Liuqiu Island's BEST Kept Secret: Stunning B&Bs Await!
Liuqiu Island's BEST Kept Secret: Stunning B&Bs Await! - A Review (Finally, a Good One!)
Alright, let's be honest, I'm a seasoned traveler. I've seen more hotels than I've had hot dinners (and trust me, that's a lot). So, when I heard whispers of "Liuqiu Island's BEST Kept Secret: Stunning B&Bs Await!" I rolled my eyes. Another overhyped tourist trap, right? Wrong. So very wrong.
I'm here to tell you, folks, that Liuqiu Island – a tiny, coral-kissed gem off the coast of Taiwan – is a revelation. And its B&Bs? Forget sterile hotel chains; prepare for soul-soothing stays. This review? It's a messy, honest, and occasionally rambling love letter to this island paradise and the quirky, wonderful B&Bs that call it home.
Accessibility (Mostly Good News!)
Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Accessibility on Liuqiu Island isn't perfectly flawless, but the B&Bs, bless their hearts, are trying. While I didn't see anything explicitly wheelchair accessible (not a dealbreaker for me, but important to note), some B&Bs mentioned they were actively working on facilities for disabled guests. The island itself is relatively flat, making getting around easier than some other Taiwanese islands. Expect narrow streets, though. Elevator presence is, understandably, limited on such small properties, so inquire beforehand if stairs are a concern.
Internet Access - Thank the Gods for Wi-Fi!
Listen, I need my internet. I'm a travel blogger, a freelancer… I'm practically attached to the digital world. Thankfully, these B&Bs get it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a universal promise, and thankfully, they delivered. The connection wasn't always blazing fast (you're on an island, people!), but it was consistently reliable, allowing me to upload my photos (gloriously bright, coral-and-ocean photos!), and keep in touch with the outside world. Internet access – wireless and Internet were both present and accounted for. I didn't see any Internet [LAN] so don't expect to wire up your computer.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe & Sound
This is where Liuqiu Island really shines. Every B&B I visited (and I visited a LOT, doing "research," of course) took cleanliness and safety incredibly seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays were the norm. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. You'll find smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers in every room, and a general feeling of security. Some B&Bs even had that extra layer by ensuring Security [24-hour]. Feeling relaxed is key, and that was very present here!
They're also prepared - almost all have the basics like a First aid kit, and a Doctor/nurse on call.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food!
Oh, the food! This is where Liuqiu absolutely blew me away. Forget bland hotel buffets. Prepare for culinary adventures!
- Restaurants: Every B&B I visited had a delightful selection of food, and some even offered Asian cuisine in restaurant. The food was fresh, authentic, and absolutely delicious. One B&B even had a tiny, tucked-away Vegetarian restaurant and my wife loved it!
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, and Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options were readily available. But, the real magic happened with the simple stuff. Freshly brewed coffee, local fruit, and fluffy omelets while you looked out over the ocean… pure bliss. Some B&Bs even offered Breakfast takeaway service as well!
- A la carte in restaurant: You could order whatever you were hungry for, and I did.
- Snack bar: In some properties, especially the ones with pools, you could get everything for a snack!
- Poolside bar: Some properties had a poolside bar for a refreshing drink!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always present!
- Desserts in restaurant: The fruit and desserts were delicious!
- Happy hour: If you're lucky, you can find a place with happy hour, but it is not guaranteed.
- Restaurants, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Bottle of water, and Coffee shop were generally there, and easy to access!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Unplug, Unwind, and Dive In!
This is where Liuqiu Island really earns its secret status.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Most of the B&Bs have beautiful swimming pools - you need it after walking on the beach!
- Pool with view: The best part of the swimming pool!
- Spa/sauna: You can find a place with Spa or Sauna.
- Massage: Some B&B offered massage, go out and relax.
- Foot bath: After a long day of exploring the island, enjoy a warm foot bath!
Services and Conveniences - They've Thought of Everything!
These B&Bs are masters of hospitality. They've thought of everything!
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were sparkling clean (a godsend, honestly).
- Air conditioning in public area & Air conditioning: Essential on a tropical island.
- Concierge: They can organize pretty much anything for you, from scooter rentals to snorkeling trips.
- Cash withdrawal: Super handy!
- Luggage storage: Perfect for checkout.
- Laundry service: Needed after a week of exploring!
- Gift/souvenir shop: Great for grabbing those extra souvenirs.
Available in All Rooms - Comfort and Convenience!
