Penghu: Taiwan’s Island Paradise
Tucked between Taiwan and mainland China lies a sparkling archipelago that many travelers overlook—Penghu. With over 90 islands and islets scattered across the Taiwan Strait, Penghu is a world of crystal-clear waters, historic fishing villages, and jaw-dropping sea cliffs. It’s a destination where tradition meets tranquility, offering a slower pace of life that’s perfect for beach lovers, photographers, and anyone craving an off-the-beaten-path escape.
Whether you’re watching fireworks burst over the sea at the Penghu International Fireworks Festival or enjoying fresh seafood at a harbor-side night market, Penghu delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
The Best Month to Visit
The best time to travel to Penghu is from May to July every year before the typhoon season. This period is also the time when Penghu Island holds its famous summer event every year – the Penghu International Fireworks Festival.
May to September every year is the peak tourist season in Penghu, and the island is crowded with people. During this period, the daytime temperature is above 30 degrees and the nighttime temperature is around 25 degrees, which is very suitable for outdoor water activities.
It is not recommended to travel to Penghu in winter unless you are going there specifically for windsurfing. Because Penghu is made up of open islands, strong winds will occur on the islands.
Things to Know Before You Go to Penghu
Thinking of heading to Penghu, Taiwan’s stunning archipelago in the Taiwan Strait? With its turquoise waters, historic villages, and wind-carved basalt cliffs, Penghu is a dream destination—but it’s also a place where a little preparation goes a long way. Here are the key things to know before your island getaway:
What to Pack
- Sunscreen and windproof jackets: Penghu is both sunny and famously windy.
- Swimsuit and sandals: For beach days and water sports.
- Snorkeling gear (optional): Some travelers prefer to bring their own.
How to Get Around
- Scooter rental is the most popular and flexible way to explore. You’ll need an international driver’s permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement if you’re a foreign visitor.
- E-bikes and car rentals are also available to explore the islands freely.
- Local buses exist, but are limited and not ideal for sightseeing.
- Ferries between smaller islands are available from Magong Harbor if you plan to island-hop.
Local Food to Try
Cactus ice cream: A Penghu specialty—bright pink and sweet-tart.
Seafood rice porridge: Comforting and fresh.
Grilled squid & flying fish roe sausages: Found at night markets and harbors.
Respect Nature & Culture
- Penghu is known for its traditional villages, temples, and UNESCO-protected basalt formations. Please don’t climb or collect rocks.
- Be mindful of seasonal closures for certain beaches or protected marine zones.
Quick Tips
- Bring cash: Many small shops and local eateries don’t take cards.
- Bring your EasyCard: It’s handy once you’re back on the main island for buses and convenience stores.
- Wi-Fi and signal can be weak in remote areas—download maps in advance.
- Book accommodation early in peak season.
- Book your flights early: Flights to Penghu are usually small planes, and there are no seats during peak season, so you can only waitlist.
- Be prepared for delays or cancellations: In autumn and winter, flights to Penghu are often delayed or cancelled due to strong winds, heavy rains and other reasons.
How to get to?
Penghu may feel like a remote tropical escape, but getting there is surprisingly easy. Located off Taiwan’s west coast, this archipelago is reachable by plane or ferry, depending on your travel style and schedule.
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Penghu is by plane. There are regular flights from many cities (Taipei, Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan Kaohsiung, Kinmen) in Taiwan every day, and all of these flights land at Magong Airport in Penghu. If you are staying overnight in Taipei, flying from Songshan Airport is very convenient as you can even take the Taipei MRT to Songshan Airport (BR13 Exit 1).
Your Gateway to Taiwan’s Island Paradise. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get to Penghu, plus some handy tips to make your trip smooth and scenic.
By Plane (Fastest and Most Convenient)
Some countries have one or two direct international flights to Kaohsiung or Taichung. You can check flights in your country for a quicker connection to Penghu. International travelers will almost always arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), where you’ll then need to take the Airport MRT to Taipei Songshan Airport, or take a train/THSR to another city to catch a ferry.
