Imagine standing before a narrow, pitch-black coral reef crevice that barely allows one person to squeeze through sideways. The ocean breeze rushing out from the entrance carries an indescribable chill. Suddenly, a local granny selling grilled squid nearby grabs your arm and lowers her voice.
“Don’t turn back once you enter, or you’ll get lost forever.”
“Never speak loudly inside, you’ll disturb the wronged souls.”
“Don’t go in after sunset, unless you want dirty things following you home.”
These Liuqiu Island Black Devil taboos passing through the island’s alleys sound like mere rural folklore fabricated to scare tourists. Most visitors squeeze through here with flashlights just to collect another stamp in their travel brochures. Yet, you would never guess that the rough reef rocks underfoot actually conceal the site of the most tragic genocide in Taiwan’s history.
There were never any African slaves here; only a group of indigenous island owners consumed by fire and ruthlessly erased by time. Today, we aren’t telling ghost stories. We are unfolding a true history woven with blood and tears, exploring how we should approach this dark tourism destination with deep reverence.
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Liuqiu Island Black Devil Taboos: Superstition, or Collective Memory?
Those whispered warnings in your ear are less superstition and more the historical trauma of this land, transformed into folk rules after centuries of fermentation.
The Spatial Metaphor of “Do Not Turn Back”
“Don’t turn back once you go in, or you’ll never come out.” This saying is easily explained scientifically. The Liuqiu Island Black Devil cave is a natural maze formed by uplifted coral reefs. Its internal passages are incredibly narrow and devoid of light. But pushing time back hundreds of years, this taboo feels like a tragic metaphor—alluding to the desperate memory of the indigenous people trapped in the dark maze, with no way out while hiding from pursuit.
Reverence in “No Noise” and “Avoid Night”
“Don’t speak loudly, you’ll disturb the wronged souls.” The fragile structure of coral reef caves means excessive sound wave resonance could indeed trigger falling rocks. But the deeper meaning is that this was once a massive graveyard where hundreds perished simultaneously; keeping quiet is a basic sign of respect. As for nightfall, walking on rugged, sharp reefs in pitch black easily causes accidents, and darkness awakens human fears associated with that ancient smoke massacre.
1636: The End of Lamey Island and the Abyss of Smoke
To truly comprehend the heavy atmosphere of the Liuqiu Island Black Devil cave, we must open the forgotten annals. This is a cold record of blood and tears documented by the Dutch East India Company.
The Sinking of Gouden Leeuw and the Seeds of Revenge
Rewind to 1622, during the Age of Discovery. A Dutch East India Company ship named “Gouden Leeuw” (Golden Lion) ran aground near Xiaoliuqiu (then known as Lamey Island). When crew members landed seeking fresh water, they clashed fiercely with the highly defensive indigenous tribe, leading to the Dutch crew’s demise.
For the Dutch aggressively expanding in Asia, this was an intolerable provocation. Harming Europeans had to be met with a severe price, planting the deep seeds of revenge on this beautiful island.
The 1636 Island Clearing: A Cruel Smoke Massacre
After years of preparation, Hans Putmans, the Dutch Governor of Taiwan, launched a massive armed expedition against Xiaoliuqiu in 1636. Facing superior firepower, the primitively equipped indigenous people retreated entirely into the island’s largest hidden coral reef cave.
The Dutch army’s methods were extraordinarily ruthless. They blocked all exits tightly and seized the indigenous people’s hoarded food and water. Lighting large amounts of firewood at the entrance, they used the sea breeze to force thick smoke deep inside. It was a prolonged, cruel suffocation.
On May 4, when Dutch soldiers finally inspected the cave, the scene was a living hell. About 300 indigenous people had been smoked alive in the narrow crevices. Surviving tribe members across the island were captured and forced into slavery in Batavia (Jakarta) or Tainan. By 1645, the original indigenous civilization of Xiaoliuqiu had been completely eradicated.
The Erased Lamey Island Civilization
Before this tragedy, how did these erased indigenous people live? Archaeological excavations and fragments of Dutch documents allow us to glimpse their once-thriving civilization.
Belonging to a branch of the Austronesian language family, their language shared similarities with the Siraya Makatao people of mainland Taiwan; they called themselves “Tugin”. As natural marine adapters, they didn’t rely on large boats but caught fish inshore using exquisite diving and swimming skills.
