Taitung Revealed
W
elcome to the 3rd edition of Hello Taitung and my first time as managing editor! I’d like to start by thanking Cheryl and the editorial team for bringing me up to speed, and to all of the contributing authors for sharing their stories. The purpose of the magazine is to provide information about life and things to do in Taitung, both for visitors and prospective residents. Since writing an article for the 2nd edition of the magazine, I have received many positive comments, including from people who are in the process of relocating here, and hope that the magazine has been some help in that transition, but would also value feedback so that we can continue to make the publication as useful, informative and interesting as possible.
Have Fun, Do Good By Simon Foster 19 years in Taiwan Managing Editor at Hello Taitung Guidebook author, travel business director, and bakery owner
The theme of the 3rd edition is “having fun in Taitung.” Living in a developed country in a modern world, we have to come to expect the basic necessities of life such as food, water, education, and healthcare, although this isn’t the case for everyone. We also hope to enjoy our lives, having fun, laughing, and seizing life’s small pleasures are an important part of this. A dictionary definition of having fun is “the feeling of enjoying yourself, doing activities that you enjoy, that make you happy.” As a kid, I had fun with my family, but then as a young adult, I sought out my own version of enjoyment. Now with kids of our own, family fun has once again moved to the top of the list. We love Taitung’s simple pleasures—time at the beach making sand turtles, finding hermit crabs, swimming, snorkeling, bike rides in the Rift Valley, scootering at
Happy to have reached Jiaming Lake
Sunset on Jiaming Lake National Trail
Heading for Jiaming Lake at Sunrise
2
First Glimpse of Jiaming Lake
Virgin Atlantic Have Fun Do Good Taiwan
Family in the Gorge
Sanxiantai, or just playing badminton in our garden overlooking the ocean.
I have hiked in the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Andes, the Himalayas, and of course Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range. My most recent hike here was to Taitung’s very
Laughter and tears, pleasure and pain, happiness
own Jiaming Lake, a small but perfectly formed lake
and sadness are two sides of the same coin, and if
perched at 3310m above sea level. As always, at points
we didn’t have one, we wouldn’t have the other. This
on the steep ascents with my heavy pack I questioned
notion is central to the “have fun do good” charity
why I do this, but then you get to the next (often false)
adventures we organize for an international airline.
summit and are rewarded with another spectacular
Whether riding local gearless bikes through the
view and it all makes sense. Not everyone’s definition
Indian desert or Cambodian jungle, trekking the Great
of fun, but every bit as exhilarating for me now
Wall and Tiger Leaping Gorge in China, or cycling in
approaching 50 as it was when I was 12!
Taiwan’s impossibly steep mountains, adventurers will test themselves physically, and therefore mentally, but will also be helping others through fundraising simultaneously, and as such, ultimately helping themselves by overcoming obstacles. The doing good bit is driving yourself to get up that hill, using the knowledge that it will help those in need, to motivate you, the have fun bit is the downhill after the hard work, and then enjoying shared experiences with fellow riders or hikers over dinner and drinks before getting ready to do it all over again next day! Whilst the source of enjoyment and fun might change during the course of our lives, there are also some constants, and for me, one of those would be hiking in the great outdoors. I did my first long hike at age 12 when I completed the 65km historic Lyke Wake Walk in Yorkshire in England in 15 hours. Since then, Family Beach Fun
3
Cover Story
Having Fun in Taitung
I
n this edition, we explore the theme of fun, what it means to different people, and how they choose to have fun. Taitung is known for its unbelievably beautiful and incredibly diverse scenery—from the world’s
largest ocean to 3000m+ mountains—so it is of little surprise that many people who choose to live here take to the wilds for fun. Originally from the Philippines, Janet heads to the vibrant colors of Lisong Hot Springs and then has some more relaxed fun at the East Coast Land Arts Festival. Nigel, who was born on the Caribbean island of Curacao, discovers the magical kingdom under the sea from Orchid Island, and river traces to Lulu Hot Springs, but also seeks out cultural fun in the shape of the Bombing of Master Handan. Zeke grew up in California and was originally drawn here by the surf, but stayed for the family fun. Perhaps most surprisingly, Max, also from the US, came here to teach English; but found that the most fun came from bringing joy (and opportunities) to others. A fun-loving person can probably have fun anywhere, but Taitung makes it easy—the hard part is choosing what to do next!
