Lanyu (Orchid Island)

Lanyu represents something fundamentally different from Taiwan’s other offshore islands: it is the traditional homeland of the Tao people (also called Yami), an indigenous Austronesian group with cultural and linguistic connections to the Philippines rather than mainland China or Taiwan proper. The island’s dramatic volcanic landscape features rugged coastal cliffs, bizarre rock formations sculpted by wind and waves, and lush interior vegetation that creates a raw, untamed beauty distinct from Taiwan’s more developed destinations: scenery that has earned it the nickname “Orchid Island” for the wild orchids that once flourished here. The island’s sparse human population (approximately 5,000 residents) is actually outnumbered by free-roaming goats, which you’ll encounter wandering along roads and coastal paths, contributing to the island’s distinctly unhurried, remote character. The Tao maintain distinct cultural practices including the creation of distinctive carved wooden boats (tatala), traditional underground houses designed to withstand typhoons, and elaborate flying fish ceremonies that govern seasonal fishing practices according to traditional ecological knowledge. Visiting Lanyu requires understanding that you’re entering a living indigenous community rather than a tourism attraction, meaning respectful engagement with local culture, awareness of photography protocols, and consideration of how tourism affects the community. The island suits travellers interested in indigenous pacific cultures, anthropology, dramatic natural scenery, and those willing to adapt their expectations to community rhythms rather than demanding convenient tourist infrastructure. Lanyu’s relative remoteness (reached by small aircraft or ferry from Taitung) and limited tourist facilities mean you should prepare for higher costs, fewer English resources, and the possibility of travel disruptions due to weather: factors that contribute to both the island’s preserved character and its spectacular, relatively untouched landscapes.