[2025 Keelung Attraction] Travel Guide for Keelung Islet Lighthouse (Updated Oct)

#SeptemberGoodPlaces2025 Keelung Island has so much to offer, there's so much to share, so Heinrich has divided it into three travel moments. This post focuses solely on the "hiking route" after landing on the island—climbing from the summit trail all the way to the ridgeline, and finally enjoying the ocean view by the Keelung Island Lighthouse. In the previous post, we took the coastal route (the harbor trail, the coastal trail, and the promenade). This time, we'll take to the mountains and sweat through the scenery. ⸻ • Location: Keelung Island (Ruifang, New Taipei City/Off the coast of Keelung) • Route: Landing → Entrance Interpretation Area → Summit Trail (approximately 1,200 steps) → Ridgeline Viewpoint → Keelung Island Lighthouse • Time Required: 60–90 minutes (for both ascent and descent, depending on walking speed and weather conditions; island-wide stops are scheduled by the ferry company) • Difficulty: Moderate to easy, with continuous steps and strong exposure to the sun. Elderly and children should proceed slowly. • Season: April–October is relatively stable; sailing is often suspended or shortened due to sea conditions during the northeast monsoon. • Essentials: Non-slip shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, at least 500–1,000 ml of water, and a light jacket (sea breezes can get chilly). • Friendly reminder: Stay on controlled routes throughout the trip; do not cross railings, do not use drones, and take all trash home. ⸻ A Little Background | A "Vertical Reading" of a Volcanic Island Keelung Island is an isolated volcanic island. Its hard rock, carved by monsoon winds and wave action over the years, has resulted in the gray-black cliffs and ridges that plunge directly into the sea. In the past, the island housed military and lighthouse facilities, maintaining long-term control. In recent years, it has been opened seasonally for conservation purposes, with limited capacity. The summit trail allows us to explore the island's "vertical profile" with minimal disturbance: from sea level to the ridgeline, wind direction, salt spray, and vegetation layers all change chapters beneath our feet. ⸻ Actual Route | Step-by-Step Ascent Based on My Photos ① Entrance Warm-up: Signposts and First Rise Before embarking on the trail, you'll see a striking green sign (indicating approximately 1,200 steps). The first section is a series of steps arranged in a contoured pattern, with occasional glimpses of the ocean on the right. The key here is a steady pace: avoid explosive bursts of energy, and maintain a breathing rhythm that allows for conversation. Photography Tip: Keep the signpost or wooden railing in the foreground, while pushing the background back to the blue ocean and the island's mountains. The scale of the small figure and the large landscape tells the story best. ⸻ ② Middle Forest Belt: The sea breeze transforms sweat into the taste of salt As you ascend, the forest trees (pandanus) and shrubs on both sides become more numerous, their leaves sculpted into streamlines by the sea breeze. Looking back, the horizon resembles a stretched ribbon; waves glitter on the reef edge, and the blue of the northeast corner will naturally make you pull out your phone. Safety Tip: Most stairs are made of stone with metal edging and can be slippery after rain. Hold onto the railings, take small steps, and walk on the inside. ⸻ ③ Ridgeline View: 360° Sea and Clouds Upon reaching the gentle section of the ridgeline, the breeze suddenly picks up, and cloud shadows race across the sea. This is the perfect spot to pause for three minutes: drink water, catch your breath, and calm your heart. On clear days, you can gaze out over Keelung Harbor and the mountain curve, while on cloudy days, the clouds create a dramatic spectacle, each with its own unique character. Photography Tip: Use the wooden railing as a guide toward the sea; EV -0.3 preserves the layers of cloud and creates a more refreshing color palette. ⸻ ④ Keelung Island Lighthouse: A Vertical Landmark, the Eye of the Navigation A short distance further, you'll see the white island lighthouse at the end of the ridgeline, its simple and powerful appearance. This isn't a fancy lighthouse for sightseeing, but rather a crucial navigational aid for ships sailing at night and in dense fog. Standing in the open space next to the tower, the sound of the wind seemed to come from all directions simultaneously. Looking down, the seaside promenade and the gravel bay shrank into a few lines, and the sea line we walked along in the previous episode now became a map. Photography Tip: Stand about one-third of the way up the tower, facing the sea with your back to the sea. Or, zoom out to include the tower and the ridgeline. This will create a picture that captures the island's "vertical language." ⸻ 9 Reasons I Recommend Climbing the Lighthouse 1. A Complete Cross-Section of the Island: From sea level to the ridgeline, you can see it all at once. 2. Excellent Photographer: The stairs, railings, ridgeline, and tower all serve as natural compositional lines. 