ve jazzed it up with artwork installations and murals so it does draw folks to wander round its little alleyways for a bit.

Penghu Huxi Nanliao Village Buoy Turtles
These turtles are made out of previous fishing buoys

My favorite bit is the best way that they’ve used the previous fishing buoys to create artwork installations and fairly backdrops! It might get a bit crowded right here although. There’s additionally a stunning previous home being strangled by a Banyan tree that’s fairly cool to see.

Penghu Huxi Nanliao Village Buoys Me
Fishing buoys make for pretty backdrops
Penghu Huxi Nanliao Village Shop
Cute little outlets within the village

There was additionally one other deserted home overtaken by a Banyan tree that made for some cool and barely eerie photographs

Penghu Huxi Nanliao Village Tree House
This previous home has been utterly taken over by a Banyan tree

I had lunch at a bit eatery right here referred to as Nanliao Windmills Reststop and so they have a fairly good set meal deal the place you’ll be able to eat the squid vermicelli noodles with cactus juice, tofu and a small aspect dish.

Penghu Huxi Nanliao Windmills RestStop Meal
Lunch!

Nanliao Village 南寮 [Google maps]. You will notice the village en path to Kuibishan. Nanliao Windmill Reststop 南寮風車有機農場休息站 [Google maps] is open 8am – 5pm, extra on their fb web page.

Aimen Seaside 隘門沙灘

Situated very near Magong Airport alongside the japanese shore of the island, Aimen Seaside is a well-liked watersport seashore, nevertheless it wasn’t that crowded once I visited in all probability as a result of it wasn’t fairly summer season but. You might additionally pop by the neighbouring Lintou Seaside 林投金沙灘.

Penghu Huxi Aimen Beach
Aimen Seaside

Aimen Seaside 隘門沙灘 [Google maps] and Lintou Seaside 林投金沙灘 [Google maps]

Sanshui30 Park 山水30公園

The stretch that hyperlinks to the southern tip of the island isn’t significantly fascinating – I did take a detour alongside the southeastern shoreline the place Suogang 鎖港 is positioned and handed by the spot the place the underwater postbox is [Google maps], however clearly you’ll be able to’t actually see a lot from the floor.

I didn’t have time for this, however you’ll be able to ebook on Klook to go snorkelling or scuba diving to see the coral and the underwater postbox. [Klook affiliate links]

Penghu Huxi Underwater Postbox
Underwater Postbox off the coast at Suogang

Numerous small roads to drive round on this space. Ultimately I discovered myself at Sanshui Seaside which is meant to be fairly a preferred seashore too. From there I noticed Sanshui30 Park within the distance and made my approach to this little lookout level. There’s a small pavilion and stays of a bunker right here, in addition to a pleasant panoramic view of the seashore beneath.

Penghu Huxi Sanshui Beach
Sanshui Seaside – are you able to see Sanshui30 Park within the distance on the hilltop?
Penghu Huxi Sanshui30 Pavilion
Right here’s what it appears to be like like a bit nearer
Penghu Huxi Sanshui30 View
Trying down on Sanshui Seaside the place I used to be earlier

Sanshui30 Park 山水30公園 [Google maps] is positioned on the western finish of Sanshui Seaside 山水沙灘 [Google maps]. It is a small city with various guesthouses and another place to remain in the event you don’t wish to keep in the primary Magong Metropolis space.

Fongguei Cave 風櫃洞

Heading to the southwestern tip of the island, I handed by yet one more cute Shili Seaside 嵵裡沙灘. I’d supposed to move to Snakehead Park 蛇頭山遊憩區 (She Tou Shan) however sadly the roads have been closed for upkeep, so I discovered myself at Fongguei Cave as an alternative.

These are extra basalt rocks alongside the shoreline, however apparently what makes this particular is that there’s imagined to be a blowhole that makes a relatively musical whistling sound right here. Possibly it’s a matter of tide timing, however there was no wave motion nor sounds occurring once I visited, so I principally simply loved the view.

Penghu Magong Fongguei Shore Sign
Fongguei interprets into wind cupboard
Penghu Magong Fongguei Shore Water
NO waves however pretty stunning blue waters

The opposite factor to do right here is snap that IG shot on the mushroom-shaped Youfu Pavilion 幽浮涼亭. Sure, it was fairly crowded, however you do get a pleasant view from the upper platform.

Penghu Magong Fongguei Mushroom Platform Crowds
Crowded!

Fongguei Cave 風櫃洞 (Feng Gui Dong) [Google maps]

Magong Metropolis 馬公市

After exploring these bits, it’s time to move again to the primary Magong Metropolis space.

