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The Taiwan Vacation!
Vacation is that time of the year when you recharge your run-out batteries and take a break to unwind and reboot your mental and physical health. Vacations do not come with a manual on how to spend your valuable time. It always depends on the vibe, and the need of your body and soul. For this holiday season, we have a suggestion for you: forget all the places that you have heard recommendations of or seen on TV, and pick this location for the ultimate vacation. This time plan your trip to Taiwan!
Why Visit Taiwan?
The best answer to this could be because it has every element that you might be looking for in a trip. Some days could be for relaxation, where on some, you would want to explore nature. On some days, being on the beach would be the vibe you are going for, but on some you would want to sweat it out on a trek. And how is any vacation complete without soulful food? All these elements wrapped together in a single destination is Taiwan. A vacation trip to Taiwan would leave you a completely different person, with a lifetime of memories and experiences. Taiwan has something to offer to every mood of yours, and if you are getting it all in one place then why go somewhere else in the world amid a mob of other tourists?
Best Time to Visit Taiwan
Visiting while there is a chance for a storm might not be the brightest of the ideas in any case. It is extremely necessary to check the weather before you travel and the best time to visit Taiwan is when the weather is a bit cooler, and the rainfall is at its lowest rate. You can decide your own preference based on the four seasons; June to August, if you prefer the summer, September to November if you love the fall weather, December to February if you need the chill and March to May, if you are a fan of the bloom. But, if you would like to know our opinion, visiting during the fall when the temperature is nearly 20 degrees and during the full-fledged spring would be the greatest.
Visa Requirements for Your Taiwan Vacay
Definitely as you are planning for a visit, you are not intending to stay for a long period of time. For that you will just need a visiting Visa. Let us point it out for you.
You will need a valid passport, with a minimum validity of six months, two photographs; that is of the size 2’’X1.5’’, which has been recently taken and a fully filled up Taiwan visa application form. Yes, they will definitely look into your finances, so you will need a bank statement; which must have the minimum balance of 3000 US Dollars. As you are going for a visit, they will ask for an address and a phone number which should be a contact from Taiwan.
Getting Ready for the Trip
Taiwan, which is rich in culture and beautiful even in the four different seasons, would need a good amount of pre-trip planning, according to the time in which you will be visiting Taiwan. As mentioned above , the time gaps between the seasons have mostly been intact.
Now we will figure out what to keep with you. The only issue you need to consider could be the typhoons in the summer that comes by very occasionally or maybe the winter when its cold. If winters you will have to keep your winter wears with you so as to not get stuck in the cold. Next you could make sure that you have the currency exchanged before you reach Taiwan. We would suggest to keep the currency ready, as soon as you touchdown, or carry your visa and Mastercard for easy paper-less cash. As you are the best judge of what all health issues you or your co traveller might face on a travel, we would also suggest that you carry your own medications for emergencies. And finally, to have a stress-free mind during your travel, make sure you sort all your work-based issues, and hand over things back home to someone responsible and capable of handling contingent situations.
Taiwanese Attractions
Taiwan is a rich cultural hub that caters every taste. From age old architecture to temples, the Taiwanese attractions take a sharp turn to bustling nightlife and shopping centres. It is the perfect location for a nature lover as well as a seeker of comfort and luxury with its Michelin restaurants and unique hotels. Taiwan is sure to handle your ever-changing moods and requirements with ease. But the greatest factor in Taiwan that lures you in are the ever- friendly and helpful people and the bustling streets with delicious food.
10 Must Visit Places in Taiwan
Dear readers, although Taiwan is one location with numerous places to visit, we have shortlisted ten of our favourites for you. These destinations are sure to give you every flavour of Taiwan, and make your trip truly memorable. We urge you to try and cover every nook and corner of the country, but if you can’t we truly urge you to visit each of these destinations. It is truly worth it. We assure you that.
Kenting National Park: Nature and Beaches
Taiwan is famous for its national parks. In total there are nine national parks, of which the Kenting National Park is a must visit. It is best known for its white sand beach and dense forests. Since you are on your vacation trip, it would be a wise choice to move away from the hustle and bustle of the city and come visit here, for the most tranquil experience of your life. Even if you are visiting Taiwan at the time of summer, the temperatures in Kenting National Park would be below the highest temperatures.
Hengchun town would be the suggested place to be around in Kenting. There; renting a scooter or a bicycle would be the easiest way to travel around the place. There are also four old city gates, which you wouldn't want to miss for the world. The Longman lake is also a must visit, as the roads leading to the lake is always a feast to the eye. The night market would be the proper place to eat as you are on your vacation, and would be trying different kinds of food. The white sand beach merging into the rocky ones, give a gorgeous view and the water is always as pretty as it could get. Evenings spend on the beach would be the perfect time to create some memories or may be the morning dips would do the job.
