Saturday, April 19, 2014

"Six years in Taiwan" trip to Taidong

I first stepped foot in Taiwan on April 15, 2008.

To celebrate my anniversary, I took a 3-day 2-night scooter trip along the east coast to Taidong (Taitung). This helped me prepare for my around-the-island tour coming up in two weeks.

The views along Highway 11 are breathtaking!

Click on photos to see full size.

01taidong 6 year anniv



知本國家森林遊樂區 (Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area)

Of course, photos inside the hot spring are prohibited. However, I managed to slyly snap a shot. The bathers are not wearing clothes in the photo, so I am only posting a link here if you want to see (faces have been altered to maintain anonymity).

The owners were super friendly!
剛剛好生活民宿 (Gang Gang Hao Sheng Huo B&B)

I recommend the soup dumplings and dry noodles at
海草健康輕食館 (Seagrass Light & Healthy Restaurant)

 


Marino's Kitchen

Dulan Crap

Monday, April 14, 2014

Taroko Gorge Hehuan Mountain (合歡山) on Scooter

On a cloudy Monday, my friend and I took our scooters through Taroko Gorge and up to Hehuan Mountain. It was a long (8 hours total) but beautiful ride.

Click on photos to see full size.
 
20140414_150205
 

How to get there:

huhuanshan map


1) Car/Scooter (bicycle?!): From Hualien City, take Highway 9 north towards Taroko. Drive through Taroko on Highway 8 and take in the beautiful scenery. Merge left onto Highway 14甲 and follow the signs to Hehuan Mountain (合歡山 Héhuānshān)

2) Public Transport: While there are public buses that run from the Hualien Train Station through a portion of Taroko Gorge, as far as I know there aren't any that go up to Hehuan Mountain. I did see some private tour buses up there, however.