I will be staying in Taipei for about 2 weeks. Are there any recommendations for things to do? Such as nightlife, beaches, attractions etc. So far I heard good things about Kending and Taipei 101. Also I’m very interesting extreme sports like, sea doo’ing, mtn biking etc. Are there any fun activities in Taiwan that’s worth trying out? What about heading to the country side and renting a scooter?
What clubs would you recommend? and which days are good to go? Any events /parties coming up?
Kenting is great if you’ve never been to Thailand, Bali, Hawaii, or 100 other excellent beaches (if you have you’ll find Kenting depressing). 101 could be considered a must-do for the view but watch out for clouds and crappy weather - I’ve been lucky myself, but others have told me that the best time is to wait til it’s windy and after a rainshower (blows away the clouds).
Also in Taipei, check out Maokhong mountain tea plantations (south of the city) and the In Ge pottery works to the southeast (go via train). Also Shilin night market.
Strong recommendation for taking a train to Hualien on the East Coast, then checking out Taroko Gorge and Chixingtan beach - you can drive in 3 or 4 hours along some gorgeous countryside and oceanside cliffs, but your passengers may tend to get nauseated from the twisties. Most beautiful part of the country IMHO.
There’s a strange temple in Puli southeast of Taichung called Chungtai Shan - they’re something of an offshoot buddhism (some would call it a cult or a money making scheme), but they amassed $100mil or more and put together a HUGE strange temple out there - you can stop by (reserve a tour in advance to see the full upstairs) on the way to Sun Moon Lake, another must-see. And you might round off that mid-West Coast trip with a night or two in Taichung - check out the Love Motels for some silly moments, also a nice upscale western place called Hotel One in the middle of the city - check out the art museum and eat on the park there, then go to the night market.
On the North Coast you might go to Sanjhih area and check out the Seashell temple to Jigong (God of Drinking) near the 18 Immortals temple, then head over to the Smoky Inn (call for reservations first and make sure you get a place at the mountain one, not the one down in Sanjhih city) - enormous amounts of fine German pork products, a salty cheesy fondue (they claim it’s Appenzeller but I have it on good authority that it is not always Appenzeller - yummy nonetheless) plus liters and 5l kegs of Paulaner including their Marzen.
Don’t miss Kaohsiung though it’s bloody hot at the moment - make sure to take the ferry to the island in front of the harbor - can’t remember the name, ,aybe also Chixing 7-stars, for some seafood in front of the beach.
There’s guys and gals on this board who’ve been here a lot longer than I who’d have some real special places for you…