My Taiwan Journey: Northern plus Old Meets New
In this edition of my Taiwan trip (Day 4 and Day 5), i traveled around using the public transportation- which now i can comfort you by saying that its convenient and reliable to use. There are many lines and routes of Metro MRT so make sure that you are on the right one, heading the right direction.
Breakfast in the hotel became routine, and we wanted to explore something more. Outside the hotel on our way to the Taipei Main Station (about 10 minutes walk), there are shops open for breakfast, Chinese style. I liked the fried carrot cake, soya bean with 'yoo tiau' and the Chinese pancake sold next to our shop. After that, we continued walking to taste a rice roll, like sushi, with various choice of flavours and ingredients, noticing the long line.
Beitou Park, Library, Ketagalan Culture Centre, Hotspring and Geothermal Valley
Our first destination of the day heading to the northern region of Taipei brought us from the Taipei Main Station to the Beitou Station then Xinbeitou. To reach our destination, the directions are properly signed so you can follow without worrying getting lost.
The first you will see is the Ketagalan Culture Centre. Entrance is free and you can walk in to learn more about the aborigines of people in Taiwan in this region. There are booklets in English; however, most items on the exhibition are in Chinese. So unless you have someone to help you read, you will not spend much time here.
At the entrance of the Centre.
Steam rising from the valley! The water reaches temperatures of 80 to 100 degree Celsius!
There is a platform to bring you closer to the hot water for you to take pictures, and smell the smell.
Fisherman's Wharf and Valentine's Bridge
Continued traveling north, the next destination felt to me, like a Western end of Taiwan. From the bus stop at Fisherman's Wharf, we walked towards the Valentine, or Love Bridge. There are many boats docked at the wharf- some returning from their day's catch, and be mesmerized at the colourful flowers along the way.
Walking towards the Bridge.
Crossed the Bridge from one end to the other. The Bridge fades in the background of Love.
The Bridge and me.
Since it's a wharf, expect food from the sea! There are many shops along the side of the Wharf, open mostly from evening onwards. Taken here is a fried cuttlefish 'sotong' ball.
The hotel at Fisherman's Wharf mimicked that of a cruise. There is a nearby shopping centre and this statue of mermaid brings an interesting story to its name. Once in a different place and time, dolphins surfed passionately in endless sea waves which led a mermaid to Tamsui. The call from her beloved prince keeps coming from the Fisherman's Wharf, the Love Bridge and the cruise ship on the dock, asking her to cast the net of love in Tamsui.
If you can catch the sunset at Fisherman's Wharf, i bet it'll be lovely.
How to get there: Continue from Beitou Station (or any other station with Tamsui/Red line) to stop at Tamsui station. Exit the station to the bus stop outside the station and take Red 26 to reach Fisherman's Wharf.
Tamsui Night Market
Back to Tamsui, we visited another night market. Similar to those we went, we didn't spend much time here.
After that, we headed back to hotel and rested for the night.
Chuifen Old Street
The next morning came fast and after breakfast, we made our way to the Chiufen Old Street. Sitting on a hill side, it was cold. As soon as we came down the bus, i was amazed at the hill side covered in mist, wind blowing. The bus stopped right in front of the Old Street so you won't miss it- and a toilet before the entrance so you can use it and not needing to find one in the Old Street.
I genuinely liked the Chiufen Old Street. It is like the night markets, but it has greater variety of souvenirs to purchase. You can try ice 'popia' and Chinese desserts here- flavoured rice flour. Also, there are shops that sell Taiwan delicacies like pineapple pancakes, 'mochi' and crispy thin meat.
How to get there: Take Blue line (towards Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre) and stop at Zhongxiao Fuxing station. Exit the station to the bus stop and board bus 1062 (bound to Keelung) for Chiufen. It is NT 102 per adult and journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. It is the end station.
Taipei 101
The New- Taipei 101, which was the World's Tallest Building.
Taken at the entrance of Taipei 101. I see Petronas Twin Tower!
Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Our final stop of the day is the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. Free entrance into the park, to me, this place is the best spot to take picture with Taipei 101. We didn't spend much time here.
In front of the Memorial Hall.
Taken in Sun Yat Sen park outside the Hall stands the Taipei 101 in its glory!
Breakfast in the hotel became routine, and we wanted to explore something more. Outside the hotel on our way to the Taipei Main Station (about 10 minutes walk), there are shops open for breakfast, Chinese style. I liked the fried carrot cake, soya bean with 'yoo tiau' and the Chinese pancake sold next to our shop. After that, we continued walking to taste a rice roll, like sushi, with various choice of flavours and ingredients, noticing the long line.
Beitou Park, Library, Ketagalan Culture Centre, Hotspring and Geothermal Valley
Our first destination of the day heading to the northern region of Taipei brought us from the Taipei Main Station to the Beitou Station then Xinbeitou. To reach our destination, the directions are properly signed so you can follow without worrying getting lost.
The first you will see is the Ketagalan Culture Centre. Entrance is free and you can walk in to learn more about the aborigines of people in Taiwan in this region. There are booklets in English; however, most items on the exhibition are in Chinese. So unless you have someone to help you read, you will not spend much time here.
At the entrance of the Centre.
Further straight down the road, you will pass by the Beitou Library and Museum. I liked the architecture and design of the library. It has that 'cottage' feel which makes you want to study. The library is set in a tranquil environment- ponds and trees surrounding this learning centre.
Next to the library is the Museum, which was used to be a Japanese bathhouse. So inside, you will experience a cross of culture with the Japanese. Some parts of the museum are preserved as they originally were. You need to remove your shoes and place them at the racks upon entering this two-floor Museum. Free entrance, i suggest you not to spend too long in here and go on to your next stop.
Beitou Public Hot Spring. There are many sites of hot spring in Taiwan and Beitou is one i visited. It is NT 40 per adult. The hot spring closes during intervals for 30 minutes- when i was there, i had to queue to enter because it was interval time. As you enter, you will notice two pools at one end and another three at the other. The two pools are cold water, while the other three are hot water at increasing temperature of the water. Choose which is suitable for you- because like me, i didn't know there was a difference between the three pools and entered one which instantly heated my body! There are shower rooms after use of hot spring and lockers to keep you things.
Honestly, i had high expectation of this place but it turned out less than more of it. It was crowded on the day i went- or maybe, i don't fancy hot springs that much.
But i love my next destination! From the hot spring, continue walking down the road until you see a junction- by then, you can smell the pungent odour. Trust me, walk towards it. It leads you to an amazing spot. The Beitou Geothermal Valley.
Next to the library is the Museum, which was used to be a Japanese bathhouse. So inside, you will experience a cross of culture with the Japanese. Some parts of the museum are preserved as they originally were. You need to remove your shoes and place them at the racks upon entering this two-floor Museum. Free entrance, i suggest you not to spend too long in here and go on to your next stop.
Beitou Public Hot Spring. There are many sites of hot spring in Taiwan and Beitou is one i visited. It is NT 40 per adult. The hot spring closes during intervals for 30 minutes- when i was there, i had to queue to enter because it was interval time. As you enter, you will notice two pools at one end and another three at the other. The two pools are cold water, while the other three are hot water at increasing temperature of the water. Choose which is suitable for you- because like me, i didn't know there was a difference between the three pools and entered one which instantly heated my body! There are shower rooms after use of hot spring and lockers to keep you things.
Honestly, i had high expectation of this place but it turned out less than more of it. It was crowded on the day i went- or maybe, i don't fancy hot springs that much.
But i love my next destination! From the hot spring, continue walking down the road until you see a junction- by then, you can smell the pungent odour. Trust me, walk towards it. It leads you to an amazing spot. The Beitou Geothermal Valley.
Steam rising from the valley! The water reaches temperatures of 80 to 100 degree Celsius!
There is a platform to bring you closer to the hot water for you to take pictures, and smell the smell.
If not for the strong pungent odour, i would stay longer. There is something in this Geothermal Valley that spells wonder to me.
