Hello from my Taiwanese bubble! I’ve been finding it hard to find time recently to get back into the flow of things since returning from the amazing 2-week road trip. I wanted to do a quick recap but found that there’s just so much to show. I plan to break down the trip into the various areas my partner and I explored.
I’m excited to share that I’ve started formally studying Mandarin again. Currently, this includes self-study in the mornings while my sports are playing in the background. I’m using an app called Pimsleur which provides daily audio lessons. In a few weeks, I’ll be starting formal group classes at a language center. As my life has grown in and around Taiwan, I realize how important truly learning the language can be. This is also another reason why I haven’t found quite the time to write more.
I’m also somewhat excited to announce that I have met the requirements for the Southwest Companion Pass. As I’ve written before, this is arguably the best travel deal ever. That being said, I won’t have a chance to use these benefits until I return to the US. Of course, right now, air travel is a risky proposition. But plenty of my friends are flying and reports are fine as long as you stay away from those mask-hating whackos. The Companion Pass is valid through the end of 2021. So I’m praying for a vaccine over the next few months.
Taiwan Road Trip Recap Part 1
This was undoubtedly one of my favorite trips. These two weeks were so memorable not only because of the natural beauty, but also the history and culture we inherited along the way. I stopped being so amazed at how beautiful this country is but have not taken it for granted. We are truly lucky to be here.
We ran into a few travelers and even a friend who ended up ‘stuck’ here during the pandemic. They originally came here for a short stint but ended up having to stay here or deciding to stay here because they didn’t want to go out into the madness that is the world. They are making the most of their time here. Other friends are desperate to come back after going abroad for work or other duties at just the wrong time.
Here is an excerpt from part one of the road trip recap…
East Rift Valley:
Taiwan’s East Rift Valley is a long stretch of fertile plains between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range on the east coast of Taiwan. It runs approximately 180 km from Hualian City in the north to Taitung City in the south. The area is known for its expansive rice paddies, mountain trekking, and highlands covered in daylily flowers. We drove south on Provincial Highway No. 9 over the course of 3 days. We stopped for plenty of hiking, swimming, and eating.
Local watering holes
There are countless waterfalls and swimming locations along the way. They are usually pretty clearly marked on Google Maps. We explored waterfalls (natural and man-made), a not quite so refreshing lake, and rivers. Some of these can be quite popular, especially during weekends and holidays. But usually, you can trek or trace a short bit to find an amazing spot all to yourself.
Emerald Valley (翡翠谷)
Emerald Valley follows the Emerald Stream and Mugu River in Northern Hualien County. The area is only about 30 minutes from Hualien City. Along the river, you can find multiple swimming spots. If you hike a bit deeper, you can find waterfalls and even more secluded areas. There are several companies that do river tracing expeditions as well.
Liyu Lake (鯉魚潭)
We came here for a hike up to Liyu Mountain. Half-way up, we decided it was too hot and humid. We were miserable and delighted that we saw people swimming in the lake. The water wasn’t quite the cool, refreshing temperature we were expecting but we were just happy to stop sweating.
Miyawan Creek (米亞丸溪)
We sort of stumbled upon this place on our way to Rainbow Waterfall. Just above this man-made waterfall is another sandy area where we saw 4x4’s drive and park right up on the banks. We never made it to Rainbow because the road was getting a little rough for our non-4x4. Along this whole creek, we saw smaller groups enjoying these unmarked oases.
Baibaoxi Water Park (白鮑溪親水園區)
This little spot was made for all ages to enjoy. There were plenty of families and kids enjoying the water downstream. Be warned; there’s not much shade especially during midday.
Read the rest of the piece here…
Follow the Experts
For the ultimate adventures in Taiwan, I would recommend these guys.
Travel North Taiwan
This is a duo of fun-loving and adventure-seeking Taiwan aficionados. They organize trips to some of the most amazing and [mostly] unknown spots in Northern Taiwan to give you an authentic Taiwanese experience. Check out their Youtube channel for great bilingual videos of many of the sites. Also, check out their Facebook and Instagram!
Follow Xiao Fei
Asher Leiss is a true adventurer and “new-age cartographer”. His website is also the ultimate adventure map of Taiwan. He provides a detailed guide to finding hidden waterfalls, hot springs, and swimming holes. During his time here, he’s mapped over 200 locations. You won’t find many of these on Google. It’s the best way to get off the beaten path.
Anusha Taiwan Hikes
Although being such a small country (36,000 sq km compared to Maryland at 32,000 sq km), it has 260 mountains over 3000 meters. With over 300 trails, there are countless opportunities to take in the natural beauty of Taiwan. Anusha Lee is a Taiwanese native and an avid hiker. We connected on Twitter where she is really active. Her site contains really informative and detailed guides. It also includes resources to group hikes led by many of the hiking organizations.
Travel is back…sort of
There isn’t too much news on the travel front. As mentioned earlier, I made the requirements for the Southwest Companion Pass. Of course I can’t use it unless I’m in the US flying Southwest. Currently there’s no plan to return. Since the Companion Pass is valid through the end of 2021, hopefully, I’ll be able to use it next year.
But this doesn’t mean you can’t travel. A few of my friends back home are reporting some good news flying domestically, take road trips, and renting AirBnb’s. This is a good sign. I hope you get the chance to enjoy the remaining days of summer!
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