Travel Guide: White Lighthouse Hostel (白燈樓旅宿), Xiaoliuqiu

Introduction

Tucked on the sun-drenched island of Xiaoliuqiu (Little Liuqiu) in Pingtung County, White Lighthouse Hostel (白燈樓旅宿) is a charming, low-key base for travelers chasing turquoise waters, coastal hikes, and laid-back island vibes. Far from the crowded resort strips of Taiwan’s main tourist hubs, this family-run guesthouse puts you steps from Xiaoliuqiu’s best beaches and snorkeling spots, making it ideal for couples, small families, and independent adventurers alike.

Hotel Overview

White Lighthouse Hostel is conveniently located at No. 303-2, Zhongzheng Road, Dafu Village, Xiaoliuqiu Township, Pingtung County. The property prioritizes comfort and simplicity, with clean, air-conditioned non-smoking rooms and spacious family options perfect for groups. Every room comes with private en-suite bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, slippers, a hair dryer, and a private shower, plus crisp linens, bedside outlets, clothing racks, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Free high-speed WiFi is available across the entire property, and daily housekeeping keeps spaces tidy throughout your stay.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the property’s sun terrace, garden, and outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water. The hostel can arrange paid off-site activities including diving, canoeing, and snorkeling to suit all experience levels, and also offers on-site rental services and luggage storage for added convenience. Note that there is no on-site parking, but Xiaoliuqiu’s compact size makes scooter rentals (easily arranged through the hostel) the easiest way to get around the island anyway. Security features including 24/7 CCTV in public areas, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers ensure a safe stay for all guests.

Nearby Attractions

Three unmissable spots are within a 15-minute scooter ride of the hostel:

• Vase Rock: Xiaoliuqiu’s most iconic natural landmark is a weathered basalt formation that rises from the ocean, shaped like a giant porcelain vase. Walk the coastal boardwalk at low tide to spot colorful sea anemones and hermit crabs in the tide pools, then stay for sunset to watch the sky turn pink and orange over the Pacific.
• Beauty Cave: A sea cave carved by centuries of wave erosion, this spot features clear blue-green water that glows when sunlight filters through the cave’s opening. It’s also one of the island’s top spots for wild sea turtle sightings, with gentle currents perfect for beginner snorkelers.
• Sanfu Port: The main arrival port for Xiaoliuqiu is just five minutes from the hostel, lined with fresh seafood stalls and beachfront shacks serving grilled squid and mango shaved ice. It’s also the departure point for most organized snorkeling and diving tours around the island.

Travel Tips

Since the only way to reach Xiaoliuqiu is via ferry from Donggang Port in Pingtung, book your round-trip tickets in advance, especially during peak summer season. The hostel only accommodates Chinese-speaking guests currently, so have a translation app handy if you don’t speak Mandarin. Wear reef-safe sunscreen when snorkeling to protect Xiaoliuqiu’s fragile coral reefs, and keep a safe distance from wild sea turtles—they are a protected species in Taiwan. For the best rates and availability, book your room at least two to three weeks in advance during the June to August peak travel season.