Magong, Penghu, Taiwan cruise port
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Magong, Penghu, Taiwan

Sitting astride the Taiwan Strait, Magong is one of Asia's most rewarding walk-off ports — the oldest Mazu temple in Taiwan is five minutes from the pier, and wild basalt coastlines await just beyond the city.

⚓ Pier (docked — expanded 2024)🕒 Typical call: 8-10 hrs💵 New Taiwan Dollar (TWD); carry cash🗣️ Mandarin / Taiwanese🌊 Beaches, temples & basalt geology
Docking
Pier No. 1, Magong Harbor (upgraded 2024; handles ships up to 150,000 GT)
Walk to center
5–10 min on foot to Zhongyang Old Street and Tianhou Temple
Best For
History lovers, beach seekers, foodies, and geology enthusiasts
Don't Miss
Cactus ice cream on Old Street and the Penghu Fireworks Festival (Apr–Jun)

Getting Ashore

Ships dock at Magong Port Pier No. 1 in the heart of the city — the pier extension completed in April 2024 handles vessels up to 150,000 GT. A new international passenger terminal is under construction and expected in 2026.

Getting Ashore in Magong

  • 1
    Disembark at Pier No. 1Most cruise lines dock at Pier No. 1 in central Magong. Walk straight off the ship into the city. A tourist information booth with free maps and English-speaking volunteers is typically set up for cruise days.
  • 2
    Walk to the old townZhongyang Old Street and Penghu Tianhou Temple are roughly 400 m (5–10 min) from the pier. The harbor promenade is flat and easy to navigate.
  • 3
    Get cash earlyGrab New Taiwan Dollars at a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart ATM near the pier. Street food vendors and taxi drivers are cash-only.
  • 4
    Arrange transport for outlying sitesTaxis are plentiful at the port. Negotiate a flat rate (approx. TWD 2,000–2,500) for a 4–5 hour island tour, or hire through ship excursions. Scooter rental requires an IDP with motorcycle endorsement.

💡 Pro move: Tender operations may apply for very large mega-ships if Pier No. 1 is occupied — confirm with your ship on embarkation day.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Magong's upgraded Pier No. 1 handles large cruise ships in the heart of the city after its 2024 expansion.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Most cruise linesPier No. 1, Magong Harbor — central location, walk to city📍Docked
Smaller / expedition shipsPier No. 3 (near Discovery Hotel) — 15–20 min walk to old town📍Docked

Top Excursions

From a 400-year-old temple steps from the pier to volcanic basalt columns and golden beaches, Penghu rewards both easy walkers and adventurous explorers.

History

Zhongyang Old Street & Tianhou Temple

Walk the oldest street in Penghu to reach Taiwan's oldest Mazu temple (founded c. 1604), featuring extraordinary Hokkien woodcarving. The Four-Eyed Well at the street's end is a 400-year-old community landmark. Both are free and under 10 minutes from the pier.

⏱ 1–2 hrs🚶 Easy💰 Free📷 Iconic
Find Magong walking tours →
Nature

Basalt Columns & Daguoye Geology

Penghu's volcanic basalt forms dramatic hexagonal columns and sea caves unlike anywhere else in Asia. Tongpan Island's organ-pipe sea cliffs and Xiyu's Daguoye Columnar Basalt are the headline geological sights — both require a short boat ride or taxi.

⏱ 3–4 hrs🚌 Taxi or boat tour📷 Stunning scenery
Find Penghu geology tours →
Relax

Shanshui or Shili Beach

Penghu's beaches rival anything in Southeast Asia. Shanshui has wide golden sand and surf; Shili is the best-equipped natural swimming beach on the main island, with coral-sand seabed, showers, and a lifeguard. Both are 15–20 minutes by taxi from the port.

⏱ 2–4 hrs🚕 15–20 min by taxi🏖 Clear water
Find Penghu beach tours →
Culture

Erkan Historical Village

One of Taiwan's best-preserved traditional villages, built from coral stone (laogu shi) and volcanic basalt. The settlement dates back centuries, and its beautifully preserved Fujian-style courtyard houses were built mostly in the late Qing and early Republic eras (roughly 1900–1930s). This is the most authentic glimpse of old Penghu life outside the city.

⏱ 1–2 hrs🚕 30 min by taxi🏛 Cultural heritage
Find Erkan village tours →
Adventure

Island-Hopping & Snorkeling

Boat tours fan out to Jibei (north), Wang'an, and the outer islands of South Penghu Marine National Park, where lavender coral fields and sea turtles await snorkelers. Half-day and full-day options are available from Magong harbor.

