Wonder.Food.Travel

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...

A tiring day in Taipei, the next day (Day 2) called for adventure in the Eastern side- one i was looking forward to most. Keelung Harbour and Zhongzheng Park The second and final half day tour, we were first brought to the Keelung region and passed by the harbour. It was raining- but it did not dampen my traveling spirit. The stop in this region was the Zhongzheng park, located slightly on a hill side. In this park, there is the white statue of the Goddess of Mercy, at incredibly 25 meter high which overlooks Keelung city and its harbour. You can find this statue on your way up to the park. What welcomes you first, however, upon your arrival is another statue then a gong- i tried to ring it! A temple sits behind the Goddess of Mercy statue, and on the viewing platform of the park, you can use the pay-per-use binocular to view. Also, there is a wishing well with rotating hands, each bearing a different meaning. Something extra here is that you can enter the statue and climb fligh...

Before i dive into my experience in Taiwan, allow me to briefly share some tips and guides of traveling to the country. Language Definitely Mandarin speaking. It was a challenge for me to communicate with them, what more bargain, with the most basic mastery of the language. But it was fun and ultimately, do not let your fear of the language discourage you from visiting the beautiful country. Some of the Taiwanese might know Hokkien, and if you are in luck, you might bump into some English speaking ones! Weather My experience in Taipei, Taiwan stretched over 6 days in the first week of December. The weather varies from chilly to cold- a jacket was fine for me. Possibility of rain is moderate to high (3 out of the 6 days were raining) so prepare raincoats or umbrellas when traveling. Sky may be gloomy and overcast. Day becomes dark earlier. Otherwise when sunny, traveling is easy. Currency The money used in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar, NT- lowest 1 dollar to 10...

Day 6: 3 Layer Tea, Carpenter Street, Indian Street, Old Post Office, Textile Museum, Chinese History Museum, SCR, Waterfront during daytime, Main Bazaar, Kek Lapis (Layered cake) The final day finally arrived, and my friend and I went over to see what have I not tasted, or tried, or experienced. We nodded at almost all we listed, and the remaining were what we headed for in the last few hours of my stay in Kuching. Parked near the Indian Street and strolled early in the morning, most of the shops were still closed. We walked over to the Carpenter Street, which to me felt much like Chinatown, and likewise, the stalls had not opened. We decided to have breakfast first until the shops open its door. The 3 Layer Tea! My friend asked me to try one layer at a time and feel the difference. Then, I mixed them up! Probably my last breakfast in Kuching, I decided to have Sarawak Laksa. I wanted to really remember its taste! At the Indian Street, when stalls ...

Day 5: View of Mount Santubong, Cat Museum, Sarawak Museum, Art Museum, Nature Museum, Kuching at night, Taka and Everrise Waking up with a slight and temporary sore on the legs, I went to stroll the morning of Bako. Sun was up early, monkeys and the wild boars accompanied the tranquil morning. Waves breaking at the coast, still high tide. A painting from nature. Taking nothing but memories. Walking along the beach, watching the blanket of mist across Mount Santubong. Being there felt heavenly. While wanting to trek to the starting point, we stumbled upon this magnificent rays of sunlight, through the canopy of the park. You can see the beam in front of your eyes. I was defintely under the spell of Bako because when I was back at Kuching, I could not shake the thought of Bako away. The surrounding is so serene. The trekking at the trails are tiring but exciting. The scenery is captivating. The rangers are friendly. Just being there makes you fell ...