13 Days to Taiwan
26 April - 10 May 2004
Day 1 1- 26 Apr 2004
26 April - 10 May 2004
We booked our 6 days 5 nights Taiwan tour with Klang Valley Travel & Tours S/B for RM1586 per pax.
Our tour is a round island tour that took us to Taipei, Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taoyuan. After the tour we extended our stay by another week using our time share week with RCI in Hualien. During our stay in Hualien we experienced the first earthquake in our life. After the earthquake we cut short our stay in Hualiena and returned to Taipei and spent the remaining of our week there.
Our tour is a round island tour that took us to Taipei, Hualien, Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taoyuan. After the tour we extended our stay by another week using our time share week with RCI in Hualien. During our stay in Hualien we experienced the first earthquake in our life. After the earthquake we cut short our stay in Hualiena and returned to Taipei and spent the remaining of our week there.
Day 1 1- 26 Apr 2004
We arrived late in the evening at Taipei. After checking in the tour guide took us out for supper at the famous Ah Chung rice noodle stall. We tried the rice noodle cooked with pigs intestines. Business was so good we had to queue to purchase the noodle and then stood by the roadside to eat!
Day 2 - 27 Apr 2004
After breakfast we visited Yehliu (Wild Willows) Geological Park to view the natural rock formations and amazing array of artistic shapes created by long period of erosion and other natural forces.
Yehliu, located in Wanli of the Taipei County, is a long cape formed by the Datum Mountain reaching into the sea. There is about 180 mushroom rocks here in Yehliu characteristically shaped by the sea erosion, the sun and wind. The landmark mushroom rock in the area is the Queen's Head
It was drizzling the whole morning and we had to use umbrellas or rain coats to move around
Our next stop is Chiufen (Nine portions)
Located in Rueifang District of New Taipei City (Taipei County), Taiwan, Chuifen used to be the center of gold mining in Taiwan. The name, Chiufen means nine portions in Mandarin. According to the references from Taipei County Government, there were only nine families lived in this village during Ching Dynasty. Due to lack of resources, whenever one of the nine families went grocery shopping in the market or purchasing goods from freighters, they would purchase nine portions; this is how Chiufen earned its name.
Today, Chiufen features historical sites of Japanese styled architectures and Chiufen Old Street that offers abundant local snacks and exotic traditional stores. Famous Chuifen snacks include sweet taro balls made by tapioca starch and taro, rice cake with Chinese herbs & red vinasse. Enjoying fabulous mountain and sea views with great teas from teahouses are popular among tourists and locals.
One of the many stalls in Chiufen Old Street
We then travel to Nanfagao and visit the Nantien Temple which faces the sea. This is the view from the temple. We continue our journey to Hualien after this.
Nantien Temple Nanfangao, located in Yilan County is an important fishing pier for marine industry in the eastern part of Taiwan. With a population of nine thousand people approximate, eighty percent of the residents live with marine business. Nantien Temple was built to dedicate Matsu, the Goddess of the sea .
Nantien Temple Nanfangao, located in Yilan County is an important fishing pier for marine industry in the eastern part of Taiwan. With a population of nine thousand people approximate, eighty percent of the residents live with marine business. Nantien Temple was built to dedicate Matsu, the Goddess of the sea .
After dinner we watch the Ami aboriginal cultural dance in Hualien
The Ami is the largest of all of Taiwan's aborigine tribe
Day 3 - 28 Apr 2004
After breakfast we proceed to visit the impressive Taroko Gorge, a ravine of towering marble cliffs with rapids roaring below, reputed as one of the world's wonders.
Taroko Gorge (太魯閣) is an impressive 19-km-long canyon, situated near Taiwan's east coast. The area of the gorge is also identified as Taroko Gorge National Park (太魯閣國家公園).
The Taroko Gorge is composed mainly of metomorphic rocks, such as marble, gneiss, "schist",etc. The name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe who resides in the area. Taroko Gorge and its surrounding area are well known for their abundant supply of marble, leading to its nickname, "The Marble Gorge"
Taroko Gorge (太魯閣) is an impressive 19-km-long canyon, situated near Taiwan's east coast. The area of the gorge is also identified as Taroko Gorge National Park (太魯閣國家公園).
The Taroko Gorge is composed mainly of metomorphic rocks, such as marble, gneiss, "schist",etc. The name, Taroko, means the "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe who resides in the area. Taroko Gorge and its surrounding area are well known for their abundant supply of marble, leading to its nickname, "The Marble Gorge"
Taroko Gorge in Hualien
After lunch we proceed to Kaohsiung via Huatong Highway and have the opportunity to view the beautiful scenery of Southern Taiwan.
