The Penghu Islands: A Retreat From the Retreats

Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Richard, in Alex Garland’s novel-turned-film, apparently made a wrong turn in his search for the perfect hideaway in the film “The Beach,” missing what many might consider the most beautiful beaches in the world. We are talking Southeast Asia, but no … not Thailand. Try a little farther east off the coast of the Island of Taiwan.

The archipelago known as the Penghu Islands, a collection of 64 small islands, bears the breathtaking beach views for which CGI could not do justice in any Danny Boyle film.

The county seat of the Penghu province and the most populous, Makung Island, becomes the entry point and most accessible island of the Penghu, also known as the Pescadores Islands.

Magong

Along with being the largest of the Penghu Islands, Magong also holds the oldest temple, at just under 400 years old. The temple called the Tianhou Gong (the Heavenly Mother’s Temple) is devoted to the goddess Matsu, the protector of fishermen and sailors, and features all kinds of intricate woodcarvings.

Homage to the goddess, in almost 150 temples, is symbolic throughout the Penghu Isles where fishing is the predominant occupation.

From Magong, you can begin visiting several other islands of the Penghu archipelago, and while each and every isle bears uncontested beauty, with their crystal and lava rock formations from the islands’ volcanic origins, the major highlights cannot be missed.

Qimei

Qimei, the southernmost of the island group, carries the legend of the “Seven Beauties,” from which the island and tomb get their name. The legend says that seven maidens, during an attack by Japanese pirates, leaped into a well to their death to avoid submission to the Japanese men, emphasizing the importance of the virtue of chastity.

The locals thereafter filled the well, making it a tomb, and somewhat miraculously seven trees grew there. The seven trees are still intact and visible today.

Another must-see is the “Double-Heart of Stacked Stones,” a large man-made fish weir (trap), which from an aerial view resembles two hearts on top of each other.

Jibei

Another well-known spot is Jibei Island, where all water-sporting activities are entertained. Baishawei Beach on the southwestern side of the island is known for its fine white sand. Jibei also hosts one of the more popular beaches, which juts out and is referred to as the “Sand Beach Beak.”

Wang’An

Another island, referred to as “Honeymoon Island” for its beautiful beaches, is Wang’an Island. While there are many sites to see on Wang’an, you cannot leave this island without seeing the rock bearing the footprint of Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals. The Eight Immortals are part of Chinese mythology, and Lu Dongbin is one of the more popular deities.

You might be puzzled at one element in the surroundings that doesn’t appear to fit. Oddly enough, cacti grow all over the Penghu, where they were absent 400 years prior. During the time of Dutch colonization, the Dutch introduced cacti to the Penghu land and people. Six different types of the cactus flourish there.

Best Beaches

But nothing tops the beauty of the secluded shimmering beaches along the crystal-clear shorelines. Caribbean beaches have been a favorite in the past, leading up to the current yet soon-to-be-waning time of the Thailand and Southeast Asian beach renaissance. But the Penghu Isles remains a sleeper for best beaches, and what more can a traveler wish for.

No hidden maps will be needed, just the garden-variety travel items: some sun tan lotion and a yearning for the history of the oldest human inhabitants in Taiwan.


This article is sponsored by and published in cooperation with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. For more information, please visit the Bureau’s official website.