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Central Taiwan Page 2
Lanyu Island
Lanyu Island, aka Orchid Island, is a mountainous island 65 kilometers south of Taitung, surrounded by beautiful forests and stunning coral reefs. This island is home to the Yami, and tourism has brought as much harm as good to these people. The government of Taiwan has used Lanyu as a repository for nuclear waste, which has rightly inflamed the Yamies, especially as there have been reports that the barrels have begun leaking. The scenery is well worth the trip. The Yami welcome visitors who make an effort to respect their culture.
Green Island
Thirty kilometers off the coast of Taitung is a small island that is hugely popular for skin and scuba diving among the coral reefs. There are saltwater hot springs, glass-bottom boat tours and places to camp. Green Island was once a prison colony, and a visit to these shuddered facilities can be a rather sobering experience. The island itself is tiny and the huge crowds that fly in during the summer can be discouraging.