The last day of my stay in Kaohsiung had arrived. After catching up on some blog edits, enjoying a cup of coffee, and chatting with a fellow traveler at the accommodation, it was time to check out.
Despite the limited time (and a heavy backpack), I made sure to fit Cijin Island, Kaohsiung’s laid-back harbor island, into my itinerary. I had wanted to visit back in 2023, but a storm foiled my plans. So on my last day in the city, I finally fulfilled that longtime promise to myself.
🎒 Where to Store Your Heavy Backpack (and don’t be like me 🫣)
- Hamasen Station, formerly Sizihwan (Recommended): Electronic lockers are on the B1 concourse level near Exit 2, beside the escalator.
- 💳 Payment: Accepts EasyCard, iPASS, or cash/coins.
- 💰 Cost: NT$30–60 per 3-hour block, depending on bag size.
- Kaohsiung Main Station: If you’re catching a train later in the day, drop your heavy bags at the station’s locker banks before taking the Orange Line to Hamasen.
📌 Tip: The lockers generate a paper receipt with a PIN code. Snap a quick photo of it on your phone so you don’t lose it while exploring!
From Formosa Boulevard Orange Line Station, I took the MRT to Hamasen Station (formerly Sizihwan Station). The familiar grounds greeted me as I made my way toward Gushan Ferry Pier. After exiting at Hamasen Station Exit 1, I was greeted by a bustling and lively Lisyong Street. Using Google Maps, I walked along the street, passing some residential areas, until I reached Binhai Street. From there, I saw Gushan Ferry Pier.
I went straight to the gate and asked the staff how to get inside. He led me to the waiting area and asked me to stand by for the next announcement.
After entering the waiting area, I boarded the ferry. The gentle sway of the boat and the cool sea breeze instantly relaxed me as we set off for Cijin Island. The views of Kaohsiung Harbor and the city skyline from the ferry were truly breathtaking.
How to Get to Cijin Island from Kaohsiung
- 🚇 Take the Kaohsiung MRT: Board the Orange Line and ride it to Sizihwan Station (O1). Take Exit 1 when you exit the station.
- 🚶 Walk to the Ferry Pier: From Exit 1, walk along Lisyong St. until you reach Binhai St. From there, you’ll be able to see Gushan Ferry Pier.
- 💳 Tap & Board the Ferry: Pay using your EasyCard, iPASS, or exact cash at the gate. Fare is NT$20 with a card or NT$30 cash. The scenic ferry ride to Cijin Island takes about 5 minutes.
- 🚶 Walk to the Lighthouse: Upon stepping off at Cijin Ferry Pier, follow the path on foot toward Kaohsiung Lighthouse at the island’s southern tip.
Cijin Island’s Colorful Surprise
When we reached the island, passengers disembarked, some with their motorbikes, creating a mini roll-on/roll-off moment. I followed the crowd out of the waiting area and was immediately surprised! The exit of the Cijin Ferry Pier (with 7-Eleven on the other side) led me to the esplanade, where I saw locals fishing. I took that route to Kaohsiung Lighthouse.
Cijin Island is a popular tourist destination just off the coast of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It’s known for its sandy beaches, historic sites, vibrant murals, and Kaohsiung Lighthouse. The island also offers stunning views of Kaohsiung Harbor.
I didn’t have time to explore all the popular spots; I had my eyes set on one in particular: the Kaohsiung Lighthouse. I’d read that the trail up to it was worth the climb, and after missing my chance back in 2023, I wasn’t about to let this last day slip by without seeing it.
⚡Cijin Island Express Route (2 to 3-Hour Highlights). If you are on a tight schedule like I was, prioritize these key stops in order:
- 🍡 Cijin Old Street (Miao Qian St): Grab quick local snacks right near the pier. There’s a 7-Eleven.
- 🏛️ Cihou Fort & Kaohsiung Lighthouse: Walk up for the panoramic views over Kaohsiung Harbor.