The easiest way to get to Penghu is by domestic flight to Magong Airport (MZG), the main airport on Penghu’s largest island. Almost all flights from Taiwan to Penghu land at Penghu Magong Airport. One-way fares are around NT$1,500-2,500, depending on departure location, time and season.
Taipei Songshan Airport to Penghu: 60 minutes (20 flights daily)
Round trip fare: about NT$3700-5000 (USD$120-160)
Taichung Airport to Penghu: 40 minutes (3 flights daily)
Chiayi Airport to Penghu: 35 minutes (1 flight daily)
Tainan Airport to Penghu: 30 minutes (3 flights daily)
Kaohsiung Airport to Penghu: 40 minutes (15 flights daily)
Kinmen Airport to Penghu: 45 minutes (Thu. and Sat. flights)
If you want to skip the main island of Penghu Magong, you can take Daily Air from Kaohsiung Airport and fly directly to the two small islands of Qimei or Wangan.
Kaohsiung Airport to Qimei: 40 minutes (2 flights daily)
Kaohsiung Airport to Wangan: 45 minutes (1 flight on Mondays and 1 flight on Fridays)
Airlines: Uni Air
As a domestic airline under the EVA Air Group, Uni Air specializes in short-haul flights that link Taiwan’s major cities to its outlying regions and islands – including Penghu, Kinmen, Taitung, and Hualien. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Taipei, Uni Air operates a reliable fleet of ATR 72-600 turboprops and Airbus jets, designed for safe and smooth travel even on Taiwan’s shorter, regional routes.
Airlines: Mandarin Airlines
A subsidiary of the China Airlines Group, Mandarin Airlines plays a vital role in connecting Taiwan’s major cities with its outlying islands and select regional international destinations. Founded in 1991, Mandarin Airlines has built a solid reputation for reliability and service excellence.
Airlines: Daily Air (Qimei or Wangan)
Daily Air Corporation, established in 1992, is a Taiwanese regional airline headquartered in Taipei’s Songshan District. Originally founded as a helicopter operator, Daily Air expanded its services to include fixed-wing aircraft in 2005, becoming the first Taiwanese airline to operate both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft .
Pro Tip: Book early during holidays or festival season (April–June) as flights sell out fast.
By Ferry (Budget-Friendly but Slower)
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, budget-friendly, and ocean-scenic way to reach Taiwan’s beautiful Penghu Islands, then taking a ferry is a great alternative to flying. While not as fast as a plane, ferry rides offer a memorable maritime journey across the Taiwan Strait, perfect for adventure seekers and slow travelers. The ferry from Kaohsiung Port takes about 4 hours, while the express boat from Chiayi only takes 1.5 hours.
You can also choose to take a ferry from Taiwan to Penghu. Most ferries depart from Budai Port in Chiayi. You can also take a ferry from Kaohsiung Port, but the journey will be longer. However, there are also ferries departing from Kaohsiung Port at night, which is a very different experience. You can sleep on the boat for one night and arrive in Penghu in the morning for breakfast. Main Ferry Ports to Penghu:
Chiayi ↔ Penghu
Chiayi Budai Harbor ↔ Penghu Magong (1.5 hours)
Round trip fare: about NT$1500 (USD$48)
Chiayi ↔ Penghu Ferry Ticket from Klook (Including shuttle bus transfer)
Kaohsiung ↔ Penghu
Kaohsiung Port ↔ Penghu Magong (4-5 hours)
Round trip fare: about NT$1800 (USD$58)
Kaohsiung ↔ Penghu Ferry Ticket from Klook
Ferry schedules depend on weather and sea conditions. Summer typhoons may cause cancellations. If you get travel sickness, you may want to take the tablet 30 minutes before you board the ferry.
Check out the ferry information here.
Penghu has strong winds and high waves, so the possibility of ferry cancellation is greater than that of flight cancellation. The ferry ride is quite uncomfortable so many people may get seasick throughout the journey and the boat also smells like vomit. If you suffer from motion sickness you may need to take a pill 30 minutes before boarding the ferry.
