Your two-day, one-night Xiaoliuqiu getaway doesn't have to break the bank!Here's how to enjoy a budget-friendly, independent trip to Xiaoliuqiu.

Located southwest of Pingtung, Xiaoliuqiu is a highly popular island getaway in Taiwan. While it's close to the main island, many wonder if two days and one night is enough for Xiaoliuqiu. Honestly, it's not quite enough! If you truly want to experience Xiaoliuqiu thoroughly, a two-day, one-night itinerary might be a bit rushed, so plan accordingly. If you prefer a more relaxed and "chill" trip, check out our Xiaoliuqiu Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary!

There are several ways to get to Xiaoliuqiu, and Twosevenths will detail the best options based on your departure point.

(1) Departing from cities north of Kaohsiung:
If you're coming from a city north of Kaohsiung—whether Tainan, Chiayi, Taichung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, or Taipei—you can take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) or Taiwan Railways (TRA) to Kaohsiung Main Station or Zuoying HSR Station. From there, transfer to a bus to Donggang to catch a ferry to Xiaoliuqiu. The fastest HSR journey from Taipei to Kaohsiung is 94 minutes; from Taichung to Kaohsiung is 42 minutes; and from Tainan to Kaohsiung is 15 minutes.

If driving, head south on National Freeway 1, exit near Kaohsiung International Airport, and follow Provincial Highway 88 to the Donggang Ferry Terminal parking lot. After exiting the freeway, it takes about 50 minutes to reach Donggang without traffic.

(2) Departing from Zuoying HSR Station:
Upon arrival at Zuoying HSR Station, go to the "Kenting Express/Dapeng Bay Xiaoliuqiu Line Service Counter" at Exit 2 to purchase tickets or get a queue number. Then, proceed to the 1F platform to board the 9127D Dapeng Bay Xiaoliuqiu Line. The earliest departure is 8:30 AM, and it takes approximately 70 minutes to reach Donggang Pier.

You can also take a shared taxi; advance booking is required, and it's fine even if you're traveling alone. The one-way fare from Zuoying HSR Station to Donggang is $200.
Booking option 1: Dongliu Taxi
Booking option 2: Yema Taxi

(3) Departing from Kaohsiung Main Station:
From Kaohsiung Main Station, you can take public buses 9127, 9117, 9117A, or 9117B. All depart from Jiancheng Station (Zili Station), which is about a 6-minute walk from Kaohsiung Main Station (MRT Station). The bus ride takes 60-90 minutes. Alight at Guangfu Road Intersection, then walk approximately 10 minutes to reach Donggang Pier. Buses 9117 and 9117A have services starting as early as 4:15 AM. The earliest service for 9117B is 9:40 AM.

You can also take a shared taxi; advance booking is required, and it's fine even if you're traveling alone. The one-way fare from Kaohsiung Main Station to Donggang is $150.
Booking option 1: Dongliu Taxi
Booking option 2: Yema Taxi

The ferry from Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu takes 20 to 30 minutes, with round-trip tickets priced between NT$380 and NT$450. Including ticket checks, waiting times, and the need to arrive an hour early for some departures to confirm seating, we recommend allowing 60 to 90 minutes for the entire process.

Ferry ticket prices from Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu vary depending on the operating company, where you buy them, the ticket type, and whether you purchase a round-trip ticket. Some B&Bs offer to book tickets for guests when they make a reservation, often at a discounted rate.

• Full Fare: Ages 12 to under 65.
• Half Fare: Ages 3 to under 12, seniors aged 65 and over (ID required), and individuals with disabilities (ID required, plus one guardian or essential companion may purchase a companion ticket).
• Insurance Ticket: Ages 0 to under 3 (bring child's health insurance card or household registration book to the ticket counter for purchase).

Xiaoliuqiu is a coral reef island, naturally blessed with many hidden scenic spots. Twosevenths has compiled five categories of land activities on Xiaoliuqiu, ensuring you'll never run out of places to explore and can fully experience all the island's attractions!

• Must-See Attractions: Vase Rock, Sunset Pavilion, Habanwan Beach, Guanyin Stone
• Instagrammable Spots: Lobster Cave, Internet-Famous Driftwood
• Culture & History: Biyun Temple Guided Tour, Peace Talisman Making
• Nature & Ecology: Hundred-Year-Old Banyan Tree, Wild Boar Ditch Green Tunnel, Sika Deer Park
• Adventure & Caving: Black Ghost Cave, Beauty Cave

It would be a shame to visit Xiaoliuqiu and not enjoy its waters, as it's a fantastic year-round destination for aquatic activities. You can practice both freediving and scuba diving here. Even if you can't swim, there are plenty of options, like the fun semi-submarine glass-bottom boat tours. If you're not afraid of the water, put on a life vest and experience the charm of Xiaoliuqiu's ocean up close with snorkeling, kayaking, water biking, or discover scuba diving!

👉Further Reading: 【Xiaoliuqiu Watersports Guide】

Enjoying the local cuisine is a major highlight of any two-day, one-night trip to Xiaoliuqiu. This small island boasts a surprising number of dining options, from diverse restaurants, stir-fries, and snacks to ice cream shops, local delicacies, desserts, and coffee. Twosevenths has compiled a comprehensive guide to all your breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner choices!

Little Liuqiu at night is even more beautiful, offering options for both quiet contemplation and lively fun. Families can opt for a night tour to explore the island after dark; those looking for a drink can choose between a quiet bar or a super chill influencer-style pool bar. Couples seeking romance can find a beach to stargaze and enjoy the night view. For advanced divers, night diving offers a chance to experience a different side of Little Liuqiu's underwater ecosystem!

A typical two-day, one-night package tour to Xiaoliuqiu includes accommodation, scooter rental, insurance, and round-trip ferry tickets between Xiaoliuqiu and Donggang. Optional add-on activities like snorkeling, SUP, kayaking, or introductory diving are also available.

As shown in the table below, a package tour is a great value. For two people staying one night at a rate of $2,800, the total cost for the package is $4,600, compared to $5,650 if booked separately. If you prefer a hassle-free trip and want your itinerary arranged directly by the guesthouse or tour operator, a package tour is highly recommended.

Everyone knows that fried dough twists are a must-buy souvenir from Xiaoliuqiu, but beyond that, local specialties like Mizai sweet potato candy, mahi-mahi fish crisps, and Captain Beer also make excellent “omiyage” to bring home and share with friends and family!

A two-day, one-night trip to Xiaoliuqiu costs approximately $5,000 per person, assuming a twin room at $2,800 per night, the cheapest snorkeling activity, and departure from Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung.

• Departing from Taipei: Add $3,000, for a total of approximately $8,000 per person.
• Departing from Taichung: Add $1,500, for a total of approximately $6,500 per person.

To save money, consider staying at a Xiaoliuqiu hostel, which costs around $700-$1200 per person per night. You can also reduce your budget by cutting back on food and drinks and avoiding excessive souvenir purchases!