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mononoke

Moss, Mystic and Mononoke at Yakushima’s Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

25 September 202310 August 2018

The spectacular visuals in Hayao Miyazaki’s widely acclaimed Princess Mononoke have inspired many travellers to trek all the way to Yakushima Island and search for the mystical mossy forest depicted in the animation.

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whywendywrites

⁣ ‼️ 1.7 MILLION views on my Osaka pillow video 🤯 ⁣
‼️ 1.7 MILLION views on my Osaka pillow video 🤯⁣
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That tells me one thing! People like me are searching for the perfect pillow for a truly good night’s sleep.⁣⁣
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Because of the overwhelming response to the video and to welcome the New Year ㊗️ with better sleep!⁣⁣
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@hinomotoshingu and I are collaborating on a New Year special to say thank you 💛⁣⁣
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🎉 New Year Special Gift⁣⁣
A FREE pair of Japanese-made “Good Night Socks” (Oyasumi Socks) for my viewers⁣⁣ who purchase a pillow
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🎁 How to get your free socks:
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1️⃣ Watch the video “A pillow from Japan changed my life”⁣⁣
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2️⃣ Make a reservation on Hinomoto Shingu’s website and indicate “whywendywrites”⁣⁣
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3️⃣ During your appointment, write “whywendywrites” as your referral on the fitting survey sheet⁣⁣
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4️⃣ Receive a free pair of good night socks ✨⁣⁣
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⁣Why these socks are special:⁣
🧦 Made in Japan by a long-established sock workshop in Nara Prefecture, one of Japan’s traditional sock-making regions⁣
🧦 Designed not to trap moisture while you sleep⁣
🧦 Gentle, non-tight fit that doesn’t squeeze your ankles and help with blood circulation⁣
🧦 Created specifically for comfortable, uninterrupted sleep⁣
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🏯 ⁣Hinomoto Shingu is a 100-year-old bedding specialty store in Osaka, trusted across generations for its craftsmanship and dedication to better sleep.⁣⁣
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📍Conveniently located just steps from Hommachi Station, right in the heart of Osaka–easy to visit even on a busy travel day.⁣⁣
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Why this made-to-order pillow works:⁣⁣
⭐ Custom-fitted to your neck, shoulders and sleeping posture⁣⁣
⭐️ Expertly adjusted for proper spine alignment⁣⁣
⭐️ Thoughtfully crafted with Japanese precision⁣⁣
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If you’re heading to Osaka and serious about better sleep, this is one experience you shouldn’t miss!
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✨ Once you try a pillow made for you, there’s no going back!⁣
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovesjapan⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#Japan #japanquality #pillow #bestpillow #japaneseculture #日の本寝具⁣ #japanmade
⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁉️ Do you know Penghu has its own Santorini ⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁉️ Do you know Penghu has its own Santorini? 🇹🇼✨⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Waian Fishing Harbour 外垵漁港 on Xiyu Island, also known as Taiwan’s Little Santorini, is famed for its dramatic coastal scenery and cultural heritage.⁣
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⁣⁣If island hopping, dramatic coastlines, and slow island days sound like your kind of holiday, Penghu is a place you must visit. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Just a short flight from Taipei, Penghu (澎湖) is a collection of over 90 islands that feels a world away from city life. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Think towering basalt cliffs, coral-stone villages, turquoise beaches and sea turtles nesting along quiet shores. 🐢🌊⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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It’s a completely different side of Taiwan that most travellers never get to see. ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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While many stick to Taipei, those who venture to Penghu are rewarded with stunning landscapes and a laid-back island rhythm that makes you want to stay longer than planned.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m so excited to share my new Penghu travel guide that is filled with insider’s travel tips⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣:⁣
✈️ How to get to Penghu Islands⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🏝️ The best islands and beaches⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🐠 Must-see sights and local gems⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🤿 How to snorkel and dive in Penghu⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🌵What to buy in Penghu⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
🗓️ The best time to go (including festival seasons)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
⛴️ Transport tips for easy island hopping⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Ready to explore Taiwan beyond the usual route?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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📌 Visit Penghu, 2026’s must-visit new destination! Free Penghu travel guide - link in bio 👆⁣⁣⁣⁣