⏱ Half or full day🚢 Boat tour🐢 Marine life
Find Penghu island-hopping tours →
Food

Seafood & Street Food Tour

Penghu's isolation built a fiercely local cuisine. Old Street is the epicenter — try cactus (prickly pear) ice cream, brown sugar sponge cake, fresh oyster noodles, and deep-fried seafood rolls. The night squid fishing tours (if your ship overnights) are unforgettable.

⏱ 1–2 hrs🚶 Easy🍢 Local flavors💰 Budget-friendly
Find Penghu food tours →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

Magong's historic core is compact and flat — the best walk-off port in Taiwan for self-guided exploration.

Old Town Loop

1.5 km · ~45 min · Easy

From the pier, follow the harbor promenade to Penghu Tianhou Temple at the entrance of Zhongyang Old Street. Walk the full length of the old street to the Four-Eyed Well, then detour to Duxing Village (former military housing turned creative park) before looping back along the waterfront.

  1. StartMagong Harbor Pier No. 1
  2. StopPenghu Tianhou Temple
  3. StopZhongyang Old Street
  4. StopFour-Eyed Well Magong
  5. EndDuxing Village Magong
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Guanyinting & Rainbow Bridge

3 km from pier · 20 min walk or short taxi · Easy

Head southwest along the coast road to Guanyinting Park and the Rainbow Bridge, a pedestrian walkway over a shallow bay. This is Magong's best sunset spot and a pleasant afternoon stroll if your ship stays late.

  1. StartMagong Harbor
  2. StopGuanyinting Recreation Area
  3. EndRainbow Bridge Magong
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Magong, Penghu, Taiwan (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy DaysSunriseSunset
Jan66°F / 19°C63°F / 17°C66:46 AM5:36 PM
Feb66°F / 19°C63°F / 17°C76:34 AM5:57 PM
Mar70°F / 21°C67°F / 19°C96:10 AM6:10 PM
Apr74°F / 23°C72°F / 22°C75:41 AM6:22 PM
May79°F / 26°C77°F / 25°C135:20 AM6:36 PM
Jun82°F / 28°C80°F / 27°C145:14 AM6:49 PM
Jul84°F / 29°C81°F / 27°C115:24 AM6:50 PM
Aug83°F / 28°C81°F / 27°C165:37 AM6:34 PM
Sep82°F / 28°C80°F / 27°C105:48 AM6:05 PM
Oct79°F / 26°C77°F / 25°C45:58 AM5:35 PM
Nov75°F / 24°C73°F / 23°C46:15 AM5:16 PM
Dec69°F / 21°C66°F / 19°C66:36 AM5:17 PM

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • 💵
    Carry cash in TWD. Street food stalls, local taxis, and small temples only accept New Taiwan Dollars. ATMs are inside every 7-Eleven and FamilyMart — grab some before leaving the city center.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection is non-negotiable. Penghu averages 300+ sunny days a year with very little shade in the old town or on beaches. Bring strong sunscreen, a hat, and water.
  • 🌬️
    Wind is the local weather story. Penghu is called the "Windy Islands" — October through March can be blustery enough to affect boat tours to outer islands. Confirm departure conditions with your operator.
  • 🍦
    Eat the cactus ice cream. Prickly pear sorbet is Penghu's signature street treat — bright pink, tart, and refreshing. Multiple vendors on Zhongyang Old Street sell it for about TWD 50.
  • 🎆
    Fireworks Festival (April–June). If your call falls during the Penghu International Ocean Fireworks Festival, the harbor lights up spectacularly. Check dates before your trip — it's one of Asia's best fireworks events.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Magong, Penghu, Taiwan. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

Star Voyager
StarDream Cruises
Round-trip from Hong Kong
⚓ Calls 13 Aug 20265 nights5 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 09
View itinerary · 5 ports
5 days, round-trip Naha - Keelung - Penghu Cruise
  1. 09 AugDeparting from Hong Kong, China
  2. 11 AugNaha, Okinawa Island Japan
  3. 12 AugKeelung, Taipei City, Taiwan China
  4. 13 AugMagong, Penghu Island Taiwan China
  5. 14 AugArriving in Hong Kong, China
Find this cruise to book →
$304from / pp

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.