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Lanyu

Taitung County  >  Taiwan

Small volcanic island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. Many birds and interesting endemic subspecies can be observed.

Added* by James Plover
Most recent update 15 May 2025

Description

Lanyu (also known as Orchid Island) is a small mountainous tropical island of 45 square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean. The scenery is spectacular including the volcanic rocky reef-strewn coastline, terraced taro fields and the concealed tropical forests of the central mountain area.

According to Birdlife, Lanyu has 47 resident bird species and 42 common migrants, with a total of 181 species being recorded on the island. Common residents are Lowland White-eye, Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher and Brown-eared Bulbul. The Philippine Cuckoo-Dove and Elegant Scops-Owl can be harder to spot. Whistling Green-Pigeon is much easier to find on Lanyu than in mainland Taiwan. Along the coastline you can find many species of herons, terns and waders.

Details

Access

Lanyu is located in the Pacific Ocean off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, about 60 km south-east of Taitung. A ferry operates from Taitungs Fugang Fishing Harbour on Tuesdays and Fridays, taking about four hours. Tickets should be purchased in advance as the island is a popular tourist destination. There are also daily flights by eight-seat light plane from Taitung. The flight takes 30 minutes. They are often full and should also be pre-booked.

There is public transport on the island that may be flagged down at any point on the 40 km long road round the periphery of the island. Renting a car as a foreigner can be challenging on Lanyu since most people drive motorbikes.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Sea

Conditions

Mountainous

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Car , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

There are many paths where you can explore the island. On the map below are just some suggestions, but there are many more options for walks.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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