Taiwan - Audley Travel

Taiwan
From the bustling, high-tech
capital in the north to the
breathtaking gorges and mountain
scenery of the central highlands,
Taiwan is North Asia’s surprise
jewel, often regrettably overlooked
in favour of its larger neighbours.
Early Portuguese sailors gave
Taiwan the name ‘Ihla Formosa’
which means ‘Beautiful Island’, and
it’s easy to see why. Sheer cliffs drop
vertically into the ocean, deep canyons
cut through her middle and thick
forest stretches across a mountainous
region, covering two thirds of the
island in green. Taiwan is also home
to some of the most welcoming people
in all of Asia, the world’s finest
collection of Chinese artefacts, and a
colourful and dynamic culture
distinctly different from its neighbour
across the Taiwan Strait.
Sun Moon Lake
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1 Taroko Gorge
Translated as ‘Magnificent and
Beautiful’, the name says it all.
2 Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan’s largest lake, home
to one of Taiwan’s
indigenous tribes.
Wufei temple, Tainan
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5 Taipei’s night markets
Grab yourself a bargain and
some great local food at one
of the capital’s lively markets.
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Ladies, Sun Moon Lake
3 Yangmingshan’s
hot springs
Purify yourself the traditional
Taiwanese way.
4 Temples of Tainan
The highest concentration of
temples in Taiwan can be
found here.
6 National Palace Museum
Taiwan’s best museum, detailing
not just the history of Taiwan,
but of mainland China as well.
7 Alishan Mountain
Alishan is Taiwan’s highest
mountain, perfect for walking
and other outdoor pursuits.
Tea pickers, Alishan Mountains
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Central Taiwan
Central Taiwan offers such a diverse range of
landscapes – from jagged peaks, to banana palm
plantations and golden sand beaches, that it is
hard to know where to start. Located almost
exactly in the centre of the country, Sun Moon
Lake is the most beautiful lake in Taiwan,
resplendent with sparkling blue water and an
impressive mountain backdrop. It’s also home to
the sumptuous Lalu Hotel, which is a real treat
and Taiwan’s finest accommodation. Travel south
along the breathtaking New Island Highway and
you arrive at Alishan Mountain. This is Taiwan’s
most famous mountain resort, perfect for those
in search of fresh mountain air and impressive
vistas over the surrounding countryside.
Southern Taiwan
To the south of the country – an hour’s drive
from the swarming metropolis of Kaohsiung – is
the little-known village of Maolin, a peaceful oasis
of rivers, waterfalls, babbling brooks, mountains,
and some of Taiwan’s less explored hiking trails.
Night market, Taipei
Skyline, Taipei
Taipei, northern Taiwan
and Taroko Gorge
From one of the tallest buildings in the world to
the thick plumes of incense swirling up from
Buddhist and Taoist temples, Taipei is a city of old
and new. It is the thriving heart of Taiwan, the
bustling centre of commerce, government and
culture, and for most people the first stop on a
tour of the island. Most visitors make a beeline
for the National Palace Museum, the world’s
largest museum of Chinese artefacts, filled with
the country’s finest artistic and cultural objects
from a period spanning three millennia. Take time
to explore Taipei’s parks and gardens, bustling
night markets and traditional teahouses. Take a
day trip to the cobblestone alleys of Keelung, or
venture into the Yangmingshan National Park,
only thirty minutes from Taipei yet boiling with
hot springs, fumaroles and volcanic craters. A
short journey along the scenic eastern coast
brings you to the island’s premier attraction –
the majestic, marble-walled Taroko Gorge.
Audley in Taiwan
Few people treat themselves to more than
a fleeting glimpse of Taiwan, and even fewer
venture out of the capital. Although only
around half the size of Ireland, Taiwan boasts
a public transport network to rival her
Japanese neighbour, with an excellent train
and bus network between major towns
and domestic air links for those in a hurry.
We recommend taking advantage of this,
and also delving further into the country
by road to explore Taiwan’s mountainous
interior and numerous national parks. If you
have the time, we’d strongly suggest spending
some time in the south – this is the more
Taiwanese part of Taiwan, the north being
more dominated by Han Chinese that
came over with Chiang Kai Shek after the
communist revolution. For the train
enthusiast, there are a couple of fine journeys
that stand out: the old steam train which
chugs out of the Alishan National Park and
the new high speed train that speeds
between Taipei and Kaohsiung in the far
south. For those who want to combine a
taste of Taiwan with China, there are now
direct flights from many Chinese cities.
Practicalities
Taiwan has a good standard of
accommodation throughout, though hotels
tend to be slanted towards the business
market and there are few character options.
Taiwan’s weather is as varied as its landscape,
but can be generally termed as sub-tropical.
Its two distinct seasons, hot and cool, run
predictably from May to October and
November to March respectively, and the
typhoon season runs from mid-August to
early October. Aside from those who are
looking to conquer one of its mountainous
peaks, it is best to aim for the spring and
the autumn when the air is fresh, the
flowers are in bloom and travel is at its
most comfortable.
Alishan Mountain
Find out more
For suggested itineraries and practical
information about travel in Taiwan, please
see our website.
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www.audleytravel.com
Interactive maps and features,
suggested itineraries, accommodation,
climate information and articles written
by our specialists.
Discuss your plans with our Taiwan
specialists 01993 838 260
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