Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake 日月潭; is the largest body of water in Taiwan. The east side of the lake resembles a sun and the west side a moon. The lake is situated in Central Taiwan. The area around the lake is home to the Thao tribe, one of the fourteen aboriginal tribes in Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake surrounds a tiny island called Lalu. Which is holy and only to be entered by the shaman of the Thao tribe for rituals.

The most beautiful view on the lake you will have from the Lalu hotel, a hotel once you’re in you’ll never want to check out again. Swimming in the lake is prohibited, but the Lalu has the best (50m. long!) infinity pool I have seen in my life so far, for a nice dip. The Lalu is situated in Yuchi Township.

Another great view you’ll have from the Ci’en Pagoda which is on the opposite of the lake near Nantou. The best way to see the whole lake is to cycle around it. Sweet tip: cycle the lake anticlockwise, to have more rides down then up.

It’s true there are a lot of Chinese tourist, almost no western seem to find their way to Sun Moon. But especially in the quiet, misty, early mornings -the surface of the lake calm and flat, just like a mirror- the lake is a stunning photo and hike spot.

From Sun Moon we hitchhiked to Hualien, which was the absolute most beautiful mountain road ever, ending in Taroko National Park. If you visit Sun Moon, go by this road. The road is from Puli to Hualien and goes through Wuling “武嶺”.