Three entirely different beach experiences on one island nation. We break down travel logistics, costs, underwater life and vibe so you can choose without second-guessing.
Skip the full article if you're in a hurry — here's the honest one-line answer for each travel style.
➡ Green Island — best visibility, healthiest coral, sea turtles on almost every snorkel, and a thriving dive industry. Not even close.
➡ Penghu — 90 islands, basalt columns, turquoise lagoons and Taiwanese fishing-village culture you won't find anywhere else.
➡ Kenting — no plane or slow ferry needed, widest accommodation range, most activities including a world-class aquarium.
➡ Kenting wins outright. Green Island is second. Penghu is the priciest of the three due to the domestic flight.
Costs are approximate NT$ per person for planning purposes — verify current prices before booking. ⚠️ Typhoons Jun–Oct affect all three.
| Dimension | 🏝 Penghu | 🌴 Green Island | 🌊 Kenting |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Getting there | Fly Taipei (TSA/TPE) → Magong (MZG) ~50 min, or ferry from Tainan ~2 hrs | Train/bus to Taitung then ferry ~50 min — 2 connections from Taipei | Direct bus from Taipei ~5 hrs, or train + scooter/taxi (simplest overall) |
| 💰 Cost (2 nights/person) | NT$15,000–25,000 (flight drives cost) | NT$8,000–15,000 | NT$4,000–10,000 (cheapest) |
| 🏖️ Beaches | White sand, vivid turquoise water, Jibei Sand Spit tidal bar | Clearest water of the three, coral right at shore, small and intimate | Multiple beaches (Baisha, Nanwan), surf at Jialeshui, easy swimming |
| 🤿 Activities | Island hopping, scooter touring, kayak, snorkel, basalt geology | Snorkelling, scuba, night dive, cycling around island (~17 km) | Surfing, SUP, national park hiking, aquarium, night market |
| 🏨 Accommodation | Mix of resorts, hotels and guesthouses in Magong and beach areas | Mainly small family-run minsu (B&Bs) — no large resorts | Widest range: hostels to luxury beach resorts |
| 📅 Best season | May–Oct (clear water, calmer wind) | Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct | Oct–Mar (dry season, cooler) |
| 🇬🇧 English-friendly | Limited — bring a translation app | Limited — some dive shops have EN staff | Moderate — tourist areas manage fine |
⚠️ Typhoons Jun–Oct can cancel ferries and flights to all three destinations — always check CWA.gov.tw before travel · Prices are estimates
Penghu (Pescadores) is an archipelago of 90 islands in the Taiwan Strait, roughly 50 km west of Taiwan's main island. What makes Penghu unlike anywhere else is the combination of vivid turquoise lagoons, otherworldly black basalt column formations and an authentic Taiwanese fishing-island culture that feels entirely apart from the mainland cities.
Getting there: fly from Taipei Songshan (TSA) or Taoyuan (TPE) to Magong Airport (MZG) in roughly 45–55 minutes. Airlines include UNI Air and Mandarin Airlines; budget fares start around NT$1,500–3,000 one-way. ⚠️ There are no direct flights from Bangkok to Penghu — you must transit through Taipei. An alternative is the ferry from Tainan's Budai port (~1.5–2 hours, NT$800–1,200 one-way).
Green Island (Lyudao / 綠島) lies 33 km east of Taitung in the Pacific Ocean. Only 15 km² in area, yet it punches far above its weight internationally as a dive destination. The coral reefs begin just metres from the shoreline, and the combination of warm Kuroshio Current water and Pacific nutrient upwelling keeps marine life density extraordinarily high.
Getting there from Taipei: take the Puyuma or Taroko Express train (or a bus) to Taitung — around 2–3 hours. Then transfer to a ferry from Fugang Harbour to Green Island — roughly 50 minutes, NT$350–500 one-way. ⚠️ Two connections from Taipei means two potential delays. Ferries are cancelled when seas exceed 3 metres, which is common October–March. Always build a buffer day into your itinerary.
Kenting occupies the very southern tip of Taiwan, surrounded by Kenting National Park — Taiwan's first national park, covering 181 km² of land and marine territory. Kenting is the right choice for first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants a beach holiday without complicated logistics. It's Taiwan's best-known domestic resort town for good reason.
Getting there: the Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport bus runs direct from Taipei Main Station to Kenting in roughly 4.5–5 hours (NT$500–650). Alternatively, take the High Speed Rail to Zuoying (Kaohsiung), then a bus or taxi south (~1.5 hours). Once there, rent a scooter (NT$300–500/day) to get around. For more detail on things to do, accommodation and day trips, see our full Kenting guide →
Kenting is the easiest of the three to reach — hotels we've fully reviewed with direct booking links.
Whether you choose Penghu, Green Island or Kenting — compare prices and check availability on Agoda and Trip.com.