Longshan Temple: Buddhist and Taoist Temple
Taipei, which is a famed town in Taiwan, houses the Longshan temple, which is over three hundred years old. The temple is still holding up even after being a bait of several devastating earthquakes and natural calamities. The Longshan temple was originally built is 1738. More than serving the purpose of the temple, it has acted as a shelter for numerous settlers from different places. Even at the time of World War II, this temple was a target. Several buildings, which were concurrent to the Longshan fell apart, while it solely had been able to survive the attack, and stay put till date.
The locals and the visitors equally take the responsibility without demanding any external help and are truly satisfied with what they are given get from the government. The locals from time immemorial had been responsibly doing the maintenance of the temple. The speciality of Longshan temple is that, it is the immaculate mixture of Taoist, Buddhist and confusion faiths. They are evident, unlike any other temple and the structure is not designated to any one religion. Being inside the temple under the mixture and influence of these three different faiths present; you are sure to get the most peaceful and elating experience that would last a lifetime.
Ximending Night Market: Historic Site
Ximending Taipei, is commonly known as Ximen among the locals, and all the boards you find there will just have the name Ximen written on it. It is best known among the travellers as the Ximending Night market. Do not go for the name, even though it is called the Ximending night market, it is a one stop shopping place even during the day time; in short it bustles all day long. The market is well known for all its aspects ranging from food to everyday articles. This market houses cultures from all over the world. Ximen Exit 6 is one of the well-known pedestrian zones, that you must visit. Even if you are not planning to hoard items on your return, you must visit this street for some window shopping to the least. If you are going as a couple, it would be a wonderful experience to walk hand in hand through the lanes.
It is one of the most enjoyable shopping places for any tourist going to Taiwan. When you hear the name, you might feel that it is an old styled market, but to your pleasant surprise; when you visit the place, you will find it to be one of the most modern and equipped shopping zones. From buying your one-time meal, extending up to shoes and hair salons, you can find everything in this market. Shoes, are one of the most special and commonly found product you get here, well a haven for the girls visiting.
National palace Museum: Chinese Art and Artefacts
National palace museum is located in Taipei. Taiwan is one solid representation of the architecturally and culturally rich Chinese history. The museum has an extraordinary collection of treasures and valuables from the forbidden city and is one of the favourite and highest rated places to visit in Taiwan. No tourist who has visited this beautiful place; left with an unfulfilled mind. The museum holds around 6,50,000 pieces of ancient treasures and artifacts. It is one of the largest in the collection of ancient artifacts.
Any person who has keen interest in knowing the traditional and ancient era of China, must visit the museum. This would end up being the most entertaining part of the entire trip. The recent surveys notified that more than ten million guests, officially visit the Museum per annum. This museum palace took around ten years to be built, and finished its works by 1965 into what it is today. Spending a whole day there can barely run you through one tenth of the museum, hence pack your bag to spend at least a day or two there.
Guishan Island: Whale Watching and Hot Spring
Guishan Island is commonly and widely known as the turtle island. It had its name because of the naturally moulded turtle shape of the Island. There are no inhabitants in the island. However, spending a day there is permitted by the local authorities. The government once relocated, the inhabitants to the city of Taiwan due to the long distance between jurisdictions, and difficulties in maintaining law and order and providing all necessary services.
Making the Guishan Island a tourist spot is one of the godsend decisions for the tourists. The island tour which usually comes in a package generally leaves you with many different activities to try; like hiking, cliff jumping and seaming through the beautiful lake. Whale watching is one of the activities no one would ever want to miss visiting this island. The island houses hot springs which for being a very rare occurrence in any part of the world; has a very relevant part in luring tourist to the island. As it is a coast guard base, there are certain restrictions that should be obeyed by every tourist visiting without fail. You must too. Safety is the primary concern.
Wuling Farm: Picturesque Camping
Ever dreamt of visiting the pink flower laid gardens and pathways that make your desktop wallpapers? Do not just dream, make it come true by visiting the Wuling Farm in Taiwan. The farm parades several kinds of flowers and fruits; which are not just a treat to the eye, but also a treat to the soul. Initially the farm came into existence for the rehabilitation of retired servicemen but now it is a sweet haven for tourists.
As, it is located in a high altitude, it gets a glorious patch of flowers in the season of spring and the maple leaves in the fall. These are the most awaited time for the tourists to visit in the farm as the colors literally turn the farm into a paradise. The fruits in the summer are also a huge attention puller between the tourists. The high altitude is a blessing even in the season of winter, as the snow blesses the beautiful farm turning it to a white patch of striking beauty. The average temperature of 22 degree in the summer due to the altitude, makes it the literal cool spot of Taiwan. In short, the Wuling farm is a great place to visit all around the year, it's just a different shade waiting for you each time. Moreover, the localities of Taiwan itself have the urge and happiness to be in the farm on every given opportunity.
