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How to get around Xiaoliuqiu

March 28, 2022

There are a few choices for transport when on Xiaoliuqiu.


Scooter



This is by far the best option. It'll cost around NT$400 a day and can get cheaper if you rent for longer or go on a weekday. If you don't have a scooter license, opt for a small electric scooter that does not require a license and is a little easier to handle than a full-sized scooter. Most of the scooters here are 100-125cc. Once you step off the ferry, there will be vendors greeting you and offering to rent you scooters, so don't worry about trying to find them; they'll find you. 


Scooters generally cost around $400 per day. You can get $250-$300 per day with the vendors that greet you as you come off the ferry but I have heard some stories from visitors that they were charged another whole day for returning the scooter just 1-2 hours late. So be careful.


Bringing your scooter if you live in nearby towns or cities is the best option, which costs about NT$100 (prices are different for each ferry company) each way to bring on the ferry and saves you a bucket of money depending on how extended your stay is. If you get a gas-powered scooter and stay for a few days, it's unlikely you'll need to fill up the tank; if you do, there is only one gas station by Dafu.


There are options for electric scooters as well from Gogoro and other brands.

Electric Bike (E-bike)



An electric bike is a fantastic alternative to the scooter, albeit a slower one. You will struggle a little on the hills here, but overall it's still a great option. There is only one company I know of that rents these: Jgogo, located just a short walk from the Baishawan ferry terminal. No license is required.


Walking



I believe that walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise. If you love walking, this could be for you! Most places you can walk to within 30-45 minutes and can walk around the whole island in about 3 hours, or however long it takes to walk 12 kilometers. 


If you are staying near the Baishawan ferry terminal, many restaurants and convenience stores, as well as Vase Rock and Zhongao beach, are easily accessible by walking. Don't plan to walk everywhere you want to go if you have to hit a few locations around the island on the same day.


Recently we've had quite a few of our guests at our Air BnB not rent an e-bike or scooter and walk everywhere. But it is convenient from where we live as it's just a 5-minute walk to the city center and easy access to the ferry and two beaches.


Bike


Though I haven't seen anyone renting out standard bicycles, tourists bring them over on the ferry and some MAMILs (Middle Aged Men in Lycra) ride around the island. There is enough road and hills to make riding here give you a little challenge and some great views. I have read that some guesthouses do rent them out.

Book/Rent a Car


You can book a car service for NT$200 for anywhere on the island one way. You can also book a car for the whole day or per hour. Check the phone numbers in the photo below. From our experience, booking a car ahead of time is best if you plan on having them pick you up from dinner. And no, there is no Uber here. English-speaking private car pick up service available too, shoot a message to us to see if we are around the corner!

If you prefer to drive a car on your own or need help booking a car with a driver for the day, please get in touch with us here.

For tourists looking to rent a car to explore the island, please note the following important points:


Driving License:

  • You must have a valid international or Taiwanese driving license.


Deposit:

  • A deposit of 20,000NT (or the equivalent in any currency) is required at the rental office before you can take the car.
  • The deposit will be returned to you after the car is returned intact.



Pick-Up and Return Process:

  • Pick up the car at the pier.
  • The rental office boss will drive you to the office to sign the necessary paperwork.
  • After signing, you are free to start your journey!
  • On the day of return, bring the car back to the pier, allowing you to access the boat right away.


Public Bus


I've never taken the public bus, nor have I heard of anyone ever taking it, but if you want more information, check out this link. There is no English information on it that I can find. If you have ever taken the. bus, let me know what you think. It could be an excellent option to take a ride around the island.

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