With the Southern Cross Highway out of action we now are running regular trips to areas slightly further north. These focus on scenery, easy walking, culture and nature. Itineraries are fully customizable. Here is a typical one:Day 1. Pick up from any city or HSR station in southern Taiwan, travel to the tea-farming villages in the Alishan Area. Explore the idyllic village of Fenchihu (important stop on the narrow-gage forest railway), learn about aboriginal culture, tea and bamboo production. Stay at scenically located tea farmer's homestay.
Day 2. Get up early for a (depending on weather conditions) excellent sunrise, 15 minutes walk away. Further exploring of tea plantations and bamboo groves. Travel to Alishan Recreation Area or (better still) straight to the Tataka (Tatajia) area for easy or strenuous hiking with views of Yushan (Jade Mountain). Overnight in hot-spring hotel in Dongpu.
Day 3. From our hotel there are various options for short hikes. Travel to Sun Moon Lake, tour the lake by boat, stopping and exploring various sights. Return to HSR station or city.Prices: Per person for 3 days, discounts for additional people. Includes all relevant costs (transport, tolls/entrance fees, accommodation, meals etc), excludes souvenirs and alcoholic drinks.
Menu A: (standard but good- van, accommodation, and meals.) NT$8,000 (about US$250)
Menu B: (higher quality - van, accommodation, and meals.) NT$22,000 (about US$700)
A popular extension:
Day 3. Visit Chung Tai Monastery, Puli, hotel at Ching-jing alpine resort.
Day 4. Travel over Hehuan Mountain, before the spectacular descent into Taroko Gorge. Stay in Gorge.
Day 5. Explore all the main sites in Taroko and Hualian, return via the Pacific coast road to Taipei.
Q&A
How far is the drive from Chaiyi HSR to the guesthouse?
Usually less than 2 hours. From here it is about another hour to Alishan Recreation Area.
Following the typhoon damage in 2009, is the Alishan Railway operating?
Sadly a lot of difficult engineering work has to done before it restarts. The section within the recreation area may be operating this year.
How fit do I need to be? What gear will I need?
Minimal fitness. Standard holiday clothing - maybe something warm needed at times.
Can you arrange something else?
Ask us, we are happy to advise.
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