Sun Moon Lake, TAIWAN
Airing Date: Jun 12th, 2006
With a name like Sun Moon Lake, it's not surprising that this place is a favourite with Taiwanese honeymooners.
The lake is located in the heart of Taiwan's central mountains and was given this name because its eastern part is shaped like the sun and the west is crescent curved. Located near the town of Yuchi, at the foot of Taiwan 's Central Mountain Range, Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's biggest lake. The legend states that long ago the native Thao people heard a loud sound while working out in the fields and then the sun and moon were gone. Darkness loomed and they suffered for days. Then a brave young couple set out to search for the sun and moon. They reached a high mountain peak and found two shimmering lakes far below where two fierce dragons had held them in captivity.
The dragons were defeated by the couple who sliced them up with a golden axe and a pair of golden scissors buried under the ground. The Sun and moon were pulled out and placed in their rightful positions in the sky leaving behind two lakes shaped like the sun and moon. What is surprising about this popular holiday spot is that it has actually prospered and increased its' tourism after a major earthquake in 1999. The area has been rebuilt and is now home to one of the most exclusive resorts in all of Taiwan - The Lalu. This luxurious resort is a Sun Moon Lake attraction in itself and holds a prime position lakefront.
The resort was built in 2002 and only has 61 rooms, each overlooking the lake and 10 villa apartments. The design of the place is minimalist and very 'zen'. It was designed by Aussie architect Kerry Hill. The resorts' Spa features four dual-purpose dry and wet double suites, four single suites and four dry single massage suites. In the dual-purpose dry and wet massage suites, you can enjoy amazing lake views with a fireplace, an elegant double-sized bathtub, a stereo and a massage bed-a truly sweet world for couples to enjoy privately
All activities and attractions center around the lake. You can take a cruise to nearby Lalu island, bicycle around the lake or admire it from atop the Cihen Pagoda. But the most obvious activity - swimming - is strictly prohibited except for one day of the year when more than 10,000 people swim across the lake as part of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival.
Further Information
EVA Airlines return to Taipei from $1320 ex Brisbane. Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Website: www.evaair.com
Lalu Resort rooms from $320 a night. Suites from $500 a night. Based on twin share. Includes taxes. Conditions apply.
Website: www.thelalu.com.tw
Tourism Taiwan
1800 824 926 (1800 TAIWAN)
Website: www.taiwantourism.org
Prices correct at 12/6/06
