A traditional Palauan sailing canoe arrived in Taiwan on Thursday, marking a historic moment for Austronesian seafaring heritage. The double-hulled canoe, Alingano Maisu, reached Lanyu Island’s Kaiyuan Harbor after a challenging 19-day ocean voyage.
The canoe set sail from Palau on April 20. It traveled over 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers) before arriving at Taiwan’s eastern outpost. As the vessel approached, Tao Indigenous people paddled out in canoes to escort it ashore. Students from Yayou Elementary School welcomed the crew with traditional dances.
This cultural expedition was a joint initiative between the Taitung County Government and the Micronesian Voyaging Society. Multiple institutions from both Palau and Taiwan provided essential support for the voyage. Organizers aimed to promote Austronesian seafaring heritage through real-life practice and community involvement.
The canoe’s nine-member crew included experienced navigators and cultural practitioners. Master navigator Sesario Sewralur led the team. Chang Yeh-hai Shaman, a Tao navigator from Lanyu, also played a key role. Crew members came from Palau, Taiwan, Micronesia, Australia, and the United States.
Before departure, a traditional Austronesian send-off ceremony took place in Palau. Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau, Jessica Lee, attended the event. She emphasized the shared Austronesian roots between the two nations. She praised the voyage as a living tribute to Austronesian seafaring heritage and intergenerational knowledge sharing.
Former Palauan President Tommy Remengesau also joined the send-off ceremony. He co-founded the Micronesian Voyaging Society and strongly supports cultural navigation. He thanked Taiwan for its contributions and applauded the voyage’s success in reviving ancient skills.
After leaving Lanyu, the canoe will sail to Citong Township in Taitung County. From there, it will return to Palau. The entire journey celebrates resilience, navigation, and cultural preservation.
This voyage not only strengthened Taiwan-Palau relations but also revived interest in Austronesian seafaring heritageamong youth and communities across the Pacific.
