Executive summary by darmansjah
TAROKO Gorge
The waterfall at Taroko Gorge is just a taste of the national park's dramatic relief
Why Go? The blue-green
Liwu River cuts through marble-walled canyons, lush vegetation and cliffs so
outsized they block out the sky at TAROKO GORGE, north of Hualien. Most visitors
tour the Taroko National Park by road, but there are numerous hiking trails to
get away from the weekend and holiday crowds (taroko.gov.tw).
Getting There The
gateway city of Hualien is just over two hours on the fast train from Taipei
(US$16). Buses to the gorge take one hour (US$3), while a return taxi trip with
stops costs around US$86.
Where to Stay The
Leader Village Taroko rents out quality wood cabins with old-time porches to
take in the view. It also serves excellent Taiwanese aboriginal food such as
barbecued wild pig (leaderhotel.com;
from US$150).
TAINAN
Why Go? TAINAN is
Taiwan’s oldest city, and a thriving centre for its traditional culture.
Outside 17th-century forts built by the Dutch, lively night makes
sell regional dishes, while in the city’s many venerable temples, people toss
divination sticks. The old harbor area of Anping has seen an ambitious restoration
programme (tncg.gov.tw).
Getting There –
Tainan just under two hours by high-sped rail from Taipei (US$47), but note
that the HSR station is 30-40 minutes by bus from the centre. The regular fast
train from Taipei goes to the city-centre station (US$23; four hours).
Where to Stay – The Tayih Landis is a five-star hotel which
often has package deals. Rooms are modern sintyle, with plasma TV and workstations (from
US$155; tayihlandis.com.tw).
PENGHU ISLANDs
Why Go? Summer in
the PEGHU ISLANDS , 30 miles off Taiwan’s western coast, is the best time to
enjoy the archipelago’s beautiful beaches, basalt cliffs and traditional
Chinese-styles homes with walls made from coral. Unless you’re a windsurfer,
that is, for whom the strong winds in winter and spring make for world-class
surfing (Penghu.gov.tw).
Getting There –
Mandarin Airlines, TransAsia Airways and Uni Air fly from Taipei’s domestic
Songshan Airport to the islands’ main town of Makung Book through travel agents
rather than the airline websites, unless you know Chinese.
Where to Stay –
The Penghu Sunrise is a bona fide b&b with ocean views, bright rooms and
English-speaking hosts. It’s in Guoyeh,
seven miles east of Makung, and close to some great beaches (from US$55; sunrisebb.idv.tw).
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