Asian Geographic Issue 01/2018 (129) | Page 7

Sun Moon Lake, Nantou The pristine waters of Sun Moon Lake lap at the shores of tiny Lalu Island The Heart of Nature Dive into Taiwan At fi rst sight of its crystalline lakes and lush gorges, it’s abun- dantly clear why Portuguese explorers called Taiwan ‘For- mosa’, or ‘beautiful island’. Two-thirds cloaked by verdant mountains, its eight national parks offer a stunningly diverse landscape to explore, from climbable cliffs and volcanic craters to white coral beaches and tropical forests. On land or on water, it’s time to discover one of nature’s least-known playgrounds in Taiwan. Little Liuqiu, Dapeng Bay This spectacular coral islet boasts azure waters and shell- strewn sandy shores. www.taiwan.net.tw