3. The sound of the wind is the soundtrack: No filters needed; the sea breeze itself embodies the emotion. 4. Manageable Time: 60–90 minutes round trip, easily arranged before or after embarking on the boat. 5. No Skill Required: The continuous stairs don't require any technical climbing; the key is steady breathing. 6. Rich seasonal expressions: Summer clouds are dramatic, autumn and winter are highly transparent. 7. Complementary with the sea route: The previous episode focused on the sea, this episode focuses on the top, providing a complete story. 8. Educational value: Along the way, you can observe wind-sheared vegetation, joint collapse, and sea erosion. 9. Just the right sense of accomplishment: It's not a hardcore adventure, but it offers a tremendous view. ⸻ Super Practical Guide (Pitfall Avoidance List)⚠️ • Time Management: If the boat operator has requested a 120–150-minute stop on the island, ascend the mountain first and then take the sea route; midday is the hottest time, so staggering is best. • Hydration and Electrolyte Replenishment: Due to strong sunlight, it's recommended to combine water with salt, sugar, or sports drinks, and wear sunscreen. • Shoes: Non-slip and comfortable are key; if it rains, stairs and areas with black algae are even more slippery, so go slow, steady, and hold onto the fence. • Don't cross the fence: Strong winds and landslides along the ridge are real, and the risk of beautiful photos isn't worth it. • Leave a trace: Light items (invoices, plastic bags) are most likely to be carried away by the sea breeze, so please pack them in your backpack. • Back-up: If the sea conditions deteriorate, you can switch to a boat trip around the island or to the harbor, and the trip will still be worthwhile. ⸻ Photography Cheat Sheet (Shoot Great Photos with Your Phone) 📸 • S-Shaped Stairs: Stand at the turning point and let the stairs form an S-curve in the frame, guiding the eye up the mountain. • People and Towers: Use a wide-angle lens to get close to the tower and move the subject back to create scale; or do the reverse to create a silhouette. • Ridgeline Blue Ribbon: Tuck the promenade and gravel bay into the lower third, and the ridgeline will resemble a painted blue ribbon. • Color Tone: The blue of Keelung Island is very pure. Avoid warming the white balance too much to retain the refreshing salty texture. ⸻ Post-flight Supplies | Food Review (with Address) Bisha Fishing Port Tourist Fish Market Address: No. 211, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City My Order: Mixed Sashimi, Grilled Shredded Fish, and Clam Soup Review: After climbing the stairs and enjoying the sea breeze, the fish market offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The pick-up counters are clean, the prices are clearly marked, and the food is served quickly. ⸻ Suggested Itinerary (Uphill Version) Half-Day Highlights: Ascent → Ascend the Summit Trail → Rest and Photo Stop at the Lighthouse Platform → Descend the Mountain and Walk the Coastal Promenade (10-15 Minutes) → Return to the Harbor for a Fish Market Dinner Full-Day Version: Morning Summit + Coastal Route → Afternoon: Marine Science Museum/Chaojing Park → Dusk: Zhengbin Colorful Houses/Heping Island → Evening: Keelung Miaokou Night Market ⸻ My Real Experience What I Remember Most: The wind on the ridgeline: It blew sweat into a salty film and pushed the clouds into shape. Standing by the lighthouse and looking down, the coastline we walked on in the previous episode looked like two arcs folded on blue paper. I suddenly understood—Keelung Island isn't meant to be conquered, but rather to be slowly understood from different perspectives. Next time, I'll take you back to the beach to watch the waves, or on the clearest days of autumn and winter, to walk these blue steps again. 👏🏻 ⸻ Keelung Island Summit Trail | Keelung Island Lighthouse | Keelung Island Ridgeline Viewpoint | Bisha Fishing Harbor Tourist Fish Market (No. 211, Beining Road) | National Museum of Marine Science and Technology | Chaojing Park #KeelungIsland #SummitTrail #KeelungIslandLighthouse #NortheastCorner #Badouzi #Bisha Fishing Harbor #SeaBreezeandClouds #WuTanShanLin #Geotourism #KeelungTravel 🌊

