Turning tourists into explorers

Perhaps better known for being home to major electronics brands, the largest bicycle company in the world, and Taipei 101, now the world’s third tallest tower, it is the island’s lesser-known wealth of natural wonders that make it an explorer’s haven.

Taiwan can impress alright.

On a familiarisation trip organised by Taiwan Tourism Bureau, we were served a big slice of nature every day and being green-starved Dubai residents, we lapped up the last morsel. The tour was as a perfect leap from the sun-toasted work life of urban Dubai into the lap of green and open mountain landscapes and the endless azure of the Pacific Ocean. Add to that, gentle rain showers, just enough to tease the senses into becoming one with nature.

Here are the highlights of a memorable trip:

YANGMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK

Taiwan’s hundreds of kilometres of nature trails – spanning mountains, forests and seas - should ideally start on the gentle slopes of Yangmingshan. The park is less than an hour away from capital Taipei’s busy city centre.

Apart from a natural interest in exploring nature trails, one must-have at this day trip is an English–speaking guide, who will add a lot more insight into the botanical, geological and historical context of the experience.

The Yangmingshan National Park is blessed with unique foliage due to the highly acidic nature of its soil, which constitutes remains of post-volcanic activity. Nature walks at the park lead to several spectacular views – a hilltop view of Taipei city following the Qingtiangang trail; a view of a mysterious, extinct volcano (which was still spewing steam when we visited); and the sight of a bamboo lake flanked by a field of flowers.

Traveller’s note: One cannot forget the high-pitched symphony of insects at the park – it blanks out all other sound – a surreal experiencee, indeed.

HOT SPRING KINGDOM

Taiwan is ranked among the world’s top 15 hot spring sites, offering a wide variety of such experiences, from hot springs and cold springs to mud springs and seabed hot springs. The hospitality industry has responded well to the natural bounty, offering fine packages centred on reinvigoration and wellness.

Take, for instance, the Spring City Resort in Taipei’s Beitou District, at the foot of Yangmingshan National Park. This facility has about 10 different outdoor hot springs for guests to enjoy. Across the island, there are more than a hundred hot spring areas, and guests may opt for complementing experiences, be it hydrotherapy, spring pools, spring saunas or spring massage pools, they all offer a perfect getaway to relaxation.

While the milky white sulphur springs of Beitou may not be to everyone’s taste due to the strong smell of sulphur, they are unique in being one of the only two places in the world where such springs occur naturally. Though there are no conclusive medical studies regarding the benefits of soaking in sulfur water, studies in Japan, the Middle East and Europe have shown that soaking in sulfur water kills germs and viruses.

Traveller’s note: Just like men, not all spring water was created equal. The cold springs of Bulao, Baolai, Sichongxi in the south and Zhiben, Green Island, Wenshan, Jiaoxi and Renze in the east are bubbly, sodium carbonate springs, while springs in Jinshan spout pure water that is gentle and soothing on the skin.

AMAZING ALISHAN

Preparing for an early morning pre-dawn mountain train alongside hundreds of other enthusiasts is a special experience. This is Alishan, where the sunrise is a sight for the ages. At about 2,200 metres above sea level, the mountainous landscape is distinctive, with the recurring views of mountain tops showing above a sea of cloud.

To get to Alishan, take the High Speed Rail to Chiayi, then a two-hour scenic drive up the mountainous road, where buses and taxis ply.

Our stay at the Alishan House was a great introduction to Alishan scenic area. Although there are several overnight facilities in the Alishan National Scenic Area, it is the only five-star hotel in the region, and one that is the most modern, with stunning views overlooking the ancient forests. In the daytime, the hotel’s terrace offers panoramic views of the sky and the earth, at night it turns into an oasis for star gazers.

The narrow-gauge mountain rail station of Chaoping is a short walk away, helping guests of Alishan House get the best viewing spots in Chushan at the top of the mountain. Enjoy the 20-minute picturesque ride on the World War-era train to the mountain top to view Taiwan’s highest mountain, Yushan at 3,952 metres high. (Go past the Chushan station viewing point for another 10-15 minute hike to a more dramatic hilltop viewing zone, which is less crowded as well.)

We enjoyed the return leg of the scenic journey, mostly downhill and flanked by landscaped gardens, on foot as the Alishan experience is incomplete without a tour of the ancient forest where trees are several hundreds and thousands of years old.

Traveller’s note: Must take take a selfie with the three-generation tree and the elephant trunk tree. Where else will you find a 1000-year-old to share your selfie space?

HALAL TAIWAN

Taiwan has been ranked as the 10th most popular non-Muslim travel destination for Muslims, according to The MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index. Others in the list include Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, South Africa, France, Belgium, Hong Kong, USA and Spain, in that order.

Last year, 108 million Muslim travellers spent $145 billion in the country. This is expected to grow to 150 million travellers in 2020 with a spend of $200 billion. With Taiwan Tourism Bureau targeting to attract more Muslim visitors to Taiwan, there are a number of halal restaurants certified by the China Muslim Association (CMA). The CMA certifies Taiwanese restaurants as Muslim Restaurants – for food outlets owned by Muslims – and Muslim Friendly Restaurants – for food outlets serving halal food but owned by non-muslims.

Food is at the heart of the heady Taiwan experience, and Middle Eastern travellers have a lot to look forward to. From the night markets stalls for snacks on the move to the gourmet fair in the highstreets of the capital, a surprising range of halal food options covering cuisines as varied as Chinese, Taiwanese, Indian and even Egyptian are available.

Halal restaurants are found everywhere in the country. On one of the picturesque drives up the Alishan mountain to the cloud-covered Jhonghe village, the touring party was treated to a big feast of fresh halal food made from local produce: fresh pickings of bamboo shoots, mushrooms, poultry and beef.

Our host at Long Yun leisure farm showed us how to enjoy the sanctuary among clouds – 'take it slow, real slow' was his tip, and it made complete sense, for the earth and sky were in complete harmony at this green retreat, and all you had was time.

Traveller’s note: Currently, there are about 77 halal restaurants certified by CMA, found across the country in cities and villages, malls and food courts and of course the Taiwan Taoyuan Airport. Halal food products are found at supermarkets as well.

NIGHT MARKETS

A taste of the Taiwanese night market is a taste of history; these markets have been around for over a thousand years.

Night markets are popular in Taiwan, and tourists love the multi-sensory experience. Be it shopping for clothes or electronics, gifts and souvenirs, what fuels the buzz are the lines of stalls selling an assortment of delicious food.

Fresh fruit, juices, fried snacks, pancakes, hand-made ice creams, you name it, quick food and artistry go hand in hand as each vendor adds her dash of creativity to serve a niche, and foodies love it.

Traveller’s note: Miaokou Night Market in Keelung, Fengjia Night Market in Taichung and Shilin Night Market in capital Taipei are foodie haunts. On the menu are ocean fresh grilled squid, shaved ice with a choice of fruit and nut toppings, wheel cake with a mouth-watering fillings, juicy and tender popcorn chicken flavoured with basil, and Taiwanese spring rolls stuffed with powdered sugar, peanut powder, vegetables or even seafood.

By Abhiroop Sen 

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Taiwan in 2020

150m Muslim travellers expected
$200bn revenue projected from these travellers