Love River: River Romance
The Love river flowing through the city of Kaohsiung has a large part of the city in its arms. We could also call it the watery spine of the city. The significance in the culture of the river are its surroundings, the people residing there and the different activities that lure in the crowds. The role of the name in crowd pulling is no less. This river brings in a very good income for the city. The Love river is one of the most important factors in keeping the economic balance of the Kaohsiung city. The night market operating in the shore brings in the keen interest of tourists. It attracts people through the live music and delicious dining in outdoor cafes.
Despite of the time of being there, day or night, because of the love river, any minute spent doing whatsoever activity, even if it is just walking through the shore, could help make everlasting memories. Boat rides through the lake is one of the most enjoyed activity to be done in the Love river. Nothing could get, more romantic than spending the night in the boat. Tourists rush happens mainly at the time of boat races, thus all other times are perfect to have a romantic getaway with your partner.
Jiufen Old Street: Street Food
Coming back down to Taipei, visiting Jiufen is a must. It is hardly an hour’s drive from Taipei. It is a small village covered by mountains. Walking around Jiufen old street is the only way you could explore the street due to the narrow roads. It is packed with people and shops and the main thing you would want to do Is to eat away. Hearing that it is in the mountains, don't ever expect, Jiufen old street to be a peaceful spot to chill. The food and snacks available in the street range from various tastes to culture. Back in time, Jiufen was a gold mining town, so expect the street to be as old as an ancient temple, but with rich mixture of culture and people.
But in our perspective, visiting Jiufen old street should be your preference. Being a tourist of Taiwan and not visiting the street will always be a loss, but while being there you may have hustle to get out due to the crowd, and probably this is one thing you wouldn't want to do on your vacation. Apart from this tiny little glitch, we are all in.
Xiangshan Mountain:Mountaineering and Hiking
Being a paradise for the photographers, Xiangshan mountain stands tall to always welcome you. The mountain is an art in itself, and is a part of the Nangang mountain system. The Speciality of this mountain is that it is mainly composed of sandstone. The six giant rocks present are the crowd puller when it comes to this mountain. The photographers enjoy being in the mountain due to the above-mentioned picturesque rocks. Not just the tourists, but also the localities visit the mountain for its wonderful hiking trail. The hiking trail is around a distance of 1.5 kilometres. This location is a one-step destination of the nature and health maniac. It provides a space to sweat out and meditate at the same time.
Shifen Waterfall: Scenic and Wide Waterfall Setting
Shifen waterfall is around the upper parts of Keelung river. The waterfall is about 20 meters high and around 45 metres in width. The river is one of the biggest in Taiwan and the speciality of the falls is that; the waterfalls in one direction and the rocks are sloped in the opposite. This is a rare occurrence when it comes to falls. Taking a train would be the wisest and easiest option to reach the falls. Although you would want to drench under this beautiful waterfall, we strongly urge you to not do so, as there are high chances for a mishap. The fall and the river are filled with numerous deadly potholes. Thus, an unexperienced individual is highly likely to fall into danger. Also, the Shifen waterfall is the broadest waterfall in Taiwan.
Tips to Help You Throughout Your Holiday
Now here comes our travel tips, that are a must follow, as these small things would definitely make your vacation more enjoyable and easier.
- Keep the google translator ready. You are going into a zone with no idea of the language or the place, and it is not necessary that everyone should know English. Thus, a translator would definitely help you, and writing down a few important queries in the native language is also a great idea.
- Always carry sufficient money with you. Expenses can be unprecedented at times, so carrying a stash for backup will be a great idea. Also, have a talk with your bank before your travel concerning international usage and limits.
- Even though you are there to chuck diets and eat away without a thought of the world, we would highly recommend that you eat healthy. Healthy only means things that you know will be accepted by your gut. We do not want you sick and in the ER during your vacation.
- Lastly, pre-book your stays so that you get a clean and tidy place to crash and relax after a long day.
Choosing the Correct Package
Finally comes the Taiwan Holiday Packages. A holiday package to any destination is available over multiple travel websites, and blindly booking one, might not be the greatest idea. Choosing correct package is very crucial as it could make your trip heaven or hell.
In a package, everything from your stay, to food and itinerary would be planned and you have nothing to deal with. Any small issue would be sorted by the travel website, provided you have chosen a good one. You also need to decide if you want to travel solo or join a group. when in a group you follow a p[re-decided plan so you wont be able to do as you want.. But if your vibe isn’t of a wanderlust and you just need to cover places and make the most of it, a package would be right for you.
So, to find a balance between the two, we urge you to always customize your travel packages, talk and fix beforehand, on extendable dates, stays, the places you wish to see and every single aspect. More than being stuck with a whole bunch of people during the season, a personalised package would help you get the true essence of vacation and travelling. There are multiple travel websites, but yatra.com has great Taiwan packages that you would love. So, check it out. Also, make sure you visit the above-mentioned places. We assure you, it will all be worth it.
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Exploring The Unexplored Taiwan As Your Next Holiday Destination
Taiwan is the new hot choice of travellers all over the world. It is especially famous among youngsters who like to explore nature and also look for adventures, along the way.