Keelung Islet offers a rich array of sightseeing opportunities, so Heinrich has divided his trip moments into three parts to introduce it. This time, I took a boat departing from Badouzi/Bisha Harbor. The boat circled Keelung Islet counterclockwise, revealing cliffs that looked as if they were carved by knives and grassy slopes brushed with a thin layer of green velvet. As we rounded the cape, the boat's wake formed a white V-shaped trail, while the clouds above shifted like layers in a painting. In just 60–90 minutes, I was able to grasp both the grandeur and gentleness of the northeastern coast. • Itinerary | Keelung Islet Sightseeing • Departure Points | Typically from Badouzi/Bisha Fishing Harbor or Shen'ao Fishing Harbor • Duration | Approximately 60–90 minutes (including guided commentary and slow-paced photo opportunities) • Ticket Price | NT$300–600 per person depending on the boat company and weekday/holiday rates; private charters available upon negotiation • Season | Relatively stable sea conditions from April to October; adjusted schedules during the northeast monsoon season • Highlights | Up-close views of cliff textures, marine erosion platforms, and ridge lines, with a focus on conservation A Bit of Background and History Keelung Islet is an isolated volcanic island composed mainly of hardened rock formed from cooled volcanic eruptions. Over the years, it has been sculpted by the northeast monsoon and ocean waves, resulting in steep cliffs, fissures, and marine erosion patterns. In earlier times, the island housed a lighthouse and military facilities and was under long-term control. In recent years, it has been seasonally opened with visitor limits to support conservation efforts. Sailings are still suspended during typhoons or the northeast monsoon season. ⸻ Maritime Notes | A Guided Tour Around the Island ① Silhouette from Afar As the boat departs, Keelung Islet resembles a sleeping green sea turtle. At this point, position the horizon at the lower third of your frame, leaving two-thirds for the clouds. The sky will look like an opening curtain. ② Close-Up of Cliff Faces Approaching the northwest side, the cliffs drop vertically in gray-black tones, with joints and layers appearing as if carved by knives. Waves crashing below create white foam that accentuates the cliff details, making them appear even more vivid—nature is the best lighting technician. ③ Ridge Lines and Grassy Slopes On the windward side, green grassy slopes appear like thin velvet brushed onto the rocks, interspersed with signs of erosion and talus fans. The boat slows down here, and the guide points out marine erosion platforms and coastal reefs. Listening to the wind and commentary, time seems to slow down. ④ White Wake from the Stern My favorite spot is at the stern: the propeller pulls the sea into a V-shaped light trail, while distant reefs float like ink on dark blue paper. The scene is so clean it feels like a logo. ⑤ Gentle Return to the Harbor As we approach the breakwater, the ridge lines draw closer to the eye, and the green hues warm up, bringing a sense of relaxation. Turning off the camera and simply watching the sea is the perfect way to end this journey. ⸻ Why I Recommend Keelung Islet (9 Reasons) 1. Unparalleled Grandeur: The sea perspective offers a complete view of the ridge lines and cliff proportions, far more expansive than from land. 2. Flexible Timing: The trip takes only 1.5–2 hours, making it easy to fit into morning, afternoon, or evening plans. 3. Rich Geomorphology: See rock veins, joints, marine erosion platforms, and talus fans all in one trip. 4. Dramatic Clouds: The northeastern coast's cloud layers resemble stage curtains, adding drama to photos. 5. Suitable for All Ages: With life jackets and stable seating, even seniors and children can enjoy the view without hiking. 6. Photogenic Scenery: White waves, reefs, silhouettes, ridge lines—every shot looks stunning. 7. Pair with Nearby Attractions: After the trip, visit Bisha Fishing Harbor, Chaojing Park, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, or Jiufen. 8. Easy Weather Alternatives: If the sea is rough, opt for a harbor stroll and seafood lunch without disappointment. 