4
5
Cover Story
Beinan
Making Education Enjoyable in Taitung
Fun at School?! By Max Dill From New Jersey, US 5 years in Taiwan English teacher at Ebenezer After School Program in Taitung
6
to provide indigenous students in Taitung with a decent pathway through life. She offered me the opportunity to teach English at an after-school program in Taitung. At first, I was hesitant. Teaching English in the heat? At a church? Surrounded by farmland? It didn’t sound very enticing, but my PS4 was sick of me and my parents wanted their empty nest back. So there I was, the only foreigner in the village with little knowledge of the rich indigenous cultures set amidst the mountains, plains, and coasts of Taitung. I spent the first months struggling to communicate, trying to find my place within the program. Established 20 years ago by a pastor from Kaohsiung, the Ebenezer After School Program provides supplementary education, homework help, dinners, and music and art classes. In Taitung’s indigenous villages, education is not a high priority for many families and as a result, students struggle to keep up with their studies and sometimes drop out before completing school. The program aims to provide the students with a positive environment where they can acquire the tools needed to build a better life, and ultimately somewhere to go that doesn’t ever let them forget that love is real.
Learning can be Fun! In the beginning, I only had classes with teenagers that could barely write their ABCs, but I wanted to teach the elementary kids. Maybe I could help them build a foundation of basic English so that when they reached junior high school they wouldn’t be like their
F
struggling older peers. Maybe they could keep up with ive years ago, I arrived at Zhiben train station
their English classes and get decent grades. Maybe
just days after one of the biggest typhoons in
they could even communicate in English and use it as
years. The air carried the smell of rain, and a summer-
a vehicle for exploring the endless wonders that the
like heat lingered even as the mid-October sunset. I
world has to offer.
stepped off the train with an odd sort of emptiness about me. Twenty-something and lost, full of curiosity,
However, not everyone thought English was important;
and searching for new horizons!
and worried that the language classes would impact time doing homework. And my teaching style was
A mutual friend in the US, Ms. Chen, was a Taiwanese
described as “childish.” How could anyone learn by
national who had recently returned home, determined
playing games? Why should a classroom be fun?
7
Cover Story A conventional English class in a public school consists of a teacher translating everything and asking students to memorize it all, which can lead to students being unable to pronounce the words or apply them to real-life conversations. Students make little progress and the idea that English is boring and difficult is perpetuated. A language classroom should be interactive, with risk-taking rewarded and laughter encouraged. We played tic-tac-toe with scrambled up words, Jenga with numbers and colors, red light-green light, and a multitude of other fun games which brought a little joy to the
Making learning fun
classroom, and simultaneously promoted learning. When the next semester came, I secured a few more students. As before, they were motivated to finish their homework and came out of my classroom having made noticeable progress. When exams came, their improvement was clear to see. Soon, I was given a class schedule with time allotted to teach the majority of our students. Now, we don’t need to question whether they’ll pass their English tests. And we all have fun!
Fun Outside of the Classroom Preparing dinner for students
I’ve been able to take the fun beyond the classroom, too. We’ve been in the kitchen making desserts, rolling out the dough for pizzas, and even cooking Mexican food, not only to introduce the kids to new flavors and vocabulary; but also because I miss my mom’s meals! The church’s instruments don’t go untouched either—as an avid musician I hope to pass some of that onto the kids as well. Before the pandemic hit and restrictions were introduce, we were able to take the kids out for day trips a few times a year. We couldn’t travel far afield during the pandemic, but we were able to enjoy the great outdoors in Taitung’s very own Forest Park. We rented bikes and rode the cycle path through the greenery down to Taitung Seashore Park. Once there, we did a beach clean-up and then enjoyed a well-deserved ice cream before riding back. I also built a sandcastle which the kids had lots of fun knocking down!
Making pizza is fun
8
With limited funds and transportation, another great
zebras and I thought they were joking until I actually
trip we did was to the movies. Taitung has recently
stumbled upon them! In cooperation with Muzha Zoo
gone through a lot of development and it was only in
in Taipei, Chishang Pastoral Resort is home to a small
the last few years that the Showtime movie theater
collection of exotic animals; and is free to visit.
opened. So whilst you might think that sounds like a simple trip, for these kids it was the definition of fun!
