Lalu Island / Lalu Viewing Platform. Lalu Island, located in the center of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, Taiwan, is a sacred islet with profound indigenous Saisiyat cultural significance. Lalu Island is located in the center of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, Taiwan, and is a sacred islet with profound indigenous Saisiyat cultural significance. 'Lalu' in the Saisiyat language means 'sacred mountain in the heart,' and it is the dwelling place of the highest Saisiyat ancestral spirits and an early settlement site, considered a sacred land for the souls of the tribe. Historically, Lalu Island has had several names: during the Qing Dynasty, it was called 'Zhu Yu' or 'Zhu Shan'; during the Japanese colonial period, it was called 'Tama Island'; and after the war, it was renamed 'Guanghua Island,' symbolizing 'glorifying China.' In 2000, after advocacy by the Saisiyat people, its original name 'Lalu Island' was officially restored, and it was designated as an indigenous protected area, prohibiting general tourists from landing to respect the Saisiyat cultural heritage and ancestral spirit beliefs. With the construction of the Sun Moon Lake reservoir, the water level rose, submerging the original hill and turning it into the isolated island in the lake today, resembling a dreamlike landscape floating on the clear blue-green lake water. The Banyan tree planted on the island symbolizes the generational continuation of Saisiyat culture. Although tourists cannot land on the island, they can visit the 'Viewing Platform' next to the Xiangshan Visitor Center via a trail to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Lalu Island with a 270-degree panoramic view of Sun Moon Lake. Extending about 450 meters further along the trail leads to the 'Lalu Viewing Platform.' The 'Lalu Viewing Platform,' through clever design of borrowed scenery and perspective, allows visitors to look back at the majestic sight of Lalu Island as it was once the 'mountain in the lake.'
Address: 南投縣魚池鄉葫蘆崙中正路
Hours: 00:00–23:59
Nantou