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Keelung Islet

Top Spots
Activities
Nature

Keelung Islet, located about 6 kilometers northeast of Keelung City, is one of northern Taiwan's most iconic island landmarks. As an uninhabited volcanic island, its main attractions are its unique volcanic rock geology and abundant ecological resources. Its graceful parabolic silhouette makes it one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Keelung".

The island features walking trails and pavilions. Visitors can explore the native plant life, including Formosa lilies that bloom in the spring. The trail leads to the Keelung Islet Lighthouse, Taiwan's first unmanned solar-powered lighthouse, providing panoramic ocean views.

Keelung Islet was strategically important for military purposes, and some military structures remain. It is now a popular tourist spot. Visitors can depart from Bisha or Badouzi Fishing Ports by boat to land on the island, travel around it, and see the sea-eroded rock formations.

Recommended Itineraries

Tours to Keelung Islet are usually half-day trips, including travel time by boat. The suggested time on the island depends on the tour:

2-in-1 Tour (Island Landing + Circumnavigation): About 2 hours.
3-in-1 Tour (Island Landing + Lighthouse Hike + Circumnavigation): About 3.5 hours.
4-in-1 Tour (Island Landing + Lighthouse Hike + Circumnavigation + Elephant Trunk Rock): About 4.5 hours.

Note that actual times may vary depending on the boat operator, schedule, and weather.

Phone

Address

Keelung Islet, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan

Business hours

Stay

More than half day

Fee

NT$ 700

Nearby

Keelung Mountain Hiking Trail

Jiufen is a mountainous town with a plethora of hiking trails in the area. Many of them are fairly accessible to a wide range of hikers and can be done in a half- or one-day trip, while Keelung Mountain is the closest one to Jiufen Old Street. Adjacent to a parking lot, the entrance to the mountain is 350m away from the old street. Follow the sign and you will get there. As a matter of fact, Keelung Mountain has not much to do with the city that shares the same name. Instead, the name “Keelung” (literally meaning “chicken cage”) is derived from the shape of the mountain that resembles a battery cage. From another angle, the mountain bears a strong resemblance to the look of a pregnant woman lying on the bed, hence its nickname “The Pregnant Beauty.”

Keelung Mountain is a conical extinct volcano, and normally it takes an hour to hike the trail of stone steps to reach the mountaintop. There are three pavilions along the way to rest your weary feet. With an altitude of 588m, the lookout on the mountaintop offers a commanding view of the North Coast and the mountainous landscape of the area with the breeze caressing your face. If the sky is clear enough, you might even spot the soaring Taipei 101 in the distance — this treat to the eyes is very worth the one-hour hike.

If you are keen to go on a one-day trip to Keelung Mountain from downtown Taipei, just so you know, it takes two hours for the round trip. But if you are more into slow travel, contact our professional travel consultant with your ideas, and we will design a customized itinerary to perfect your day in Jiufen.

NightAttractions

Keelung Miaokou Night Market

One of the larger night markets in northern Taiwan, Keelung Miaokou Nigh Market (基隆廟口夜市) surrounds Dianji Temple and is located a short walk from Keelung Harbor. It has been in operation for more than 40 years and occupies a space of about 400 meters and several city blocks. Temples often serve as both a spiritual and physical foundation of night markets in Taiwan and Keelung's is no different. The Miaokou part of the name literally means “temple entrance”. If entering from the harbor area, you will have to cross one of the numerous bridges spanning the narrow river that bisects the town, but pay attention as you do: each bridge is flanked by stylistic representations of the 12 Chinese zodiacs. Test your knowledge of traditional culture by trying to find them all!

More than 200 food stands offer up regional as well as national delicacies. No need to worry about finding something tasty to eat; the bigger problem will be having enough appetite to taste all of the delicacies on display! Among the more famous dishes are Taiwanese style tempura “tianbula” (天婦羅), pot rim rice soup “ding bian cuo” (鼎邊銼), pork rib soup “pai gu geng” (排骨羹), one bite sausages “yi kou xiang chang” (一口香腸), a huge variety of fried, roasted, and steamed fresh caught seafood, and bubble ice “pao pao bing” (泡泡冰) to cool you off in the summer months.

FoodNight

Keelung Fairy Cave

This Buddhist temple sitting beside Keelung Harbor (基隆港) is unable to trace back the date of construction. Reliefs of Bodhisattva (菩薩) were directly sculpted on the wall of cave, buddha statues and ritual instrument were kept in the cave. Unlike most temples which are made of wood, it is built inside a littoral cave and less likely to be hazarded by fire. Since it is inside a cave, the indoor room is smaller than usual temples. Be cautious of collision with other visitors. Lots of poems and messages left by modern poets and visitors could be found on the wall. To see the statue of Avalokiteśvara (觀世音菩薩), visitors have to squeeze through a narrow gap. Even those are in medium build need to bend down for passage. It might be a bit harsh for visitors with rounder figure.

