Green Island

Green Island (綠島, Lǜdǎo), in Taitung County, is a small volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean off the southeast coast of Taiwan. Roughly 33 km from Taitung, it is a place of rugged volcanic coastline, coral reefs, and clear tropical water — and one of the most popular island getaways in Taiwan.

The island has a layered and at times sombre history. Long inhabited by fishing communities, in the twentieth century it became notorious as a site of political imprisonment: during Taiwan's martial-law era, prisons here held political detainees, and the legacy of that period is preserved today as a memorial. Since the lifting of martial law and the growth of tourism, Green Island has reinvented itself as a holiday destination centred on its marine environment — snorkelling, scuba diving, and a rare natural attraction, one of the world's very few saltwater hot springs.

Green Island has a tropical climate. The best months to visit are roughly spring through early autumn (April–October) for warm, clear water and good diving conditions, though high summer (July–August) is peak season and busiest. Typhoons are a real risk from summer into autumn, and rough seas can disrupt ferries and flights — Green Island's small size means that getting on or off can become weather-dependent, so build in flexibility. Winters are mild but breezy, with rougher seas. The island is ringed by a single coastal road, and most accommodation and services cluster in the main settlement on the west side near the harbour and airport.

By Plane

Green Island Airport (綠島機場, IATA: GNI) receives short domestic flights from Taitung; the flight takes only around 15–20 minutes. As with the other Taitung islands, flights are small and weather-dependent, and can be cancelled when winds pick up — leave schedule flexibility.

Green Island is small and circled by a single coastal road, so the standard way to get around is to hire a scooter — rental shops cluster near the harbour and main village, and an international or Taiwanese licence is generally required. The full island loop is short and easily done in a day. Bicycles are an option for fitter visitors who don't mind some hills. Some guesthouses offer pick-up and tours, and walking is fine within the main settlement. There is no metro or extensive bus network. Carry cash, as card facilities on the island are limited; there are no notable scams.

• Zhaori Saltwater Hot Spring (朝日溫泉) — the island's signature sight, on the southeast coast: one of only a handful of seawater hot springs in the world, with pools set right beside the ocean, best enjoyed at sunrise or under the stars.
• Green Island Human Rights Memorial Park / Oasis Villa (綠島人權紀念園區) — the preserved former political prison complex from the martial-law era, now a moving memorial to Taiwan's White Terror period.
• Green Island Lighthouse (綠島燈塔) — a white lighthouse on the island's northwestern tip, a classic photo stop.
• Guanyin Cave (觀音洞) — a coral cave containing a stalagmite revered as a Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) figure, a local pilgrimage site.
• Volcanic coastline and rock formations — distinctive sea-eroded features such as the Sleeping Beauty and Pekingese Dog rocks along the coastal road.
• Coral reefs — the surrounding waters are part of the attraction in themselves, with extensive reefs and marine life.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are the headline activities — Green Island has some of the best diving in Taiwan, with healthy coral, clear water, and dive operators based near the main village offering courses and guided dives. Soak in the Zhaori Saltwater Hot Spring, ideally at dawn. Ride a scooter around the island loop, stopping at the lighthouse, the coastal rock formations, and viewpoints. Visit the Human Rights Memorial Park for a sobering counterpoint to the beaches. Other options include sea kayaking, snorkelling with intertidal walks, glass-bottom-boat trips over the reefs, and simply relaxing on this quiet island.

Green Island's food centres on fresh seafood and casual Taiwanese fare, concentrated in the main settlement near the harbour.

• Budget: Small eateries, breakfast shops, and convenience stores in the main village serve simple meals and snacks for modest prices.
• Mid-range: Seafood restaurants in the village serve the day's catch — fish, squid, and shellfish — alongside Taiwanese rice and noodle dishes, typically in the NT$250–500 per person range.
• Upscale: Dining is mostly informal; the better guesthouses and the larger restaurants offer the most comfortable sit-down meals, at higher prices.

Vegetarian options are limited on a small island built around seafood; vegetarian travellers should ask in advance and stock up on supplies. Halal-certified dining is not available.

Bubble tea and other Taiwanese drinks are sold in the main village, and there are casual cafés and bars catering to the dive and holiday crowd. Taiwan Beer is the standard local lager, and a cold drink after a dive or hot-spring soak is the natural island ritual. Carry cash for drinks as elsewhere. Tap water is treated but most visitors drink it boiled or bottled.

• Budget: Backpacker guesthouses and simple homestays near the main settlement offer beds from roughly NT$600–1,200 per night, often higher in peak summer.
• Mid-range: Comfortable guesthouses and small B&Bs (民宿) provide rooms from around NT$1,500–3,500 per night, with rates rising sharply in the July–August high season.
• Upscale: A handful of higher-end resorts and well-appointed guesthouses offer more comfort at premium prices; book well ahead for summer and holidays.

Green Island is a relaxed beach destination rather than a shopping one. The main village near the harbour has convenience stores, dive shops, and small shops selling snacks, sun gear, and island souvenirs; dive operators sell or rent gear. Bring enough cash, as card payment is limited across the island. Prices are generally fixed.

• Taitung City (about 50 minutes by ferry or 15–20 minutes by air) — the mainland gateway, with museums and parks.
• Orchid Island (Lanyu) (reached via Taitung) — remote island of the indigenous Tao people.
• Zhiben (about 30 minutes from Taitung City) — forested hot-spring valley.
• Sanxiantai (up the coast from Taitung) — landmark eight-arched coastal footbridge.
• Dulan (north of Taitung City) — laid-back surf and arts village.
• East Rift Valley (Chishang, Guanshan) (reached via Taitung by train) — rice-paddy scenery and cycling.