After dinner we visited the famous Liu-He night market in Kaohsiung. You will not be considered to have visited Kaohsiung if you miss out Liuhe Night Market. It is one of the most famous and oldest night market in Taiwan
Day 4 - 29 Apr 2004
This morning the tour continue the visit to the Spring and Autumn Pavilions which was built in classiccal pagoda style and the two giant statutes of a Dragon and Tiger. At the southwest of Lotus Pond, the two Chinese palace style pavilions are called Spring and Autumn, and built to commemorate Kuan Kung (a saint of military). The two pavilions are connected by a curve bridge
We then continue our jouney to Fo Guang Shan which is one of the largest temple in Taiwan. It is also known as Buddha Light Mountain. Located here is the Buddhist University of the Orient. There are statues of Buddha everywhere around the temple, and they all painted in gold.
Later we visited the Changhua Tri-Mountain (Pakua) National Scenic area. After lunch we proceed to Taichung.
Day 5 - 30 Apr 2004
This morning we visited the famous Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is located in the heart of Taipei City. The area is 250,000 square meters and it is the attraction most visited by foreign tourists. Outside the gate of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, there are poles carrying the sign of true rightness. The architecture of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is inspired by Tiantan in Beijing. The four sides of the structure are similar to those of the pyramids in Egypt. The material is white marble. The roofs are decorated with deep-blue glass as part of the reflection of blue sky and bright sun. It adds a touch of grandeur. The garden is planted with red flowers. As a whole, the colors of blue, white and red express the National Flag and the spirit of freedom, equality and brotherhood.
Statue of the late President Chiang Kai Shek. Seen here is the exchanging of guards
After lunch we visited the Martyrs Shrine to view the elaborate ceremony of changing guards,
The Martyrs' Shrine, resting on the slopes of the Qing Mountain and overseeing the Keelung River, is located right next to the Grand Hotel. It was built in 1969 and covers a large area. Its grand and magnificent architectural style is similar to that of the Taihe Dian Imperial Palace in Beijing, Mainland China, and symbolizes the martyrs' brave spirit.
Changing of guards
The National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China's nearly 5,000-year history. Most of the museum's 620,000 art objects were part of the Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000 years ago in the early Song dynasty.
Day 6 - 1 May 2004
Today is the end of our guided tour. We begin our extended one week stay in Taiwan by taking the train from the Taipei Central Train Station to Hualien. We arrived at Hualien in the afternoon and took a taxi to the Victors Hualien Li-Yu Tan Resort which is about 30 minutes from Hualien town. Since we were tired after the train ride which we had to stand for the whole journey from Taipei we decided to take a rest in our room. While lying on our bed we experienced the first earthquake in our life. We felt our bed and our room shaking for many seconds. After the tremor we went down to the reception to check whether it was an earthquake. We were informed by the resort's staff it is a normal occurrence in Hualien and the earthquake we experienced was very mild! Nevertheless we were still shaken by the effect. Later when we watched the news on TV at night we found out the intensity of the earthquake was 5.5 on the Richter scale. One tourist died when their tour bus overturned at the Taroko Gorge, the place that we just visited few days ago. Had the earthquake happen when we were at the Taroko Gorge we wonder what will happen to us. Thank God we were saved and it is one experience we will not forget in our life.
Day 7 - 2 May 2004
We begin our stay in Hualien by walking to the Li Yu (Carp) Lake which is just 10 minutes from the resort. This lake is very popular for boating and other water sports. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle round the lake.
Liyu(Carp) Pond is located in Shoufeng Township, just south of Hualian. With an area of approximately 104 hectares, it is the largest lake in this region; its size caries somewhat, however, with the amount of rainfall. The lake is encircled by a four-kilometer road that can be walked in about an hour. Popular activities include camping, picnic, and rowing on the lake. When the weather is favorable paragliders take off from Mt. Liyu just to the east of the lake, adding splashes of color to the green mountain landscape.
Liyu(Carp) Pond is located in Shoufeng Township, just south of Hualian. With an area of approximately 104 hectares, it is the largest lake in this region; its size caries somewhat, however, with the amount of rainfall. The lake is encircled by a four-kilometer road that can be walked in about an hour. Popular activities include camping, picnic, and rowing on the lake. When the weather is favorable paragliders take off from Mt. Liyu just to the east of the lake, adding splashes of color to the green mountain landscape.
