If you’ve traveled around Taiwan long enough, you’ll eventually hear somebody say:
“Have you been to Xiaoliuqiu (AKA, Lambai Island) yet? You HAVE to go.”
The first few times I heard this, I shrugged it off. I had plenty of Taiwan islands on my list already — Green Island, Penghu, Orchid Island — so how good could a tiny coral island off Pingtung really be?
Turns out: very good. Maybe too good.
I finally visited Xiaoliuqiu after living in Taiwan for years, and honestly, I still can’t believe I waited so long. Picture this: warm turquoise water, no traffic lights, sea turtles swimming beside you like it’s their day job, beaches made of eroded coral, sunset viewpoints that make you forget what time it is, and a slow island rhythm that sticks to your skin.
Welcome to Xiaoliuqiu — the easiest tropical escape in Taiwan and one of the most effortless weekend trips you can take from Kaohsiung or Pingtung.
This guide is everything I wish I’d known before my first trip: how long to stay, which beaches actually have sand (not many!), where to snorkel with turtles, what to eat, and how to avoid rookie mistakes like missing the ferry or getting your scooter stranded at low tide (yes, that happens).
⭐ What Is Xiaoliuqiu (And Why Is It So Special)?
Xiaoliuqiu — sometimes called Liuqiu Island or Little Liuqiu or Lambai Island — is a coral island off the coast of Pingtung in southern Taiwan. The entire island is only about 6.8 square kilometers, which means you can drive around it in about 15–20 minutes.
But despite its small size, Xiaoliuqiu is packed with natural beauty:
◉ Coral caves
◉ Sea stacks
◉ Cliffs and tide pools
◉ Sea turtles everywhere
◉ Bright, warm water year-round
◉ Glowing sunsets
◉ A relaxed island pace you start to miss before you even leave
Unlike volcanic islands like Green Island or Lanyu, Xiaoliuqiu is fully coral — which means crystal-clear water and fascinating limestone formations everywhere.
And the biggest reason travelers visit:
🐢 Xiaoliuqiu Is the Best Place in Taiwan to See Sea Turtles
Yes. Wild sea turtles. You don’t need a boat, a tour, or a scuba license. Just a mask and snorkel.
I’ve snorkeled in a lot of places around Asia — Okinawa, Philippines, Indonesia — but Xiaoliuqiu is one of the few where seeing turtles is almost guaranteed.
They glide past you like gentle underwater grandpas, politely ignoring your existence while they munch on sea grass.
If you’re wondering whether it’s ethical: yes, it’s legal and allowed here — as long as you stay 5 meters away. Please do.
📍 How to Get to Xiaoliuqiu
1. From Kaohsiung
◉ Train or MRT to Kaohsiung Zuoying
◉ Switch to bus to Donggang Ferry Terminal
◉ Ferry to Xiaoliuqiu
Total time: 1.5–2 hours
2. From Tainan
Take the TRA to Kaohsiung → bus to Donggang → ferry
The Ferry
◉ Departs roughly every 30–60 minutes
◉ 20–25 minutes travel time
◉ Tickets cost about NTD 200–230
Buy your ticket on-site. No need to overthink it.
🌤️ When to Visit Xiaoliuqiu
Xiaoliuqiu is warm all year, but each season has its personality:
Spring (March–May)
Perfect weather. Light breeze. Still quiet.
Summer (June–September)
Tropical, hot, crowded, good snorkeling.
Great if you like heat.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
My favorite. Warm water + no typhoons.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Still swimmable. 22–26°C water.
A total escape from northern Taiwan cold.
🛵 Getting Around
Scooter is king!
1. Rent a scooter (most common)
Rental shops everywhere near the harbor.
2. Electric scooters (no license needed)
Popular for families or anyone without a motorcycle license.
3. Bicycles
Okay, but the island has hills and heat. Prepare to sweat.
4. Walking
Not recommended except for short distances.
The loop road is basically a long scenic drive with sea views popping through the trees.
🏖️ Best Beaches in Xiaoliuqiu (Some Actually Have Sand!)
(Remember: coral island = lots of rocks.)
1. Secret Beach
A small, sandy cove with shallow water — great for families and sunset photos.
2. Geban Bay (Venice Beach)
Probably the most “Instagrammable” beach on Xiaoliuqiu. Clear water, white sand, dramatic cliffs.
3. Zhongao Beach (中澳沙灘)
The main sandy beach near the town center. Good for swimming, snorkeling, and rental shops.
4. Vase Rock Beach
More rocks than sand, but excellent for sunrise photography.
🐢 Where to Snorkel With Sea Turtles in Xiaoliuqiu
Here’s the truth: turtles appear almost everywhere. But the top spots include:
Baishawei (白沙尾)
Calm water. Frequent turtle sightings.
Houshi Fringing Reef (厚石裙礁)
Amazing coral formations. Great visibility.
Meiren Cave Area (美人洞)
Drop in near the cliffs for deeper waters and bigger turtles.
Zhongao Beach
Beginner-friendly, lifeguards on duty.
Ethics reminder:
• Stay 5 meters away
• Never touch turtles
• Don’t stand on coral
• Avoid sunscreen in the water (use rashguard)
🌅 Best Sunset Spots in Xiaoliuqiu
The island’s west coast faces the sun — so you’re spoiled.