9. Low Seasickness Risk: Keelung Islet is close to shore, and the short duration makes it manageable with medication. ⸻ Photography Tips (Even Smartphones Can Capture Stunning Shots) 📸 • Island Shape Definition: Align the island's ridge line with the bright area of the sky for cleaner silhouettes. • Cliff Textures: Shoot at a 45° angle from the boat side, set EV to −0.3 for enhanced cliff details. • Stern White Wake: Use burst mode and a shutter speed of 1/1000 to capture the brightest moment of the waves. • Portrait Composition: Stand 1/3 into the frame with the sea as the backdrop, holding the railing to include both the life jacket and sea for a safe yet storytelling shot. • Anti-Glare: If sunlight is strong, slightly raise the camera to avoid direct glare for cleaner colors. ⸻ Pre-Trip & Pitfalls to Avoid (Important!) ⚠️ • Always wear a life jacket and secure your camera and phone with straps; hold the railing firmly when encountering side waves near capes. • Sun and Wind Protection: Bring a hat, long sleeves, sunscreen, and water; prepare a scarf or jacket for strong sea winds. • Seasickness: Take medication 30 minutes before departure, focus on distant views, and avoid using your phone excessively. • Boat Schedules and Sea Conditions: During the northeast monsoon season, sailings are often suspended or shortened; check announcements from boat operators before booking. • Respect the Ocean: Lightweight items can easily be blown into the sea; take all trash back to shore. ⸻ Half-Day Itinerary Relaxed Half-Day Version Depart from Badouzi/Bisha for an island cruise → Return to the harbor for seafood at the fish market → Stroll through Chaojing Park → Visit the permanent exhibits at the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology ⸻ Food Review (Including Address! Post-Sailing Refuel) Bisha Fishing Harbor Tourist Fish Market Address: No. 211, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City What I Ordered: • Assorted Sashimi: Freshly sliced, evenly thick, with a perfect balance of oiliness and sweetness. • Grilled Squid: Slightly charred on the outside, chewy inside—perfect with the sea breeze. • Clam Soup: Lightly sweet with just the right amount of saltiness, warming and satisfying. Why I Recommend It: Closest to the pier, plenty of seating, and stalls clearly display the day's catch and transparent pricing, making it a worry-free choice. ⸻ My True Feelings My favorite part was the white wake at the stern: it felt like drawing a clear line through time—an island ahead, a harbor behind, with cloud shadows dancing on the water. Standing by the railing, I said nothing. After circling the island and returning to the harbor, the blue suddenly felt quiet. At that moment, a bowl of hot soup or a slice of sashimi was all I needed to preserve the salty taste of this sea journey. ⸻ Keelung Islet Scenic Cruise | Badouzi/Bisha Fishing Harbor Tourist Fish Market (No. 211, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City) | National Museum of Marine Science and Technology | Chaojing Park | Wangyou Valley | Zhengbin Fishing Harbor Colorful Houses 🌊

The Keelung Lighthouse was completed in 1900, making it the third lighthouse built in Taiwan by the Japanese, following the Bitou Cape Lighthouse and the Fugui Cape Lighthouse. This visit to the Keelung Lighthouse included a guided tour. Although the lighthouse stands only 11 meters tall—less than the height of a typical three-story building—it is perched on the Wanrendui Nose Cape, offering an unobstructed view of the entire Keelung Harbor area and the open sea beyond. Located at the exit of Keelung Harbor, the lighthouse provides a stunning view of Keelung Islet. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from the observation deck, taking in the harmony of the sea and the islet. Additionally, a visit to the Love Lighthouse Museum, with its guided tour, offers deeper insights and understanding of the lighthouse's history and significance.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 There are many natural sea caves in Keelung, the most special of which is the "Buddha's Hand Cave" near the Keelung Port West Coast Container Yard. Walking in the deep cave, there are several caves that are connected in all directions. Bats once lived in the cave because it is dark and cold. The stone wall formed by weathering at the top of the deepest part of the cave looks like the palm print of Tathagata Buddha, so it is named Buddha's Hand Cave. We went to the Buddha's Hand Cave in Keelung and felt that the Buddha's hand was better than the footprints of immortals (Jingmei Xianji Rock). We also went to the nearby Keelung Lighthouse and Baimiweng Fort to overlook Keelung Harbor.