Lalu Island, Sacred island in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Lalu Island sits in the center of Sun Moon Lake and is a small landmass surrounded by water in Nantou County. The island consists mainly of natural rock formation and has become noticeably smaller since a major earthquake struck the region.
A dam built in the 1930s by Japanese authorities raised the water level of Sun Moon Lake, submerging large portions of the island. This human intervention permanently changed the landscape and reduced the available land.
The Thao people consider this island sacred to their ancestors, and visitors can sense this spiritual importance when viewing it from the water. Local communities around the lake maintain this reverence today, treating it as a central part of their identity.
The best way to see the island is by taking a boat tour departing from the Shuishe or Ita Thao piers around the lake. Cruises run regularly and provide clear views of it from the water.
A major earthquake in 1999 caused significant portions of the island to sink, dramatically reducing its size. This event reshaped it physically and makes it a striking reminder of how natural forces alter landscapes.
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