Children having fun catching fish in this pool decorated with the local produce
Front view Victors Hualien Li-Yu Tan Resort
Chrnan Forest Recreation Area located next to theVictors Hualien Li-Yu Tan Resort
The garden of Victors Hualien Li-Yu Tan Resort
Day 8 - 3 May 2004
We spent the morning relaxing at the resort. In the afternoon we took the local bus to Guangfu and visited the Guangfu Sugar Plant. In addition to its sugar products, the Hualien Sugar Factory (Guangfu Sugar Plant) is famous for producing more than 30 kinds of naturally flavored ice productss. Many people who are traveling through the town of Guangfu stop here to enjoy a huge help of refreshing ice cream in a cool pavilion beside a pool filled with colorful koi carp. We tried the ice cream that it was famous for. We find the taste just so so.
Day 9 - 4 May 2004
Today we decided to visit the Shinkong Zhaofeng Ranch at Fenglin by taking the local bus.
Located in the Fenglin Township, Hualien County, Shin Kong Chao Feng Ranch Reaort covers an area of 726 hectares. It makes use of the alluvial deposits of Shoufeng Stream to grow such crops as guavas, avocados, star fruit, lemons, oranges, and peaches all the four seasons of the year. Another part of the farm is devoted to educational plantings of medicinal herbs and flower beds. In the dairy area and petting zoo area, visitors can get close to cows and other animals. Other facilities include a landscaping area, camping and barbecue area, a creek stocked with loaches to catch, and a visitor center.
Day 10 - 5 May 2004
We decided to cut short our stay in Hualien by three days as there is nothing much to see here. We took the train from Hualien back to Taipei in the morning and arrived in Taipei in the afternoon.. Our earlier plan was to stay in Hualien until 8 May and then stay two nights in Taipei before departing Taipei for KL on 10 May 2012. Instead now we will be staying five nights in Taipei. That will give us sufficient time to go back to those places that we covered during our guided tour as well as some new places. At the Taipei Central Station we took the MRT to the Shandao Temple MRT station which is the nearest MRT station to the Taipei Hostel, which is just about 10 minutes by foot..
After checking into the hostel we decided to visit the Sun Yat Seng Memorial Hall even though it was drizzling.
The memorial hall was built to commemorate the great founding father of R.O.C., Dr. Sun Yat-sen and was built on the 100th birthday of Dr. Sun. The building is inspired by structure of Chinese palace. It is grand and beautiful. There is a statue of the founding father in the building for the public to pay their respect. There are exhibitions of historical items related to creation of R.O.C. The memorial hall has a concert hall that can accommodate more than 3,000 people. It is equipped with excellent facilities and hardware items and has become an important place for performance. The lecture room in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall frequently hosts academic and other lectures. The main building is surrounded by a long, winding porch. Four great exhibition rooms frequently host works of famous artists and various exhibitions.
The memorial hall was built to commemorate the great founding father of R.O.C., Dr. Sun Yat-sen and was built on the 100th birthday of Dr. Sun. The building is inspired by structure of Chinese palace. It is grand and beautiful. There is a statue of the founding father in the building for the public to pay their respect. There are exhibitions of historical items related to creation of R.O.C. The memorial hall has a concert hall that can accommodate more than 3,000 people. It is equipped with excellent facilities and hardware items and has become an important place for performance. The lecture room in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall frequently hosts academic and other lectures. The main building is surrounded by a long, winding porch. Four great exhibition rooms frequently host works of famous artists and various exhibitions.
Statute of Dr Sun Yat Seng
Day 11 - 6 May 2004
This morning after breakfast we visited the Lungshan Temple in Taipei.
We then walk to the Huaxi Street night market. It was very quiet during the day time. At night it is crowded with people.
Later we passed by the National Museum of History entrance. The National Museum of History displays a range of historical artifacts from Taiwan and China as well as hosting special exhibitions featuring works from Taiwan and overseas.
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We then visited The Miniature Museum of Taiwan which showcase a lot of miniature houses.
The Miniature Museum of Taiwan is the first museum in Asia that has a collection of modern miniature artworks covering an area over six hundred and sixty square meters. The museum displays various themes. The main themes of the museum can be classified as European medieval streets, baroque architectures, architectures of British Victorian-Era, and mansions in the U.S. colonial period. Most of the miniatures artworks have a reduce proportion of 1:12. These tiny scaled artworks are priceless to the collectors and creators!
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Day 12 - 7 May 2004
The is our room in Taipei Hostel. When we booked online we did not know the size of the room. It is as small as the width of the bed!
This morning we visited Dihua Street, which is famous for Chinese New Year goodies.
A walk through the Dihua Street Area gives visitors a feel of Taipei City's past. The old-town market has scores of shops selling a variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and herbs, temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colorful bolts of cloth, and bamboo and wooden crafts. A fascinating patch of the past.