Guanyinting 觀音亭親水遊憩區

Again close to the port, Guanyinting is a pleasant little seaside park the place you’ll be able to see and take a stroll over the arched Xiying Rainbow Bridge 西瀛虹橋 which is lit up like a rainbow at evening. The bridge was closed once I visited due to the fireworks competition – fireworks are launched from the bridge itself, however the park is a pleasant place for a stroll or swim within the day time. Numerous sports activities services round right here and other people jogging and taking part in sports activities within the night.

Penghu Magong Guanyinting Bay Pano
Panoramic view from the swimming platform of the bridge on the left and the park on the correct
Penghu Magong Guanyinting Fireworks Red
Fireworks!

You may also discover a Guanyin temple on this park – that’s the way it obtained its title in any case. The unique temple was constructed within the late 1600s, nevertheless it was destroyed in a battle with France and this present model was rebuilt within the late 1800s.

Penghu Magong Guanyinting Temple
Guanyin Temple

Learn my detailed put up concerning the Penghu Fireworks Pageant.

Guanyinting 觀音亭 [Google maps] is open 24 hours

Penghu Tianhou Temple 澎湖天后宮

This unassuming little temple in Magong Metropolis is outwardly the oldest Mazu Temple in all of Taiwan, relationship again to 1604! It might be small nevertheless it’s obtained pretty decorations and never a foul place to pop by

Penghu Magong Tianhou Temple
Tianhou Temple

Penghu Tianhou Temple 澎湖天后宮 [Google maps] Open 7am – 7pm.

Duxingshi Village 篤行十村

Not far-off from the Nanhai port is Duxingshi village, maybe the oldest army residing quarters in Taiwan. As soon as headquarters to Penghu’s army, it turned house to the troopers and their households stationed in Penghu when the Chinese language Nationalist Social gathering (KMT) first arrived in Taiwan.

Penghu Magong Duxingshi Village Sign
A big patriotic message at one of many entrances to the village

These previous Japanese-style army quarters have been remodeled right into a cultural village with little outlets, galleries and museums, together with everlasting exhibitions to 2 well-known Taiwanese singers who grew up right here. It’s a pleasant place to wander round for an hour or two with numerous cute little photograph spots.

Penghu Magong Duxingshi Village Alley
Numerous artwork and cute little outlets hidden throughout

You may also try the Jingguitou Fortress on the tip of the island. There are some disused army tunnels and domed barracks that you could wander round a bit right here. It’s west-facing course additionally makes it well-liked for sundown images.

Penghu Magong Jingguitou Entrance
Welcome to Jingguitou
Penghu Magong Jingguitou Tunnels
Trying over the domed tunnels

Duxingshi Village 篤行十村 (Du Xing Shi Chun) [Google maps] Open 8am – 930pm. Extra on their web site.

Mazu Statue 重光媽祖銅像

The district I stayed in Penghu (Siwei) is extra residential in comparison with downtown Magong Metropolis, however I used to be fairly stunned to identify this very giant Mazu statue not far-off on my every day commutes.

It was solely later that I realised that that is apparently now the tallest Mazu statue on the earth at 48m excessive, but in addition a really new attraction – they formally opened it about 5 months after I visited! There was some controversy about this in response to some information articles I learn – this statue was apparently a part of plans to construct a Mazu theme park that had been scrapped.

Penghu Magong Mazu Statue
Mazu by day
Penghu Magong Mazu Statue Night
Mazu lit up at evening
Penghu Magong Mazu Statue Surrounding
Mazu

Mazu Statue 重光媽祖銅像 (Chong Guang Ma Zu Tong Xiang) [Google maps]

Some meals recs

Penghu has its signature meals to take a look at. As a solo traveller, attending to eat every part you need can all the time be difficult, however I did handle to eat some native delicacies, and listed below are a number of the locations I like to recommend consuming at.

23.5º Cactus Ice Cream 掌上明珠

Cactus ice cream is a must have in Penghu – the Elephant Ear Prickly Pear Cactus 紅蘋果仙人掌 is without doubt one of the few crops that survives Penghu’s relatively harsh climate and windy situations, and it’s most popularly used to make ice cream as of late. It’s a stunning brilliant vibrant purplish-pink (just like dragonfruit!) and is nice and attractive.

Penghu Magong 23-5 Cactus Ice Cream
The cactus is the purple colored ice on the backside. The one on high is seaweed!
Penghu Wangan Tiantai Hill Cactus
what the cactus plant appears to be like like

23.5º Cactus Ice Cream 掌上明珠. Open every day 1pm – 730pm. Extra on their web site. After I visited, that they had a location in Calamari Hostel close to the Nanhai Harbour space, however that appears to be quickly closed and so they have one other location a bit bit additional north.

