On the northwest coast of Orchid Island, five mysterious caves stand silently, like portals to different worlds. Each cave has its own story, carrying the cultural memory of the Tao people for thousands of years. From ancient myths of fire acquisition to modern horror legends, from academic geological explanations to folk supernatural experiences, Jikarahem Cave (Five Hole Cave) is like a pop-up storybook, waiting for every brave reader to open its mysterious chapters.
Video: Exploring Jikarahem Cave (Source: YouTube)
📖 Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Ancient Myths – The Birth of Civilization’s Fire
The Five Hole Cave is called Jikarahem Cave in the Tao language, meaning “a very different place.” It is not only a geological wonder but also a sacred site for the origin of Tao civilization.
Story 1: The Sacred Mission of the Stone Men
Dark Days Without Fire: Long ago, Orchid Island was a world without fire. Ancestors of the Tao people fumbled in the dark, eating raw food and shivering in cold nights. They knew neither warmth nor light.
Grandfather’s Entrustment: A respected Stone Man ancestor from the Imourud Tribe could not bear to see his people suffer. One day, he called his two smartest grandsons: “Children, go find food for the tribe. But remember, seek not just food, but something that can change our lives…”
Discovery of Mysterious Light: The brothers searched all day and arrived at the northwest coast exhausted. Suddenly, the elder brother pointed deep into a cave: “Look! There is light!” In a world without fire, any light was a miracle.
Friendly Ghost Guide: Approaching the light, they were stunned: a female ghost was holding “glowing wood” to catch crabs. She spoke gently: “You are living humans? Go find my grandfather in the cave; he will tell you everything…”
Story 2: Academy of Civilization in Jikarahem Cave
Entering the World of Devils: Following the ghost, they saw countless devils singing and dancing. Though terrifying in appearance, the atmosphere was joyful. “Don’t be afraid,” the ghost said, “We are kind devils.”
Complete Transmission of Civilization: Deep inside, a kind old devil sat by a fire. He taught the brothers: “This is fire. It gives light and warmth.” He then showed them around Jikarahem Cave:
- Room 1: Devils building houses (Architecture).
- Room 2: Devils making Tatala boats (Shipbuilding).
- Room 3: Devils weaving cloth (Textiles).
Agriculture, cooking, festivals… all civilization technologies were revealed here. This is the birthplace of Tao civilization.
Story 3: The Hard Journey of Fire
First Failure: After learning, the brothers took a burning torch home. But the sea wind was strong, and the fire went out before they reached the tribe. They cried in frustration.
Patience of the Grandfather: They returned to the cave. The old devil smiled: “Failure is part of learning.” He taught them to use dry branches to sustain the fire and tree bark to wrap the ember.
Bringing Civilization Home: This time, they succeeded. When they lit the first bonfire in the tribe, warmth illuminated everyone’s faces. From that day on, the Tao people entered the era of fire and civilization.
Chapter 2: Modern Horror Legends – Dark Secrets of Jikarahem Cave
Over time, the mythical colors of Jikarahem Cave have been replaced by a grim atmosphere of horror. It is seen as a taboo place, each cave hiding unknown secrets.
Story 4: Cave 1 “Bloody Revenge of the Snake King”
The Red Warning Sign: At the entrance of the first cave, you will see a warning sign with three large words painted in red: “Snake’s Nest.” It looks like a death sentence written in blood.
Legend of the Giant Snake: Long ago, a giant Snake King lived here. It had a body as thick as a bucket, over ten meters long, with green scales and red glowing eyes. It coiled in the crevices above, silently descending to wrap around and devour intruders.
Disappearance in the 1980s: In the summer of 1985, university students came for a geological survey. A student named A-Ming didn’t believe the legends and entered alone. His voice gradually disappeared. The rescue team found only a flashlight, torn clothes, and a massive snake skin over eight meters long…
Story 5: Cave 2 “Eternal Cry of the Abandoned Infant”
Cruel Decision: In the winter of 1992, a young student couple visited Lanyu. The girl was pregnant but couldn’t raise the child. On a dark night, they abandoned the newborn at the entrance of the second cave. Days later, the baby’s body was found, gnawed by wild dogs.
Curse of Crying: A cross was placed to appease the spirit, but the curse had begun. Since then, people often hear shrill infant cries at night. In 2010, a tourist woke up to crying and saw a transparent child chasing a motorcycle on the road, screaming “Mommy, don’t leave me!”
Story 6: Cave 3 “Bloody Duel of the Sumo Cave”
Ancient Tradition: The third cave is the “Sumo Cave.” Traditionally, disputes between tribes were settled here through wrestling duels.
The Last Duel: In 1953, a duel ended with a warrior named A-Qiang smashing his head against the rock wall and dying instantly. The cave was closed, but his soul remains. In 2008, a tourist entered alone and was found unconscious with bruises, claiming “A Tao man named A-Qiang kept wanting to wrestle me…”
Story 7: Caves 4 & 5 “The Ultimate Sealed Horror”
Dual Identity: By day, the fifth cave is a workspace for elders; by night, it is the “Nest of Evil Spirits.”
The Seal of 1975: That summer, an elder working inside suddenly went mad, shouting “The evil spirits are out!” Other elders found the seal broken. To protect the island, the tribe sealed the cave completely with concrete and iron bars.