I hope my time with the students of the Ebenezer After School Program has been as enriching and fun
Of course, living in Taitung, I also like to get out and
for them as it has been for me. I arrived a bit aimless,
explore by myself. When the sun is out and the heat is
not sure if this was the right fit for me, and looking
overwhelming, my first thought is to go to the beach,
forward to time off, but little did I know how quickly
but with so many choices nearby I sometimes head
that would change. During a trip to Singapore, I found
to the Rift Valley. Surrounded by rice paddies and
myself counting down the days until I could return to
nestled between the Coastal and Central Mountain
the village and be with my students again. They make
Range, Chishang is famous for its beauty (and quality
every day better than the last and remind me that hope
agricultural produce). Here the heat won't get the best
is abundant regardless of one’s likely trajectory. As well
of you as the valley is known for its strong summer
as access to education, we all deserve to have fun, and
winds. You can rent a bike to ride out through the flat
if those two things can be combined, all the better!
paddies, visiting the iconic Brown Avenue, Takeshi Kaneshiro tree, or even go on a safari looking for hippos and zebras... My students told me about the
Photo By Simon Foster Rift Valley Cycling
Happy to work with lovely colleagues
9
Special Feature
River Tracing & Snorkelling
Island Boy
I
By Nigel Krauss From Holland, but born in Curacao. 6 years in Taiwan Cape Café Co-owner
was born on the beautiful Caribbean island of Curaçao. It’s a small island maybe 60
miles north of Venezuela, so I was an island
Dulan
boy long before I came to Taiwan! I came to Taitung in 2016 and soon met Federico, my future business partner at Dulan Cape Café. After only a month I was in love with Dulan, and, as they say, the rest is history!
10
Yeyin Semi-Underground House
Fun Under the Sea
battling the black tide to put food on the table. This said, these days cultural and marine tourism play an
Coming from a small island, it’s only natural that my
increasingly significant role, both economically, and as
instinct is to seek out more fun, small islands, of which
a mode of protecting this isolated and unique culture.
Taitung has two, Green Island and Orchid Island. I took the chance to go to the latter when we had some
Orchid Island also has plenty of fun to be enjoyed on
friends over. Set 65km off the south-eastern coast of
land. Renting a scooter to ride around the island is
Taiwan, Orchid Island is everything a tiny tropical
a must and presents gorgeous coastal and mountain
island paradise should be—remote, exotic, beautiful,
views. The steep road that cuts across the island passes
and exciting. Even the journey there, whether by small
the weather station, with magnificent vistas, and one
plane or ferry, is an adventure! On arrival, we searched
of the Japanese-era buildings here is still riddled with
for a local B&B and then spent the next two nights and
WWII bullet holes! Whilst many Tao now live in above-
three days on the island.
ground concrete houses, descending to Yeyin village on the island’s east coast you will see plenty of traditional
Orchid Island is famous for diving on its untouched deep
sunken pit houses, well-suited to the strong winds and
coral reefs, but as we discovered, it is also very good for
storms that whip across this tropical Pacific island. If
snorkeling. We gathered our snorkeling gear, changed,
you’re interested in getting a closer look at one of these
and then jumped into this amazing world beneath
houses, ask at your hotel and they will probably be able
the waves. We found some very cool reef chambers
to arrange a local guide.
full of fish and marine life including sea urchins, sea snakes, Nemo (clown) fish, sea anemones, and even
Scootering around the island seemed to present new
a barracuda! The reef was made up of a huge range of
fun opportunities at every turn. We spent the afternoon
colorful corals, and best of all, we saw a huge turtle,
there with some cold beers to watch the sunset behind
seemingly unperturbed by our presence, which allowed
the mountains, which made a refreshing change from
us to get really close! After getting out of the water we
only seeing the sunrise back in Taitung!
were exhilarated but hungry and found a cozy place for lunch just down the road.
Fun-Fun at Lulu!