Kaohsiung Lighthouse: A Quiet Constant by the Sea
To my amusement, my last day in Kaohsiung included a bit of hiking! The trail up was peaceful, accompanied by the soothing soundtrack of crashing waves. The narrow path winding up toward the lighthouse felt like a quiet world away from the busy streets down by the pier.
As I climbed, the city sounds gradually faded, replaced by the soothing, steady soundtrack of waves crashing against the rocky cliffs below. The ocean breeze kept the warmth at bay, making the short trek up surprisingly peaceful and giving me a well-deserved moment to catch my breath and take in the view.
Perched at the northern tip of the island, the historic Kaohsiung Lighthouse was my reward after the climb. Originally built in 1883 during the Qing Dynasty by British engineers (and later rebuilt during the Japanese era), this striking white landmark remains fully operational today, guiding vessels through the bustling harbor while offering visitors sweeping views of the city skyline.
Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Taiwan Strait and Kaohsiung Harbor. Standing beside the striking white tower, the entire expanse of Kaohsiung Harbor opened up before me. Massive cargo ships glided through the narrow ocean channel below, framed by the modern skyline
Standing on the viewing deck outside the lighthouse, the entire island unfolds below you. It offers an incredible panoramic look at Cijin’s colorful village neighborhoods, tucked snugly alongside the blue expanse of the ocean.
Visitors don’t actually go inside the lighthouse tower itself but rather explore the surrounding grounds, open-air viewing deck, and museum gallery situated right at the base.
☕ Good to Know: Right by the historic grounds of Kaohsiung Lighthouse is Shoreline Coffee & Roaster, a minimalist takeaway coffee shop that opened after the lighthouse site underwent major renovations.
Farewell, Cijin Island
I returned to the port to wait for the ferry back to Kaohsiung. The sight of a Taiwan ROC Coast Guard ship reminded me of the importance of maritime security in the region. Slowly, I walked towards 7-Eleven to look for something to eat or drink, but then I decided to eat at the Dream Mall.
Boarding the ferry back to Gushan Ferry Pier, I looked out across the water as the island slowly receded into the distance. Squeezing this visit into my final hours with a heavy backpack and a tight schedule had been a gamble, but keeping that promise to my 2023 self felt incredibly satisfying.
Cijin Island was brief, breezy, and beautiful. It was the perfect sweet note to end my time in southern Taiwan. Until next time, Cijin Island.
💡 Pen Rebel Sun Protection Tip: The coastal path has minimal shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water even for a short trip.
Refueling at Dream Mall
Step-by-step, my last-day itinerary fell right into place. After stepping off the ferry at Gushan Ferry Pier, I took a short walk back toward the tracks to hop on the Light Rail at Hamasen Station. Riding the Circular Line down to Dream Mall Station, I treated myself to a proper sit-down lunch at the Dream Mall food court before making my final run to Kaohsiung Airport.
I opted for a comforting bowl of Korean Bibimbap from Seoul Korea Cuisine (NT$228) paired with a cold Oolong Tea (NT$75), the ultimate refueling meal to cap off a busy morning on my feet.
Kaohsiung, Until We Meet Again
After my lunch, I strolled through the mall and headed back to the train station. I walked towards Dream Mall Station on the Circular Line to Kaisyuan Station. Watching the city pass by from the train window, I felt a mix of gratitude and melancholy.
From Kaisyuan Station on the Circular Line, I interchanged at the Red Line, this time heading off to Kaohsiung International Airport. As the train sped toward the airport, I reflected on the beautiful sights, the friendly people, and the unforgettable memories I had made across this trip through Taiwan. Leaving was bittersweet, but I knew these experiences would stay with me forever.
Once I reached the pre-departure area at Kaohsiung International Airport, I sat down for one last dinner: a bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup with a sweet lychee jelly drink on the side, a fitting final taste of Taiwan before boarding.
This is the final chapter of my Taiwan, Two, Three… (2025 Series). Thank you for following along on this short but unforgettable journey. As my time in Kaohsiung comes to a close, I’m savoring the last sights, sounds, and moments of this beautiful city until the next adventure begins!
📅 Travel Dates: November 14–18, 2025
