Ishigaki Island, known for its ocean and forest landscapes, is dubbed 'Japan's Maldives'. The Japanese shipping company has announced that a regular ferry service from Keelung to Ishigaki Island will commence in September, taking approximately 7 hours with return ticket prices expected to start from TWD 4000. Many netizens expressed their excitement, pointing out that the cost is similar to traveling from Taipei to Kenting, humorously claiming that 'Kenting is really finished'.

Ishigaki Island is located to the south of the Yaeyama Islands in the Ryukyu archipelago, boasting beautiful ocean and forest scenery, and the local delicacy 'Ishigaki Beef' is a must-try. The Japanese shipping company 'Shosen Yaimai' recently announced on its website that it would operate the 'Keelung-Ishigaki Island' ferry service, with the YAIMAMARU vessel being able to carry approximately 545 passengers, making each trip about 7 hours long.

According to reports, this route is expected to provide three round trips a week, departing Ishigaki Island at night and arriving in Taiwan in the morning. Ticket prices vary depending on cabin class, with the cheapest option around 10,000 yen, equivalent to about TWD 2000, resulting in a round-trip cost of approximately TWD 4000. A Taiwanese-based Japanese writer humorously remarked that the closure of McDonald's on Ishigaki Island means locals can now enjoy food in Taiwan instead, stating 'This is really convenient!'

Many netizens agree that this ferry service is cheaper than flying, expressing their anticipation, 'I definitely need to take a special holiday to ride the ferry', 'Kenting is really finished', and 'As a Keelung resident, it's awesome to be able to go abroad just 10 minutes from my home!'