On beaches all over the island, we saw the Tao’s iconic handmade and intricately painted fishing boats, with
I like to do different activities with different friends,
their distinctive upturned bow and stern. Life for
so another time we headed deep into the mountains
the local Tao people continues to revolve around the
bound for Lulu Hot Springs. The trailhead is accessed
annual cycle of catching and preserving flying fish, and
from Highway 20, the Southern Cross, which forges its
11
Special Feature way across the Central Mountain Range from Haiduan, and recently re-opened after over a decade of closure following damage wreaked by Typhoon Morakot. To access the springs, you can either hike or river trace, the latter of which sounded like more fun, so that’s what we did! It is strongly recommended to do this with professionals for the first time, so we went with an experienced guide. We got some river tracing kit, geared up, and set off. A few hours and several waterfalls later we reached the springs where we could relax in the lovely warm pools, or cool off in the icy blue river, surrounded by the beauty of the gorge’s orange walls and overhanging greenery. And we had the whole place to ourselves! There were three waterfalls at different stages along the route so on the way back we got to jump down these which was a good adrenaline rush, but is only advisable under the supervision of professionals—safety first! Double Lion Rock
Drying flying fish
12
Firecracker Fun You could spend months exploring Taitung’s wild
general, later enshrined as the Military God of Wealth,
backcountry, but the towns and cities also have their
disliked the cold, so people would throw firecrackers at
appeal, plus there’s a wide variety of events and
him during his inspection visits to keep him warm! As
festivals to attend, the most outrageous of which is
for why people volunteer, it is a way of (usually) young
known as the Bombing of Master Handan. It always
men showing their courage; and is believed to bring
begins on the 15th day of the first lunar month, at
prosperity to them and their families. Whilst there are
the start of the Lantern Festival. As a kid you were
Bombing Master Handan celebrations in a variety of
probably told to stay away from fireworks, well this is
locations throughout Taitung, the biggest is at Xuanwu
the 180-degree opposite! In this festival, brave young
Temple, established in 1989. This is a unique cultural
men test their mettle as they are paraded atop a throne
event that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world.
and bombarded by thousands of firecrackers. The volunteers wear only shorts, a hat, goggles, and a damp
So as you can see, never a dull moment in Taitung!
towel to protect their faces, plus branches of a banyan
Whether exploring the treasures of the Pacific Ocean
tree that they hold in front of themselves. You might
that defines the county or watching brave young men
ask how such a tradition began and what inspires
being bombarded with firecrackers, it’s fun all the way
people to volunteer, there is a folktale: apparently
and I can’t wait to head out on my next fun adventure!
General Zhao Gongming ( 趙公元帥 ) , a Shang dynasty
Wonderful blue sky and the ocean!
Orchid Island Traditional Tao Boats
13
Special Feature
Hot Springs & Festivals
Dulan
Wow Taitung! By Janet Amoranto Cheng From the Philippines 5 years in Taiwan
Previously a nurse, and an English teacher, now co-owns "A Mano Pizza" Italian restaurant in Dulan.
14
2
016 was the year when I fell in love twice... First
in Dulan. In Italian "A Mano" means "by hand.” As
was when I met a (Taiwanese) man, with whom
per the name, we hand make authentic Italian food.
I felt a deep connection. He visited me almost every
Imagine, from being a nurse to teaching English, and
month in my home country, the Philippines, but before
now owns a restaurant in the most charming place
the year ended, I flew to Taiwan to meet his family and
in Taiwan! What a crazy-fantastic couple of years I
travel—and and that’s when I fell in love again!
had! Will and I both had different backgrounds and it was our first time having a business, so we were both
My then-boyfriend (now husband), Will, wanted me to
scared, but at the same time ecstatic. Many people
see the place where he grew up with his grandmother
admired our courage for this big decision, giving up the
so he took me there for a vacation. Having grown up in
life and career we were accustomed to and moving to
the city, I thought it was going to be a dull, uninteresting
Taitung with nothing but ourselves.
trip in the countryside of Taiwan, but I was wrong. This land lies between the gorgeous mountains and the blue
Having Fun in Taitung
ocean. The people are warm and friendly. The air is fresh with nothing but the smell of salt water, soil, trees, and
Taitung is the perfect place for work-life balance. It
flowers. The environment brought me an inner peace
gave me the best experiences and adventures in my life.
that I've never felt before. It was love at first sight. This
There are numerous reasons to live here and several
tropical paradise that I fell in love with is called Taitung.
ways to have fun, not only for singles and couples but also for families and even pet lovers!
