Exploring the Land of Warriors – Exploring the Taromak Tribe
There are seven aboriginal tribes within Taitung, each with a unique, rich, and precious culture. Follow us to Dongxing Village in Beinan Township and explore the hidden gem of Taitung, the Taromak Tribe.
The word Taromak means “the land warriors live in” in Rukai language. In addition to having superb hunting skills, the Rukai also displays a rich artistic sense in their home decor, clothing, and woven items. The tribal people have planned a variety of ecological and cultural experience itineraries so that guests can learn about the Taromak tribe. Pack up your bags, come listen to nature, and immerse yourself in the charming Rukai culture.
You can expand your understanding of our world by experiencing areas beyond your usual lifestyle when traveling. Once you enter the tribe, the guides will share the traditional Rukai culture and history with you. You’ll be sure to feel the overflowing passion, pride, and sense of belonging that they feel. The sense of connection between man, the land, and their culture, is also a breath of fresh air for many city dwellers. Your guide will bring you on a journey where you’ll learn about the tribe, enjoy unique building structures, and see different totems and their meanings as if you’ve opened up an interesting storybook.
One needs excellent archery and hunting skills to survive in the wild as a hunter. Let’s use this skill as a key to unlocking the experience of life in the jungle. Hunters are viewed as heroes in the Rukai society. Young Rukai boys must learn how to shoot arrows from a young age. Those who visit the Taromak tribe should also learn this skill that the people are extremely proud of. Material is collected directly from the field. Bamboo is shaved down and bent into a bow. Give it a try and see if you have the gift to become a hunter.
Respect nature and only take what you need. This is the wisdom and belief of the Rukai people. The food and farming experience is the most popular itinerary for family visitors. Guests will learn about what the Rukai eat and how they farm. They’ll even get the opportunity to make some Chinese toon sauce and plant a seed in the Taromak Tribe. Guests can return after a while and see the plant that their seed has grown into.
If you get the chance to visit Taromak, you must try the tribal special meal. The Rukai people have a unique icibi food culture. Icibi is the cooking method by which food is buried and baked in soil. Wood and stones are piled up and burned until the stack collapses. Vegetables and pork belly are commonly roasted using this method. Icibi isn’t only about cooking food, it is also a way of maintaining social connections. Sign up for the Rukai no-menu feast. Build the icibi tower with your friends and experience the traditional Rukai way of life and gathering powers of the icibi roast.
Do you enjoy exciting outdoor activities? The amazing Mulberry Creek river trekking trip is one that you won’t want to miss. Mulberry Creek is located near the original entrance to the Taromak Tribe. The water is beautiful and clear with beautiful scenes to see along the way. There are calm sections of the creek that make it perfect for swimming, river trekking, and even a lazy river activity. Follow your guide to explore Mulberry Creek not only to enjoy water activities but also to learn about the myths of the tribal gods and goddesses and learn of all the efforts the Taromak Tribe has put into maintaining the sustainable ecosystem.（Photo Credit: FB@IlraTaromak）