Let's talk rooms. Spacious, clean, and thoughtfully equipped.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Always a plus.
- Air conditioning: You need it.
- Shower & Toiletries: All the essentials.
- Coffee/tea maker: Caffeine fixes at your fingertips.
- Refrigerator: Essential for keeping those drinks cold.
- In-room safe box: Always nice to have.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for a good night's sleep after a day of exploring.
- Free bottled water: They thought of everything!
- Hair dryer: A lifesaver.
- Desk and Laptop workspace: Great for bloggers/freelancers.
- Linens, Towels, and Bathrobes: Always present, and always clean.
- Socket near the bed: Genius!
For the Kids - A Great Destination for the Family
- Family/child friendly: You'll see kids everywhere on Liuqiu Island!
- Babysitting service: Some properties had babysitting available, if needed.
Getting Around - Scooters, Scooters Everywhere!
- Car park [free of charge] and Bicycle parking, with Car park [on-site] - are generally available.
- Taxi service is an option, but the island is small, so the best bet is scooter rental (organized by the B&Bs).
Other Quick Bits and Bobs:
- Cashless payment service: Many B&Bs accepted credit cards.
- Check-in/out [express] & [private]: Smooth and efficient.
- Non-smoking rooms: Available, of course.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Everything was fresh and clean.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff were friendly, helpful, and always willing to go the extra mile.
The Imperfect Perfection, and the Crazy, Wonderful Offer!
Look, Liuqiu Island isn't perfect. The roads are narrow, the crowds (especially on weekends) can be a bit much, and things move at a delightfully slow pace. But that's part of its charm! The imperfections are what make the place so real, so authentic, and the B&Bs are the heart and soul of it all.
Now, for the REALLY GOOD part! I've seen the offers, I've talked the talk, and now I want to shout it from the rooftops!
ARE YOU READY TO ESCAPE?
Here's my pitch:
"Unlock Liuqiu Island: Your Ultimate Island Escape & B&B Bliss!"
(This is where I channel my insane excitement)
Imagine this: You, stepping off the ferry, the salty air kissing your face. You're greeted by a smiling local, whisking you and your luggage to a B&B where the staff has been awaiting your arrival. Forget the big hotels, this is where the real fun is! Charming rooms await, each offering a unique perspective (some even boasting stunning ocean views!).
This is no ordinary vacation:
- Experience: Wake up to locally sourced breakfasts
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's polished travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. We're heading to B&B Liuqiu in Taiwan, and I'm bringing you along for the messy, hilarious, and occasionally disastrous ride.
LIUQIU ISLAND: A Chaotic Love Story (Itinerary-ish)
Day 1: Arrival & Shell Shock (Literally & Figuratively)
- Morning (Taipei to Donggang):
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, bleary-eyed, in a Taipei hotel. Seriously questioning life choices. Should have ordered room service. Should have brought more coffee.
- 7:30 AM: Cram some questionable 7-Eleven pastries down my throat ("Mystery Meat & Starch" - the official breakfast of the unprepared traveler).
- 8:00 AM: Train from Taipei to Donggang (I'm praying I don't miss the connection). The train is late. Panic sets in. Remember I am a disaster at public transportation.
- 11:00 AM: Finally, arrived in Donggang! The sea air immediately smacked me in the face, and I got a whiff of fried seafood. My stomach growled, and I started looking around for a good place to eat.
- 11:30 AM: Ferried to Liuqiu Island! The ferry ride was a battle of the elements. The waves splashed me, and gave me a very wet, sea-salty welcome to the island. Made friends with a seasick child.
- 12:30 PM: Arrived at Liuqiu. Found the B&B. It's actually cuter than the photos. Bonus! But also, immediately overwhelmed by the sheer amount of scooters buzzing around. Where do I even start?
- 1:00 PM: Check-in chaos. Trying to decipher the owner's rapid-fire Mandarin while fighting off the urge to nap. My brain is operating at 10% capacity, so I am not sure what is happening.
- Afternoon (Island Orientation & Scooter Shenanigans):
- 2:00 PM: Scooter rental. The guy gives me a death glare when I ask if it has a "safety button". I'm pretty sure he's judging my life choices.
- 2:30 PM: Scooter fail #1: Almost crash into a palm tree. Scooting is harder than it looks. I'm going incredibly slowly. The island is probably going "ugh, look at the tourist".
- 3:00 PM: Scooter fail #2: Getting lost immediately. The "map" they gave me is more of a suggestion than a guide.
