Taipei, March 5 (CNA) The Penghu County government has launched a virtual reality (VR) experience to give people a chance to enjoy the potentially treacherous "Blue Cave" in the safe environment of the Penghu Marine Geopark in Magong City.
Located on the coast of the uninhabited Xiji Islet about 35 kilometers south of Magong, the Blue Cave was created by natural erosion and is part of the South Penghu Marine National Park, according to the county's Tourism Department.
Because of previous accidents involving visitors to the cave being swept away by unpredictable sea currents in the area, all visitors now are required to apply for a permit to go to the islet, the department said.
Those who visit the islet against the restrictions, the department said, can be fined up to NT$1 million (US$35,794) and be put in jail for up to five years.
Given the difficulty of actually visiting the islet, the county government designed a Blue Cave experience in an area in the geopark's visitor center that is decorated with images and lights to recreate the cave, according to the department.
Two VR headsets are also available for visitors to see the Blue Cave in person virtually, the department said.
Apart from the new facility, the county government also unveiled four stamps featuring Penghu's scenery and fauna along with a specially designed stamp holder, which will be sold at the center for NT$250 for the set.