The Taipei Astronomical Museum was opened in 1997 as an astronomy education in Taiwan that has become more influential and stronger in scope. The museum houses four floors of constellations, telescopes, space science and technology and observatories. A must visit place, this museum has an IMAX theatre, a spherical building which is 35 meter in diameter topped by a gold-covered aluminum dome, a 3-D theatre and cosmic Adventure, which is an amusement park ride through outer space.
The Beitou Hot Springs Museum is a Victorian-style building which’s built with red bricks and wooden weatherboards. The museum is divided into 2 stories, on the 1st floor visitors are able to see the public bath which is not long in use along with introduction of Hot Springs history, Hot springs facilities, appliances used in Hot springs, Beitou Stones and the bathing space. The 2nd floor offers 6 different exhibition areas including Beitou History where pictures, news articles and relevant equipments and accessories representing Beitou are on display, Look out balcony offering visitors a place to see Beitou’s beautiful scenery,
Day 13 - 8 May 2004
This morning we took the MRT to Danshui and visited the Danshui Fishermen's Wharf.
Located in Danshui, New Taipei City (Taipei County), Danshui Fisherman's Wharf is one of the popular scenic spots in Taipei since it has opened in 2001. It was established to have a multipurpose use: fishing plus sightseeing. Therefore, visitors are able to taste fresh seafood while keeping eyes on the sceneries.
The Sunset view here at the Fisherman’s Wharf is considered as one of the eight famous worth seeing sceneries of Danshui. Lovers and families are fond to relax and enjoy leisure time here. The Lover’s Bridge is another must-see spot of the wharf; visitors will be able to see the changes of light projecting on the bridge.
Food stall in Danshui
In the afternoon we visited the Taipei Children's Recreation Center. This is a recreational park that integrates drama and education. The park is divided into three areas, "World of Yesterday," "World of Tomorrow," and "World of Amusement."
Aside from its traditional Taiwanese and Cantonese architecture, "World of Yesterday" employs countryside play, scenes from Chinese legends and folk instruments in order to reconstruct the lives of people in the past. It is also possible to personally experience walking on stilts, spinning tops and other traditional arts. "World of Tomorrow" is an ecological film experience in an IMAX theater. The landmark, "World of Amusement," is a seven-color single-arm Ferris wheel. On vacation days, the park organizes many arts performances and public art classes that all are invited to attend.
We then stroll to the 228 Memorial Peace Park. The 228 Memorial Peace Park was called Taipei Park at first and then changed to New Park in the past. The park was established in the Qing Dynasty and is the oldest park in Taipei. After World War II, the KMT government took over Taiwan. However, economic monopoly and corruption of the government led to civil resistance. On February 27, 1947, people gathered in front of the police department but were shot by the soldiers. The next day, people gathered in the Taipei Park and broadcast the movement at the radio station. The KMT government used military force to restrain the protesters and arrested alleged participants afterward. In order to relieve this historic pain, the park was renamed to 228 Memorial Peace Park in 1996
Day 14 - 9 May 2004
This morning we took the MRT to Xindian
The riverside of the Green Lake in Xindian
Pitan Suspension bridge is at the background
After lunch we visited the Museum of World Religions where miniature sacred buildings in the world are displayed.
Situated south of downtown Taipei and east of Xindian River is the Museum of World Religions. Located atop the Sogo Department Store in Yonghe, the Museum of World Religions has become a showcase for learning world religious cultures and a venue for promoting "Life education". The museum incorporates a large amount of multimedia interactive exhibits, which aim to bring the audience a comprehensive understanding broaching the perspectives of religious artistic traditions, classical literature, music, religious ceremonial rites and architectural feats, as well as experiencing firsthand the museum's primary philosophy of "Love" and "Peace". It also aims to present every visitor with a memorable lifetime experience of appreciating the beauty of religion.
Situated south of downtown Taipei and east of Xindian River is the Museum of World Religions. Located atop the Sogo Department Store in Yonghe, the Museum of World Religions has become a showcase for learning world religious cultures and a venue for promoting "Life education". The museum incorporates a large amount of multimedia interactive exhibits, which aim to bring the audience a comprehensive understanding broaching the perspectives of religious artistic traditions, classical literature, music, religious ceremonial rites and architectural feats, as well as experiencing firsthand the museum's primary philosophy of "Love" and "Peace". It also aims to present every visitor with a memorable lifetime experience of appreciating the beauty of religion.
Day 15 - 10 May 2004
The shuttle that we took to the airport. It has only two rows of seats and is very comfortable. The fare is only NT100 or RM12 to the airport.
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