- 3:30 PM: Find a cute little snack shop, get some bubble tea, and decide to just roll with the chaos. The bubble tea is the perfect elixir.
- 4:00 PM: Stop at a scenic spot, and take a dozen pictures, because I am tourist trash. Soaking in the scenery, the salty air, and the ridiculousness of myself.
- 5:00 PM: Start the hunt for sunset views. Everywhere is packed with people also trying to find the most gorgeous spots. The light is exquisite.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. The food is amazing. I try some seafood I can't identify, but I am not afraid of the unknown anymore.
- 7:00 PM: Stargazing! Liuqiu is known for its amazing night sky. I see more stars than I ever have in my life. It's breathtaking.
- Evening:
- 8:00 PM: Back at the B&B, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Write some nonsense in my journal. The sound of the ocean lulls me to sleep.
Day 2: Underwater World & Turtle Triumph
- Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Get up. The previous day had me beat.
- 9:00 AM: Snorkeling! This is the big one, the reason I came. I'm terrified of the ocean, but I'm determined. This is when I go under the surface.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: SNORKELING!
- Snorkeling Deep Dive:
- 9:30 AM: Gear up. Wetsuit is surprisingly comfortable.
- 9:45 AM: Plunge into the water. OMG, it's cold! I hesitate, but I know the turtle is waiting.
- 10:00 AM: The first few minutes are rough. The waves push me around. I'm swallowing water. I'm convinced I look like a total beginner.
- 10:15 AM: I start to relax and look below. The coral is colorful, the fish are curious. This is gorgeous.
- 10:30 AM: I see it! A sea turtle. It's gigantic. I'm close enough to see its eyes. I'm holding my breath, stunned. It swims past me, graceful and serene. I am in awe.
- 10:45 AM: More turtles! They nibble on the coral, completely unfazed by the gaggle of snorkelers. I think I start to cry a little bit (tears mix with seawater, so nobody can tell).
- 11:00 AM: The whole experience is just incredible. I float in the sea, and I am present.
- 12:00 PM: Sunburnt, exhausted, and utterly thrilled. Snorkeling is the best experience ever.
- Afternoon (Island Adventures & Food Coma):
- 1:00 PM: Late lunch. Stuff my face with local delicacies.
- 2:00 PM: Explore more of the island. Find a secluded beach. The tranquility is a balm to my soul.
- 3:00 PM: Learn about how to preserve the island's ecosystem. Realize how important it is to protect the environment.
- 4:00 PM: Scooter fail #3: Almost run over a chicken (I swear, it darted out of nowhere!).
- 5:00 PM: Attempt to buy souvenirs. Completely fail because I can't decide on what to get.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset viewing (again!). This time, I find a spot with fewer crowds, and I watch the sun sink into the sea.
- Evening:
- 7:00 PM: Another amazing dinner. Try foods I have never heard of.
- 8:00 PM: Relax at the B&B, chat with the owner (who starts to warm up to me), and reflect on the day. I'm starting to feel a connection to this island.
Day 3: Departure & Farewell Feels
- Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Wake up reluctantly. Wish I could stay forever.
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast. Savour every bite of the deliciousness.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute scooter ride. Say goodbye to my scooter companion (I am starting to miss it).
- 11:00 AM: Ferry back to Donggang. Feel a pang of sadness as I leave Liuqiu behind.
- Afternoon (Journey Home):
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Donggang.
- 1:00 PM: Train back to Taipei. I can't wait to start planning my next adventure.
- 3:00 PM: I am exhausted, but I am changed. Liuqiu Island has given me more than I ever expected to receive. I can't wait to return.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a picture-perfect trip. There were scooter mishaps, language barriers, and moments of sheer panic. But it was real. It was raw. It was mine. And that's what made it perfect.
Unbelievable Comfort Suites Deal in Nacogdoches, TX!
Liuqiu Island's BEST Kept Secret: Stunning B&Bs - OMG, You NEED to Know This!
Okay, Fine, What *IS* the Big Deal About Liuqiu's B&Bs? Everyone gushes!
Listen, seriously. Before you're picturing cramped, budget-hotel rooms, let me tell you something. LIU QIU'S B&Bs are on a *different* planet. Think… Pinterest-worthy aesthetic meets genuinely warm hospitality. It's like falling into a warm, fluffy cloud of Taiwanese charm. I mean, I went expecting… well, *okay*, I went expecting something a bit rough around the edges. Taiwan island life, right? I've been to places, and lived around Taiwan before...But no. They're often family-run, which makes a HUGE difference. They're *invested* in making your stay perfect. They cook for you! (Breakfast is included, and often a freaking feast!). And the design? Forget sterile hotel rooms. We’re talking breezy balconies, sun-drenched courtyards, and rooms with more character than… well, *me* on a caffeine bender.
