Hualien, Taiwan
Taroko Gorge
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Taipei, Taiwan
Elephant Mountain
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Never did I think I would get to visit Taiwan, however, once my brother started teaching English here for one year, I had the perfect opportunity to go over to Asia. What a wonderful country with friendly people, such advanced technology (what is America hiding from us), the most respectful culture you'd ever meet, and breathtaking scenery. Unfortunate for me, I caught the flu once I arrived in Taiwan, so I tried the hardest I could to make the best I could of the fun sickness. I visited a Taiwanese doctor which was interesting but worked great - it costed me $20.00 for the appointment, testing, and all the medicines! I could not eat much for ten days so I do not have any suggestions when it comes to food except for the famous noodle soup all around the country. The history of Taiwan and their relationship with China is something you'll never get bored of learning about when here!
The night markets in Taiwan give you something to do every night. There's shopping that is affordable & food made right there! If you love experimenting with unique food, you will love it here. But for me, I am probably one of the pickiest eaters you will ever meet which does not work to my advantage. There's squids that they grill right in front of you so I suggest walking REALLY fast past these carts if you are anything like me and there's also 'stinky tofu' that will have you holding your nose a bit as well. These night markets are every couple blocks in Taiwan & a Must Do! I bought enough clothes here for my whole two week trip!
Hualien: we stayed at the Hualien Farglory Hotel - highly recommended. A large resort that was one of the most beautiful I have ever stayed in. They speak very little english which sometimes was difficult, but when the views are filled with trees & the Pacific Ocean, there is no doubt this place was a great find. Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's largest national parks (top left picture). Bring comfortable clothes to walk around in all day!
Must do's: Taroko Gorge. Go to the Pacific Ocean & watch the blue waves.
Note: Farglory Ocean Park is right next to the hotel but I personally would not go back there. Fun for young kids and that's about it.
Yilan County: This is where we stayed for a majority of Taiwan because my brother was living here. Everybody is riding scooters everywhere and it is so much fun! Definitely more scooters than cars here. My brother showed us the school he works in and the students were mopping, sweeping, & cleaning the windows of the school! Apparently they do this twice a day to teach life skills - go Taiwan!
Must do's: Luodong Sports Park. Black Sand Beaches.
Notes: Beware of the traffic as stop signs do not exist so much in Taiwan.
Taipei: One of the best cities I've ever been to!! Their metros are clean & easy to navigate. There are adorable statues all over the city of some nice humor. The shopping is AMAZING in Taiwan and the malls in Taipei are a DREAM! Elephant Mountain is a mountain with way too many steps to count but once you get to the top, there are views of the city that you'll want to take your time getting back down! Super important to wear sneakers because the steps are small and not so straight. We stayed in at the Shangri La which gave us the most enjoyable view of Taipei on the rooftop pool!
Must Do's: Taipei 101 (best shopping mall in the world), hike up Elephant Mountain, walk around the night markets!
The night markets in Taiwan give you something to do every night. There's shopping that is affordable & food made right there! If you love experimenting with unique food, you will love it here. But for me, I am probably one of the pickiest eaters you will ever meet which does not work to my advantage. There's squids that they grill right in front of you so I suggest walking REALLY fast past these carts if you are anything like me and there's also 'stinky tofu' that will have you holding your nose a bit as well. These night markets are every couple blocks in Taiwan & a Must Do! I bought enough clothes here for my whole two week trip!
Hualien: we stayed at the Hualien Farglory Hotel - highly recommended. A large resort that was one of the most beautiful I have ever stayed in. They speak very little english which sometimes was difficult, but when the views are filled with trees & the Pacific Ocean, there is no doubt this place was a great find. Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's largest national parks (top left picture). Bring comfortable clothes to walk around in all day!
Must do's: Taroko Gorge. Go to the Pacific Ocean & watch the blue waves.
Note: Farglory Ocean Park is right next to the hotel but I personally would not go back there. Fun for young kids and that's about it.
Yilan County: This is where we stayed for a majority of Taiwan because my brother was living here. Everybody is riding scooters everywhere and it is so much fun! Definitely more scooters than cars here. My brother showed us the school he works in and the students were mopping, sweeping, & cleaning the windows of the school! Apparently they do this twice a day to teach life skills - go Taiwan!
Must do's: Luodong Sports Park. Black Sand Beaches.
Notes: Beware of the traffic as stop signs do not exist so much in Taiwan.
Taipei: One of the best cities I've ever been to!! Their metros are clean & easy to navigate. There are adorable statues all over the city of some nice humor. The shopping is AMAZING in Taiwan and the malls in Taipei are a DREAM! Elephant Mountain is a mountain with way too many steps to count but once you get to the top, there are views of the city that you'll want to take your time getting back down! Super important to wear sneakers because the steps are small and not so straight. We stayed in at the Shangri La which gave us the most enjoyable view of Taipei on the rooftop pool!
Must Do's: Taipei 101 (best shopping mall in the world), hike up Elephant Mountain, walk around the night markets!
RECAP
Must Do's:
Where to Stay:
Must Do's:
- Hike Taroko Gorge in Hualien
- Shop at Taipei 101
- Walk up Elephant Mountain in Taipei
- See the black sand beaches in Yilan
- Ride a scooter
Where to Stay: