Basalt Columns in Penghu

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Millions of years ago, lava flowed out across this part of the sea floor and slowly cooled. As it cooled, it shrank and cracked into long columns with five or six sides. Today these columns form cliffs, walls and sea stacks all over Penghu. They are the main reason the islands look so different from the rest of Taiwan. Some sites are on the main islands and easy to reach by scooter. Others are on small islands that you see from a boat.

Tongpan island

Tongpan is a small island about 7 kilometres southwest of Magong, about 20 minutes away by boat. It has some of the largest and most even basalt columns in Penghu. Tall grey and brown columns, some about 20 metres high, stand in rows all around the shore, and the flat top of the island makes it look like a basin turned upside down. A path runs along part of the coast so you can walk close to the cliffs. On the southwest shore, at low tide, you can see a round rock shape called the Lotus Seat, carved by the waves. Most south sea boat tours stop here for a short visit.

Daguoye on Xiyu

Daguoye is one of the easiest basalt sites to reach. It is on Xiyu, the large island at the west end of the bridges, so you can drive or ride a scooter there from Magong. A wide wall of dark basalt columns stands above a shallow pond. When the water is still, the columns reflect in it, which makes a good photo. The site is small, so a short stop is enough. Combine it with other stops on Xiyu, such as the coastal views and the long Penghu Great Bridge on the way. Go early in the day for softer light and fewer tour buses.

The protected islets

Penghu set up the Penghu Columnar Basalt Nature Reserve in 1992 to protect three small islets in the north sea: Dinggou, Jishan and Xiaobaisha. They have steep cliffs of columns and strong currents around them, and there are no paths or people. Seabirds nest on them. You cannot normally land, but some north sea boat trips pass close by so you can see the columns from the water. In the south, the islets of the South Penghu Marine National Park also have fine basalt cliffs and some of the clearest water in Penghu. Respect any signs and rules about landing and wildlife.

Xiaomen and the sea arch

Xiaomen is a small island joined by a bridge to Xiyu, at the far end of the road from Magong. Here the waves have cut a hole through a basalt cliff, making a natural arch often called the Whale Cave. A short coastal path leads to it, with views of dark rock and bright sea. There is also a small geology museum that explains how the lava flows formed the islands. The wind can be very strong on this exposed coast, so hold on to hats and phones. Waves can also reach the rocks without warning, so stay back from the edge on rough days.

Basalt Columns at a glance

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