And the best part? THE PRICE! It's like, steal-mode level affordable. (relatively...I get it. Traveling expensive). This is a HUGE reason why you should go. You get so much bang for your buck. And for the sake of all I hold dear, *book early*. Seriously. I made the mistake of waiting. Never again.
I'm not good at planning. HOW do I even *find* these B&Bs? I’ve got options and what should I think?
Okay, deep breaths. I get it. Planning is EVIL. However, for Liuqiu, you *need* to do a little digging. Start with your usual suspects: Booking.com, Agoda, and *very importantly*, Google Maps. Look at the reviews – REALLY read them. The photos people post? GOLD. They are often real and you get a good feel. Look for keywords like “friendly owner,” “delicious breakfast,” and “immaculate.”
Also, hit up a few travel blogs. They probably have their favorites. But, here's the *real* secret: After you've chosen a place, send a message! Seriously, shoot them a message. They're mostly responsive and helpful. It gives you a feel, you can find out if they are full, and it is a better human experience. And now you’ve spoken to someone and can get the real deal.
And, this is what is true: I booked one, totally expecting it to be lovely, after reading reviews about the beautiful courtyard…and the photos didn't lie! It was even *prettier* in person. We came. We met the owner, a grandmother with the warmest smile, with her family. I was in tears, I was overwhelmed. (I cried. I'm not ashamed.) It was the first time that I truly relaxed.
Are there any B&Bs that are totally *not* worth the hype? Please tell me the TRUTH!
Okay, yes. I’ll be honest. I can't name names (bad for the karma!), But I heard some horror stories. The ones where the photos online are… generously enhanced. The ones where the host is… less than enthusiastic. Read the reviews carefully. Look for repeated complaints about cleanliness or noise. (The island is pretty lively at night, so soundproofing is a MAJOR plus.)
Trust your gut. If something feels *off* while you are booking, move on. It is your trip. You deserve the best experience.
I'm a picky eater! (Or, you know… I hate seafood) Is there food? I don't feel like eating raw fish for a month..
YES! Okay, yes, the island loves its seafood, but don't worry. Most B&Bs offer Chinese/Taiwanese breakfast, with noodles with vegetables, eggs, and toast. (And fresh fruit! Oh, the mangoes… they’re *life*.)
Also, ask the B&B for recommendations for restaurants. They usually know all the best spots, and can guide you away from the places where everything is swimming in soy sauce (unless that’s your jam, no judgment!). The island has a surprisingly diverse culinary scene. I am a vegetarian and I had no problems. You'll survive I promise.
What’s the one THING I need to look for in a Liuqiu B&B?
Beyond the usual (cleanliness, friendly staff), the *one* thing? A rooftop terrace or a balcony. Trust me. Especially if you visit during the low season. Even if it's raining you get to see the clouds. The sunsets here are SPECTACULAR. You can sit, sip tea, (or something stronger!), and take in the view. It's pure bliss. I'm serious! This isn't just some tourist trap; it's about genuinely enjoying your time. It's about finding peace and a beautiful place to relax. That is what makes the experience so great. I spent hours there, watching the stars, listening to the waves, it felt amazing.
I have kids! Are B&Bs kid-friendly?
Generally, yes! Taiwanese culture is very family-oriented. However, it’s best to check with the B&B beforehand. Some might not have the space or facilities for little ones. Ask about cribs, high chairs, or even just playing areas. Some B&Bs even *offer* kids’ activities.
Help a person out. What about transportation on the island?
Almost all B&Bs can help arrange e-scooter rentals. Seriously. It's the main way to get around. It's also fun! (Just be careful, especially if you're not used to them. Wear a helmet!) You can also get taxis or a local bus, but honestly, the scooters are the way to go. You'll get lost, but who cares? It is a small island.
Okay, I'm convinced. But is it *really* worth the hype?
Look, I don't hand out compliments lightly. But YES. Absolutely YES. The Liuqiu B&B experience? It's more than just a place to sleep. It's a chance to truly *disconnect* from the world and connect with something… something real. The views, the air, the smiles… it's a little slice of paradise. It is very rare to find something so perfect. I will be making aBook Hotels Now
