Experiencing Extravagance: Green Island Escapade from Taipei

Experiencing Extravagance: Green Island Escapade from Taipei

( This post is in English; for the  Chinese travel blog, please click on the link below🔗 / 此文為英文版遊記部落格，欲看中文版由紀部落格請點以下連結🔗）:

https://fashionecstasy.com/tiyan-shehua-taiwan-taibei-lvdao-xiaoyaoyou/

Watch Our Youtube Travel Vlog Video First:

High Speed Rail Taiwan

As I sit comfortably in my seat on the high-speed train from Taipei to Taitung, I can feel the excitement building inside me. I am on my way to Green Island, a small paradise off the coast of Taiwan that promises to be the ultimate luxury travel experience.

Green Island used to house Taiwan’s prisoners. Think Shawshank, Green Island is a small volcanic island located off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. Historically, it was used as a political prison during the martial law period in Taiwan’s history, from 1949 to the late 1980s. Many political prisoners, including those who opposed the ruling government and its policies, were incarcerated there during that time. The prison has since been turned into a museum and a historical site.

Discover the Ultimate Luxury Travel Experience on Green Island, Taiwan

As I arrive at Taitung Station, a private car awaits me to take me to Taitung Airport, where a private helicopter is ready to whisk me away to Green Island. The flight lasts only 30 minutes, but it is an unforgettable experience. From above, I can see the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and the lush tropical forests of Green Island.

private helicopter

• House 16 Hotel: The Epitome of Luxury on Green Island

House 16 Hotel, Green Island, Taiwan

As the helicopter lands on the island, I am greeted by a team of staff from my hotel, House 16.
The friendly staff welcomes me with a refreshing drink and a warm smile. The lobby is stylishly decorated, with modern furnishings and unique artwork adorning the walls. As I check in, I’m given a tour of the hotel, which includes a rooftop pool with stunning ocean views, a lush garden area, and a chic restaurant and bar.
As I make my way to my room, I’m struck by the attention to detail and the luxurious touches evident throughout the hotel. For an unrestricted experience, I book the most enormous room, for 6. My room is spacious and elegantly decorated, with 3 comfortable king-sized beds, a large bathroom with a rainfall shower, and a balcony with a garden view. As much as I want to crash on one of the oversized beds, the child inside me overrides my body, and I jump back and forth between the 3 beds, ending up faceplanting on the floor with a bloody nose, dying the carpet with fresh, red blood.
After settling in, I head out to explore the island. House 16 hotel is conveniently located near several popular attractions, including the Guanyin Cave Trail and the Green Island Lighthouse. The hotel also offers a range of activities and experiences, including a private beach picnic, scuba diving, and cultural tours.
One of the highlights of my stay at House 16 hotel is the private beach picnic experience. The hotel staff sets up a private dining area on the beach, complete with a gourmet picnic basket and champagne. The basket includes a selection of sandwiches, salads, fruits, desserts, and a bottle of wine or champagne. As I enjoy my meal, I’m struck by the beauty of the secluded beach, with its crystal-clear waters and pristine sand.

• Dive into Adventure: Scuba Diving in Green Island’s Crystal-Clear Water

Scuba Diving

Another unforgettable experience is the scuba diving excursion with Green Island Diving Center. The center’s experienced instructors and guides take me to some of the island’s best dive sites, including coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. I’m amazed by the variety of marine life I see, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.
I take advantage of the hotel’s luxurious amenities, including the rooftop terrace and the garden area. The rooftop terrace offers stunning ocean views and is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. The garden area is lush and serene, with comfortable seating and a small pool for guests to cool off.
One of my favourite experiences at House 16 hotel is dining at the hotel’s restaurant and bar, The Green Table. The restaurant combines Taiwanese and Western cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of dishes, from hearty breakfast options to elegant seafood entrees. The bar serves a range of creative cocktails and fine wines, making it the perfect place to unwind after exploring the island.

After lunch, I decide to explore the island. The resort staff suggest that I rent a scooter, as it is the most popular way to get around. However, can’t ride anything 2 wheels is one of my many disabilities. I ditch their advice and set off on my adventure. The winding roads of Green Island are breathtaking, with stunning views of the ocean at every turn. I stop at several of the island’s famous landmarks, including the lighthouse and the prison museum.

• Visit Green Island White Terror Memorial Park:

