Tao community completes historic Lanyu–Batanes voyage, rekindling ancestral Austronesian ties

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
June 17, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – A centuries-old maritime connection between Taiwan's Tao people and the Ivatan communities of Batanes was renewed on June 16, 2026, as members of the Tao community arrived in the province aboard a traditional hand-carved boat after crossing the Bashi Channel from Lanyu, also known as Orchid Island.

The journey, called "Kakteh Do Cinai Lanyu–Batanes Island First Voyage in 300 Years", retraced an ancestral sea route believed to have once linked the Indigenous communities of Lanyu and Batanes. It marked the first time in roughly three centuries that a traditional Tao vessel completed the voyage between the two island groups.

The crew set sail from Lanyu on June 15 aboard the "Ovayan", a traditional wooden plank boat known as an "ipanitika". Built without nails, the 12-meter vessel was completed in March, tested at sea in April, and formally launched during a traditional ceremony on June 9.

Although the boat can carry about 20 people at a time, around 60 Tao paddlers took part in the journey in rotating relays across more than 100 nautical miles, or about 185 kilometers, of open sea. The crossing was made through the often-challenging Bashi Channel, where the crew faced strong winds and large waves.

The voyage was supported by a fleet of seven escort vessels, including the zero-carbon ship "Porrima P111", which provided logistical and safety assistance while allowing the Tao crew to highlight traditional seafaring knowledge.

The Tao people of Lanyu, located off Taiwan’s southeastern coast, share close cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with the Ivatan people of Batanes. According to the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation, the languages of the two communities remain more than 80 percent mutually intelligible, underscoring their deep Austronesian roots.

Upon arrival in Batanes, the Tao delegation was welcomed by local officials, community members, and the Department of Tourism Regional Office. A special welcome dinner featured Ivatan cultural performances sponsored by the DOT Regional Office, celebrating the shared heritage of the two island communities.

The event served as a symbol of friendship, cultural solidarity, and renewed people-to-people ties between the Tao and Ivatan peoples.

“This historic voyage is a powerful testament to the resilience of our Austronesian heritage and the enduring connections between our communities,” the DOT Regional Office said. "Through initiatives such as the ‘Kakteh Do Cinai’ voyage, we honor our shared past while fostering greater cultural understanding and cooperation for future generations."

During their stay in Batanes, the Tao delegation is expected to take part in port ceremonies, song exchanges, and cultural sharing activities with local communities.