South-east Asia is undoubtedly the most popular holidaying
region for Indians travelling overseas. The accessibility, reasonable airfares
and hotel tariffs, wonderful hospitality, food to suit all types of palates,
pulsating nightlife, rejuvenating spa properties, and scenic beauty coupled
with an international vibe are some of the factors that contribute to this
popularity. Many urban Indians have enjoyed multiple trips to Thailand, had
their share of thrills at Hong Kong Disneyland and Universal Studios in
Singapore, partied Vegas-style in Macau, imbibed the spiritual energy of Bali,
bummed on the pristine beaches of the Philippines and Malaysia, and explored
the emerald isle closest to home – Sri Lanka. What’s next? Taiwan!
On a recent trip to Taiwan, we were happy to discover a
wonderful mix of experiences that this island nation offers. From
European-style museums to an interesting choice of reverberating beats for
music buffs, eco-leisure resorts for nature lovers and adrenaline pumping
activities for adventure enthusiasts there is literally something for everyone!
Here is our pick of seven unmissable experiences in Taiwan. We have
deliberately steered clear of Taipei; besides being the capital, it is the most
frequented city in Taiwan. Read on to know about the hidden gems.
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| Sun Moon Lake |
1. Enjoy the Sun Moon Lake
The Sun Moon Lake was easily the most scenic spot
on our itinerary. The turquoise-hued water body surrounded by mountains is
known for its unique shape: the indentations form the Chinese symbol of sun on
one side and a crescent moon on the other, hence the name. It is also the most important
source of hydroelectric power in the heart of Taiwan.
We enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the Lake from a glass-bottomed
cable car (www.ropeway.com.tw)
that went up to the highest point in the nearby mountain. To appreciate the
clear water up close, take a boat cruise from one of the three wharfs -
Shueishe Wharf, Itashao Wharf or Xuanguang Wharf. Boats leave every 10 minutes
from 9am to 5pm, and the whole trip takes around 1.5 hours. Tickets can be
bought at the wharfs or in your hotel. Another way to enjoy the idyllic
surroundings is by cycling along the dedicated track around the lake. But if we
were to pick our favourite: check in at the luxe Fleur de Chine Hotel (www.fleurdechinehotel.com)
and take in the 270-degree vista of the lake at sunset from the Sky Lounge at the
rooftop.
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| Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum |
2.
Explore the Museums
We have to admit, we were very impressed with the
museums that we visited in Taiwan. The Southern Branch of the National Palace
Museum (south.npm.gov.tw)
is a chic complex in Taibao city, based in the southwestern county of Chiayi.
Set by the bank of a man-made lake, the NPMSB compound is divided into a fluid
space for display and archival purposes. This museum makes for a fascinating
exploration of the cornerstones of Asian cultures, such as textiles, ceramics
and tea. While most of the items on display were produced by Chinese kingdoms
and dynasties or nearby kingdoms, it is interesting to note that the
intermingling of Chinese, Indian and Persian heritage, especially along the
Silk Route led to an inimitable amalgamation art, products and even lifestyle.
The Chi Mei Museum (www.chimeimuseum.org),
in Tainan is more European in look and style. Even the art on display, from the
temporary exhibition of the exemplary Dutch artist, Henk Helmantel to an entire
hall dedicated to the celebrated French sculptor, Rodin, is likely to transport
you to a different continent altogether! And after you check out the Mechanical
Musicians exhibition and demonstration do sit down for a high tea (again, a
European concept) at the museum café.
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| Chi Mei Museum |
3.
Move to the Music
The Ten Drum Ciaotou Creative Park is the funkiest
space ever! A former sugar factory, it is now is run by the Ten Drum Percussion
Group. This award-winning group has won prestigious accolades including a
nomination for the Grammy Best World Album Award and the American Independent
Music Awards World Traditional Music Award, so expect to be enthralled with the
fantastic performance on drums in an industrial-style space that is as
fascinating as the music. While the remnants of the sugar factory, like the molasses
tanks make for interesting backdrops, the walkways through the three or four
stories high massive machinery make this an innovative cultural
park where industrial heritage meets the arts, with concerts, workshops, artist
residencies.
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| Tai Yi Red Maple Resort |
4. Stay at an
Eco-Leisure Resort
The Tai Yi Red Maple Resort (taiifarm.com) is a good choice
for many reasons. About an hour and half by road from Taichung international
airport, it is nestled amidst lush greenery. Every room has an en suite
bathroom that gets hot spring water, making it a private haven for a relaxing,
mineral-rich soak. This resort takes it flower power very seriously which means
that not only can you enjoy gazing at the vibrant-hued blossoms all over the
resort, you can even eat some of them. Try the garden salad at dinner or enjoy
the freshly plucked edible flowers for breakfast with a little drizzle of
honey.
5. Visit the Night
Markets
Every city has its own night markets on fixed days of the
week. Check with your hotel concierge for the one closest to your location, or
even a quick internet search will throw up the names of the popular ones. If
possible, we recommend you to check prior to reaching so that you can plan your
schedule according to your interest, since, some night markets are all about
street food while others are more popular for shopping.
Our experience with night markets in the cities of Tainan
and Kaohsiung was that you could get an incredible array of Taiwanese street
food – everything from freshly grilled oysters, hearty broths, and decadent
desserts. Going by the number of people at almost every stall one could gauge
that the food is authentic and delicious. And no, it’s not all about the edible
creepy-crawlies. If you have a sweet tooth do not miss fresh strawberries
dipped in a candy mix that hardens within seconds making it the most delicious
fruit on a stick.
If you’re interested in shopping, most of the stalls have
high-quality Korean products like bags, clothes, shoes, jewellery and
accessories. And, if you like bargaining, rest assured that this is as good as
it gets! Taiwanese people are the sweetest and the politest people to bargain
with – most of the time they simply agreed to the lower price that we quoted or
politely refused.
6.
Take an Evening Cruise in Kaohsiung
A unique way to enjoy the bustling city of Kaohsiung
is via a boat cruise down Love River. This romantic experience takes you under
brightly lit bridges and is inspired from the Parisian cruises. As the evening
lights twinkle from Kaohsiung’s high-rise buildings, charming musicians at Love
Pier will also serenade you like their French counterparts.
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| Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum |
7.
Soak in some Positive Vibes
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (www.fgsbmc.org.tw)
in Kaohsiung is not only a religious monastery but also an educational and
cultural center for locals and visitors. The vast complex hosts one of three
sacred tooth relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, and also the tallest sitting bronze
Buddha in the world - the Fo Guang Big Buddha. As we are guided through the
complex, the heavenly scene of eight pagodas, representing the Noble Eightfold
Path, towering into a clear blue sky with white, foamy clouds gliding across
gets etched in our heart forever.
Getting There:
Flights: Cathay
Pacific, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines and Garuda Indonesia are some of the
airlines that fly from Delhi and Mumbai to Taipei, with one stop en route.
Time
Difference: Taiwan is 2.5 hours ahead of Delhi.
Exchange
Rate: 1 New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is approximately Rs
2.11.
A version of this article
first appeared on IndiaToday.in on May 3, 2018.
