Fly me to Taiwan

This is a #throwback post but I just had to share this amazing trip with everyone! :)

The annual Xiong family holiday presents, Taiwan 8-16 Nov 2013! 

It was a wonder 9 days with exploring landscapes, experiencing and enjoying life at a slower pace. No competition, no winners/losers, just friendly faces and cheerful greetings from strangers.

We engaged a driver 小强 (Xiao Qiang) who brought us to several places around Taiwan. Getting a driver is great for big groups traveling together as it really help to cut down waiting time for transfers and transports. 小强 (Xiao Qiang) is also very friendly, knowledgeable and provided very good service throughout our trip. He even shared with us his stories and magic tricks. For those who wish to get him for your trips, do contact him early as he is pretty on-demand. (P.S: Conversations and emails will be in mandarin though! I can help translate if needed..)

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/a0917941496
Email : abc091794149610@yahoo.com.tw
Mobile no: +886 917 941 496

--------------------

DAY ONE:

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, we were greeted by our driver, 小强 (Xiao Qiang) with his 9 seater mini-bus. The best part of the ride was..... *drumroll* FREE WIFI!!! Though he did mention that not all vehicles comes with wifi and we are indeed very blessed! :)

From the airport, we had a simple lunch at a stopover resting area before heading to the Alpaca Farm. (草泥馬農場). It was our first time seeing alpacas and I have to say that a beautiful sunset and farm visit is a nice start to this trip.

After the farm, we headed to Taichung Fengjia Night Market (台中逢甲夜市) for dinner and SHOPPING!

DAY TWO: Local Taiwanese breakfast is a MUST try when you visit Taiwan.

After breakfast, it was sightseeing at Sun Moon Lake (日月潭).

And the MUST try Tea Leaf Eggs, it's uber yummy!

There was a traditional live band performing while we gobble down the eggs and went for round 2.

Lunchtime at Yi Da Shao (伊達邵).

Cable car ride to Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village (九族文化村)

This is a feast that celebrates harvest, but me thinks that it's some epic PORKY BBQ.

I manage to catch an artist at work. Facial tattoo are common amongst the tribes.

Pop by a chocolate "factory" to get some pre-dinner yummies for our sweet tooth!

Dinner at Carton King (紙箱王). If you dine here, you will get free admission tickets to Swiss Garde (小瑞士花園). You could visit this place during the daytime to have a better view of the garden.

DAY THREE: 

We spent a night at Sea of Clouds Vacation Villa (Yun Hai Minsu) 清境雲海渡假山莊, and this is the sunrise from our balcony.

Cingjing farm 青青草原(綿羊秀和馬秀) is just a short drive away from our Minsu.

There was a performance by the Mongolian horseback riders troupe. Those stunts that you see in 还珠格格 and 步步惊心 are real, it's pretty dope!

Lunch time! Yes, it's eating AGAIN but this place serves the best roast chicken..

Who remember this at Pasar Malam? Can't believe that Taiwan still have these children game stalls at their night markets.. Here's Kaohsiung's new Night market, Kai Xuan and Jin Zhuan Night markets which are side by side.

And more shopping at Kaohsiung's "Shinjuku"..

DAY FOUR: 

When you visit Kaohsiung (高雄), you might also want to visit 佛光山. The temple is very peaceful, but grand and almost palace-like.

Another must visit is E-da World 義大世界 (Theme Park and lots of Outlet stores!!). 

An old lady performing magic tricks at Dragon & Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Lake. After which it was dinner at Dream Mall 夢時代廣場.

DAY FIVE: 

Next morning was a trip to Monster Village (妖怪村). 

Retro street at Neiwan, a place where you can find vintage candies and random goodies.

We even visited Betel Nut Girl 檳榔西施.

DAY SIX: 

13層遺址

Yin Yang Sea 陰陽海

黃金瀑布

And lunch at Jiu Fen 九份老街

We even tried to play "Tikam Tikam".

Feeling full from all that fish balls, we decided to take a walk to Shi Fen Waterfall 十份瀑布.

If you go to Shi Fen, typically they will recommend that you release some lanterns 天燈 after writing down your wishes and blessings.

DAY SEVEN: 

After a few gloomy days, we finally have great weather for 野柳.

You will be able to spot thousands of fossils there, pretty cool sight!

You will also be able to see the "damages" after an earthquake, which is rare for someone who grew up in Singapore.

金山老街

婚紗廣場, you might recognise this place if you've seen bridal pictures :)

漁人碼頭

Similar to the Japanese culture, you can write your prayer/wish on the wooden block and hang it up. Some even used this to confess their love to their crush. Awwww teenage romance....

淡水老街

Shilin Night Market 士林夜市, also very popular with tourists and locals.

DAY EIGHT: 

It was actually a free & easy day for us to explore Taipei but we decided to book a day tour to Hualien. Taipei to Hualien is a loooooong drive, so we had to start the journey at 6am but IT'S WORTH IT. 0_0

横贯公路

太鲁阁国家公园

砂卡噹步道

燕子口

慈母桥

梅园

长春祠、长春飞瀑

Last but not the least, Taipei 101. We didn't go up because it was too foggy so you won't be able to see much.

I would definitely go back to Taiwan again, there's still so much to see, eat and experience! And for those who are considering Taiwan as a holiday destination, just GO! If you are travelling with family, children/elderly, I would recommend that you hire a driver. However if you are going solo or a small group and are adventurous enough, you can feel free to venture on your own.

Most of the transportation are in mandarin, but the locals are very helpful and friendly. The only "problem" about traveling free & easy is the transfers and some attractions are be quite inaccessible. 

Over all, just pack a good pair of walking shoes whether it's for shopping, trekking or food hunting. :)