Our third day in Penghu dawned nice and early. After a quick breakfast, we collected everyone and headed to the pier to take a high-speed boat to Ji Bei Island, home to blessedly beautiful sand and coral beaches.
My first glimpse of the island was from the sea. A long golden beach stretched out along the horizon, studded with a few colorful beach umbrellas. There weren’t any buildings of any kind visible. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was like finding a tropical oasis in the middle of the ocean. I felt a rush of excitement as we pulled up to the dock. Give me a beach anyday! Screw the deep-sea squid fishing!
Jibei Island, also known as Baisha Island, is most famous for its beaches and windsurfing. The topography is remarkably desert-like, with low-lying bushes. This magnificent stretch of beach runs for a few kilometers, catering to beach lovers of every sort. I would love to see an aerial view of the island.
The best way to explore Jibei is by scooter. We wound along the narrow cement paths through the low-lying brush in the heat of a summer morning, before finding a small respite from the shade under an open-air wooden picnic area. A few short meters away lay a perfectly placid and unspoiled coral beach. We spent the hottest hours of the day in the shade, enjoying the cool breeze blowing off the water. Then we headed into a small village for a fresh seafood lunch before hitting the beach for a few hours.
All in all, this trip was a good first experience for Penghu and it certainly had the desired effect of leaving me wanting more. John and I are considering a return trip over the October holidays. Seems to me that it might be the perfect place to enjoy the sun and relax before our big day!
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Carrie this does look like a great place to relax!
Empty spaces are very exciting. Anytime I stay in such places I revive. I think Penghu it’s a good place to regain an energy which you’ve lost.
I have the question about the last picture. I see the man who is lying on the ground. It isn’t a sand, is it? What is that? It looks like sharp stones. How can he lie on it? It must be hurt but on the other hand he looks very relaxed.
Fantastic pictures Carrie especially the one you took from your scooter. Wish I could one of those. Penghu is on my list of must-see for long time now. I better hurry before this summer is gone.
Hi Michelle,
It is! I can’t wait to go back. It’s one of the nicest beaches I’ve been to in Asia. The only other beach that compares is in Nga Trang, Vietnam.
Hi K,
Great question. Half of the beaches on Jibei Island are coral beaches. It wasn’t too bad to walk on, although I didn’t try lying on it like Jerry. This was a first for me too. I’ve seen black volcanic sand beaches, but never beaches with this much coral washed up on the shore. It was definitely a cool experience!
Amazing photos, Carrie. What lens are you using?
The more I visit your blog the more I want to visit Taiwan.
Amazing pictures Carrie! The last one is my favorite as it speaks of the relaxed tranquility of being by the ocean. How I would love to melt into the sand like your subject.
You’re not going to believe me Steve. I confess. I used the kit lens because I haven’t had the cash to purchase a new one, and you know what? I’m always pleasantly surprised by how some of these photos turn out!
Hi Jo,
That’s Jerry, Queenie’s husband. I couldn’t resist when he plunked himself down like that. He definitely made himself at home on the beach.
Late to join the chorus, but: great pictures, the one of the scooter trail is really very good, my favourite of this set.
Hi Kim,
We have great taste. The scooter photo is my favorite one too!