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⁣➡️ Follow @whywendywrites for more Taiwan travel inspiration, and visit my website for free guides and itineraries!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites⁣⁣⁣ #whywendylovestaiwan #timefortaiwan #taiwan #taiwantravel #penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 ⁣#islandtrip #beachvacation #littlesantorini⁣
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⁣⁣ ‼️The most unexpected thing I did in Hualien! ⁣⁣
‼️The most unexpected thing I did in Hualien! ⁣⁣
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Last Christmas, I found myself in Hualien 花蓮.⁣⁣
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I greeted the sunrise on horseback, riding alongside the Pacific Ocean as waves rolled in and the sky slowly lit up 🐎🌅🌊⁣⁣
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This quiet, powerful moment showed me a side of Taiwan that I’ll never forget.⁣⁣
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It was my first time riding a horse along the coast, and doing it here with Wild Life 花蓮野生活 made it even more special.⁣⁣
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@wildlife.hualien is an outdoor adventure company dedicated to immersive horse-riding experiences in nature.⁣⁣
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Led by Founder Wang, 小野哥, I rode 焦糖Caramel, a beautiful chestnut horse, along a coastal trail where the sound of hooves, ocean wind, and early-morning light blended into something unforgettable.⁣⁣
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Beyond sunrise rides, Wild Life also offers equestrian lessons, trail rides, and breathtaking wedding and outdoor photo experiences. Riding sessions start from NT$3,000.⁣⁣
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If you’re looking to experience Hualien in a way most travellers never get to, this belongs on your list.⁣⁣
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📌 Save this for later and book your horse-riding adventure in Hualien with Wild Life.⁣⁣
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➡️ Follow @whywendywrites for more Taiwan travel inspiration, and visit my website for free guides and itineraries (link in bio)☝️
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🎄Wishing everyone and these amazing horses 🐴 a Merry Christmas 🤶 ⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites⁣ #whywendylovestaiwan #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan #hualien #花蓮  #花蓮旅遊  #taiwantrip #horsephotography #horseriding #horserider #taiwannature
⁣ Sunrise horse riding along the coastal ocean 🐎 🌅 ⁣
Sunrise horse riding along the coastal ocean 🐎 🌅 🌊  ⁣
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This is Hualien 花蓮 at its most unforgettable. ⁣
 ⁣
It’s also my very first time riding a horse along the coast, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Hualien and with Wild Life 花蓮野生活.
 ⁣
@wildlife.hualien is an outdoor adventure company specialising in horse riding.  ⁣
 ⁣
Founder 小野哥 leads me astride Caramel, a chestnut steed, along a scenic trail towards the shore, where the rhythmic hoofbeats, Pacific breeze and shifting morning light cement the ride in my memory.  ⁣
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From equestrian and trail riding classes to stunning wedding and outdoor photography sessions, Wild Life brings you closer to nature in the most unforgettable way. Riding classes start from NT$3,000. ⁣
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👉 Swipe through the photo carousel to meet the special horses that make this experience so special–gentle, strong and so beautiful. ⁣
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If you want to experience Hualien in a way most travellers never will, this is it!  ⁣
 ⁣
📌 Save this post and book your horse-riding experience in Hualien with Wild Life. ⁣
 ⁣
➡️ Follow me @whywendywrites for more Taiwan travel tips and check out my website for free travel guides and itineraries! Link in bio ☝️ ⁣
 ⁣
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#whywendywrites⁣ #whywendylovestaiwan #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan #hualien #花蓮  #花蓮旅遊  #taiwantrip #horsephotography #horseriding #horserider #taiwannature
⁣  Sa’icelen⁣  ⁣  In the Amis language, it’s a cal ⁣ 
Sa’icelen⁣ 
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In the Amis language, it’s a call to persevere and it reflects the enduring spirit of Hualien 🇹🇼.
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When people ask me where they should visit in Taiwan, I always say Hualien 花蓮. 
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Not just for its breathtaking nature, but for the warmth and kindness of its people.⁣ 
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This was my fourth visit and returning in December 2024 felt very special. I enjoyed the precious time to slow down, connect and soak in the quiet wisdom of the land. ⁣ 
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Thanks to the hospitality of my Hualien friends, I’m deeply grateful for the chance to experience Hualien again and even more excited to share its story.⁣ 
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Here, I rode a horse 🐎 along the shore at sunrise, fished 🐟 in a creek using a traditional bamboo trap and pressed rice grains 🌾 into art.⁣ 
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Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county, spans over 4,600 sq km – about six times the size of Singapore.  
 
