If I had to define Taiwan in just one word, I would call it ‘special’ for it abounds with breathtaking greenery, indigenous heritage, impressive technology, and bustling night markets. Before travelling there, I knew very little about the country. To be honest, I could count on my fingertips- precisely seven things – its shape, location on the globe, Taipei 101, passion for technology, love for Boba tea, Sun Moon Lake and internal political strife. Now, that I have explored it for one wholesome week, I can talk about a hundred more things. This East Asian gem left me impressed with its unpretentiousness, and the perfect blend of modernity and rural beauty. There is no doubt about the fact that it makes a fantastic travel destination because nature and culture are never far away from anyone in Taiwan.
Taiwan on the map
Roughly oval in shape, Taiwan has a very strategic location. Adjacent to the Luzon and Taiwan Straits, located between the East and South China Seas in the western Pacific Ocean, Taiwan is located in close proximity of Japan and Philippines. Originally, it was called Ilha Formosa (meaning beautiful island) by the Portuguese explorers who first saw the island around 1590. For the outsiders, Taiwan is often buried beneath political headlines but when you travel there, you realize that it is one of the calmest places. As an archipelago, Taiwan does not have any land boundaries and its coastline measures 1,566.3 kilometers.
My Many First Impressions
I have tried to be as honest as possible with my first impressions of everything that came my way in Taiwan. Some of my views may have changed with better understanding of things but I have presented them here, as raw and real, straight from the scribbles in my notebook.
On the very first day, I travelled from Taipei to Taichung and one thing that immediately hit me was how green and tropical Taiwan is. Our guide shared that the island is splendidly blessed with nature. The road trip felt very comforting, and I felt that the best way to see this country would be to drive through it. Rainbow village seemed like a cute museum than a village. Just like its name, it touched my heart with its unique art. I was inspired with the stories of Rainbow Grandpa who saved these houses from bulldozers. I saw the dragon fruit plantations for the first time. I was surprised to see the strong tea culture in Taiwan, just like India. Tea spas and tea workshops came as cherry on the cake. While the Oolong tea was unmissable, the coffee was great too. There was something about the coffee machines in the hotel rooms that told me that Taiwanese do take their coffee seriously too. The warm toilet seats in every hotel were amazing. I must say the advancements in technology have been put to one of the best uses. The beauty and gorgeousness of the Sun and Moon Lake surpasses its pictures. Nantou County has all my heart. I would call it the perfect getaway for your honeymoon.
Finding vegetarian food is not a problem if you have no aversion to mushrooms and tofu. Indian restaurants serve great food. The ropeway to the Formosan aboriginal culture village is worth every penny. While the views are great, this is the place where you can meet the aboriginal people of Taiwan, indulge in fun rides and see some interesting tribal dances. In the season of cherry blossoms, this is also where you can see full bloom. Though I discovered it late, but I thoroughly enjoyed the train system in Taiwan. The whole island is well-connected with trains. The Taichung station was nice, clean, and efficient. I wish to go back to use more of it. The imperial collection inside National Palace Museum in Taipei is the closest that one can get to the Chinese history and culture. Half a day wasn’t enough. The night markets of Taipei are super fun. All that hype around original boba tea is well-deserved. The signature one with brown sugar is irresistible. While late shopping made for a thrilling experience, it felt safe in the day as well as night, everywhere. I had a great time in Ximending. I shopped till 1.30 in the night and returned to the hotel with my friends. As a foreigner, Taiwan made me feel comfortable and I quickly lost my concerns and fears.
I visited Taiwan, a week before Christmas, and I totally loved the vibe. It was fun to spot cute Santas at unexpected locations. In total, I must have spotted more than 25 Christmas trees, and I managed pictures with at least 20 of them. Well Christmas may not be a traditional festival of the Taiwanese people, but I liked the festive cheer in the country.
Some of the reasons why Taiwan deserves to be on your bucket list
In the lap of Nature- Almost two-thirds of Taiwan is made up of mountains, of which 55% is made up of woodlands and forests. Do you know the tiny is home to over 260 peaks that reach above 3,000 meters? The adventure lovers must be packing their bags already. In Taiwan, you may live in the modern cities and travel to the mountains every weekend. As a traveller, you can enjoy both. Do you know that Taiwan is also famous as the “green heartbeat” of Asia?