Attractions

Keelung Harbor

Keelung Harbor (基隆港) is the most important seaport in northern Taiwan and the second largest port in Taiwan. In addition to serving as a gateway for goods and fishery products, many cruise ships also dock at Keelung Harbor (基隆港), offering day trips in Taiwan. Along the coastline of the harbor, there are many attractions to enjoy, such as Keelung Islet, and Heping Island Park. In the background, there is the famous Keelung Miaokou Night Market, where many visitors like to have dinner and then buy a drink to enjoy the night view of the harbor.

Keelung is a mountainous city, with limited flat and developable land, so the city's development is planned around the harbor. In the early days, Keelung residents mostly relied on the harbor for their livelihoods, whether it was fishing or commercial shipping, so effective land use within the city is crucial.

How to enjoy Keelung? Take a yacht tour of Keelung Harbor (基隆港), visit historical buildings in Keelung Harbor (基隆港): Keelung Harbor (基隆港) has many historical buildings, such as the Keelung Harbor (基隆港) Bureau Building, and the Keelung Customs Building, to learn about the history of Keelung Harbor (基隆港).

NightAttractions

Keelung Shengan Temple

When it comes to visiting Keelung, Miaokou Night Market and Bisha Harbor are usually on the top of the lists of many, but locals tend to opt for more hidden sites such as Shengan Temple on the hilltop of Fairy Cave.

In the late 1950s, the construction of MacArthur Thruway was just about to begin, but construction workers were often hit by rocks during the blasting. The Mazu venerated at Dajia Mazu Temple was therefore divided to Keelung in 1958 for local worshippers to pray for mercy towards them. It is widely believed that the re-enshrined spirit of Mazu, also known as “Keelung Mazu” or “Harbor Mazu,” had been conferring blessings to these workers ever since her arrival at the Shengan Temple.

The temple can be can be easily accessed by car or bus. Take the Keelung Bus No. 301 until you reach the Fairy Cave station, and the temple is just a five-minute walk from the bus stop. You may either pray to Mazu for her blessings or simply appreciate the outstanding view of the Keelung Harbor from here. Descending from the park on the side will take you other attractions such as Fairy Cave and Buddha Hand Cave — a visit full of impressions is guaranteed.

Attractions

Zhongzheng Park

Zhongzheng Park is located on the eastern shore of Keelung Harbor in the northeastern part of Keelung City, with a history that dates back to 1950. Originally known as Shizaka Park, it was gifted to the Keelung City Government by the Shizaka Estate in 1933. Later, in order to commemorate Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of the Republic of China, it was officially renamed Zhongzheng Park. Over the years, the park has evolved into an important venue for distinguished guests in Keelung City. Covering an area of 7.4 hectares, Zhongzheng Park is laid out across three levels. The first level includes the Keelung Martyrs' Shrine, a children's playground, an ice skating rink, and various sports facilities such as basketball and tennis courts, greatly enriching the leisure activities available to the citizens. The second level features the main altar for the Keelung Ghost Festival, serving not only as a site for religious activities but also housing a folk museum that showcases the cultural heritage of Keelung. On the third level, the Dafo Zen Temple and the Sea Viewing Pavilion attract many tourists with their magnificent views, particularly suitable for hiking enthusiasts. The most striking feature of Zhongzheng Park is the Dafo Zen Temple, which boasts a 22.5-meter tall white statue of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, serving as the park's iconic structure. Visitors can ascend the internal stairs of the Guanyin statue to overlook the entirety of Keelung from the "Buddha's eye," offering a breathtaking view, especially at dusk when the night scenery draws many admirers. Additionally, the plaza in front of the Guanyin statue allows for a panoramic view of the spectacular Keelung Harbor, with countless details that make Zhongzheng Park a popular destination for tourists. In recent years, the Keelung City Government has actively promoted revitalization plans for Zhongzheng Park, aiming to transform it into a more attractive recreational area for visitors. The opening of the Huoshui Pavilion is part of this effort, revitalizing the park. Even on rainy days, Zhongzheng Park remains popular with tourists, particularly at the Guanyin Plaza, where people can enjoy the stunning views of Keelung Harbor, allowing visitors to appreciate the charm of the site in any weather.