Moving to Taiwan and Having a Business in Taitung
Can you imagine waking up to a stunning beach
Never in my life had I dreamed or imagined of moving
sky filled with stars? What about just walking to the
to Taiwan, but meeting my husband and seeing Taiwan
beach and swimming anytime you want? Or spending a
changed my plans entirely. If you’d asked my younger
day hiking to a waterfall or river tracing? The list goes
self, my dream was to work as a nurse internationally
on and on! I have plenty to share but there's this one
and aim high in that specific profession. My parents
extraordinary and memorable experience that I would
emigrated to the US and I had just passed the exams
like to highlight.
sunrise and ending your day seeing the beautiful night
as a UK nurse, but wait what happened?! I chose ‘love’ over ‘career.’ Yes! I know some people would say I'm
Sometime one summer, Will and I, together with our
crazy but it was the best decision I ever made!
restaurant work-exchange helpers from Japan and Canada, decided to go on an adventure to a hidden wild
After getting married, we lived with my parents-in-
hot spring, Lisong Hot Springs. I've been to other wild
law in Kaohsiung but we promised ourselves to move to Taitung. We had no idea what to do for a living as I couldn’t speak any Mandarin then (the only word I knew was ‘xiexie’), but it didn't take long to find an extraordinary opportunity. Will and I both love cooking and baking, particularly Western food. In 2017 we moved to Taitung and had training with an Italian chef on how to make traditional pizza and Italian food, and the following year we officially owned "A Mano Pizza,” an Italian restaurant Having fun at the beach in Dulan
15
Special Feature hot springs in Taiwan but Lisong is the most stunning
accessible and close to the road. An easy hike along the
and unique I've ever seen. Its exquisite beauty and the
Malalou Trail towards Xingang Falls is also great for a
experience it gives you is something I never expected
family, and you can bring your pets, too! Why would
and never had anywhere else in Taiwan. You see
you pay for a resort if you can have all these for free
plenty of photos of it on Google but these are nothing
and in a more enjoyable way? Now if hiking isn't your
compared to the reality. The hike begins with a descent
thing, there are several other activities you can do, too,
that includes rappelling, then crossing the river/cold
such as cycling, swimming, bodyboarding, camping,
spring and climbing huge rocks, followed by swimming
surfing, sailing, SUP, or snorkeling—name any outdoor
to get to the other side where the hot spring is. This
activity, Taitung has it!
is all part of the fun and the effort and exhaustion are worth it once you reach the hot springs and soak in the
Apart from the recreational activities that I’ve
hot water—all the while admiring the beauty around
mentioned, Taitung is also rich in social and cultural
you, staring at the gorgeous colored rock wall that looks
events. For instance, the East Coast Land Arts Festival
surreal, and listening to the melody of nature. You can
is held annually in summer and allows you to satisfy
stay here overnight but if you decide to go back on the
your palate with different kinds of food (prepared by
same day, you should start to hike back up before it
locals and foreigners in Taitung) whilst watching a live
gets dark.
concert under the full moon—something you should go to at least once in your summer stay in Taitung.
If you'd prefer a less physically challenging adventure
Another one is the Taiwan International Balloon
(or if you have kids that are too young for this), there
Festival. Some camp here overnight to be the first ones
are other options for you. Hongye Hot Springs is also
to ride the balloon as the rides are limited, or if you
a natural hot spring next to a cold spring and is very
want to release your artistic creativity, you can make a
Lisong Hot Spring
Hiked in Mt. Dulan and reached the peak
16
Relaxing time with friends in Luye Highland
hot air balloon lantern (they provide all the materials),
socially active way. If you think alike, Taitung is the
later to be displayed in public parks in Taitung City.
best place to be.
These are just a few of my favorites of the many events you can attend in Taitung County.
