Orchid Island, Volcanic island in Taitung County, Taiwan
Orchid Island is a volcanic island roughly 90 kilometers off Taiwan's southeastern coast in Lanyu Township, Taitung County. Six villages line a coastal road that circles the island and connects steep slopes with rocky coves.
Austronesian seafarers now known as the Tao reached the island roughly 4000 years ago during a broader movement of peoples across the western Pacific. Japanese authorities established administrative posts here in the early years of the twentieth century, bringing external governance to the existing community.
The Tao use hand-carved planks from local timber for their traditional tatala canoes, which they paint with geometric patterns in red, white and black. These vessels often rest on beaches or in open shelters where visitors can observe the craftsmanship up close.
Small planes connect the island to Taitung Airport, while ferries depart from Fugang Harbor in Taitung City and depend more on wind and wave conditions. Scooters can be rented in the villages to ride the coastal road, which can be circled in a few hours.
Ivalino holds semi-subterranean houses with thick stone walls and sunken floors that create a cooler interior. This design helps deflect typhoon winds and keep out the heat of the tropical sun.
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