The warmth of the locals – Everyone that I met, the tea estate owner, the guides, the shopkeepers, were easy to make a conversation with. Most of the people helped when asked a question in English. Others tried their best to help if they had limited English language abilities. I found the people calm, well-mannered, and very friendly. No one turned me down.
Remarkable blend of tradition and technology – Do you know that Taiwan is globally acclaimed for its semi-conductors? While traditions are inherent in Taiwan’s culture, one also gets to see amazing use of technology in their everyday life. When I researched, I also found that Taiwan has automobile, IT, aerospace, aviation, shipbuilding and many other industries thriving in that tiny island. As an engineer myself, I was impressed with their acumen for engineering.
The iconic Taipei 101 – Not very long ago, this was recognized as the tallest building in the world (2004 up to 2010). Even today, it attracts with its charms. With 101 floors above ground and five floors under the ground, the building will always be a symbol of Taiwan’s vision and industrial prosperity. Its advanced technology, traditional design, modern architecture and engineering is remarkable as it is designed to withstand strong winds, typhoons and earthquakes that often jolt the country.
The perfect blend of Chinese and Japanese tradition – Both these countries share a historic past with Taiwan; hence the influence is evident everywhere- in art, architecture, culture, and food. The ancient temples adorned with intricate Chinese architecture, the museums and the buzzing night market prove that Taiwan takes pride in its roots. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, is a must-visit which pays tribute to the Chinese leader, and the Confucius Temple in Tainan, where visitors can explore Confucian philosophy.
A holiday destination with a complete package – Taiwan has the perfect mix of hiking trails, beautiful beaches, modern cities and ancient villages, offering a colorful and attractive package for the visitors. There is something for everyone. The diverse natural landscapes and unique culture of Taiwan keep one excited every day. I was always looking forward to the next day because every day brought surprises for me. Some of the hidden gems of Taiwan are Dadaocheng (大稻埕), the oldest quarter of Old Taipei, the charming village of Jiufen, Taroko Gorge, Alishan, Nantou County, Muzha Historic Trail, and more.
Tropical, Perfect for all Season – When people ask me “Is it the right time to travel to Taiwan”? I often tell them that I have seen it in one season, you must go and tell me about a new one. I believe each season in Taiwan has its own charm. If you have the desire to explore, you are sure to make unforgettable experiences. When I had visited in December, it was cold and rainy. If you wish to avoid that, the most recommended periods are September – November and spring (February – April). At this time, the flowers are full bloom, the weather is pleasant, not too hot or too cold, best suited for outdoor activities, garden visits, sightseeing and exploration. One can also plan visits as per the unique traditional festivals, giving you unique cultural experiences.
Sun Moon Lake is incredibly breathtaking– Okay, there may be a hype about this one, but it is well-deserved. It may be touristy, but it is the gorgeous one. Surrounded by the western foothills of the Central Mountain Range, the 748 m lake is a gem among the Taiwan’s landscapes. Just because it is easily accessible doesn’t make it less beautiful. Visiting the Wenwu Temple, Ci En Pagoda, taking the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, learning about the Thao aboriginal tribes- one must do it all to know what it means for the locals.
Omnipresent 7-Eleven stores – There is one in almost every street of Taiwan. You want something, you have very high probability of finding it at one of these 7-eleven stores. Many a times, the locals might be questioning if we really need so many. But as a traveller, I felt that it solved my problem everywhere.
The culinary center – In Taiwan, the culinary scene is a big draw for visitors seeking gastronomic adventures. Whether it is from street stalls or trendy restaurants, the food adventurers may indulge in an array of Taiwanese cuisine. While there are dumplings, variety of noodles to be tasted, one can also find mushroom and tofu dishes. When we are talking about food in Taiwan, it is impossible not to mention the delicious and famous pineapple cake. And the country is also the place of origin of the Boba drink!
In the next blog, I will talk about the visa process, train journeys inside the island, and some more hidden gems of Taiwan.