My family portrait, shot by my driver-guide, Ah Hui at Chi Shing Tan.  A very popular beach at Hualien.

 Sunrise at Hehuanshan

Here comes the sun, bringing some slight relief from the sub-zero temperature. In the right of the picture, you can see Songshue,  the highest situated ming su in the entire national park. It has a long waiting list if you intend to book a stay there.

Taroko Gorge

With all of her natural beauty, Taroko is not without risks at times. This was the site of a major landslide in May 2013 that paralysed land travel from east to west. At the time of our visit, on-going debris and clearance work using explosive were still in progress.

Chi Shing Tan beach (Hualien) 

Preparing to launch our own fireworks at a beach in Hualien… yes, our very own fireworks. No license is needed. Generally, fireworks are sold openly in the street market and can be released in parks and open area. Just be mindful of safety to people in the vicinity.

Just 20 seconds of fireworks with 20 types of flare patterns. The cost is NT250 (S$9.90) per pack of 20 launches. We launched 2 rounds of fireworks with some sparklers given with compliments from the shop owner.  It was pure “liberation” that evening. No permit, no paperwork, no authorisation needed.

Street food moment at Hualien City

Handmade dumplings, steamed buns, soya bean milk are some of the specialities of this 2 stalls. Looks the same but the one on the left is the most famous in Hualien. Each bamboo basket of 10 steamed dumplings (sui jiao) is just NT30 (S$1.26)

A basket of 10 pork buns (xiao long bao) just NT50 (S$2.15) Our group of 5 spent just about S$10 for a delicious full dinner. You can’t miss this stalls located at the main street junction where the night market is located.

Hualien is a great place for beef dish eateries. I have forgotten the name of this eatery but seriously speaking, you can’t really go wrong. Just look for signboards that looked old and established , you know are in the right place. You will love the food at Hualien.  Honest, simple and affordable.

Zi Qiang Night Market

A BBQ foodstall in ZhiQiang Night Market. This stall proclaims itself as the No.1 BBQ food stall in Hualien. It’s not an empty boast.

The famous morbidly named “Coffin Bread”…a thick slice of bread is deep fried/toasted and can be ordered with various options of stuffing in the bread’s hollowed centre. We had black peppered pork.

The Taiwan version of what we called “popiah”. Not bad, but the Singapore version can hold its own place in the popiah race if there is one.

Taiwan’s most BBQ sweet corn snack company – Ling Ji. Farm fresh sweet corns are charcoal grilled with its skin till cooked, then the de-skinned sweet corn is further barbequed, with your preferred choice of sauces.

Our ming su (homestay) in Hualien. It was like a 3500sg ft 5 bedrooms intermediate terrace house. We did not meet the owner, who stayed elsewhere. Upon arrival, my guide called the owner on his mobile phone, retrieved the password and punched in the code at the auto gate. The owner will drop by to do housekeeping the next day when we leave for the daily activities. The house comes fully furnished like our stay-in house -TV, WiFi, washer/dryer, fridge, water dispenser, etc. Upon checking out, we just leave the payment on the table. The owner even left 2 bags of famous local snacks on the door as gifts. Such is personalized Taiwanese mingsu service.  The charges are based on per head, which in our case was a reasonable NT500 (S$21.25)per pax/night. The ming su nearer to the beach charges more.

A last look at Hualien as we travel up north via the Ching Shui Cliff coastal highway. In the picture above, you can observe camouflaged military aircraft bunkers in the background, just beside ChiShingTan beach. Military buffs can spot warplanes taking off and landing on certain timing.

Ching Sui Cliff (Su Hua Highway)

Keelung City

Keelung, officially known as Keelung City, is a major port city situated in the north-eastern part of Taiwan. A different adventure awaits all who visits her.

Hobbyist fishermen along the port of Keelung. It’s leisurely pace of life that city dwellers would like.

Dorado fishes spotted for sale at the Keelung fish market. In some parts of the world, it’s called ‘Mahe Mahe’.

Many fishball vendors shops dot the Keelung fish market fringe. One of the most popular is that of Ah Rong Fishballs. The fishballs are made from Dorado fish (see the signboard how the fish looked like), handmade, cooked on the spot and served piping hot.

Certainly a tasty and healthy snack, just NT30 (S$1.26) for a bowl of 5. Slightly firm, chewy and served in a hot clear MSG-free broth.

Taiwan famous ice cream roll dessert with shaved peanut brittles. According to my guide, this lady was Taiwan no.1 “La Mei” (hot beautiful girl) during her younger days many decades ago, pioneering this type of ice cream dessert.

What? Cilantro herbs added to ice cream? Yes, it’s this that adds the unique flavour to the ice cream, served wrapped with rice paper. Taiwan is certainly a food adventure too!

Chilling out at the Keelung beach. When a family plays together, they stay together.

Suao Cold Spring (Yilan County)

The Su’ao cold springs have a temperature of less than 22°C and the water from these springs are clear, colourless with no smell. This rare type of cold springs are only found at a few places around the world, like Italy and Japan and it is suitable for bathing and consumption. You can see a layer of “fizzles” on our feet as we placed it in the water. The spa is somewhat run down and quiet during our visit (we were the only visitors). It is most popular in the hot summer season when the whole spa is swarmed with visitors escaping the heat.

A typical mobile roadside BBQ stall. The place of business is fixed, legally registered and the owner pay taxes.

Fruits stalls in Taiwan are typically brightly lit, attracting customers like bees to a flower.