A Bao Sausage Stall 阿豹香腸攤

For those who’re a fan of Taiwanese sausage, you’ll take pleasure in this little sausage stall which jogs my memory of loklok? Mainly you simply level out what you need. Moreover the traditional sausage and the rice sausage, additionally they had oden and you may assist your self to freeflow soup too.

Penghu Magong A Pao Sausage Stall
Crowded even at a random time within the afternoon
Penghu Magong A Pao Sausage
I had regular sausage in addition to rice sausage

A Bao Sausage Stall 阿豹香腸攤 [Google map] Open 12pm – 8pm (720pm Mon/Wed, 11pm Fri), closed on Tuesdays. Extra on their Fb web page.

Penghu Laojia Jianbing 澎湖老家餡餅

I chanced upon this stall on the identical night because the fireworks present, and you recognize it’s well-liked as a result of there was a 2+ hour ready time, good golly! Fortunately since I solely needed one piece, the woman boss took some pity on me and gave me one of many beef-cheese jianbings that she simply fried up. Woohoo! Anyway it’s the proper savoury snack~

Penghu Magong Laojia Jianbing Stall
Thanks boss girl!
Penghu Magong Laojia Jianbing
yummmyyyyy

Penghu Laojia Jianbing 澎湖老家餡餅 [Google map] Open every day 1pm – 730pm. Extra on their Fb web page.

Day 3: Qimei + Wang’an 七美 望安

You’ve seen a lot of the fundamental island, now it’s time to enterprise out on a day journey to see extra of Penghu’s smaller islands! There are a number of islands that you could go to, however Qimei is without doubt one of the extra well-liked choices due to the well-known Double Coronary heart Stone Weir.

Wang’an is the 2nd cease on this day journey as it’s positioned about midway between Magong and Qimei.

Qimei-Wang’an boat day journey

The simplest approach to see Qimei and Wang’an is to take a ship day journey – the boat journeys are coated, in addition to scooter rental on the islands itself. For those who don’t plan to journey, there are chartered coaches that may take you to the foremost sights on the islands.

The journey itinerary:

  • Meet at Magong Nanhai Port 740am to register for the boat
  • Boat leaves Magong Nanhai Port at 8am
  • Boat reaches Qimei Nanhu Port at 9am, about 2 hours to discover, depart at 11am
  • Boat reaches Wang’an at 1130am, 2 hours to discover, depart at 130pm
  • Boat reaches Magong Nanhai Port at 2pm

A word that the scooter leases included within the boat ticket are calculated for two folks sharing a single scooter – there’s an extra single complement for solo people who don’t have any pillion riders. I believe it’s dumb, however it’s what it’s~

Qimei 七美

Qimei is without doubt one of the southernmost islands within the Penghu archipelago and one of many few Penghu islands you’ll be able to take an inside flight to. For those who don’t wish to take a looong boat journey to get there, you’ll be able to fly from Magong Airport to Qimei Airport (CMJ) within the northwest nook of the island.

Qimei’s Nanhu Port 南滬港 is on the southern tip of the island and it takes simply 10 minutes to drive to the northeastern tip of the island whether or not the stone weir is. THAT’s precisely how small this island is! I drove across the island in a clockwise course.

Double Coronary heart Stone Weir 雙心石滬

Stone weirs are a conventional approach to catch fish by trapping them in a shallow coastal pool, however this specific one in Qimei turned well-known as a result of it has a really distinctive double coronary heart form and is utilized in most of Penghu’s promotional materials.

Penghu Qimei Twin Heart Stone Weir
Picturesque twin Coronary heart Stone Weir

You don’t really get to go right down to the stone weir itself – the trail takes you to a glance out level on the cliff overlooking the stone weir so you’ll be able to solely see it from above. The climate was pretty and clear that day so the colors of the ocean have been fairly superb when the solar was out.

Penghu Qimei Twin Heart Stone Weir Me
SUCH a windy day omg my hair appears to be like loopy

Since that is THE sight to see on Qimei, all of the tour buses cease right here and it will get tremendous crowded, however simply be a bit affected person and you may rating a pleasant spot alongside the wall for image.

Penghu Qimei Twin Heart Stone Weir Crowd
Yep it will get crowded!

Double Coronary heart Stone Weir 雙心石滬 (Shuang Xin Shi Hu) [Google maps]

Little Taiwan 小台灣

A brief drive away from the well-known Twin Coronary heart Stone Weirs on the east coast of Qimei is a barely much less well-liked rock generally known as the Little Taiwan rock as a result of… it appears to be like like the form of Taiwan on a map. Equally it is a lookout spot and never a rock you’ll be able to really stroll to straight.

Penghu Qimei Little Taiwan Sign
Welcome to Little Taiwan
Penghu Qimei Little Taiwan
It does appear to be Taiwan’s fundamental island
Penghu Qimei Little Taiwan Me
Once more extra loopy wind at this lookout spot

Little Taiwan 小台灣 (Xiao Tai Wan) [Google maps]

Shishi Scenic Space 石獅風景區

The Shishi or Stone Lion scenic space on the southeastern aspect of Qimei has some pretty views of geological rock options – the primary spotlight is after all the stone lion (which… doesn’t look significantly like a lion anymore imo). There was a small market once I visited the place you would choose up some native meals and souvenirs.

Penghu Qimei Shishi Scenic Area Viewpoint
The bit on the left are some fairly eroded rocks which apparently appear to be a dragon…
Penghu Qimei Shishi Scenic Area Market
Market space

Shishi Scenic Space 石獅風景區 [Google maps]

Apo Meat Dumpling 七美芳子肉粽

I used to be hungry at this level and determined to cease by this little store that was beneficial to me by my guesthouse girl referred to as A Po meat dumpling. Glutinous rice full of pork and doused in gravy makes for a fairly yummy lunch break.

Penghu Qimei Apo Meat Dumpling Shop
A po from the skin
Penghu Qimei Apo Meat Dumpling
Earlier than tucking in…

Apo Meat Dumpling 七美芳子肉粽 [Google maps] Open 530am – 130pm

Wang’an Island 望安

Subsequent cease, we backtrack our approach to Wang’an Island. The port is on the southeastern aspect of the island and I made my approach anti-clockwise across the island. I did pop by the Yuanyang Gap and Longdong Cliff alongside the best way however didn’t discover them significantly fascinating.

Xidongwei Tower 西洞尾燈塔

I discovered this specific tower in the course of nowhere on the western outskirts of Shui’an Village. Apparently it as soon as functioned as a lighthouse however is now not in use, besides it’s a fairly unconventional lighthouse.

Penghu Wangan Xidongwei Tower
The steps by the cliff
Penghu Wangan Xidongwei View
Right here’s what you’ll be able to see from the highest of the tower

Xidongwei Tower 西洞尾燈塔 [Google maps]

Tiantai Hill 天台山

The preferred viewpoint on Wang’an Island is Tiantai Hill. There’s a pleasant boardwalk and lookout space to see the ocean in addition to numerous Penghu’s well-known cactii rising throughout.

Penghu Wangan Tiantai Hill Lookout
Lookout level

For those who’re feeling sturdy, take a stroll down the paved path in the direction of the shoreline the place you’ll be able to see the eroded shoreline and caved. I used to be in flipflops so I handed on this!

Penghu Wangan Tiantai Hill Path View
Taking place…

More odd is that this specific rock with a ‘footprint’ indentation stated to be created by one of many legendary 8 immortals Lu Dong Bin. Dude apparently actually wanted to reply the decision of nature and with no rest room round, set his foot on this rock on Tiantai Hill to do his enterprise.

I swear I’m not making this up, that’s what it says on the indicators right here!

Penghu Wangan Tiantai Hill Footprint
Immortal footprint or only a handy gap?

Tiantai Hill 天台山 [Google maps]

Huazai Village 花宅聚落

On the western finish of Wang’an island is a small village with previous Penghu homes. Generally known as Huazai Village or Zhongshe village, it’s a pleasant place to wander round in for awhile although a number of the buildings have been deserted and left in fairly ramshackle situation. Numerous cats right here too!

Penghu Wangan Huazai Village Houses
Are you able to see the home windows that look kinda just like the Microsoft Home windows brand?
Penghu Wangan Huazai Village Well
A properly

Huazai Village 花宅聚落 [Google maps]

Issues to do in future

It looks as if I’ve carried out rather a lot, however there’s nonetheless fairly much more of Penghu that I wish to see:

  • Take pleasure in its seashores and water sports activities – I have to go when it’s hotter!
  • Go to the opposite islands – Jibei and its triple-heart stone weir and Hujing are 2 locations I wish to go to

For those who’re wanting or extra tips about the Penghu Islands, try my Penghu planning put up for tips about transport and lodging, or my Penghu Hidden Gems put up for some alternate options to the hotspots.

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