Cycling Around Orchid Island: A Meeting of Tao Culture and the Pacific Ocean

Orchid Island (in the Tao language: Pongso no Tao, meaning “Island of the People”) is Taiwan’s southernmost inhabited island, located approximately 90 kilometers off the coast of Taitung, with an area of about 45 square kilometers. It is the homeland of the Tao people (formerly known as the Yami), preserving one of Taiwan’s most complete Austronesian indigenous cultures.

The island’s ring road stretches about 37 kilometers in total, built along the coastline with gentle elevation changes. The scenery along the way includes basalt formations, coral reefs, rocky shores, and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of Taiwan’s most unique island cycling experiences.

Basic Information

How to Get to Orchid Island

By Plane: Small propeller planes fly from Taitung Fongnian Airport to Orchid Island (Daily Air), taking about 25 minutes, with several flights daily. Bicycles can be checked as cargo (requires disassembly, additional fees apply).

By Ferry: High-speed ferries operate from Taitung Fugang Fishing Harbor to Orchid Island, taking about 2.5 hours. Multiple departures daily in summer; schedules are less stable in winter due to sea conditions. Bicycles can be transported with a purchased ticket.

Recommendation: Take the early ferry from Taitung (around 7:00 AM) to have a full day of riding.

Bicycle Rental

Several rental shops on Orchid Island offer bicycles (including electric-assist bicycles) for rent, with fees around NT$300–500 per day. Since the island’s slopes are challenging for average visitors, electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) are very popular.

If you plan to bring your own bicycle from the Taiwan mainland, you’ll need to factor in shipping costs and time, which may not be worthwhile.

Ring Road Route (Clockwise Direction)

Starting Point: Kaiyuan Harbor Pier

Most visitors start from Kaiyuan Harbor Pier (northern end) and ride clockwise (heading east), which is the most recommended direction, as the slopes in this direction are mostly “short climbs with long descents,” making for a more comfortable ride.

Segment 1: Kaiyuan Harbor → Yeyin Village (Approximately 8 km)

Heading east, you’ll pass Yeyou Village (the island’s largest fishing harbor settlement), then continue south to reach Yeyin Village.

Yeyin Village’s Underground Houses:
The Tao people’s traditional dwellings are called “underground houses,” built into hillsides with half of the structure buried below ground to withstand typhoons and salt-laden winds. Yeyin Village preserves the most complete cluster of underground houses on Orchid Island. Viewed from above, the rooftops of the entire village sit almost level with the ground—a truly unique sight.

Segment 2: Yeyin → Dragon Head Rock → Dongqing Bay (8–16 km)

This section features the most spectacular natural scenery of the entire loop:

Dragon Head Rock: A dragon-head-shaped rock formation created by basalt erosion, standing amid the waves
Dongqing Bay: The most beautiful bay on Orchid Island, where clear azure waters contrast with white coral rocks
Dongqing Village: A good place to rest and resupply at village shops, and to try traditional Tao food

Segment 3: Dongqing → Iraralay Village → Orchid Island Lighthouse (16–27 km)

Heading south around the island’s southern tip, this section has the most undulating terrain with several short steep slopes (gradients of about 8–10%), and also offers the most expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.

Orchid Island Lighthouse: Located at the island’s southern end, it is one of Taiwan’s southernmost manned lighthouses, with views spanning the entire Bashi Channel.

Iraralay Village: One of the island’s most traditional villages, still preserving the Tao people’s fishing culture and customs.

Segment 4: Orchid Island Lighthouse → Hongtou Village → Kaiyuan Harbor (27–37 km)

Heading north back to the starting point. Hongtou Village is the island’s administrative center, with more shops and restaurants, making it the final resupply point.

Flying Fish Culture: The Tao People’s Annual Ritual

Flying fish (in the Tao language: alibangbang) are central to Tao dietary culture. Each year from March to June is the flying fish season, when Tao men head out to sea in traditional carved boats (tatala) to catch flying fish—the island’s most important annual ritual.

If you happen to ride during flying fish season, scenes you might witness:

• Men of the tribe preparing carved boats to go to sea
• Flying fish hung under eaves to air-dry (the Tao people’s traditional preservation method)
• The fish-invoking ceremony held in the village square

Note: Flying fish culture has strict taboos and regulations. Visitors should respect these taboos and ask tribal members for permission before taking photographs.

Riding Tips

Sea Winds

Sea winds are the biggest challenge when cycling on Orchid Island, especially on west-facing sections (in the afternoon), where strong winds can reach 7–10 m/s, creating tremendous riding resistance. It’s recommended to set out in the morning so that most of your route is completed before the strong afternoon winds pick up.

Sun Protection

Orchid Island lies south of the Tropic of Cancer, where UV radiation is intense, and reflection off the sea surface doubles the risk of sunburn.

Supplies

Each village has small shops, but their selection is limited. It’s recommended to carry plenty of water (at least 1.5 L) and snacks.

Conclusion

Cycling around Orchid Island is more than just a ride—it’s a cultural immersion. Amid the blue of the Pacific, the totemic paintings on carved boats, the ancient craftsmanship of underground houses, and the reverence for the ocean in the eyes of Tao men all reveal that Taiwan still has a place like this—utterly different from the Taiwan of mountains or the Taiwan of the plains.

With respect and curiosity, Orchid Island will show you a different side of Taiwan.

Related Reading

• Cycling Around Orchid Island: The Magnificent Scenery and Local Culture of an Offshore Island Road
• Green Island and Orchid Island Cycling: Volcanic Rocky Shore Riding on Pacific Islands
• Taiwan’s Offshore Island Rides: One-Day Route Planning for Penghu, Green Island, and Orchid Island
• Taiwan Cycling Ring Road Southern Route: Tropical Riding from Pingtung to Taitung