Matsu Islands, Taiwan | Just Follow The BOSS

Joshua Pang
Dec 21, 2018
3 min read

Thanks to The BOSS, the owner of Matsu Boss B&B, my one-night-trip to Dongju Island, Matsu, turned out to be one of the most unique experiences appreciating nature, architecture and some of the best local delicacies in Matsu Islands.

Where is Joshua?

I'm on Dongju Island, Matsu.

Nearly an hour’s sailing time to the south of Nangan Island is the rugged Juguang Township, which has two inhabited islands – Dongju and Xiju.

Actually, the names Dongju and Xiju are relatively recent. The islands originally bore the names Dongquan (“Eastern Dog”) and Xiquan (“Western Dog”). In 1971 they were renamed Dongju and Xiju.

On these islands, as in other parts of the archipelago, the growing season is short and there is little flat land. However, with the growing tourism industry, the breathtakingly uneven scenery has become a definite asset for the locals.

To transfer to Dongju, I took the thrice-daily boat service from Nangan’s Fuao Harbor. The first ferry sets out at 7AM. Those unable to spend a night in Juguang Township can try to get back to Dongju’s Mengao Harbor before 3:10PM. for the final return voyage.

I'd say that staying overnight is a much better option, as it allows you to explore the area at a relaxed pace. There are accommodation options in every part of the island, and my choice is Hotel Matsu Boss (船老大), a cozy B&B which also provides dining, transportation and tour guide services.

Visiting Dongju during the summer boosts your chances of seeing “blue tears” and "blue sands", both beguiling natural phenomena caused by bio-luminescent microorganisms. Unfortunately, it is winter now so I'd have to settle with another attraction on the island, Dongquan Lighthouse which was built in 1872-75 by the English firm Chance Brothers and Co. Ltd. at the behest of the British Empire. The British were among the Western powers who in the 19th century forced China to open its ports to foreign trade, and the lighthouse served as a navigational aid for vessels approaching Fuzhou.

How do I know all these? Well, I had the privilege of having The BOSS as my tour guide. Picking us up at the pier, he then took us for a ride around Dongju Island, before sending us to his B&B and served us dinner.

The BOSS is the best tour guide one can ever hope for. He knows every corner and hidden gems of the island by heart.

The rooms at Mastu Boss B&B may look basic but they are clean and tidy. Dinner was undoubtedly the highlight of the day. The meat of the freshly caught fish and seafood was so tender and the vegetables were sweet and crunchy. That's truly some high quality local ingredients that you don't get elsewhere!

Now you know who to look for when you visit Dongju Island next time! Also, The BOSS told us excitedly that he is building a new multi-stories hotel to accommodate more guests. Pointing at the soon-to-be-completed rooftop of the hotel, he said that the guests would get to stargaze and enjoy the best night view.