Hello! Welcome to Green Island!
As a local guesthouse and dive shop owner, we've had the pleasure of hosting many international visitors.
Based on our experience, we want to share a few essential tips to make your trip run smoother. We've compiled the most important advice covering everything from pre-trip arrangements, transportation, travel season to accommodation.
1. 💸 Cash! Cash! Cash is King!
This is the biggest challenge faced by nearly every international visitor to Green Island: It is primarily a cash-based island, and financial services are extremely limited.
Most food stalls, independent coffee shops, scooter rental agencies, small souvenir shops, and many guesthouses only accept cash. Credit cards are generally accepted only at larger hotels, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart), and duty-free shops.
You may see some ATMs on Green Island, but they usually do not accept foreign debit or credit cards for cash withdrawals.
Therefore, we strongly advise: You must withdraw enough cash for your entire Green Island trip before heading to Fugang Harbor in Taitung, or in any major city on the main island of Taiwan. Once you are on the island, if you run out of cash, you may find yourself in a difficult situation with no easy way to get more!
2. Best Time to Visit: Choosing Your Perfect Island Getaway
Green Island is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique experience. As the weather is heavily influenced by monsoons, we've broken the year into three main periods to help you prepare based on your travel dates:
3. 🚢 Ferry Transportation:
Taitung ↔ Green Island Schedules and Booking
There are two ways to get to Green Island: by plane or by ferry. You can refer to the official links below for reference:
- How to get to Taitung: https://tour.taitung.gov.tw/en/traffic/taitung
- How to get to Green Island: https://tour.taitung.gov.tw/en/traffic/island
- Ferry Schedule & Booking: http://www.ezboat.com.tw/
Our Essential Ferry Tips:
If you are taking the ferry from Fugang Harbor in Taitung, please follow these key booking and boarding tips:
- Strong Suggestion: Always purchase Round-Trip Tickets! Buying a round-trip is more economical than buying two one-way tickets. Most ferry companies allow one free change to your return date/time; simply visit their ticket counter at Nanliao ticket center (Green Island) to make the adjustment.
- How to Book: Besides booking directly through the ferry company websites, you can also ask your local guesthouse to book on your behalf. The price is the same, but it can save you a lot of hassle!
- Ferry Cancellations: If the weather is poor (e.g., a typhoon in the summer or the Northeast Monsoon in the winter), ferry services may be adjusted or cancelled. It is crucial to check with your guesthouse or the ferry company for the latest updates before you travel.
- Seasickness Prevention: The rear (stern) of the boat is generally more stable than the front. Be sure to take seasickness medication one hour before boarding so the medicine has enough time to take effect, ensuring you have a comfortable 50-minute journey.
4. 🛵 Getting Around:
The Green Island Ring Road is only about 20 kilometers long. Here are the main ways to get around the island:
- Scooter (Motorcycle)
This is the core mode of transportation. It offers the greatest freedom and convenience for exploring every corner of the island. (International Driving Permit/License is required)
- Electric Bike
Suitable for visitors who do not possess a scooter license.
- Bicycle
Cycling around Green Island takes about 2-3 hours and is perfect for travelers who enjoy exercise and slow-paced travel. You can rent bicycles near the ferry terminal upon arrival or bring one over from Taitung.
- Walking
If you are enthusiastic about deeply exploring every hidden corner, walking is also a great way to experience the island up close. But walking the entire ring road is very time-consuming, and there is almost no shade on the main road during the summer. If you choose to walk the entire distance, prepare with proper sun protection and plan for extra time for rest stops.
⚠️ Gentle Reminder: Public transportation on Green Island is extremely limited and unreliable. We do not recommend planning your short trip around using it.
5. 🏠 Accommodation:
Choose Nanliao for Ultimate Convenience
Green Island offers a wide range of accommodation options that suit various budgets and preferences, available on all major booking platforms.
However, if you prioritize a smooth, convenient trip and competitive pricing, our suggestion is clear: Choose us!
Our location in Nanliao Village is not only your ferry gateway but also the absolute heart of Green Island.
- Time Saver: We are not far from the harbor—just a 4-minute scooter ride or a 20-25 minute walk.
- Easy Access to Food & Drink: Want barbecue, a cold beer, or sea-weed ice cream at night? The island's most popular restaurants and snacks are all within easy walking distance.
- Fully Equipped: Convenience stores and major activity booking spots are right next to you. Crucially, we also operate a dive shop, meaning you can book all your diving activities directly through us!
🌟 Plan Your Green Island Trip: We're Your Local Home!
We sincerely look forward to being your home away from home on Green Island.
- You are welcome to book your accommodation, activities, ferry tickets, scooter or package tours directly through our official website.
- If you have any special requests, questions, or need a customized itinerary, please feel free to contact us via our official Line or Instagram accounts!
Our local team is ready to provide professional assistance, making your Green Island planning simple and easy!