All you need to know about Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan

Taiwan is brimming with incredible natural scenery yet few locations captivate the tourist masses quite like Sun Moon Lake. Regardless of the fact that it is a relatively new landscape there are many myths and legends relating to the mountains surrounding the lake.

The discovery of the lake

In Thao legend, hunters of the tribe one day spotted a white deer, followed it and the chase led them to the lake. The hunters were so impressed by the landscape with its lush greenery, fish-filled waters, and abundant wildlife that they decided to relocate to the lakeside. The countryside became theirs and they still live there to this day.

Lalu Island

At the heart of the lake lies Lalu Island. This is a sacred ground for the Thao tribe yet it is only in recent years that it has been recognized as such. During Japanese rule the island was renamed as Jade Island then again, later, as Guang Hua. The island originally split the lake into two distinct shapes, one resembled a sun while the other a crescent moon. This is believed to be how the lake got its name although there are other stories that claim it was due to the colors of the lake water.

The local government built a marriage pavilion on the island in 1978 and for many years, annual group ceremonies took place there. It may have seemed a touch insensitive to the local Thao tribe who believed that their most revered ancestral spirit resided on the island.

However, after an earthquake in 1999 (known locally as the 921 earthquake) the landscape shifted resulting in much of the island sinking and the destruction of the pavilion. The island has since been recognized by the government as sacred ground and locals insist that only members of the Thao tribe can now set foot on it.

The Sun Moon Lake legend

While the deer hunting legend is told by many tribes (not just the Thao) there is another legend that is especially popular among tourists. This legend tells of how the Thao were one day working their land when they heard a massive boom before the sky went dark. The sun had disappeared but they took comfort in the fact that the moon would soon come to offer them light. However, when the moon came out that night the same thing happened and the world was left in utter darkness.

A young couple took it upon themselves to search for the sun and the moon and after a long hard trek they came to the lake. There they saw two dragons playing with the sun and the moon. Before they could do anything they noticed smoke coming from under a rock. They moved the rock and followed a passage to find an old lady that claimed the dragons had forced her to live there cooking their meals.

After hearing this the couple were worried that they could not defeat the dragons but the old lady had an idea. She told them of the golden axe and scissors under Ali Mountain which when thrown in the lake would kill the dragons instantly.

They found the axe and scissors, threw them at the dragons and won back the sun and moon but unfortunately they didn’t have the strength to put either back into the sky. The old lady then informed them of the powers of a dragon’s eyeball. Apparently once consumed, you would have the strength of that dragon and so the couple ate an eyeball from each dragon. They soon became giants and with their now superhuman strength, the couple lifted the sun into the sky using a palm tree. When the sun began to work properly they did the same with the moon.

It’s easy to see why this legend persists and why tourists love it so much.

Things to do

There are many things to keep you occupied during your time at Sun Moon Lake. Take a boat trip across the lake or a cable car trip up to the aboriginal theme park. For many though, the chance to rent a bike and ride around the many cycle paths is the best way to see and appreciate the local scenery.

See more: Where to buy decorations for Christmas in Taiwan

Source: Internet

The best cultural experiences in Indonesia

A trip to the Island of the Gods, or Bali as it is more commonly known, is not complete without experiencing its spiritual and cultural attractions. While loud and lairy backpackers are best sticking to Kuta, there are plenty of historical UNESCO sites in other parts of this Indonesian archipelago that lure travellers looking for a more authentic Balinese experience.

Visit the art galleries

Jakarta’s diversity extends well to the bustling art scene. Different inspirations and stories are depicted through various artworks, media, and style. From classic to contemporary, public museums to private galleries, the best artworks in Jakarta serve as blueprints of the nation’s culture and history. If you are interested in Indonesia’s history of art, visit the National Gallery and be awed by 1,700 impressive artworks from different eras. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (MACAN) is the newest and popular addition to the scene, showcasing contemporary arts from Indonesia and around the world.

Explore the Trimurti at Prambanan Temple

Built in the 9th Century, Prambanan is a series of temple shrines dedicated to the expression of God as the creator, sustainer and destroyer. A staggering 47 meters high, this unique Indonesian temple was once covered by the jungle and lost to ruin until an adventurous Dutchman re-discovered the temple in 1733.

Visit Prambanan for a crash course in Indonesia’s grand and complex architectural wonders! Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, Prambanan Temple is a historical site frequently compared to Angkor Wat.

Explore the Jakarta Old Town

Once one of the most prominent neighbourhoods during colonial era, Jakarta’s Kota Tua (Old Town) is a slice of history in the bustling metropolitan. The area is packed with old government buildings and trade centers kept alive as museums and heritage sites. From riding a colourful bicycle through Fatahillah Square to taking pictures inside the quirky Rumah Akar, you can conveniently explore the Old Town’s highlights just by strolling around the area.

Discover the Cannibalistic Past of Indonesia’s Batak Tribe in Lake Toba

The Batak people are another of Indonesia’s many tribes, concentrated around Lake Toba in Sumatra. Lake Toba was the site of the earth’s last super-volcanic eruption and makes for a fascinating visit. Throughout Indonesian history, the Batak people were among the fiercest warriors. Today, they continue to practice a patriarchal clan culture emphasizing lineage and marriage. Visit Samosir village to discover their unique homes, which are shaped like boats and decorated with fertility symbols.

You will also learn about their past, during which some tribes would eat the flesh of their enemies to ingest their soul and increase their own strength in the process. Make sure to sit in the stone chairs of the tribal council and experience the unique culture of Sumatra for yourself.

Visit Ubud

Ubud is without a doubt the main cultural hub of Bali. The list of historical and cultural attractions here is endless, ranging from the Sacred Monkey Wild life sanctuary to the stunning Botanical Gardens. There is also the plethora of museums, restaurants and markets displaying traditional arts and crafts for travellers to take in. And of course, Ubud Palace.

See more: Must-visit attractions in Ubud, Bali

Source Internet

Hokkaido traditions that only locals can understand

With its long winters, rich history, and indigenous population, the northern island of Hokkaido has a distinct culture, unique to that of the rest of Japan. We take a look at some of the holidays, special events, and traditions that make Hokkaido truly one of a kind.

Strawberry and Pork Festival

While most people don’t typically associate one with the other, the small town of Toyoura in southern Hokkaido is famous for two things: strawberry farming, and pork. Apparently, the local government decided to save time and celebrate both products at once, and thus the Strawberry and Pork festival was created. Aside from the obvious dining options, the event also features live performances and marching bands.

Ubagami Shrine Festival

This 3 day parade dates back nearly 400 years and is one of Japan’s oldest festivals. Local residents carry various mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets, the oldest of which was built in Osaka in the year 1694. The festival also features traditional musical accompaniment mainly performed by flutists and drummers.

Otaru Snow Light Path

Located just an hour’s drive from Sapporo, this beautiful port city already has a reputation for being something of a fairytale, but the real magic happens around the first two weeks in February. For 10 days, the entire city is lit up by lanterns and miniature snow statues, creating a beautiful and calm winter wonderland.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Drawing in over two million tourists per year, this now legendary festival of ice and snow was started by a group of high school students in 1950. Participants can join sporting competitions, ski and snowboard events, ice sculpture exhibits, and even a beauty contest where the winner is awarded the title of “Ice Queen”.

See more: The most breathtaking regions in Hokkaido, Japan

Source: Internet