The big plus of staying at a hostel is that the owners will often go out their way to make your stay more enjoyable. They'll not only introduce you to the neighbors, but will also make sure that all village inhabitants know exactly who you are, where you come from and what you do.
There are hostels in five of the island's major townships, but if you're looking for a picturesque and rustic setting, then one of the best villages to stay in is Yehyin (野銀村). Located on the west side of the island, it's home to 100 people and is the only place on the island where village elders still reside in traditional Yami underground housing.
Visitors can circumnavigate Orchid Island on foot in a couple of days, but the best way to see it is to rent a scooter. The condition of the scooters isn't that great and chances are that either the speedometer, gas gauge, or both, will not work. But with daily rental costing an average of NT$300 per-day you can't really complain.
Helmets are not mandatory, but do take care as gravel trucks, cement mixers and buses can cause problems for the unwary. In addition to large vehicles, sections of the road are in pretty bad shape and there are plenty of blind corners.
Visitors can also explore the island by bus. It traverses the island every hour from between 8:30am and 4:30pm.
While the nuclear-waste storage facility remains a controversial issue among the island's population, who claim that it has been responsible for depleting fish stocks, would-be visitors shouldn't be deterred by its presence.
Although it's probably best to avoid swimming in the area adjacent to the nuclear-waste storage facility, other parts of the island are considered must-dives for underwater explorers.
Scuba diving has become a popular tourist pastime and a big money making venture for the locals over the past 10 years. The coral reefs that surround the island are some of the best in Asia. Each township has at least one scuba center and prices for trips begin at NT$1,000.
Dining out is, for the most part, a pretty hit-or-miss affair. The few restaurants that do exist serve modest fare. There are no menus and proprietors will either tell you or show you what they have in stock and will cook to order.
Other than enjoying the scenery and scuba diving there is little to do on Orchid Island. This is what makes a trip there so satisfying and the perfect getaway for anyone who needs a complete break for a few days.
Hotels:
Yehyou village (椰油村): The Lanyu Ocean International Hotel (蘭嶼海洋國際飯店), call (089) 229 482.
Hongtou village (紅頭村): The Lanyu Hotel (蘭嶼別館), call (089) 342 226.
Hostels:
Yehyin village (野銀村):
The Fuyin Hostel ( 恩民宿), call (089) 732 763.
The Yinhui Hostel (恩惠民宿), call (089) 732 979.
Yehyou village (椰油村):
The Lanshang Hostel (籃翔民宿), call (089) 732 236.
Hongtou village (紅頭村):
The Lanyu Hostel (蘭嶼民宿中心) (089) 731 601.
Yuren village (魚人村):
The Mingyun (明霞民宿) (089) 732 554.
Transport:
Air:
Daily Air Corporation (德安航空), call (089) 362 489.
Sea:
The Golden and Common Star Ferries (金星/恆星),
call (089) 281 477.
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