A natural wonderland
Step into the island nation for a rejuvenating getaway amidst scenic beauty
Visit the Taiwan Tourism Board, booth no. AS3025 at the Arabian Travel Market 2016 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Taiwan is gaining a prominent presence in itineraries as an ideal holiday destination, thanks to its bustling contemporary cities complemented by vast natural beauty. Naturally formed caves, stunning waterfalls and great peaks are just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to describing some of the country’s features.
Taiwan, situated 180 kilometres east of China, is home to modern infrastructure, buzzing lifestyle, pleasant weather, abundant greenery and mesmerising mountain terrains.
With its capital city Taipei just eight hours away from Dubai by plane, get set to embark on a journey to experience great hospitality, delicious food, incredible shopping sprees and exciting activities.
Its historically significant buildings and museums satiate the culture lover, while breathtaking sceneries, lush greenery and high peaks promise to make the trip a rejuvenating getaway.
With Halal tourism taking over Far East Asia by storm, Taiwan too is adopting the concept to bring comfort and convenience to Muslim travellers. From offering lipsmacking Halal meals to providing prayer rooms and marking the Qiblah (direction for performing prayers), the change is slow but steady. There are a number of tour operators that cater to visitors from the Middle East with Arabic-speaking tour guides and itineraries. Taiwan has also been globally voted one of the top destinations for female solo travellers for its secure and safe environment.
Yangmingshan National Park:
Vast mountain terrains have given rise to hiking as a national pastime, which are enjoyed by both residents and tourists. A popular spot is the 113.38-square kilometre Yangmingshan National Park located between Taipei and New Taipei City, where cherry blossoms are a sight to behold during spring.
The park is divided into several recreation areas where visitors can easily pick up a map, available in English, from the park’s headquarters and set off on a hiking trail, bike trail, leisure stroll, day trip or eco tour — whichever tickles their fancy. Nature lovers can spend time discovering fauna and flora, some of which are native to Taiwan, explore hot springs, spot fumaroles, and even stand in awe by the country’s tallest dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain.
Beitou:
A mountainous district located near Taipei City, is an area dotted with hot springs resorts. Its sulphurous waters are powered by the geothermal energy that comes from the neighbouring Yangmingshan. Here, visitors can unwind and take a dip in bubbling hot springs with scenic hills in the backdrop.
Travellers to the area can also sign up for special packages that include hotel stays, spa access and unlimited private access to the district’s rich spring water.
For those seeking privacy, there are a number of hotels that have hot springs water pumped directly into each room. Beitou is a short MRT (Taipei Rapid Transit System) ride away from Taipei Main Station.
Taroko Gorge:
Formed by geological forces, Taroko Gorge is a natural wonder to behold; a grand canyon of coral and marble nestled in Taroko National Park. The gorge, which extends to 18 kilometres, has long been a popular walking and hiking destination since 1930s. It is easily accessible from Hualien.
Visitors can pick up a guide from the park’s headquarters that features trail maps, estimated hiking time, weather conditions and things to observe when strolling down the trails of Taroko Gorge and Su-Hua areas. Check out the Baiyang Trail, which leads to the mystical Shuilian Cave (also known as the Cave of Water Curtain).
Alishan National Scenic Area:
A mountain resort and natural preserve, Alishan is a vast playground for nature enthusiasts, complete with different species of plants, animals, birds and butterflies. Visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge in various activities ranging from making jelly out of a local fruit called “Aiyu”, carve a flute out of bamboo, take a forest bath, or even learn about several medicinal plants. A trip further up the mountain will lead you to coffee and tea plantations that are tended to with care.
If you want to experience an unforgettable sunrise amidst a sea of clouds, this is it. Board the Alishan Forest Railway train to Chushan Station (Jhushan) and trek up to the viewing platform on Mount Xiao Li Yuan (also known as Ogasawara Mountain) for unobstructed views of the sunrise and other mountains beyond. The experience of standing at an altitude of over 2,400 metres to view the sunrise is magical, to say the least.