Does Taiwan have a Disneyland? A secret Bunun tribe "forest museum" built by nature

By reporter Chen Ziying / Taitung




Does Taiwan have a Disneyland? This all-natural Disneyland is sure to leave you impressed. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

"Foreigners have Disneyland, but we Bunun people have our own Disneyland." Following Bunun elder Long’s lead to the mountains behind Dulan in Taitung, what’s the magic behind this indigenous "Disneyland"? Before entering the forest ecological corridor, visitors must first pay respects at the ancestral spirit house as a sign of reverence. Long explains, "Here, humans are not the masters—the trees, flowers, and insects are." The key to visiting the ancestors is betel nuts and millet wine. This nature journey, rooted in cultural respect, begins with a shift in mindset. Three cups of wine are poured, a simple yet solemn ritual.

The legendary "Bunun Disneyland" is actually called the "Forest Museum." With no prominent signs, outsiders would never find the entrance without guidance from indigenous friends. This isn’t a commercial theme park, but a tribal-ecological cohabitation zone preserved nine years ago when indigenous people fought to save this forest and its pristine ecosystem from developers planning a columbarium and resort. Since then, it has become the site of ongoing environmental education and tribal cultural revitalization projects. Long highlights four main challenge zones in the museum:

First Challenge: "Heroes’ Slope"
About ten meters long, the path is steep and slippery after rain, making it tough to navigate.

Second Challenge: "One-Line Sky"
Even narrower than Taipei’s Touching-the-Breast Alley. Long warns, "Overweight people might not make it!" And indeed, squeezing through the rocky crevice is quite an experience.

 
▲ The first challenge, "Heroes’ Slope," is tough enough, with tree roots crisscrossing the path. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

  ▲ The second challenge, "One-Line Sky," requires sidestepping through the narrow gap. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

Third Challenge: Tree Climbing
"The most impressive is the third challenge: tree climbing!" Not everyone can scale trees, but with sturdy ropes tied by tribespeople around a roughly one-story-high old tree, even first-timers can take on the task safely. Visitors complete it one by one. The real test comes when climbing down—Long instructs climbers to face away from the tree, stepping down along knotted ropes to maintain balance and calm despite the height.

 
▲ The most challenging fourth task: daunting heights and giant trees—but with the tribes' secured ropes, it’s still safe to tackle. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

Fourth Challenge: "Heroes’ Descent"

Reaching this stage means you’re almost done with the Forest Museum adventure. But don’t let your guard down—you could easily get lost. And even if you do, don’t panic. Just shout, "I’m lost!" and indigenous friends will come find you and guide you to the exit.

Unlike man-made Disneylands, the "Bunun Disneyland" might get your clothes dirty or leave you sweaty with no air conditioning—but immersing yourself in the forest, breathing in priceless phytoncides, getting up close with nature, and imagining yourself as part of this deep woodland lets you leave behind all "human worries" and rediscover the purest relationship between people and nature.Visitors all agree: "It’s so much fun—a rare experience!"

 
▲ Bunun friends prepare wild boar meat and herbal tea for guests. (Photo / Reporter Xu Wenbin)

※ The "Walking Trees" tour is organized by the Luan Mountain Tribe, including the Forest Museum, Walking Trees, lunch, for NT$500 per person (minimum 20 people). Without lunch, it’s NT$300 per person (minimum 6 people).