Ping Xi Branch  Rail Line (Shi Fen)

Ping Xi Railway with it Wishing (Sky) Lanterns guarantees its position in visitors’ heart as a fun and memorable venue. Just choose from one of the many shops selling the lanterns (NT200/S$8.50) for all types of wishes – 4 coloured sides lanterns or NT150/S$6.40, for the 1 coloured lantern). Write in all your wishes, lit the lantern and send it to the skies. The further and higher the lanterns go, the better the chances your dreams will come true.

Better school results, health, happiness, more holidays, more iPad time, Strike Toto, Strike 4D, buy a condo, get COE, etc. You can tell who are the Singaporeans are by the wishes written on the lanterns. But ours are just simple wishes, for great health, happiness.

A single lady wishing for the stars and everything great in life. All written on the lantern.

A 15 min walk from the railway bring you to the scenic Shi Fen Waterfall.  Entry charges applies.

Houtong Cat Village

 

Cat lovers will appreciate this visit to the village. Remember – the cat biscuits are not as well received by the cats. So buy the canned food instead, if you want more cats to come to you.

Golden Waterfall (Jiu Fen)

 

Jinguashi is located in the Rueifang Township of Taipei County, the area became famous for its gold mines. Situated between the mountains and the coastline, the local scenery is exceptionally beautiful, plus the abundance of historical relics from the mining day. At the right moment during sunset, this waterfall will be bathed in the golden hue of dusk, hence its name.

Evening came to the beautiful town of Jiu Fen, where the quaint old alleys along the hill, with many tea houses and eateries that will excite any visitor. Indeed, my guide commented that all visitors to Taiwan seemed to converge on Jiu Fen at some point to their itinerary.

Shuinandong Smelter, located above Liandong Bay on the Coastal Highway, was the ore sorting and smelting plant for the Taiwan Metals Mining Corp. It is built into the hillside and old miners and local people usually call it “13 stories.” Built in 1933, the Shuinandong Smelter (13 stories) is a landmark bearing the passing of a bygone era of gold-rush. Looks quite spooky really.

Lao Jie (Old Street), Jiu Fen

Dusk comes to Jiu Fen. From this path at the highest point of the Old Street, is where we began an adventure in the quaint old street. Those with old folks or who have weak knees would do well to commence their walk from here, strolling down the street.

 Jiu Fen, is one of the most interesting places to visit in northern Taiwan. Its old streets are filled with exotic eateries, tea houses, local produce, etc. But be forewarned, since all tourists to Taiwan converged on Jiu Fen, as part of their itineraries. So you may experience claustrophobia and definitely frustration.

Visiting during early weekday evenings would be a wiser option and even better during wintry months from Nov-Jan. The hot summer months are best avoided, at all cost. This is the venue that inspired the winning 2003 Academy Award animated movie – “Spirited Away“, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.  Take a rest, have tea and snack at one of the quaint eateries.

Delicious red-wine fermented meat pudding in a chewy dough. I love it!

Cute figurines and memorabilia to buy home.

Peanut vendor at Jiu Fen – one of the tastiest peanuts I tasted ever! Bought a few bags. But was told by my wife it’s available in Singapore Chinatown (but only during Chinese New Year).

Addiction Aquatic Development

The freshest abalones at very reasonable prices. During off-peak hours, diners get to enjoy great discounts!

My family and guide, Ah Hui, tucking in the fresh Salmon and Abalone Sashimi. You can choose to dine on your purchase at the standing counters upon paying and checking out (cheaper, self-serve) or feast within the eatery (also on a standing pedestal, with service).

For non-seafood lovers, you can feast on roasted meat dishes in al fresco setting or steamboat within the aircon enclosed dining section. Certainly an unbelievable set-up. There’s also a wine section, interior decor, supermart, etc. You will be “addicted” to this place.

As a parting shot with our guide, Ah Hui brought us to this “secret” location near Songshan Airport, where we could observe landing commercial airliners, just 30m directly above us… truly an awesome finale to our guided trip.

Yehliu GeoPark

 

All hail the Queen! But alas!The rock has developed a crack at the base. And time is ticking as in a matter of time, it will collapse, if the Taiwanese voted in favour not to meddle with nature, in a national referendum.

Long queue just to take a picture with the Queen’s Head, expect at least 30 minutes!

Tamsui (New Taipei City)

The Lovers’ Bridge at Tamsui. A nice peaceful venue for all other than lovers, of course. Accessible by an MRT ride, bus or via a ferry to the vicinity.

Tamsui Old Street (Lao Jie). Another night market to fire up a night of binging and shopping. Plenty of opportunities for you to part with your NTs.

Shihlin Night Market. Many reviews decried this night market as touristy and more expensive compared to most night markets . It was indeed so (other night basic snack is NT30 per order, but it is NT35-40 here) , but just watch out when you in this venue.  And stay away from the fruits stalls. Other than that, it’s still a fun venue.

Ladies delight venue….bags, bags, bags.

BBQ stinky tofu, awesome not to be missed snack. So tuck in if you go there.

Traditional fare is also available, like this steamed meat pudding.

Ai Yu Iced Jelly. A refreshing dessert to cool down your throat after all that street side binging with deep-fried, roasted, fried food.

Taipei 101

The trick to take in the whole building is shooting at least 4 streets away.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

The hourly change of guards is not really an adrenaline rushed event but its interesting all the same.

View from atop the CKS Memorial Hall. An awesome view of scale and grandeur.

Scoot Airline, our aerial taxi to Taiwan…great price and flight schedule. 

So there you have it, the final part of my Taiwan travel blog!  I hope that readers had a great time getting reference points for future Taiwan trips if you have not been there. After my 10 days in Taiwan, my guide estimated that we have perhaps covered only about 5% of Taiwan attractions. That means we have to return for more of this fabulous beautiful island.

Thank you for coming along with me for the pixel journey. Do share your Taiwan vacation too, if you enjoyed your Taiwan adventure.