White Terror Memorial Park painting, Green Island, Taiwan

As I make my way to Green Island White Terror Memorial Park, I feel a sense of solemnity. This park serves as a reminder of the island’s dark past when it was used as a prison camp for political prisoners during Taiwan’s martial law period. Despite the heavy history, I am determined to learn more about this important chapter in Taiwan’s history and pay my respects to those who suffered.
As I arrive at the park, I am greeted by a serene, peaceful atmosphere. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and has a calming presence that belies its tragic past. I make my way to the main exhibit hall, where I am greeted by a team of knowledgeable guides from the Green Island Human Rights Culture Park.
The exhibit hall contains a wealth of information about the White Terror period and the political prisoners on Green Island. The displays include photographs, documents, and personal belongings of the prisoners, providing a glimpse into their daily lives and the hardships they endured. The guides are passionate about their work and provide a wealth of information about the exhibits, helping me to understand the significance of this critical period in Taiwan’s history.
After exploring the exhibit hall, I head outside to the park’s memorial area. The area is a peaceful, contemplative space, with several monuments and memorials dedicated to the memory of the prisoners who were held here. The most striking of these is the “Wall of Tears,” a towering monument inscribed with the names of the political prisoners who lost their lives on Green Island.
As I stand before the Wall of Tears, I am struck by the enormity of the loss and the bravery of those who fought for democracy and human rights in Taiwan. Despite the heavy emotions, I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn about this critical period in Taiwan’s history and to pay my respects to those who suffered.
As the sun begins to set, I head back to my room to relax. The resort offers a turn-down service, which includes a sweet treat and a warm cup of tea. I sink into the plush bed and watch the stars twinkle above the ocean.
The next morning, I wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day of adventure. I start my day with a yoga class on the beach, followed by a swim in the infinity pool. For breakfast, I head back to the restaurant, where I am treated to a delicious spread of pastries, fresh fruit, and made-to-order omelets.
Today, I have booked a private boat tour around the island. The excursion is operated by the Green Island Diving Center, which is known for its top-notch service and knowledgeable guides. The tour takes us to several of the island’s hidden coves and beaches, where we can snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters. The highlight of the tour is a stop at the famous “Blue Tears,” a natural phenomenon where the water glows blue at night due to the presence of bioluminescent plankton.
As the day comes to a close, I head back to the resort for my final evening on Green Island. For dinner, I decide to look for a Japanese restaurant for some sushi to cool off the summer heat. Green Island reminds me much of Japan’s Okinawa. I try to look for somewhere decent for food, but for an island that belongs to an island, I can only settle. The restaurant specializes in sushi and sashimi, and the chef is a master at his craft. I opt for the $4000 NT set menu, which includes 10 dishes featuring a variety of the freshest local seafood and a soup. Dishes like “sashimi combo,” “chilled chicken,” “sour and spicy lemon seafood salad” take the heat off. Usually, I frown upon locals who drink beer with shot glasses; I despise those who take it further to test my patience and add ice to them. But in nasty weather like Taiwan’s, they can be pretty refreshing. Although this is the first time I see businesses in Taiwan charge for ice, I still surrender my $40 NT for a bucket. As I munch on the food and my brains fog up, I transition to a bottle of imported white wine at $1000/bottle. With so much food, I quickly finish it before I finish my food.
After dinner, I take a stroll along the beach and reflect on my time on Green Island. It has been a truly unforgettable experience filled with luxury and adventure. I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced such a beautiful place and to have stayed at such a petite but nature-packed “island of an island.”
As I head back to Taipei the next day, I am already planning my next trip to Green Island. My memories and experiences here will stay with me forever, and I am eager to share this hidden gem with others looking for the ultimate luxury travel experience.
For your convenience, here’s a breakdown of my costs. You’re welcome!
Prices:
Private car from Taitung Station to Taitung Airport: NT$1,500
Private helicopter from Taitung Airport to Green Island: NT$38,000
House 16 room rates: start at NT$8,000 per night
Scooter rental: NT$500 per day
Green Island Diving Center private boat tour: NT$8,000 per person
Local restaurant 10-course set menu: NT$5,000+

Green Island offers a range of luxury activities and experiences for travellers seeking to indulge in the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are a few more recommendations:

• Indulge in Seclusion: Private Beach Picnic on Green Island

private beach picnic

1. Private Beach Picnic: House 16 Hotel‘s private beach picnic experience is perfect for couples or families who want to enjoy a secluded, romantic setting or a relaxing day on the beach. The resort staff will set up a private dining area on the beach, complete with a gourmet picnic basket and champagne. The picnic basket includes a selection of sandwiches, salads, fruits, desserts, and a bottle of wine or champagne. Guests can enjoy their meal while listening to the sound of the waves and taking in the stunning ocean views.

2. Scuba Diving: Green Island‘s clear waters and diverse marine life make it a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Green Island Diving Center offers a range of scuba diving options, including private lessons, guided tours, and night dives. The center’s experienced instructors and guides will take guests to some of the island’s best dive sites, including coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. Guests can expect to see a variety of marine life, including colourful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.

• Captivating Views: Green Island Lighthouse and Scenic Hiking Trails

Green Island lighthouse

3. Hiking: Green Island‘s rugged terrain and lush forests offer some of Taiwan’s most scenic hiking trails. The Guanyin Cave Trail is the island’s most popular hiking trail, taking hikers through a series of caves and offering stunning ocean views. Other popular hiking trails include the Dahan Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the island, and the Fengguiyan Trail, which takes hikers past several historic sites and landmarks.

• Rejuvenate in Nature’s Hot Springs: Relaxation on Green Island

4. Hot Springs: Green Island‘s natural hot springs are a popular attraction for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The Zhaori Hot Spring is the most famous hot spring on the island, located near the airport. The hot spring is fed by a natural spring and offers a soothing, therapeutic experience. Other hot springs on the island include the Baishawan Hot Spring and the Wushibi Hot Spring.

• Exploring Green Island’s Cultural Heritage: Must-Visit Attractions and Tours

5. Cultural Tours: Green Island has a rich cultural history, and several tours allow visitors to learn more about the island’s heritage.

• Uncovering Taiwan’s History: A Visit to Green Island Human Rights Culture Park

The Green Island Human Rights Culture Park is a must-visit for those interested in Taiwan’s political history. The park features several exhibits and displays that tell the story of the political prisoners held on the island during Taiwan’s martial law period. The Green Island Lighthouse is another popular attraction, offering a glimpse into the island’s maritime past. The lighthouse was built in 1938 and is still in operation today.

• Sail the Azure Waters: Private Yacht Charter around Green Island

Private Yacht Charter

6. Private Yacht Charter: For travellers seeking the ultimate luxury experience, a private yacht charter is the way to go. Several companies offer private yacht charters around Green Island, allowing guests to explore the island’s hidden coves and beaches in style and comfort. Charters can be customized to meet the needs and preferences of individual guests and can include activities such as snorkelling, fishing, and even a private beach barbecue.

Overall, Green Island offers a wealth of luxury activities and experiences for travellers looking to indulge in the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, this tropical paradise has something for everyone.