Do residents of Taitung ever get tired of living here? Definitely not! Some people we know (outside Taitung) said we are too young to enjoy countryside living and that the younger generation usually prefers the city life, but moving back to the city never crossed my mind in the (almost) 5 years of living here. I envision my son growing up to love and value nature, play sports, know different cultures, and learn how to have fun in a physically and
17
Special Feature
Duli
Family Fun
Home from Home
By Zeke Peacock Born in California, moved to Canada at the age of 5 19 years in Taiwan, the last 11 in Duli, Taitung Chef and owner of Z Paella Previously the owner of “General Panchos,” Kaohsiung Mechanical engineer & commercial pilot
18
M
y story is interesting but not unrealistic nor
and forms but for me, the essence of it is choosing a
unobtainable. I was lucky enough to meet my
lifestyle that enables you to enjoy life’s small pleasures,
beautiful and smart Taiwanese wife Erika only three
whether that’s surfing, a BBQ with family and friends,
months after arriving on the shores of Taiwan back in
or just uncovering how many eggs the hens have laid!
2003. I thought that I was here for a visit but destiny had other plans! Fast forward 19 years and we have
Home from Home
lived in Taitung for the last 11 years, since the birth of our first boy when we bought a farmhouse in Duli. We
I recently landed back in Taitung after a month-long
are now the proud parents of 2 boys, along with 5 dogs,
visit to Hamilton, Ontario in Canada, my second
3 cats, and 19 chickens! The fun comes in many shapes
hometown. My original hometown was Leucadia, California with its sunny beaches and warm weather, and the love of the ocean never really left me. When I was born in California, my mom and brothers would take us to the beach to play in the sand and swim in the cool waters. My two half-brothers were ten years older and they would surf and we would sometimes spend all day at the beach having fun. Our family moved to Hamilton when I was 5 and thus began the transition into cold winters, the excitement of snowmen and snowball fights, and the seasonal changes of which I have become quite fond. Every foreigner knows the culture shock of returning “home” after a long time away, walking through those places you remember from your youth, the cold, clean, dry air, and familiar family and faces that bring back memories. I miss the snowy winters and nature that are so abundant in Canada, however in returning to my home away from home in Taitung, I am happily reminded of what initially attracted me to this place. I was first drawn to Taitung 16 years ago by a surfer friend I met in Kaohsiung who was working as an engineer building ships for Lloyds. He drove every weekend from coast to coast and would throw a hammock between two trees to sleep, and then surf all day. What a lad! We had quite a time exploring the empty surf breaks, hanging out with friendly local surfers, and simply enjoying the area. When my wife and I decided to have kids, I wanted to bring them up outside of the city with space to play and explore. Since I first lived here we rented a place in Kenting and that was our escape from city life, but after visiting the Donghe area I fell in love again! I love the beaches
We all enjoy farming
19
Special Feature Family Fun
and surf spots here and it seemed to me to be the most beautiful area in Taiwan for someone like me who
Our little farmhouse has everything we need, a lovely
is attached to the ocean and wants to raise a family surrounded by nature.
view of the ocean, friendly locals, and plenty of room
However, working in Kaohsiung and having another
kids were younger, they played on their go-karts and
for two growing boys to play and explore. When the rollerblades while we prepared dinner, these days
home in Duli, Taitung County was difficult. The
it’s basketball. And that’s all just at home, but a few
travel (before the nice new tunnel and highway) was
minutes away there are beautiful beaches, mountains,
strenuous, keeping clean two houses and caring for 3.6
and rivers to escape the heat on a summer day. We
fens of land is not easy on top of running a restaurant
often swim, surf and SUP at Duli Beach, and the view
and raising two kids. Fortunately, we had my wife's
is even better from the ocean looking back across the
family to support us and help with our kids growing
blue of the Pacific to the luscious green mountains.
up. We finally closed “General Panchos,” our Mexican
As well as watersports, the kids both skateboard,
restaurant in Kaohsiung after ten years of business,
my eldest plays on the school baseball team, and the
in favor of selling paella in the Ruifeng night market.
younger likes karate. As a family we ride our bikes, go
What might seem a strange move was the correct one,
snorkeling, fly kites on the beach and take the dogs for
our Z Paella business boomed, we had very little costs
long walks. We often have a picnic with friends at Stone
and it gave my wife Erika, who previously managed
Umbrella Beach where the kids love jumping off the
our restaurants, more time to focus on our kids. We
rocks. A short but strenuous hike through the majestic
all moved out to the Duli farm so our boys could go to
scenery along the Malalou Trail is rewarded by yet
school here and I worked weekends in Kaohsiung. Life
more big rocks to jump off, but it is dangerous. Please
is hard work but fun and we love it here in Taitung!
consider your physical and mental condition before taking the plunge.