Facing the Pacific Ocean and resting against the Central Mountain Range, Hualien is Taiwan’s green lung, containing about a fifth of the island’s forests.⁣ 
 
Shaped by powerful natural forces, its dramatic gorges and wild coastlines make Hualien one of Taiwan’s most awe-inspiring places.⁣ 
 
Visit Hualien! Your visit now provides meaningful support to welcoming communities eager to share their home, ensuring these extraordinary landscapes thrive for generations.⁣ 
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Read the full article @straits_times 🩷Link in my bio☝️⁣ 
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan #hualien #花蓮 #hualientour #timefortaiwan #taiwantravel #travelwriter
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ‼️ I never thought a pillow could change my ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
‼️ I never thought a pillow could change my life!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Until I visited Hinomoto Shingu, a 100-year-old bedding specialty store in Osaka and discovered the secret to the art of sleep 🛏️✨⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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A pillow made for me—not just any pillow! ⁣⁣⁣
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Mr. Takatani, the sleep expert, personally assessed my needs, measured every angle of my neck, shoulders and back and adjusted the pillow with precision and care.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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The result?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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😴 My very own pillow that is custom-made to my body, my posture, and the way I sleep. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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💤 No more stiff neck⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
💤 No more tossing around⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
💤 No more waking up feeling tired⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Their Japanese 🇯🇵 quality service is friendly, attentive, and truly listens to your sleep concerns. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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The shop is easy to access—just steps from Hommachi Station in the heart of Osaka. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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If you’re heading to Osaka, don’t miss the chance to visit Hinomoto Shingu for a one-of-a-kind sleep experience.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Your dream sleep is waiting! Because once you try a pillow that truly knows you! There’s no going back! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Ready to transform your sleep?⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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📌 Make a reservation via @hinomotoshingu website or Instagram and show this video and mention “whywendywrites” to enjoy a gift and exceptional service!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovesjapan⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#Japan #japanquality #pillow #bestpillow #japaneseculture #日の本寝具
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🌊 If island hopping, dramatic coastlines, and slow 🌊 If island hopping, dramatic coastlines, and slow island days sound like your kind of holiday, Penghu is the place you must visit!⁣
⁣
Just a short flight from Taipei, Penghu (澎湖) is a chain of over 90 islands that feels worlds away from the city. ⁣
⁣
Towering basalt cliffs, coral-stone villages, turquoise beaches, and sea turtles nesting along quiet shores. ⁣
⁣
It’s a completely different side of Taiwan that most travellers never get to see.⁣
⁣
While many people stay around Taipei, those who make it to Penghu discover landscapes that look straight out of a documentary and a pace of life that makes you want to stay longer than planned.⁣In this guide, you’ll find:⁣
How to get to Penghu⁣
🏝️The best islands and beaches to visit⁣
🐠 Must-see sights + local gems⁣
🎇 When to go (including festival seasons!)⁣
🛥️ Transport tips and easy ways to get around⁣
⁣
If you’re ready to discover another side of Taiwan, this Penghu travel guide will help you plan your dream island escapade!
⁣
📌 Read the full guide! Link in bio⁣ ☝️#whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan #timefortaiwan #taiwan #taiwantravel #penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊
Penghu is the most breathtaking archipelago in Tai Penghu is the most breathtaking archipelago in Taiwan, and it feels like a world of its own.  
  