How to get there: Take Tamsui line (Red) to Beitou Station. From Beitou Station, transit to Xinbeitou Station via the Pink Line. From the exit, walk straight and follow the sign boards to these destinations.
How to get there: Take Tamsui line (Red) to Beitou Station. From Beitou Station, transit to Xinbeitou Station via the Pink Line. From the exit, walk straight and follow the sign boards to these destinations.
Continued traveling north, the next destination felt to me, like a Western end of Taiwan. From the bus stop at Fisherman's Wharf, we walked towards the Valentine, or Love Bridge. There are many boats docked at the wharf- some returning from their day's catch, and be mesmerized at the colourful flowers along the way.
Walking towards the Bridge.
Crossed the Bridge from one end to the other. The Bridge fades in the background of Love.
The Bridge and me.
Since it's a wharf, expect food from the sea! There are many shops along the side of the Wharf, open mostly from evening onwards. Taken here is a fried cuttlefish 'sotong' ball.
The hotel at Fisherman's Wharf mimicked that of a cruise. There is a nearby shopping centre and this statue of mermaid brings an interesting story to its name. Once in a different place and time, dolphins surfed passionately in endless sea waves which led a mermaid to Tamsui. The call from her beloved prince keeps coming from the Fisherman's Wharf, the Love Bridge and the cruise ship on the dock, asking her to cast the net of love in Tamsui.If you can catch the sunset at Fisherman's Wharf, i bet it'll be lovely.
How to get there: Continue from Beitou Station (or any other station with Tamsui/Red line) to stop at Tamsui station. Exit the station to the bus stop outside the station and take Red 26 to reach Fisherman's Wharf.
Tamsui Night Market
Back to Tamsui, we visited another night market. Similar to those we went, we didn't spend much time here.
After that, we headed back to hotel and rested for the night.
Chuifen Old Street
The next morning came fast and after breakfast, we made our way to the Chiufen Old Street. Sitting on a hill side, it was cold. As soon as we came down the bus, i was amazed at the hill side covered in mist, wind blowing. The bus stopped right in front of the Old Street so you won't miss it- and a toilet before the entrance so you can use it and not needing to find one in the Old Street.
I genuinely liked the Chiufen Old Street. It is like the night markets, but it has greater variety of souvenirs to purchase. You can try ice 'popia' and Chinese desserts here- flavoured rice flour. Also, there are shops that sell Taiwan delicacies like pineapple pancakes, 'mochi' and crispy thin meat.
How to get there: Take Blue line (towards Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre) and stop at Zhongxiao Fuxing station. Exit the station to the bus stop and board bus 1062 (bound to Keelung) for Chiufen. It is NT 102 per adult and journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. It is the end station.
Taipei 101
The New- Taipei 101, which was the World's Tallest Building.
Taken at the entrance of Taipei 101. I see Petronas Twin Tower!
How to get there: Take from Zhongxiao Station (or any station via Blue line) and stop at Taipei City Hall Station. There is a shuttle bus service to Taipei 101. Otherwise, exit the station, walk left and once you see Taipei 101, walk towards it.
Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Our final stop of the day is the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. Free entrance into the park, to me, this place is the best spot to take picture with Taipei 101. We didn't spend much time here.
In front of the Memorial Hall.
Taken in Sun Yat Sen park outside the Hall stands the Taipei 101 in its glory!
How to get there: Take Blue Line and stop at Sun Yat Sen station. Follow the exit out to the Memorial Hall.
The next day was the day of departure back to Kuala Lumpur.
In short, my trip to Taiwan has been truly amazing. Will i return? Definitely. For the food, for the people. And the next time i'm going, i'm going to the Taroko Gorge.
My Taiwan Journey: Taipei City Adventure
The next day was the day of departure back to Kuala Lumpur.
In short, my trip to Taiwan has been truly amazing. Will i return? Definitely. For the food, for the people. And the next time i'm going, i'm going to the Taroko Gorge.
My Taiwan Journey: Taipei City Adventure
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