As usual Helix is up to his neck in it
Fun in the River
20
More than Just Surfing As well as enjoying time with family and friends I also have my own passion projects, some of which relate to work, but others are purely for the fun of it. Surfing is what first brought me here, and remains one of my favorite things to do, but I also love to do woodwork; and built a smokehouse where I smoke all the bacon for the paella. We attempt to garden and grow vegetables along with our fruit trees with varying success. Eating Our Paella
your own homegrown vegetables is highly satisfying, and as a chef, I have a great appreciation for quality organic produce. I've always been a dreamer, I believe we all need to have a realistic dream to work on in our lives, and secretly I would really love to get back into the left seat of an airplane. I trained as a pilot in British Columbia before coming to Taiwan and I've always wanted to build my ultra-light airplane. That dream may never happen, but the great thing is, living in Taitung, it won’t matter, because I’ll be too busy enjoying life and having fun!
River tracing in beautiful mountains
Life on the Farm
21
Taitung Experiences
So Many Ways to Have Fun I
n 2020, the Taitung County Government launched the “Cross-generational Bilingual Training Program” with the aim of developing in-depth travel experiences in Taitung for international visitors. Through workshops
and training programs, participants throughout Taitung learn how to create attractive itineraries and to introduce their communities in English. In this edition, we focus on activities and experiences that give insight into Bunun culture.
1
Haiduan Township's Bunun Cultural Museum
2
Formosan Trekking Tours
3
Kaiana Workshop
4
Wuling Bunun Community Development Association
海端鄉布農族文化館
熊出沒企業社
蓋亞那工作坊
Changbin
2
武陵社區發展協會
1 Haiduan
Chenggong Chishang
3 Guanshan
4
Luye
Donghe
Yanping
Beinan
Taitung City
Green Island
Jinfeng
Taimali
Dawu Daren Orchid Island
22
1
Bunun Cultural Museum Guided Tour
Haiduan Township's Bunun Cultural Museum
海端鄉布農族文化館
Haiduan Township's Bunun Cultural Museum has a variety of exhibitions, educational activities, and classes about Bunun culture that change yearly. The museum serves as an important cultural landmark in Haiduan. The first floor’s permanent exhibit showcases the different festivals and cultural traditions of the Bunun people, including the variety of traditional crops they grow. Starting in 2021, the museum began to offer English tour services
to allow guests from abroad to learn and appreciate more about the wonderful and diverse Bunun culture.
2
Lisong Hot Spring Experience
Formosan Trekking Tours
熊出沒企業社
Lisong Hot Spring was discovered by accident when Bunun hunters were out hunting in the mountains. The beginning of the trail is mostly a gentle descent. However, the middle section has a steep slope that lasts around 900 meters. Finally, you are greeted with miraculous views of the emerald green rock face and the steaming natural springs below. It is truly a sight to behold.
23
Taitung Experiences
3
Kaiana Bunun Dining and Cultural Workshop
Kaiana Workshop
蓋亞那工作坊
Kaiana Cultural Workshop was founded in 2008. The workshop gradually switched from handicrafts to promoting Bunun millet culture. Ibu, who now runs the workshop, spent a year learning about millet culture and how to properly cook the sacred grain. Thanks to the efforts of Kaiana in revitalizing millet culture, guests now have the opportunity to taste the traditional millet cuisine of old. To partake in its consumption is to truly experience the beauty of Bunun culture and its traditional customs.
24
4
Wuling River Tracing Experience
Wuling Bunun Community Development Association
武陵社區發展協會
The trek leaders will separate participants into two groups according to their level of physical fitness and water experience. According to the river conditions, trek leaders will use a variety of different formations to cross the river, such as crab and line formations, for the safest river
tracing experience possible. With its clear streams and majestic rock formations, a brisk 30-minute trek into the valley will lead you into a deep blue pool next to a lofty waterfall. Here, you will experience the otherworldly sounds of the Bunun eight-part polyphony. Website
25
Bilingual Shops
Enjoy Your Summer Time on Green Island Designed to help non-Chinese speakers to experience local culture in Taitung, in this section we highlight bilingual businesses on Green Island that are ready, willing, and able to welcome international visitors.
