Taromak 2024 Traditional Hunter's Hut Reconstruction Project

🌿 About the Project

This time, we are heading to the Rukai Taromak Tribe in Taitung, guided by Liyuan, who has dedicated years to preserving and passing on indigenous culture since returning to his hometown after completing military service in 2006. His work includes restoring traditional slate houses, organizing immersive cultural experiences, and creating opportunities for the younger generation to sustain their livelihoods within the community.

With external support, sustainable and deep travel experiences can bring diverse income sources to the community, while volunteer actions contribute directly to community development and preservation. Liyuan continues to pass on Rukai traditions and increase visibility for the tribe through various initiatives. This time, we will join forces to restore a traditional hunter’s hut, creating a gathering space for the next generation of youth and a learning environment for children.

📍 About Taromak

The name Taromak in the Rukai language represents "our home," "a place of gathering," "our own tribe," and even symbolizes the unity of warriors. The tribe is located in Dongxing Village, Beinan Township, Taitung County, approximately 30 minutes by car from Taitung Train Station. It is the only Rukai settlement in Taitung County.

📅 Schedule & Activities

📌 The program runs on weekends. Please select all available dates and frequencies in the registration form. Once submitted, we will invite you to the participant group to finalize the dates.

🌿 Day 1

13:00｜Meet at Taitung Train Station (self-arrival, recommended to take a train arriving before 12:50 for pick-up)

13:00-14:00｜Transfer to the tribe, check-in

14:00-17:30｜Tribal introduction & volunteer work (bamboo roasting, carving, sorting & preparation)

17:30-20:00｜Traditional Earth Oven Cooking (for groups of 10+; if less than 10, a standard tribal meal will be served)

20:00｜Rest & refresh

🌱 Day 2

07:30-08:30｜Breakfast & morning refresh

08:30-12:00｜Volunteer work (bamboo roasting, carving, preparation) + 15-30 min tribal ecology tour

12:00-13:30｜Lunch (tribal meal)

13:30-14:30｜Transfer back to Taitung Train Station

15:00｜End of program (Recommended to take a train departing after 16:00)）

🌳 Tribal Ecology Tour

A guided walk with a local tribal leader, introducing wild plants, local flora & fauna, and insects. Learn about the gifts of nature and the relationship between indigenous culture and the land.

🔥 Traditional Earth Oven Cooking (For Groups of 10+)

Participants will dig a cooking pit, wrap ingredients in lotus or banana leaves, and place them inside. Heated stones and slate are then layered on top before covering the pit, allowing the food to slowly cook through the retained heat. If weather conditions prevent ground cooking (due to excessive rain making the soil too wet), alternative traditional cooking methods will be used.

📍 Important Notes

🔹 The organizers reserve the right to adjust the itinerary as needed. Any updates or additional information will be provided in advance.

🔹 In case of heavy rain, work will proceed with rain gear as needed.

🔹 Participants are responsible for their own insurance.

🔹 A pre-departure online briefing will be held one week before the program to go over important details and preparations.

🏠 Accommodation & Transportation

🏡 Accommodation

Participants will stay at Hua Ma Homestay (Booking Link). Local residents should contact the organizer to confirm accommodation arrangements.

🚐 Transportation

5-7 seater minibuses will be arranged for round-trip transfers between Taitung Train Station, the tribe, the homestay, and the work site.

👥 Community Engagement & Volunteer Support

Each group (team) will have 1-2 local mentors assisting with:

✅ Meal preparation

✅ Work guidance & skills training

✅ Cultural integration & adaptation support

For groups of 5 or more, an additional facilitator will be assigned to:

✅ Bridge communication between participants & local community members

✅ Provide pre-departure guidance & coordination

✅ Lead group discussions & reflections on cultural integration

💰 Program Fee

💲 2,000 TWD per personThe fee includes:

✔ Accommodation

✔ Meals

✔ Local transportation

✔ Administrative costs

✔ Contributions to community initiatives

📩 Registration Link

🔗 Sign Up Here! 🌱✨