Ask the crew: why Don Yu loves Liuqiu

Don Yu, a Flight Purser with Cathay Pacific, reveals why Liuqiu is his favourite place to go diving, and shares his tips for visiting the idyllic island.

“I visit Liuqiu regularly to free dive. This small island-off-an-island is just a 45-minute drive then 25-minute ferry ride from Kaohsiung airport.

“My first visit was during a stressful period in my life. I decided to give free diving a try, and found that it forced me to relax in order to hold my breath for longer. It’s like meditation; you forget about your troubles and simply focus on breathing.”

Must-do

Life on Liuqiu really revolves around the water, which is warm enough to swim in year-round. My last trip was in December, and the temperature was still a comfortable 25°C. In addition to free diving, you can try scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Perhaps the highlight of any trip is seeing one of the island’s most beloved marine animals: the sea turtle. They tend to be abundant and the water is clear, so you have a good chance of spotting one.

Must-eat

Food on the island is simple but nourishing. My go-to meal after a day of diving is hot and sour soup; it both rehydrates and warms me up.

Must-pack

I recommend bringing reusable meal boxes and tumblers for buying takeaway food or drinks. Restaurants and cafés on Liuqiu discourage the use of disposable foodware, which could endanger marine life. My second suggestion is a hat to shield you from the sun while out on the water. I carry one even while diving because, in between dives, I spend a lot of time resting on the water’s surface. Lastly, I travel with an extra-tall suitcase so I can fit my metre-long free diving fins inside.