Explore Eastern Taiwan Tribes & Experience Indigenous Life

Text & Photography / Liu Jiawen

 

The beautiful hinterland of Taiwan—Taitung—is home to many indigenous villages. When people think of indigenous culture, they often immediately imagine the vibrant dances and joyful songs of the Harvest Festival. However, the festival’s timing is closely tied to the age-class system of the tribes. For example, coming-of-age rituals and the Monkey Festival for boys are essential rites for Amis and Puyuma youths to become warriors. Additionally, the agricultural activities of the Paiwan people are also a key part of understanding their tribal culture. Join us as we visit these three indigenous villages for an immersive indigenous life experience.

Bamboo Rafting: The Amis Coming-of-Age Challenge

The Maruarong Tribe in Donghe Township, Taitung County, is an Amis settlement located near the Maolukuxi River. “Maruarong” comes from the Amis language, where “Rongarong” means rapid river flow, and “Ma” is an intensifier similar to “very.” The tribe’s ancestors named the area after hearing the loud sound of stones tumbling in the fast-moving waters.

The Maolukuxi River is rich in aquatic life and has long been a key fishing ground for the tribe, using nets. It’s also one of the locations for the tribe’s coming-of-age challenges. Amis youths must paddle bamboo rafts around the largest rock in the river, known as the Emperor Rock, and navigate through narrow channels between cliffs and boulders. Completing this proves they are true warriors. Now, the general public can also take on this tribal challenge to see if they have what it takes to be an Amis warrior. The Tribal Development Association offers a traditional bamboo rafting experience. Groups of two to three people board rafts handcrafted by tribal members, using wooden paddles to glide along the river for 1 to 1.5 hours. Enjoy the thrill of floating downstream while taking in the scenic views of the estuary and Donghe Bridge.

Stay in Traditional Tribal Houses & Immerse in Indigenous Fun

To delve deeper into Amis life and culture, consider staying at a Donghe tribal house. These houses are built to resemble traditional dwellings from the 1950s–60s, with elders overseeing construction and young tribal members contributing their skills. The project carries deep cultural significance. The structure features bamboo walls covered with thatch. There are four guest rooms, named Safa, Kaka, and Ina—Safa means siblings, Kaka refers to older siblings, and Ina means mother, symbolizing a family-like atmosphere. The rooms have bunk beds, with two accommodating 8 people and two fitting 12. Each room includes private bathrooms, air conditioning, and cozy loft areas.

The tribal houses operate on a reservation basis and offer all-inclusive eco-tourism packages with meals, lodging, and activities. They accept group bookings of 4–5 people or more, with a 2-day-1-night stay costing NT$1,750 per person. Lin Rongzhang, CEO of the tribal house, recommends guests spend “two and a half suns and one moon” here—spending days fishing and rafting in the Maolukuxi River, cycling to Dengxian Bridge to visit Formosan macaques, or hiking up Dulan Mountain to search for sapphires in the streams. Evenings back at the tribal house feature live guitar performances, encouraging guests to sing, dance, and embrace the house spirit of “eating, living, playing, laughing, singing, dancing, partying, drinking, passing out, and vomiting.”