One of the joys of living in Taiwan is the myriad of options for taking day trips, depending on what sort of activities appeal to you. At work, a small amount is deducted from our pay each month as a contribution to our Welfare committee, which uses that money to subsidize these trips. Recently, I signed up for a trip to Turtle Island (named for its shape). Because the island was a former military installation, groups must “apply” for landing permits. It took us several tries before we obtained the permit.
We met in front of our work building, early on a Saturday morning, to board a tour bus. Less than an hour later, we were in Yilan harbor.
Turtle Island viewed from Lanyang Museum
We had an hour to wait for the cruise so a group of us decided to hike a short distance to the Lanyang museum. It’s a modern-design building with angular walls and floor-to-ceiling windows that afford visitors a view of the harbor and the local landscape.
Lanyang Museum
The museum tells the story of Yilan’s history in a colorful and interesting way and is meant to instill pride in the local customs and traditions; I’m sure it’s a big hit with the area’s schoolteachers.
Yilan fisherman
All too soon, it was time to board the ship: we had to produce ID cards and health insurance information. On-board, we were all required to wear life vests and off we went, in search of whales and dolphins that are said to inhibit these waters. The water was choppy, so it was easy to get seasick. Keeping an eye out for the sealife helped with the rough motion of the ocean. We saw lots of dolphins but no whales. Unlike other oceans, the color of the water really is deep aqua blue, making it easy to see where the geo-thermal hot springs come up (look for bubbles and water that is light aqua).
Turtle Island from the ship – the head is on the left
Once at the Turtle Island wharf, we were told “no take picture” until after we were well off the dock and at the visitor’s center (read: ice cream and souvenir shop).
Oops, guess I wasn’t paying attention to the instructions
After a refreshment break, we started walking. I should point out that it was hot and humid so our pace was a little slower.
Sightseeing options on Turtle Island
We walked past the remnants of a temple – the island had once been home to a village before it was conscripted by the military -around a lovely lake to where a 20-foot tall female buddha statue had more recently been erected.
Beautiful Buddha, off in the distance
Then, we headed inside the island, through tunnels carved by the military.
One of many tunnels on the island
We came out on the edge of the island to view the guns and gun portals.
The gunner’s view
(Remember, mainland China is only 120 miles offshore.) We were told the island is no longer used by the military but one has to wonder….
Gun portals as seen from the ocean
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