Penghu Islands in January

We are thinking of spending a couple of days in the Penghu Islands next week.

We have been warned that it is going to be windy - has anyone been there in January and does the wind ruin your enjoyment?

Plan is to fly over on afternoon/evening of Wed 7th Jan and then leave for Taipei on Sat 10th

Can anyone recommend:

1) Best way to get there from Chiayi late afternoon (currently struggling with Mandarin flight websites!)

2) Good place to stay

3) What recommend doing

4) Whats the best way to get around the islands

Penghu Islands in January

It will be windy, as in 40 to 50 mile gusts. It does affect the experience a little; after all, strong wind makes for a more bumpy boat ride to the other islands, and riding a scooter is more dangerous as you could be blown over by a sudden gust.

(1) January is lowest of the low season, so the ferry service between Chia-Yi and Peng-Hu is suspended. That leaves flying as your only choice. UNIAIR has daily flights from Chia-Yi to Peng-Hu leaving at 3 pm.

(2) Good place to stay - which of the 64 island do you plan to spend the night? With the exception of capital Ma-Gong, most other islands are either uninhabited, or have very limited accomodation options.

(3) Different island has different things to offer. Some islands are good for water sports, but they may be closed for the season. Others are good for sightseeing and shopping; while others you go simply to admire its rustic beauty and ocean scenaries.

(4) Between islands, take the ferry. Once on the island, rent a scooter or a bike. Driving is not an option because a lot of the alleyways are narrow and inaccessible to 4 wheeled vehicles.

Penghu Islands in January

May I know which islands offer the following:

a) sightseeing and shopping

b) enjoy rustic beauty and ocean scenaries

(1) Ma-Gong has the best shopping and sightseeing in the archipelago; it is after all the capital and the largest populated island. It has some of the oldest surviving temples and ruins in entire Taiwan, and if I remember correctly, the only 7-11 and McDonalds in the island chain.

(2) As for beautiful scenaries, you can get it from pretty much any of the remaining 63 islands. Some of the more popular choices include Chi-Mei, Wang-An, and Bai-Sha (by popular I mean you can find decent food and lodging options, and regular ferry service).

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