Unearthed fine pottery, stone tools, and pig bones show they had mature agriculture and lived in defensive settlements. Han-style blue-and-white porcelain fragments prove they engaged in barter trade with the outside world. Yet, this vibrant culture was entirely buried in the smoke of 1636, leaving not a single word behind.
Exploration Guide: Conducting Responsible Dark Tourism
Stepping into this historical site requires physical and mental preparation. The cave is incredibly narrow and slippery; wear non-slip closed-toe shoes and bring a headlamp. More importantly, put away any playful attitude. Do not litter or damage stalactites; this is fundamental respect for the deceased.
🎫 Plan Your Xiaoliuqiu Cultural Exploration Trip
We strongly advise against wandering blindly. Booking official tickets or local tours ensures safety and provides detailed historical context, giving profound depth to your journey.
🛳️ Step 1: Get Ferry Tickets
Secure round-trip ferry tickets from Donggang. Book online and scan your QR Code to board instantly, skipping the chaotic ticket lines.
Book Taifu Ferry🎟️ Step 2: Scenic Area Combo
One ticket grants access to Black Dwarf Cave, Beauty Cave, and Wild Boar Trench. Online booking often provides excellent discounts.
Book Attraction Pass
🎒 Gear Storage Helper: NaSaDen Linderhof Series Suitcase
For an adventure in Xiaoliuqiu, you need non-slip shoes, headlamps, and other gear. When taking ferries and moving around the island, a smooth suitcase saves tremendous effort. This NaSaDen Classic Suitcase boasts a sturdy, impact-resistant body and massive storage space. Its 360-degree silent spinner wheels let you effortlessly break through the crowds at Donggang Wharf.
Check Suitcase Deals (US Store)From Heavy to Primitive: Strolling Through Wild Boar Trench and Beauty Cave
After exiting the Liuqiu Island Black Devil cave with a heavy heart, you might want to visit nearby natural landscapes to experience the island’s primitive vitality.
Nearby Wild Boar Trench (Shanzhugou) is the most intact primitive vegetation area preserved here. There are no wild boars, only century-old banyan trees and spectacular coral reef canyon terrain. Breathing the tropical monsoon forest air on the wooden boardwalk is the best way to calm your soul. Beauty Cave (Meirendong), located in the northwest, is full of romantic hues. It features over ten connected coral reef caves, each offering an invincible azure seascape—a stark contrast to the eerie tragedy you just witnessed.
🌞 Jungle Adventure Shield: LISHAN UV Sunscreen Spray
Navigating through outdoor scenic areas like the Liuqiu Island Black Devil cave and Wild Boar Trench means facing southern Taiwan’s harsh sun and jungle mosquitoes. This LISHAN UV Sunscreen Spray provides SPF50+ high protection with an ultra-fine mist covering all angles effortlessly. Its special moisturizing formula keeps your skin hydrated even after a sweaty adventure, making it an excellent outdoor protective shield.
View Sunscreen Gear (US Store)Dark Tourism Reflections & FAQ
The essence of “Dark Tourism” is never about pursuing sensory stimulation or hunting for frivolous ghost stories. When stepping into this site of genocide, our priority should be memory and reflection.
We must reject the absurd African slave myths and face the cruel atrocities left by imperialism during the Age of Discovery. Next time you visit, after enjoying your grilled squid, please stand quietly at the entrance for one minute, offering a moment of silence delayed by hundreds of years for the island’s original owners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Exactly how many indigenous people died in the Lamey Island Incident?
According to scholars researching Dutch East India Company documents, about 300 indigenous people were smoked to death inside the cave in 1636; in subsequent island-clearing operations over the next few years, the total number of people killed or captured as slaves exceeded 1,000, leading to the group’s complete extinction.
Q: Why did the African slave myth spread so widely?
Due to a lack of rigorous historical research early on, coupled with a literal misunderstanding of the term “Wu Gui” (blackened corpses), the image of African slaves from the Western colonial era was gradually attached to it. Exaggerations by unprofessional guides seeking to make the story more intriguing cemented this false myth.
Recommended Resources & Further Learning
Liuqiu King Festival Secrets
Explore another profound cultural and religious festival on Xiaoliuqiu.
Taiwan Island Travel Hub
Discover more cultural ecology, local food, and legends across Taiwan’s offshore islands.
[External] Wikipedia: Lamey Island Massacre
Detailed historical accounts of the events leading up to and during the 1636 massacre.
[External] National Cultural Heritage Database
Official government records and heritage information regarding Xiaoliuqiu’s historical sites.