Sounds on Full Moon: Despite the heavy seal, on full moon nights, low growls and metallic clashing sounds are still heard from behind the wall, as if trapped ancient spirits are desperate to escape…
Chapter 3: Modern Experience – Witness of Terror
Story 8: YouTuber’s Exploration (Ghost Patrol)
Working Holiday Horror: In 2019, a famous YouTuber stayed in Lanyu for a working holiday. Living in a staff dorm, everything was normal until the third night…
Invisible Visitor: Footsteps approached her door, knocked, and entered. She felt the mattress sink as someone sat by her bed. A cold hand stroked her hair, and a whisper said, “Don’t be afraid… I just want to look at you.” On the seventh night, she opened her eyes to see a faceless figure with a black hole for a face smiling at her. She fled Lanyu the next day.
Story 9: Rational Exploration Fails
In 2021, a science-focused travel channel host visited Jikarahem Cave. In the second cave, camera equipment malfunctioned. In the third cave, everyone’s watches stopped at 3:33 PM. When they exited, they realized they had lost 3.5 hours of memory. Checking the audio recording later, they heard low moans and Tao language saying “Take the demon away…” which were not audible on site.
Story 10: The Truth Revealed
Blogger A-Xin dug deep and learned the truth from a民宿 (homestay) owner in Ivalino. The owner’s grandfather truly saw the giant snake in the 1960s; the second cave houses a collective of resentful infant spirits; and the 1975 seal of the fifth cave cost the lives of three shamans to contain the dark shadows surging from the depths.
Chapter 4: Intersection of Science and Mystery
Story 11: Geologist’s Discovery
A 1995 NTU geological survey found massive keratin scales deep in the first cave and abnormal radiation levels around the fifth cave that pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat.
Story 12: Electromagnetic Anomaly
In 2010, a Japanese TV crew faced severe electromagnetic interference. All electronic equipment failed near the caves, and crew members experienced collective “missing time.”
Story 13: Acoustic Supernatural
In 2018, acoustic experts recorded ultra-low frequency “breathing” sounds in the first cave and abnormal infant cry spectrums in the second cave. “The source of these sounds,” the expert noted, “does not seem to be in our dimension.”
Chapter 5: Cultural Tourism & Taboo Guide
Jikarahem Cave is a sacred space. Visitors must observe the following taboos.
| Taboo Type | Regulation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Women should not enter Cave 5 or stay long. | Traditional belief that women are more susceptible to evil spirits. |
| Time | Avoid night, dawn, or during Flying Fish Festival. | Night is for spirits; Festival requires purity. |
| Behavior | No noise, littering, or touching items. | Respect for the sacred space and entities residing there. |
Story 14: Consequence of Violation
In 2015, an influencer livestreamed a solo night visit, mocking the taboos. Viewers saw a giant snake shadow on the wall before the stream cut off with a scream. His body was found deep in the cave with constriction marks and an expression of extreme terror.
Story 15: The Correct Way to Visit
In 2020, a cultural worker visited with a local guide, showing respect. She learned the fire myths and understood the cultural significance. She realized that Jikarahem Cave is not just a horror spot, but a repository of millennial wisdom.
Chapter 6: Safety & Travel Gear
When exploring Jikarahem Cave, physical protection is as important as mental preparation.
🛡️ Exploration Essential: Mosquito Repellent Cooling Towel
The areas around Jikarahem Cave are full of mosquitoes and potentially mites (like in the Big Heaven Pool legend). This Peach Honey Mosquito Repellent Cooling Towel uses special fabric to ward off insects while keeping you cool. Wear it to protect yourself from physical “bug crises” while exploring.
Check Gear
🎒 Ready to Go (or Flee): NaSaDen Suitcase
Whether you are packing souvenirs or need to leave immediately after a scary encounter (like the YouTuber story), you need a reliable suitcase. NaSaDen Suitcase offers huge capacity and 360-degree silent wheels, allowing you to pack up and leave quietly at dawn without waking “others.”
Check PriceFAQ: Jikarahem Cave (Five Hole Cave)
Q: Can I enter Jikarahem Cave now?
It is currently an open attraction. You can visit Caves 1, 2, and 3, but go in groups and keep quiet. Caves 4 and 5 are sealed for safety and cultural reasons; do not attempt to enter.
Q: Why are there so many ghost stories?
The dark, damp environment fuels imagination, combined with Tao beliefs in evil spirits (Anito) and real past tragedies (like abandoned infants), creating these legends over time.
Q: What if I encounter something paranormal?
Stay calm, pray to your deity, and leave. If you feel unwell, visit a local church or health center. Respect is your best protection.
Conclusion: Five Caves, Countless Stories
Jikarahem Cave is a mirror reflecting the inner world of every visitor. For the Tao, it is a treasury of wisdom; for scientists, a geological wonder; for thrill-seekers, a source of horror.
Every story has value. Most importantly, visit with respect. Inside these caves lies not just terror, but the soul and wisdom of a people spanning thousands of years.
Read More: Deep Dive into Lanyu
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[External] Go Team Josh: Lanyu Guide
Comprehensive travel guide and tips for visiting Orchid Island.
[External] Fundivers: Orchid Island
Diving and travel information for Lanyu lovers.