Cycling Around Green Island and Orchid Island: A Volcanic Coastal Riding Experience on Remote Pacific Islands

Two Volcanic Islands in the Pacific

Green Island and Orchid Island are both volcanic islands off the coast of Taitung, with ring roads of approximately 19 km and 37 km respectively. What they share are volcanic-rock coastlines, strong Pacific winds, and unique outlying-island cultures; where they differ is in terrain difficulty and cultural depth. For those who long for a ride on the sea, these are Taiwan’s purest island experiences.

Comparison of the Two Islands

Green Island: Short, with a Sea Hot Spring

The ring road around Green Island is about 19 km, and its biggest highlight is “Zhaori Hot Spring”—one of the world’s rare submarine hot springs. The route includes several short steep climbs; a full lap takes about 2 to 3 hours, making it suitable for a light one-day challenge.

Orchid Island: Raw and Tough

The ring road around Orchid Island is about 37 km, with more undulation than Green Island and strong Pacific winds. Its core value lies in the Tao (Yami) culture—underground houses, carved boats, and the flying-fish season. When riding, please respect tribal norms and do not photograph carved boats or tribal members without permission.

Cultural Etiquette for Riding on Orchid Island

Orchid Island is not a theme park; it is the ancestral home where the Tao people have lived for generations. Before riding, be sure to internalize the following rules—they matter more than any route information:

• Do not touch or photograph carved boats or flying-fish drying racks without permission: These are important property and objects of faith for the tribe. Always ask before photographing people or boats
• The flying-fish season (roughly February to June) carries traditional restrictions: Certain waters and behaviors are taboo; follow local notices and the reminders of your homestay host
• Underground houses are homes, not attractions: Do not enter them or walk on their roofs without permission
• Do not make loud noise or litter while riding around the island: Waste removal from outlying islands is extremely costly; be sure to take your trash back to Taitung

Put the attitude of a “guest” first, and Orchid Island will reward you with a cultural depth no other outlying island can offer. Green Island, meanwhile, centers its cultural core on human rights and prison history (the Green Island Human Rights Memorial Park), and it is equally worth stopping to understand that history while riding.

Ferry Service with Bikes and Itinerary Flexibility

Both islands are reached by ferry from Fugang Fishing Harbor in Taitung (some Orchid Island sailings also depart from Houbihu), with crossing times ranging from about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on sea conditions. Bike policies vary by ferry company: folding bikes can usually be carried aboard, while standard road bikes often incur an extra fee or depend on cabin space—be sure to call ahead to confirm and reserve. The most critical reminder is “sailings suspended due to sea conditions”—during the northeast monsoon season and around typhoons, sailings are highly prone to last-minute cancellation, which can leave you stranded on the island or unable to get there. Build at least one day of flexibility into your itinerary and prepare a backup plan for accommodation and costs in case you are forced to stay longer. Scooters and bicycles are also available for rent locally, so you can circle the island even without bringing your own bike.

Supplies and Timing

Supplies on both islands are concentrated in the main villages (Nánliáo on Green Island; Yéyóu/Hóngtóu area on Orchid Island), with few or no shops along the middle stretches of the ring road—be sure to stock up on water and food in the villages. Summer brings intense heat and sun with almost no shade, so an early-morning lap is recommended, along with thorough sun protection and hydration throughout.

Riding on an isolated island, you face yourself honestly. No convenience stores, no signal, no way back—only the sea, the wind, and a road that loops back to where you started. That is the most precious gift these outlying islands have to offer.

Related Reading

• Cycling Orchid Island: The Magnificent Scenery and Local Culture of an Outlying-Island Highway
• Riding Taiwan’s Outlying Islands: One-Day Route Planning for Penghu, Green Island, and Orchid Island
• Cycling Orchid Island: Where Tao Culture Meets the Pacific
• Cycling Taiwan’s Outlying Islands: Bicycle Route Features of Penghu, Kinmen, and Green Island