Travel Guide: 居琉潛水背包客棧 (Ju Liu Dive Hostel), Xiaoliuqiu, Pingtung County

Introduction

Tucked on the sun-drenched coral island of Xiaoliuqiu off Taiwan’s southwest coast, 居琉潛水背包客棧 (Ju Liu Dive Hostel) is purpose-built for budget travelers, solo backpackers, and ocean lovers chasing world-class diving and laid-back island vibes. Far from the crowded tourist hubs of main Taiwan, this welcoming hostel puts Xiaoliuqiu’s iconic turquoise waters and unique geological wonders right at your doorstep, with friendly, multilingual staff that make it easy for both first-time and returning visitors to feel at home.

Hotel Overview

Conveniently located at No. 42-12, Zhonghua Road, Xiaoliuqiu Township, Pingtung County, Ju Liu Dive Hostel caters specifically to guests here for the island’s famous marine adventures. All rooms are non-smoking, with complimentary full-property WiFi, free public parking nearby (no reservation required), and in-room comforts including air conditioning, bedside outlets, clothes racks, and drying racks for wet swim and dive gear. Shared bath facilities come with showers, a hair dryer, and slippers, with towels and linens available for a small extra fee.

On-site services cover every backpacker need: luggage storage, lockers for valuables, a shared lounge and TV area, a dedicated travel consultation desk, and fast check-in and check-out. The hostel is also fully equipped with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and security cameras in all public areas for peace of mind, and staff speak both Chinese and English to assist international travelers. For guests looking to explore the ocean, the hostel organizes guided walking tours on land, plus paid activities including on-site water sports equipment rental, snorkeling, off-site diving, and off-site kayaking, making it easy to book your entire itinerary in one spot. If you plan to cook or gather with friends, paid barbecue facilities are also available outdoors.

Local Attractions

Three unmissable spots within easy reach of the hostel include:

• Vase Rock: Xiaoliuqiu’s most iconic landmark, a naturally eroded coral formation shaped like a giant vase that juts out into the sea. Visit at low tide to explore the surrounding tide pools teeming with tiny sea creatures, and stay for sunset to watch the sky turn golden pink over the ocean.
• Beauty Cave: A sea cave carved into the island’s coral rock by centuries of waves, with a hidden opening that lets sunlight filter through to illuminate the clear turquoise water inside. It’s perfect for a quick swim and photos, and the short coastal walk to the cave offers stunning ocean views along the way.
• Green Sea Turtle Watching at Zhongao Bay: Xiaoliuqiu is one of the best places in Taiwan to spot wild green sea turtles, and shallow, calm Zhongao Bay is a top spot for snorkelers to swim alongside these gentle creatures just a short distance from shore.

Travel Tips

Book all dive and water activity packages through the hostel in advance, especially during peak summer and holiday seasons, as spots fill up fast. Bring cash for extra charges like towels, activities, and barbecue use, as small local businesses on the island sometimes have limited card payment options. Remember that the hostel is on an upper floor accessible only by stairs, so it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility impairments. Finally, always follow local conservation guidelines when swimming with sea turtles: keep a 1-meter distance, never touch or feed them, to protect this vulnerable species for future visitors.