My one month tour -- suggestions?

[Raven]

I’ve finally come up with my tentative ‘around-the-island’ tour of Taiwan. Being mostly based on LP, it pretty much hits the key attractions. I’m starting from Hualien and going south and around. Hopefully, my focus is on nature (ie. beaches, mountains, waterfalls especially – I’m still looking for that quintessential tropical waterfall where I can dive in the clear pool at the bottom of it).
The time period I have is from the morning of June 29 to July 25 (My flight is on July 26 at noon).

From Hualien to Green Island/Taidong.

I haven’t decided whether I want to spend a night on Green Island or not. Or whether I want to visit the Chihpen hotsprings area or not.

To Kenting.

I’d like to spend at least a few days here. From what I’ve read, it sounds like there is a reasonable amount of stuff to do. Plus, I’m quite happy with hanging out at the beach in the sun, snorkeling and swimming for at least one full day. Not sure if I should (or have the time) to stop at Dapeng Bay and Little Liuchiu Island on the way back.

To Tainan.

I’ll probably on spend a day here. The local students in Hualien have persuaded me to go just for the food. I’m also interested in doing a side trip to Maolin if there is time.

To Alishan.

With possible stops at Fengihu and Ruili. Also, I’m not sure if visiting the Yushan area is worth it for a solo traveller. Are there any good paths in the area that don’t need a guide and permit?

To Sun Moon Lake, with a stop at Jiji.

To Lishan/Fushoushan/Wuling Farm.

This is the part I’m completely unsure about. I would really like to visit this area if I can, but there doesn’t seem to be any public transportation between Sun Moon Lake/Puli and Lishan. What’s the best way to get there from SML? And if it’s relatively inconvenient… is it worth the trouble?

And from there, I would find my way to Taipei with what I was hoping to be at least one week left. The idea then is to make Taipei the base camp to do a number of day trips from (to Danshui, Wulai, Keelung, and to some of the waterfalls: Shifen, Xiao Wulai, etc.). Plus maybe spend a day or two in Taipei to se Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum.

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The plan is for the trip to be relatively relaxed. I want to be able to stay at a place an extra day if I like it. And I don’t want to spend the whole trip on a train/bus. A day of hiking or driving on a scooter while stopping at various nature spots appeals more than visiting museums and buildings in big cities.

Now to you. Is this manageable? Will there be enough time to do all of this?
Any suggestions on things to add or cut out, to watch for, to recommend?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Mucha_Man]

OKay, first off, the QE waterfall. It’s in your backyard. You’re in Hualian, right? Head up to Tienshang in Taroko and hike to the Paiyang waterfall. Looks great doesn’t it? Well, hop over the railing of the lookout and head up and over the mound in front of you heading toward the fall. You’ll descend on ropes into a flat area of stones at the foot of the nicest swimming hole you’re likely to ever see. It’s about 20 metres across, 3 metres deep, and set in a deep valley with the 20 metre Paiyang waterfall ringing off to the back. the waterfall actually first drops into a smaller pool (which you can reach by swimming up an amazing natural stone channel) before flooding into the larger pool below.

Pure heaven. Just make sure to go after we’ve had some rain.

Other things:

Dapeng Bay is developing nicely but you can give it a miss. Xiao Liu Chiu island is very sweet and makes for a really fun afternoon of exploring caves, coral beaces, and tiny white sand bays. If you’ve had enough of beaches after Kenting you can safely miss it however.

Yushan is hard to get to without your own transportation. Don’t plan on seeing it unless you take a morning sunrise viewing shuttle from Alishan one morning.

For bus info to Lishan call Fengyuan Bus Company 2222 3454

To be honest, I think you can skip Sun Moon Lake. It’s a beautiful area to be sure, but difficult to get around without your own transportation and really the sort of place you best enjoy spending a bit of cash at with someone you love.

Use your time to head out to Maolin like you wanted. If you do go to Maolin stop in Meinong if only to buy some paper umbrellas. They make great souvenirs and gifts. You can also rent a bike and ride around the countryside. More rural and less crowded and touristy than Jiji.

Don’t miss the Chung Tai Chan Temple in Puli. Incredible modern structure by the same architect as Taipei 101. Friendly nuns will give you a tour in English. Great way to pick up the basics on Buddhist thought and art.

Tainan. Do the half-day walking tour in the Lonely Planet. You really have to see some temples if you are coming to Taiwan and this is a good way to catch a number of them all in one day. The tour also takes you past a number of traditional stalls and restaurants.

Waterfalls: Shifen is great looking fall but it’s $180 to get in to see it. I suggest you do the free Santiaoling Waterfall Trail that starts in the same area. There are at least five very gorgeous falls to see on the trail all in their natural state. It’s an easy, well marked trail.

Xiao Wulai Fall is beautiful. Stay in the Youth Activity Centre when you are in the area. Land used to house one of Chiang Kai Shek’s villas. Fantastic location.

Jiji: interesting area but also a nightmare when its crowded in summer. Since you don’t have your own transport, and don’t know the area, I would suggest skipping it or make sure you go mid-week.

Consider stopping by Sanyi. It’s the wood carving center of taiwan and filled with beautiful carvings of gods, and demons, and historical figures. Also a few good walks in the area.

Also Pinglin. It’s so lush out there and the teafields are picture perfect. It’s only an hour bus ride from Taipei and you can rent bikes to ride through the teafields and down quiet mountain roads beside sparkling streams.

Don’t forget Yangmingshan when you’re in Taipei. And if you want to visit the Maoking area in the southern part of the city to enjoy tea in the mountains let me know.

When you’re in Taipei also be sure to check out the hiking club events. If you let me know when you’re coming I’ll try to plan something special.

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