Often described as “pearls scattered across the sea,” the Penghu Islands form a breathtaking archipelago of 90 islets.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣   
  
Set in the Taiwan Strait, just an hour’s flight from Taipei, Penghu is easy to reach.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣   
   
After spending 4 unforgettable days exploring this island paradise, I’m excited to share the highlights that make Penghu a must-visit destination for your next Taiwan adventure:⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
1️⃣ Gorgeous oceans and beaches: Swim, snorkel, dive, or try SUP⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
2️⃣ Island hopping: Explore outlying islands connected by scenic bridges and ferries⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
3️⃣ Natural wonders: Basalt columns, dramatic sea cliffs, and stunning coastlines⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
4️⃣ Rich biodiversity: Vibrant marine life and incredible bird-watching opportunities⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
5️⃣ Culture and heritage : Charming villages, traditions, and historic sites⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
⭐️ Bonus 1: Summer nights glow with the iconic Penghu International Fireworks Festival⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
⭐️ Bonus 2: The FOOD! Lobster, squid, oysters, sea urchin… seafood heaven!⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
📌 Save this video to plan your next island retreat!⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣    
   
More information and travel inspiration: @penghunsa 澎湖國家風景區管理處⁣  
  
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澎湖是台灣最令人驚豔的群島,美得像踏進另一個世界。   
   
90 座大小島嶼散落在湛藍海面上,被稱為「海上的珍珠」,一點都不為過。   
   
位在台灣海峽、從台北飛過去只要 1 小時   
   
以下這些亮點,更是讓澎湖成為台灣海島旅行 No.1 的原因:   
   
1️⃣ 夢幻海景 & 沙灘控的天堂: 游泳、浮潛、潛水、SUP   
   
2️⃣ 超好玩的跳島行程: 美到不行的大橋、風景級渡輪直接帶你去離島   
   
3️⃣ 大自然的藝術品: 玄武岩柱、海蝕崖、超震撼海岸線   
   
4️⃣ 豐富生態: 海底世界精彩、賞鳥也超驚喜   
   
5️⃣ 滿滿在地風情: 可愛村落、文化故事、歷史建築通通有   
   
⭐️ 加碼亮點 : 夏夜必看!「澎湖國際海上花火節」美到爆   
   
⭐️ 加碼亮點 2: 海鮮天堂! 龍蝦、花枝、牡蠣、海膽通通必吃!   
   
📌 收藏這支影片,安排你的下一趟海島之旅!  
   
   
#penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 #penghuislands #whywendylovestaiwan #whywendywrites #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan
🏝️ Looking for the ultimate island escape? ⁣   ⁣   🏝️ Looking for the ultimate island escape? ⁣  
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Penghu 澎湖 has it all! Turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and islands waiting to be explored.⁣  
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Snorkeling here felt like a dream. Clear waters, schools of fish, colorful coral and even a real underwater post box where I mailed a postcard underwater!
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And the islands? Simply breathtaking. In just 4 days, I hopped across 6 gorgeous islands.  
  
➡️ Main islands: Magong 馬公 • Baisha 白沙 • Xiyu 西嶼⁣  
➡️ Outlying gems: Qimei 七美 • Wangan 望安 • Yuanbei 員貝⁣  
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If Penghu isn’t on your Taiwan bucket list yet, it should be!⁣  
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📌 Save this for your next island escape!⁣  
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More information and travel inspiration: @penghunsa 澎湖國家風景區管理處⁣  
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——  
  
澎湖必打卡清單來啦!⁣  
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澎湖 Penghu通通有!碧綠海水、五彩珊瑚,還有一座座等你去探索的小島。⁣  
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浮潛的感覺超夢幻。清澈海水、魚群圍繞、色彩繽紛的珊瑚,甚至還有水下郵筒,我寄了一張明信片呢!⁣  
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島嶼風景更是美到讓人窒息 😍⁣  
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短短4天,我跑了 6 個超美小島:⁣  
  
➡️ 主島: 馬公 Magong • 白沙 Baisha • 西嶼 Xiyu⁣  
➡️ 離島: 七美 Qimei • 望安 Wangan • 員貝 Yuanbei⁣  
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📌 收藏這篇,準備下一次的島嶼小旅行吧!⁣  
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#penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 #penghuislands #whywendylovestaiwan #whywendywrites #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan
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