"Orchid Island (Lanyu)" Lan Yu by kenmerk

Lan Yu Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 33 photos

Korean Cargo Shipwreck....

I dunno why, but due to situations beyond my control, I haven't made it out to Orchid Island till now... (I've been thinking about this trip on and off for about 7 years now....)

The island has a small volcanic formation, and is situated about 60 kilometers off the southeast coast of Taiwan, and is home to the Yami tribe of Taiwanese aboriginals .

Due to its relatively remote location, it has probably the best preserved of the local Taiwanese aboriginal cultures. Symbols of the tribe include their distinctly decorative canoes, traditional underground houses, and the local cuisine, which consists mostly of Taro roots, and fish fish fish...

Traditional Yami Canoes...

The scenery here is quite striking, with numerous rock formations, and quite a jagged coastline that juts out of the Pacific Ocean.... The best way to tour about is to rent a scooter and circle the perimeter road around the island... Just be ready to dodge the many goats, chickens and pigs that will invariably cross your path here....

But for me the real attraction was the quality diving that is available here. The water is gin clear with shipwrecks, drop-offs, walls, sea snakes, and quite healthy coral growth to be had.

Your typical day here will be the rooster wake up call at about 6 AM, then a couple dives with the sea snakes. Wait till late afternoon to hop on the scooter, and fight the local goat population for that prime sunset viewing spot, and finally seafood dinner capped off with some firewater with the locals... (if there is more to life, then I don't know about it...)

Quite a place, I'm already scheming about how to get out of work for another long weekend to get back down here....

Last visit to Lan Yu: Sep 2004
Intro Updated Sep 6, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (22)

Weather Station.... Things to Do (11)

On a clear day, the best views to be had are at the Weather station which is about halfway up the switch-backed cross... more travel advice

Traditional Lanyu Houses Things to Do (11)

Although Chinese cement block housing has taken over much of the island, you can still find a group of the old style... more travel advice

Surfs Up...... Warnings Or Dangers (4)

I didnt see anyone surfing while I was on Orchid Island, but I can tell you the waves on the east side of the island... more travel advice

Lanyu Sunset.... Things to Do (11)

Just about the best place that I found to watch the sunset is north of the airport on the west side of the island. You... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Lanyu Pubs
Hotels (2)
See All Much Better Choice....

Travelogues (1)

Written Sep 7, 2004

8 photos

DIVE DIVE DIVE LANYU....

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (11)

catalysta Oct 29, 2005 at 12:41 PM Report Abuse

Yum.
sahlenare Sep 4, 2005 at 5:26 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic pics as always Ken! Hope all is well!
mizzzthanggg Jun 23, 2005 at 7:51 AM Report Abuse

just u wait kenmerk... come august when we finally get our bonuses (hopefully) am going straight out to buy me a spanking new digicam and housing!! grrr... any recommendations?
tpangelinan Mar 5, 2005 at 6:50 AM Report Abuse

Very Cool page Ken! Love your dive shots, wish I had an underwater camera! Beautiful photos! Great view from the top. I was looking for the beer. You never disappoint.
Burtty Oct 29, 2004 at 8:28 AM Report Abuse

Kenmerk's page is always interesting but with the very supported facts!
bpacker Sep 29, 2004 at 11:17 PM Report Abuse

hey ken, guess this is the place you've been talking about? Cool pictures and entertaining narrative as always! I'm just wondering how your guide develop an immunity for those snakes? I always thought those striped buggers were as poisonous as hell....
AyurinHiro Sep 28, 2004 at 9:03 AM Report Abuse

Wow, I didn't know Taiwan has such beautiful beaeches and dive sites... Just great! I'm happy to know you enjoyed a lot during your trip :-)
pepples46 Sep 19, 2004 at 8:21 PM Report Abuse

rotfl..........that goaty thief on a serious note..superb stuff
Wild_Orchid Sep 15, 2004 at 7:21 PM Report Abuse

wow, an ORCHID island. :-) sounds like some place I'd like! I love the pics and arigato gozaimasta for dropping by.
Bwana_Brown Sep 10, 2004 at 8:40 AM Report Abuse

Another great page on a rather secluded spot! Looks like a place for very interesting dives. I love the look of the traditional canoes, and that monster wave!!