A Day On Green Island, Taiwan 綠島

This past weekend we didn't really have a plan. We had a taxi drive us to the ferry early in the morning in hopes to get a ferry ticket to Green Island. We were the first to be put on the waiting list, got a call within ten minutes, and booked a hotel room as we were on the ferry. When we arrived, I tried to get a motorbike, but it was a failure. Before I even spoke to the man or woman would say, 沒有（may yo), which means, don't have. They didn't have any electric shooters.

I didn't bring my driver's license (bad move). I actually showed one of the guys a picture of my license that I emailed to myself awhile back, which you could barely see. He laughs, and says no. I am so frustrated at this point. I don't have an international drivers license (or my friend), which is my own fault. All I want to do is drop off my bags at the hotel and find some snacks since I got sick on the boat.

My friend calls the hotel to ask how to get there. She told us we need to rent a motorbike, which we couldn't do. So one of the workers at the hotel drives her motorcycle to the pier, drops us off one by one to this other motorcycle rental place further from the pier.

Palm trees, mountains and ocean can't get better than this

She talks to the shop owner and soon pulls out an electric shooter. She was trying to explain how to drive the motorcycle using this translation device. Maybe it was due to translation issues or my poor driving skills, the shop owner says: “Sorry” and takes the motorbike from me. I tried to get on the bike but she didn't want me to drive, and honestly I don't blame her. I don't think I was allowed to rent one anyways, since I don't have an international drivers license.

One of the views while riding

The lady drove us to a bicycle rental place instead. And viola! We were able to rent bicycles. Even though I really wanted to drive a motorcycle for the first time, it actually turned out for the best.  We didn't have to worry about charging the battery, injury, doing something wrong, or being charged for things we don't know about when we return it. Plus, I really didn't want to be responsible with another person on the back of the bike, since my friend didn't want to ride them in the first place.

Our transportation

We biked around almost the entire island trying to find our version of a "beach" within a day and a half we spent here.

On the first day, we drove counterclockwise around the island. We saw on Google maps that there was a “white sand beach”. It was a white sand beach. However, the waves did not come on to the shore. It had rocks and coral and the waves did not reach the beach. We were thinking that we could go and swim at one the the beaches. We are so hot from riding, we decided to lay in the water for a few minutes anyways.

White Sand Beach

On the day we were leaving, we woke up early and rode around the other parts of the island. We were planning to go to this hike to see the Little Great Wall, which looks like a mini Great Wall with views of the coast. Everything was uphill and we were exhausted from the day before. There was no way our legs could even walk the bikes up the hill. We stood there for quite some time to admire the view and turn back around.

View of Little Great Wall

This trip to Green Island was unbelievably beautiful, exhausting, and fun. Getting there was an adventure in itself. Despite of us getting sunburned, me getting sea sick, and people telling us we wouldn't be able to go, it was well worth it.

The weather couldn't have been anymore perfect. It was very hot the first day, about 30 degree Celsius. It rained lightly on Friday night which made Saturday much cooler with a nice breeze.

Endless coastline views

When you visit Taiwan, go to Green Island if you ever get a chance, especially during the warmer months. It seems like every few minutes we stopped to snap a picture. I still don't think my pictures do justice.

More coastline views

When you go to Green Island, I recommend having more of a plan. Bring an international driver's license, book ferry ticket in advance, and Google things to do. You won't be as stressed as we were (or at least me :p).

Me!

Side note: There are many restaurants with seafood and meat. However, there are vegetarian options at Mr. Hot Dog Restaurant Bar. :)