Lanyu Flying Fish Season Travel Proposal – Limited Time Offer for an Enchanting Lanyu Experience

The Flying Fish Festival originates from a mysterious and colorful tale: the people of the tribe became sick after cooking flying fish with other seafood. The elders of the tribe were given a dream by the flying fish, reminding them of the season for fishing, taboos, and how to cook and eat the flying fish. The Flying Fish Festival’s ceremonies reflect and present the Yami people’s beliefs and ideas about the universe. It also shows the wisdom and skills of the Yami ancestors. The Festival focuses on catching flying fish, and limitations and taboos regarding fishing can be seen throughout the festival which show how the Yami people fear and respect nature, and emphasize coexistence to guarantee a long-lasting and stable food source.

The traditions of the Flying Fish Festival have been passed down by word of mouth for over a century. The time that ceremonies should be held wasn’t calculated by the western calendar, but according to the traditional Yami calendar, the kapowan. The Flying Fish Festival happens over 8 months and is separated into 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 are visiting Orchid Island during the Flying Fish Festival, please respect and observe the Flying Fish Festival taboos to avoid offending the residents or causing any trouble:

Taboo 1: Do not do water activities in the ocean during the Flying Fish Festival, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving!
Taboo 2: Do not throw rocks into the ocean, to avoid scaring away the Flying Fish.
Taboo 3: Do not curse or cause a ruckus near the fishing harbor.
Taboo 4: Do not touch or step into a Yami Kayak.
Taboo 5: Do not enter the local people’s Flying Fish processing or drying area, touching the fishing equipment and fish is strictly forbidden. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)

While you can’t enjoy ocean activities during the Flying Fish Festival, you can come to visit the traditional underground homes in Yeyin Village. You’ll learn more about the geography, culture, and history of Orchid Island. The underground homes in Yeyin Village are unique semi-underground structures that can only be found on Orchid Island. One to two-meter tunnels are dug along the hill. This type of structure shows the wisdom of the Yami people when faced with tropical weather that brings high heat, large amounts of rainfall, and frequent typhoons. The hallway near the door is an open space that is used to welcome and entertain guests. The workspaces are separated into upper and lower floors which provide space for storage and tool making. The entire living space is built from wood, stone, bamboo, and straw, which provides heat insulation and shelter during days with intense heat or strong winds. The living space feels cool even during hot summer days. Gentle reminder: a paid tribal tour guide is required before visiting the inside of the homes. （Photo Credit: IG @chrishuang_tw31）

When talking about Orchid Island’s cuisine, Flying Fish specialty dishes come first to mind. Visit Orchid Island during the Flying Fish Festival and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy Flying Fish specialty dishes from dusk till dawn. You must try the Flying Fish rice ball and Flying Fish gua bao for breakfast; enjoy a plate of Flying Fish roe fried rice or Flying Fish dry noodles at lunch; enjoy a unique Flying Fish roe shaved ice in the afternoon sea breeze; then taste overnight dried Flying Fish for dinner. Savoring Flying Fish delicacy dishes throughout the day is a special way to experience Orchid Island. You can check out recommended vendors in this article. （Photo Credit: IG @ eveyi0822）

There are six main tribal villages on Orchid Island: Yeyou, Yuren, Hongtou, Langdao, Dongqing, and Yeyin Tribe. Each has its own unique cultural qualities and geographical sights. We suggest taking the day to ride around the island to explore them all for a fun and fuller traveling experience. You might find distinct-looking rocks along the way, see breathtaking ocean views, and even encounter some local goats. Take your shoes off and take a break at one of the many gazebos and just enjoy a free and relaxing vacation. If you ride around the island during the Flying Fish Festival, you’ll even see the spectacular views of every household drying their flying fish. Remember to not approach the residents or photograph the fish processing. (Photo credit: Taitung County Government)

Flying Fish night fishing is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. After the event’s proposal, this activity has quickly become a popular to-do for tourists visiting Orchid Island! Flying Fish night fishing is usually only available between April and May. Once signed up, participants will gather at the harbor. Once everyone has their life vests on, each person receives a net and will be instructed by the captain to catch the Flying Fish that have leaped out of the water. Participants can take their catch back to their B&B and have vendors cook it for them. There are also services that flash freeze the fish to be mailed home. If you want to see the catching process from up close or even experience the joy of catching Flying Fish, inquire with the local B&Bs and make a reservation before departing for 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)