Where to stay on Orchid Island?
6 real-review picks
Taiwan's most isolated indigenous island

Orchid Island (蘭嶼, Lanyu) is wilder and more culturally significant — home to the Tao (Yami) indigenous people, flying fish ceremonies, hand-carved wooden boats, and underwater visibility of 30+ metres. Getting there is harder (fewer ferries, rougher crossing), accommodation is more basic, and there are real expectations around visitor behaviour out of respect for the community. Green Island (綠島) is easier to reach, more visitor-oriented, with more varied accommodation, a famous saltwater hot spring, and snorkelling at Shilang Beach in just 1–3 metres of water. First time visiting Taiwan's offshore islands? Start with Green Island. When you want something rawer and more culturally significant, come to Orchid Island.

Two options: (1) Ferry from Fugang Fishing Harbor (富崗漁港) in Taitung — about 2–2.5 hours, morning to early afternoon departures, roughly NT$800+ per person one way. Buy tickets online in advance during summer; they sell out. (2) Fly from Taitung Airport (TTT) to Orchid Island Airport (LZN) — around 15–40 minutes depending on the carrier, but flights are infrequent and more expensive. To reach Taitung from Taipei, take the HSR south to Zuoying then connect to TRA for Taitung, or catch a direct TRA Puyuma/Taroko Express from Taipei Main Station.

April to September is the sweet spot. Most notable windows: March–June is Flying Fish Season — the most culturally significant period in the Tao calendar, though visitor numbers are lower than peak summer. May–June offers excellent diving visibility without the July–August crowd. July–August is peak season — all properties open, scooter hire available everywhere, but book 1–2 months ahead. October to March brings typhoons, rough seas, frequent ferry cancellations, and most properties close. Orchid Island is not a year-round destination.

Very few — and those that exist may not accept foreign cards. It is strongly recommended to withdraw enough NT$ cash in Taitung before boarding the ferry or plane. Small Island Sea View accepts cash and bank transfer only. Most other properties also prefer cash. Budget for accommodation, food, scooter hire (NT$400–600/day) and any activities for your entire stay before you leave the mainland.

The range is wide: DoDoWu Homestay from NT$1,800 (cheapest on this list); Small Island Sea View / A-Lang Homestay / Two Fish Homestay from NT$2,000; Lanyu IGANG Hotel from NT$3,000; Lanyu My Home B&B from NT$3,500 (breakfast included). During High Season (June–August) rates increase and properties fill fast — book at least one to two months ahead, particularly IGANG which has only two rooms.

Both islands have excellent reefs, but they offer different experiences. Orchid Island: visibility regularly 30+ metres, genuine chance of whale shark sightings (March–May), blacktip reef sharks, and sea turtles at uncrowded dive sites. Requires a scooter to reach most entry points. Suited to experienced divers. Green Island: Shilang Beach (浮潛區) has coral in 1–3 metres of water — ideal for first-time snorkellers and beginners. Dive operations are more structured and easier to book. For divers who want world-class visibility and rarely-seen megafauna, Orchid Island is the stronger choice. For those who want an accessible introduction to Taiwan's reefs, Green Island wins.