Taiwan Trip Part 2 - Keelung, Wulai and Taichung

Nearby to Taipei is the port city of Keelung. I went there for a short day visit to look at its harbour, bay area and the various rock formations (pictured right) for which it is famous for. Apparently, these were formed from the erosion caused by the battering of the seas and waves. There were also an abundance of restaurants and stalls selling a variety of seafood near the area.

The next day we took the underground metro and bus to the small town of Wulai which is famous for its hot spring resorts, waterfall and serene surroundings. It was a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable experience and allowed a laidback atmosphere vastly different from the bustle of Taipei city. A hot spring bath is definately something which should not be missed.

Scenes from Wulai

Next up was Taichung city which would be our embarkation point to visit the famous 'Sun Moon Lake' (pictured below). It took about an hour and half drive from Taichung to the lake area. Various resorts dotted the coastal area of the lake and one could just about spend the whole day walking around and taking in the scenery. Boat rides, hiking trails, spa resorts and even a tea plantation are some of the points of interest which can be undertaken while on a visit there.

My attempt at a panaromic view of Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan Trip Part 1 - Taipei

Just got back from Taiwan a couple of weeks ago and i have to say, it's really changed since i was there last. Very metropolitan and yet retains some old traditional charms at the same time. My trip began in Taipei where i proceeded to go south to Kaosiong and stopped at Taichung on the way. Taipei is in many ways a typical big city. Lots of shopping to be done and i was quite impressed with the Taipei 101 building (Pictured left). Weather was approximately 16 to 19 degrees Celsius so it was quite cooling heading towards springtime.

One thing to note about Taiwan is the abundance of night markets spread throughout the city. Stalls selling everything from clothes to toys and various knickknacks. Food stalls also crowd the area with desserts, noodles and the everpungent smelly tofu (which I still did not feign to try :p)

Scenes from the night markets

Mostly spent my time in Taipei going around to the various famous landmarks dotted throughout the city. Also made time for some shopping which is actually quite good here. Lots of places selling new and trendy clothes. I also found the locals very polite and accomodating. The manners of the Taiwanese people are top notch and i really felt at home in the friendly atmosphere.

Scenes from some of the places in Taipei

Life Size Gundams...way cool!