TAIPEI
05-08.09.2018
this was my first trip to Taiwan (yes first) and I'm definitely looking forward.
we decided to spend our first day in Taipei by exploring de outskirts with car service. Taipei city taxis quote between NT$ 3500 to NT$ 4000, or equivalent to 8 hours of driving service throughout de day.
1. Yehliu Geopark 野柳地質公園
Yehliu is a cape on de north coast of Taiwan. it is known for Yehliu Geopark, famous for its sea-erosion landscape. besides providing a true experience of nature's wonders with its geological formations, de park also has benches and proper scenic walkways. however, please bear in mind that this place has no shelters or trees so make sure you have a hat or umbrella, sunscreen, and plenty of water (it can get very hot especially during summer).
entrance fee: NT$ 80 (adult) / NT$ 40 (children aged between 6-12yo)
cuesta with its end in de sea is known as "Gueitou Mountain".
cuesta refers to a kind of ridge featuring a stiff slope on one side and a gentle slope on de other side.
standing on de pavilion, these gigantic bizarre rocks resembling de shape of mushrooms, ginger, and honeycombs created an amazing landscape.
(from top) de most iconic rock of Yehliu, Queen's Head (女王頭).
we were lucky as we did not need to wait in a long queue to get a close up photo with de petite Queen. it is not that big as you can imagine but overall still impressive.
due to de constant physical erosion, these rock formations are dynamic (perhaps a King's Head in de next 10 years?). Yehliu Geopark is recommended for those who love nature especially rock formations (it can keep you entertained for hours). it is recommended to avoid de weekend crowds or come as early as possible.
2. Nanya Rock Formations 南雅奇岩
famous for its unique rock formations and sea eroded coral shore, de patterned stone topography of Nanya was formed through de weathering of de sandstone that lines de shore over thousand of years. nature at its best, de oxidation of iron ore within de striations of de stone has given them a beautiful stripe pattern. de eminent features of these strange rocks also mark de start of de geological journey into de Northeast Coast.
some say it looks like de shape of an ice-cream cone. eroded by time, de vast field of natural rock patterns will make you feel so in awe.
you don't need to spend a lot of time to visit this place since Nanya rocks are located just next to de main road by de sea (but worth stopping by). much like Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Bali?
3. Bitou Cape 鼻頭角
our trail began from Bitou Elementary School and went uphill all de way. this place was deserted (no food) but there were a number of pavilions along de way to rest in. I rate this as an easy-to-moderate hike, but trust me you won't be disappointed for de magnificent scenery in all directions once you reach de top. weather conditions of de day do matter and you must come on a sunny day. de scorching sun can be deadly so be sure to get yourself ready with sunscreen and plenty of water. not to forget choose de right walking shoes!
can you spot mushroom and chessboard rocks?
de abandoned military area lies on top of de hill.
descending from de hilltop to de other side of de cape will lead you yo de junction of Bitou Lighthouse. however, de trail to de lighthouse has been closed for years as it is prone to rock falling.
pavilion under blue sky.
so impressive.
beautiful landscapes.
to summarize, this is definitely a breathtaking collections of amazing scenery with green grass hills, blue sky and blue ocean!
4. Lunch
de moment that we have been longing for.
so hungry!
(clockwise from top left)
#1 Ajon Babu 阿宗芋冰城
with NT$ 40, we received a cup with 3 scoops in an appearance that mimicked de traditional old school ice-cream. some of de interesting flavours include taro (specialty), red bean, pineapple, glutinous rice and peanut. we ordered taro flavours for all with no regrets. de texture is similar to sorbet and is relatively sweet. thanks to our driver for this cooling treat, just what we needed to withstand de hot weather!
#2 Fulong Lunch Box (Xiangye) 福隆便當鄉野飯盒
Fulong lunch boxes are famous throughout Taiwan. you can get several stalls by de station but according to our driver, Xiangye has de best lunch box. this shop is located to de left of Fulong Train Station. with NT$ 60, you received a food box packed with cabbage, preserved radish, taiwan sausage, stewed pork, dried tofu, and a tasty braised egg. value for money.
5. Shifen Waterfall 十分大瀑布
this place may be part of the itinerary if you were to dropby Jiufen and/or Shifen. entrance is free, but be prepared for a 20-30 minutes of walk to this waterfall from Shifen Old Street.
some regarded this as de Niagara Falls of Asia in Taiwan.
not exactly massive but still have some nice touches.
there are several levels of observation deck from different angles. follow de signs and you will find a closer viewing spot. I personally feel that this place is not recommended for stroller nor wheelchair bound individuals as you need to climb up and down de steps to de waterfall. we suggest to visit this place first before Shifen Old Street since it closes at 430pm.
6. Shifen Old Street 十分老街
you might get de chance to witness de train approaching at de right time (find a good spot to watch de train come through). this forms an interesting sight as it all happened within seconds and people will clear de railway to make way for de train and be back again when de train is gone.
not de usual us with this pose.
taking a stroll along de stretch of street you will find almost every shop is selling sky lanterns. for a sky lantern, de price ranged between NT$ 150 to NT$ 400 depending on de numbers of colour you choose. each colours symbolised a different meaning (luck, success, relationship, wealth, health, and etc). de staff was friendly not only helping us to fly de sky lantern but also took pictures and a video for us (not forgetting de posing crash course posing tips of course).
wishes are wrote on de lantern which will then be released to de sky so that wishes will be granted (as believed). whilst giving a spectacular sight, de railway adds atmosphere to de whole experience. nevertheless, some may feel that de activity of releasing lantern is not environmental friendly thus leaving you with mixed feelings. heard that there are measures to tackle this issue by rewarding rubbish collector NT$ 30 per lantern for recycling. anyway, if you are not interested in sky lanterns (or don't like de idea at all), you should consider to skip this place as there isn't much to do besides lanterns.
to read more on our Taiwan travel (Taipei/Taichung), visit Taiwan (Taipei/Taichung 6D5N): Taipei City Stroll
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