Taitung, with its rich and diverse natural landscapes, offers outdoor enthusiasts an ideal setting for activities ranging from coastal adventures to mountain hikes. Recently, more people have embraced hiking and mountaineering to connect with nature, including Melissa, a mountain girl who loves exploring Taiwan’s highlands and rural areas. Let’s follow her journey into the mountains of Taitung, where the perfect harmony between nature and exercise awaits.
Melissa’s love affair with Jiaming Lake began in 2016, a place she describes as a dream destination for hikers. Over her three visits from 2016 to 2024, each one brought unique experiences and insights. Nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 3,310 meters, Jiaming Lake is Taiwan’s second-highest lake. Known to the Bunun people as the “Mirror of the Moon,” it is also affectionately called the “Angel’s Teardrop.”
For Melissa, hiking in Taitung’s mountains offers a blend of physical challenge and spiritual renewal. She enthusiastically shares her experiences in Taitung’s mountains, highlighting the natural power she feels while trekking. From the mixed broadleaf forests at lower elevations to the towering Taiwan fir and Yushan juniper at higher altitudes, the diversity of landscapes continues to amaze her. She has a particular fondness for the graceful “Xiangyang Tree” and the awe-inspiring Xiangyang Crumbling Cliff, both deepening her appreciation for nature’s grandeur and the importance of preserving it.
Melissa vividly recalls encountering a group of three or four Formosan sambar deer during one of her hikes to Jiaming Lake. She described it as an awe-inspiring moment, saying, “It was the largest wild mammal I’ve ever seen in Taiwan!” This rare sighting not only left her with a sense of wonder but also deepened her appreciation for the biodiversity in Taitung’s mountains and reinforced in her mind the importance of preserving these natural habitats.
As hiking grows in popularity, Melissa highlights the importance of practicing the “Leave No Trace” philosophy. She admits that she didn’t fully understand this concept at first, but over time, with more hiking experience, she has witnessed firsthand the impact of human activities on the natural environment. Now, she is meticulous about her actions to ensure she leaves no trace. Melissa explains that “Leave No Trace” is an outdoor environmental philosophy that originated in the U.S. It emphasizes minimizing our impact on nature while enjoying the outdoors. This includes properly disposing of trash, avoiding water pollution, not disturbing vegetation, and managing human waste responsibly. Promoted by the National Outdoor Leadership School in the late 1960s, this concept has spread globally and has become a crucial guideline for hiking and outdoor activities in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, where the “Leave No Trace” concept is increasingly popular, Melissa praises the innovative efforts of the Taitung Forest Bureau: “They launched the ‘One Person, One Kilogram: Carry for Sustainable Jiaming Lake National Trail’ campaign, encouraging hikers to bring one kilogram of sand or gravel up the mountain to aid in trail repairs. This participatory environmental action not only helps improve the environment but also raises awareness about sustainability.” Melissa is also impressed by the Forest Bureau’s environmental education initiatives. For instance, their “Take Care of Your ‘BUSINESS’” signs, which humorously address high-altitude waste management with lively illustrations, make the information both engaging and practical. Such thoughtful details highlight Taitung’s dedication to promoting ecological protection, setting it apart from other hiking areas.
Beyond personal eco-friendly practices, Melissa has engaged in larger-scale environmental activities. She shares her experience with the Trail Workcations (or short working holidays) organized by the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association, where volunteers use basic tools and local materials to repair trails. This hands-on effort not only helps protect the environment but also provides a deeper understanding of the land. Melissa notes that repairing even a small section of the trail requires hours of work, making her appreciate the challenges faced by those who paved the way before and reinforcing the importance of protecting and valuing the beautiful environment we have today.
Melissa’s story reminds us that exercise not only strengthens our bodies but also deepens our appreciation for nature. By embracing the “Leave No Trace” principles and following in Melissa’s footsteps, we can explore the stunning landscapes of Taitung while respecting and protecting the environment. Enjoy the thrill of outdoor activities, but always remember to honor nature and preserve its beauty for future generations. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a newcomer to outdoor adventures, Taitung’s mountains offer unique and enriching experiences. Let’s find ourselves in nature and work together to safeguard this beautiful land.
Here’s where you can follow Melissa’s journey and adventures