Top sunset locations:
◉ Secret Beach
◉ Wild Boar Ditch (豬灣)
◉ Sunset Pavilion
◉ Houshi Shoreline
Bring a drink, sit down, breathe.
This is what Xiaoliuqiu is all about.
🌿 Natural & Geological Sites in Xiaoliuqiu
The island’s coral-limestone geology means lots of caves and cliffs.
1. Black Dwarf Cave (烏鬼洞)
A dramatic lookout point with both history and mystery.
2. Beauty Cave (美人洞)
Great coastal walking route.
3. Wild Boar Trench
Amazing tide pools at low tide.
4. Vase Rock
The classic Xiaoliuqiu photo spot.
The coral “mushroom rock” looks best at sunrise.
🍜 What to Eat in Xiaoliuqiu
Small island, big appetite.
Must-try foods
◉ Tuna sushi / sashimi
◉ Grilled seafood
◉ Flying fish roe
◉ Seaweed noodles
◉ Fresh mango smoothie
◉ Taiwanese fried chicken (yes, it’s everywhere)
◉ Ocean-view brunch cafés
Most restaurants cluster around the ferry harbor and the main town roads.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Xiaoliuqiu
1. Sea-view boutique B&Bs
Best for couples.
2. Hostels
Affordable and social.
3. Family inns
Kid-friendly, many offer BBQ.
4. Villa-style accommodations
Groups and weekend getaways.
Because the island is small, location doesn’t matter much.
Choose based on:
◉ sunset vs. sunrise side
◉ proximity to beaches
◉ proximity to beaches
whether you want peace or lively streets
🚤 How Many Days Do You Need in Xiaoliuqiu?
1 Day
Possible, but rushed. You’ll wish you stayed longer.
2 Days (Recommended)
Snorkeling + scooter trip + beaches.
3 Days
Perfect slow island pace. Time to try everything.
📸 The Famous Spots You’ll See on Instagram
✿ Vase Rock
✿ Geban Bay
✿ Secret Beach
✿ Sunset Pavilion
✿ Coral caves
✿ Sea turtles (of course)
The entire island is basically one giant photo shoot.
🌱 Ecology & Conservation in Xiaoliuqiu (Important!)
Because Xiaoliuqiu is a coral island, it’s fragile.
Biggest environmental issues:
✺ Too many tourists
✺ Coral bleaching
✺ Sunscreen chemicals
✺ People standing on coral
✺ Feeding sea turtles (illegal!)
How to protect Xiaoliuqiu
✺ Wear a rashguard instead of sunscreen
✺ Don’t step on coral
✺ Don’t chase turtles
✺ Avoid plastic bottles
✺ Support eco-friendly shops
The island’s beauty depends on all of us taking care of it.
📍 Nearby Places to Visit After Lambai Island
If you want to extend your trip:
1. Kenting National Park
Beaches, cliffs, coastal drives.
(Just 1.5 hours away.)
2. Kaohsiung
Harbor culture, art districts, night markets.
3. Pingtung
Cocoa farms, indigenous culture, countryside roads.
These pair perfectly with Xiaoliuqiu for a southern Taiwan adventure.
✔️ Final Tips for Visiting
✺ Bring a waterproof phone pouch
✺ Wear reef shoes
✺ Book accommodation early on weekends
✺ Rent scooters as soon as you arrive
✺ Sunsets are later than you think (don’t leave too early!)
✺ Snorkel at high tide for easier entry
🌴 Why Xiaoliuqiu Stays in Your Heart
Xiaoliuqiu is the island people visit “just for a night” and then stay for three. It’s the place where time slows down, the water is always warm, and sea turtles glide by like old friends.
Whether you come for beaches, snorkeling, sunsets, or simply to escape the noise of Taiwan’s cities, Xiaoliuqiu has a way of lifting your shoulders and uncluttering your mind.
A small island that feels surprisingly big — in memories, in colors, in calmness.
And yes, once you leave, you’ll probably start planning your next trip back.
📣 Planning a Trip to Taiwan? We Can Help.
If Taiwan is calling your name, our team at Justaiwantour is ready to create a seamless and unforgettable journey for you. Whether you’re looking for the comfort of a private driver-guide, an easy and well-organized shore excursion, or a fully customized family itinerary, we offer curated experiences for every type of traveler. We also handle corporate and MICE groups, bringing professional coordination and local insight to your team’s visit.
From wandering through the lantern-lit alleys of Jiufen and Shifen, marveling at the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge, cruising across the tranquil waters of Sun Moon Lake, to catching the legendary sunrise in Alishan, we design every moment to match your interests and pace. If you prefer to dive into Taiwan’s city life, we’ll take you through Taipei’s vibrant neighborhoods, bustling markets, and world-class food scene—including hands-on highlights like pineapple cake DIY workshops.
Need convenience from the moment you land? We provide reliable airport pick-up services to ensure your trip starts smoothly.
Share your travel dates and preferences with us, and we’ll craft the perfect, tailor-made Taiwan itinerary—personalized, local, and truly memorable.