Said to be belligerent and fierce in nature, the Taroko aborigines formed a highly united tribe and lived communally by sharing the land, harvests and livestock equably.
"One third of the mountain area in Taiwan was once the Taroko tribe's territories, but they were a rather melancholic lot, spending most of the time fighting with enemies and finding new lands. They are probably the only Aboriginal tribe in Taiwan that doesn't celebrate a type of harvest festival," Kao said.
Since the trail has a culturally rich heritage, it is advisable to take along a local guide. Gloves, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended as the trail is sometimes hard going.
A holiday feels incomplete if it doesn't include gorging on quality food. For a picky gourmet, the seasonal special at the nearby Grand Formosa Taroko should satisfy his or her taste buds.
The hotel's chef has creatively used herbs and tea to craft a range of seasonal dishes.
While you are at the hotel, you may as well take full advantage of its five-star facilities, such as the spa where a body massage by the professional staff invigorates flagging holidaymakers.
But staying at a five-star hotel is too fancy for your holiday plan, there is alternative accommo-dation at the Leader Village Taroko, Bruwan Mesa (布洛灣). You will find no karaoke machines or computer games at the resort, since the owner's motto is to live according to nature. The resort can arrange one-day trips to most of the park's tourist attractions and eco-tourist night trips.
For your information:
Where to stay: The Grand Formosa Taroko in Hualien; special rates: NT$1,900 a night per person for each couple or NT$2,400 including breakfast, dinner and transportation to and from Hualien train station or airport. The rates are available until the end of May
Address: 18, Tianhsiang Rd, Hsiulin Village, Hualien County (花蓮縣秀林鄉天祥路18號)
Contact: (03) 869 1155
Web site: www.grandformosa-taroko.com.tw
Where to stay: Leader Village Taroko
Address: 232-1, Fushih Village, Hsiulin Township, Hualien, Taiwan County (花蓮縣秀林鄉富世村232-2號)
Contact: (03) 861 0111
Web site: www.leaderhotel.com
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