The Ministry of the Interior says four islets south of Penghu County will soon be designated as Taiwan’s ninth national park on Saturday.

The South Penghu National Park will include Dongi, Sigi, Dongyuping, and Siyuping islets, as well as their surrounding waters.

The park will cover a land area of 370 hectares and a sea area of over 354 km2 in the Taiwan Strait, becoming the second-largest national park in Taiwan.

The ministry recommends visitors  check out the giant columns of basalt rocks, formed when basaltic lava is rapidly cooled near the Earth’s surface.

The area is also a treasure trove for scuba diving enthusiasts, who can explore the coasts of these islets, especially those of Siyuping Islet.

The waters surrounding the islet is home to large swathes of sea plumes and brain coral, making it an ideal habitat for fish, shellfish and crustaceans.

 

image via Matt @ PEK