Lanyu Flying Fish Season Travel Proposal – Limited Time Offer for an Enchanting Lanyu Experience
Orchid Island isn’t just one of the world’s most famous diving spots — it’s also home to the Yami people, whose rich tribal culture gives life to this small island. The Flying Fish Festival, an important Yami tradition recorded as one of Taiwan’s key cultural heritages, offers many ways to experience the island. Before you go, check out this article on how to get to Orchid Island!
- Recommended for you: Orchid Island Sights, Three-day island hopping trip to Orchid Island and Green Island
The Flying Fish Festival originates from a mysterious tale: after tribespeople fell ill from cooking flying fish with other seafood, the elders were shown in a dream the proper fishing season, taboos, and preparation methods. The festival’s ceremonies reflect the Yami people’s beliefs about the universe and the wisdom of their ancestors, with strict limitations around fishing showing their respect for nature and commitment to a lasting food source.
Passed down by word of mouth for over a century, the festival’s timing follows the traditional Yami calendar, the kapowan, rather than the western calendar, and unfolds over 8 months in 3 periods. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
- Flying Fish Festival meyvanwa: During the first month of the kapowan (falls roughly between February and March)
- Flying Fish Festival mamoka: Between the third and fifth month of the kapowan (falls roughly between April and June)
- Flying Fish Festival manoyotoyon: No flying fish is consumed after the Mid-Autumn Festival to show respect towards the Flying Fish.
The entire ceremony ends in the 8th month of kapowan (falls roughly in September)
If you’re visiting during the Flying Fish Festival, please observe these taboos so as not to offend residents:
Taboo 1: No swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the ocean during the Festival.
Taboo 2: Don’t throw rocks into the ocean — it scares away the Flying Fish.
Taboo 3: Don’t curse or cause a ruckus near the fishing harbor.
Taboo 4: Don’t touch or step into a Yami Kayak.
Taboo 5: Don’t enter local Flying Fish processing or drying areas, or touch fishing equipment and fish. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
While ocean activities are off-limits during the Festival, visit the traditional underground homes in Yeyin Village to learn about Orchid Island’s geography, culture, and history. Found only here, these semi-underground structures are dug 1-2 meters into the hillside — a clever Yami response to tropical heat, rain, and typhoons. An open hallway welcomes guests, while upper and lower work floors hold storage and tools. Built from wood, stone, bamboo, and straw, the homes stay cool even in summer heat. Note: a paid tribal guide is required to visit inside. （Photo Credit: IG @chrishuang_tw31）
Orchid Island cuisine means Flying Fish specialty dishes above all. Visit during the Festival and enjoy them from dusk till dawn: Flying Fish rice balls or gua bao for breakfast, Flying Fish roe fried rice or dry noodles at lunch, Flying Fish roe shaved ice in the afternoon breeze, and overnight dried Flying Fish for dinner — check recommended vendors in this article. （Photo Credit: IG @ eveyi0822）
Orchid Island has six main tribal villages — Yeyou, Yuren, Hongtou, Langdao, Dongqing, and Yeyin — each with its own cultural character and scenery. Spend a day riding around to see distinct rock formations, ocean views, and local goats, and take breaks at gazebos along the way. During the Festival, you’ll also see households drying flying fish outside — just don’t approach residents or photograph the fish processing. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
Flying Fish night fishing is a unique experience found nowhere else and has quickly become popular with visitors, usually available between April and May. Participants gather at the harbor, put on life vests, and follow the captain’s instructions to net flying fish leaping from the water. Bring your catch back to your B&B to have it cooked, or use a flash-freeze mailing service. Book with a local B&B before your trip. （Photo Credit: IG@yu_an1230 ）
Rendezvous point: The boarding harbor will be arranged according to the ocean conditions of that day (Hongtou Harbor, Longmen Harbor, Dongqing Harbor)
