Fishing: Grouper, sea bream, shark and other big-game fish can be caught in Penghu's waters. The best idea is to charter a boat with a knowledgeable captain. The night fishing trip for squid is less exotic than it sounds, though a big sky full of shooting stars can make up for this. Ou Chen-chang (歐振昌) runs a boat, call (06) 921 0250, or arrange a trip through your hotel.
Snorkeling and Scuba diving: Abundant coral reefs are home to thousands of different types of tropical fish and the clarity of the sea makes Penghu a first-rate diving destination. Make sure your diving instructors are approved by PADI or another reputable organization. See Liquid sports rental, above.
Chipei Island: For general horsing around in the sea and on the beach, the island has a holiday center, with rows of air conditioned beach huts that can be hired if you wish to spend more than a day. A range of activities can be enjoyed on the island, or islands nearby, including paragliding, hangliding, power boating, water skiing, banana boating and blazing across the sand dunes in a sand buggy. Arrange through your hotel, travel agent, or call Chihpei Sea Amusement Center (06) 993 1251, Chen An-ting (
Birdwatching: Penghu is a stopover point for many of East Asia's migratory birds. Mao Yu Island is a relatively famous seabird reserve that is home to tens of thousands of terns. Boat trips around the island of Ji Shan Yu, Ding Gou Yu and Tie Zhan Yu can also be arranged. More information at Penghu County Wild Birds Association (06) 993 3006.
Cycling: If you can deal with the wind, then cycling around Penghu in a day is a challenge worth taking. Amateur racers like the open roads and long coastal views.
When to go: Some people say Penghu is a place to stay clear of in the winter as there are brutal winds from around October to April. Of course, this is the primary reason many surfers and windsurfers visit. In summer the wind dies down a bit and the weather is dry and the sun's rays are strong, so don't forget the Factor X sunblocker.
Where to stay: There are plenty of mid-range hotels, though it is best to arrange in advance through a travel agent. Many people go straight to Chipei, where there are estates of beach shacks, most with air conditioners. Stays on remote islands can be arranged and there is a large camping area at Hsiaomen Camping and Vacation Area, to the north of Penghu.
How to get there: Taipei's Sungshan domestic airport is the main gateway to Makung, Penghu, though there are flights from Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan and Chiayi. Flight schedules change monthly, so it is best to check through a travel agent. A return trip to Penghu used to cost around NT$3,000, but are currently on discount, up to half price.
There are also ships from various smaller ports and Kaohsiung, but people who have tried it under difficult conditions said they wouldn't do it again.
Finally: The North Sea Tourist Service Center (06) 993 30082 is a good source of information, and a Penghu County Police Bureau 24-hour service line has been set up "to ensure the safety of foreign tourists and alien residents" (0934) 080 110.
Penghu County Government tourist Web site
in English: http://www.penghu-nsa.gov.tw/new/english/frame.asp
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