Gareth's escape to Lanyu, Orchid Island

Last Friday afternoon we got a surprise: Vivian and Fiona had a chance to go to Hokkaido, Japan. Suddenly Gareth also decided to make a little getaway. Destination: The remote Taiwanese island of Lanyu, otherwise known as Orchid Island.One has to first fly by jet to Taidong, then take one of these prop planes to go over to LanyuLanyu can be found southeast of Taiwan, about 50 km offshore from the Taiwanese mainland. First sighting of the island The old fishing harbor, now unused. I went snorkeling there on my second day
The island's lone beach bar. A nice place to sip a cold drink and chat with other travelers
Traditional Tao boats on the shore. The Tao people are not Chinese at all, but related to the Oceanic peoples from islands further to the south: Philippines, Borneo, etc.
The local diet: fish, fish and more fish. The day's catch is caught, prepared, then hung out to dry. Visitors see this scene often. Using this ancient method of preservation the fish can be stored for up to six months before eating View from the hills towards battleship rock
Getting up early for the sunrise at 5:20 am
The sun breaks over the Pacific
Enjoying the early morning view from the grassy lawn atop the main weather station
Everywhere the common sight: volcanic rocks, and goats! Sometimes together!

Back at the weather station in the afternoon for another view
Local kids paddle in the water
A closer look at one of the traditional Tao boats Some Taiwanese tourists hired this one + a guide and went out for an afternoon paddle

Mr. Lamuran, proprietor of the hostel where I stayed. If you have a chance to visit Lanyu, his hostel is definitely worthwhile. See http://lamuran.blogspot.com/