26
1
Lian Celebration Diving B&B 聯慶愛潛水 Besides the diving experience, Lian Celebration Diving B&B also offers a hostel and local tour if you’re interested. Certificate courses in scuba diving for both basic and advanced levels.
No. 2-6, Fish Port, Ludao Township, Taitung County 951001, Taiwan +886-933863550 Business Hours : 08:00-17:00
2
Green Island Chill Station 派吃所冰店 Interestingly, this shop is famous for not only its shaved ice; but also for the façade of the building that looks like a police station! Shaved ice with mango, shaved ice with chocolate and matcha, and other types of shaved ice.
No. 102-8, Nanliao, Ludao Township, Taitung County 951001, Taiwan +886-89672896 Business Hours : 09:00-22:30
27
Bilingual Shops
3
Airfish Diving Center 飛魚潛水訓練中心 Established in 1998. Customers who are interested in going diving with Airfish Diving Center have to reserve in advance. A sophisticated scuba diving lesson takes you to the wonderful marine world! No. 1-2, Fish Port, Ludao Township, Taitung County 951001, Taiwan +886-89671199 Email: dive.green@msa.hinet.net Business Hours : 08:00-18:00
4
Tour Learning Travel Agency 島嶼見學 Tour Learning Travel Agency has been contributing to ecology conservation, cultural inheritance, and local tours through Taitung’s unique resources which meet sustainable development. Offers in-depth or customized cultural tours in Taitung. No. 38, Gongguan, Ludao Township, Taitung County 951001, Taiwan +886-89332168 greenisland332168@gmail.com Business Hours : 08:30-17:30
28
5
Heat & Happy Breakfast 好樂早餐吧 Heat & Happy Breakfast is known for the variety of green onion pancakes, especially the one with tuna and seaweed. Don’t miss out if you’re a breakfast holic! Green onion pancake with tuna and seaweed, green onion pancake with Korean Spicy chicken, and other traditional Taiwanese breakfast options. N o . 5 1 , Z h o n g l i a o , Lu d a o To w n s h i p , Ta i t u n g County 951001, Taiwan +886-89672166
Photo By 土土少女長肉日記
Business Hours : 05:00-11:00
6
Tianyuan Seafood Fry 甜園夫婦炸物餐飲專賣店 Tianyuan Seafood Fry is a pet-friendly shop that not only offers seafood fries but also provides veggie crispy fries! Flying fish and fried crab.
No. 17-1, Fish Por t, Ludao Township, Taitung County 951001, Taiwan +886-89672661 Business Hours : 11:00-14:00 & 17:00-20:00
Taitung’s growing number of bilingual venues means that there are now fewer barriers to exploring this county’s diverse cultural experiences and natural wonders.
29
Made in Taitung
Great Local Products Our contributing authors share their recommendations for local products and services in Taitung, ranging from beer to insect repellent!
Highway 11 Craft Beer 台 11 手工啤酒
The best thing to do on weekend nights is to meet people while listening to LIVE music and drinking homemade craft beer! Try the different authentic flavors brewed by an American and Taiwanese couple in Dulan. Recommended by Janet Amoranto Cheng
30
The Sunkissed Farm Fruit Products 都歷陽光農園 “Pineapple Pete” and his wife, Afas, grow delicious pesticide-free passion fruit, pineapples, and Roselle on their beautiful farm near Duli. They sell pineapples to a loyal customer base around the island and produce dried Roselle and jams.
Recommended by Nigel Krauss
WaGaLiGong Dulan Surf & SUP House & Bar 哇軋力共都蘭衝浪 / 立槳 / 酒吧 WaGaLiGong is the original surf shop in Dulan and they have great surf and water sport lessons from a seasoned South African with excellent Chinese and English! Seriously the best burritos in town! The homemade wheat wrap is perfect and the filling is very generous! I always go for the mixed tofu &
Website
chicken with extra sour cream and jalapeños. Recommended by Zeke Peacock
Wild Banana Mosquito Repellent Harry’s 100% natural insect repellent is made to his unique recipe, and not only smells good, but it works! Ingredients include eucalyptus, lemon, and a hint of vanilla. Harry also handcrafts sturdy bamboo walking sticks. Recommended by Max Dill
31
Website
Useful Information
32