6 DAYS YILAN AND 4 DAYS TAIPEI - TAIWAN

YILAN 13 Oct 2017~N CASTLE HOTEL 夜市橙堡渡假旅宿 AND DONGMEN NIGHT MARKET東門夜市

N Castle Hotel's lobby is cosy with decorations that warm the hearts and bring out the child in you. As our arrival was late in the evening at 1830hrs, we had to use the ipod at the hotel entrance to contact the owner. She responded in 5 minutes with access cards to hotel entrance and room and breakfast vouchers.

Room 302 was clean and spacious. Toothbrush, shampoo, shower gel, body towel are provided. Oolong tea, coffee sachets and mineral water are also given. It is equipped with a ceiling fan, aircon, mini fridge and a kettle. A large umbrella was also provided as the weather was wet and rainy.

There is a water cooler at the lobby. Laundry is available at a small cost.
Breakfast was MacDonald's voucher for NT39 set meal selections.

It is well located about 30m walking distance to a 24 hour local supermarket, 50m to Dongmen Night Market, 100m to the Yilan Railway Station, 300m to Yilan Transfer Station and 500m to Luna Plaza.

Instead of the usual Kuo Kuang bus ride, we took the Taoyuan Airport MRT line to Taipei Main Station A1 which was opened in April 2017. The Express Airport MRT cost NT160 for a 35 minute ride. At the Taipei Bus Station, we bought return bus tickets to Yilan Transfer Station operated by Capital Bus. It was value for money as single trip was NT137 and NT247 for return trip compared to Express Train Ticket which cost NT218 per trip. Buses were available every half hour.

The bus will alight passengers at Yilan Transfer Station bus stop, which is located diagonally opposite the Taiwan Railway Station.

After alighting, stand in the same direction of the traffic flow and look for the railway station station which is dull grey. Cross to the other side of the road and walk about 5 minutes.

At the railway station, tell the staff that you wish to cross over to the other side and a pass will be issued to use underpass to cross from the platform to the road.

Get a copy of the Train Schedule to plan your itinerary if you intend to use the train to travel out of Yilan City.

Snacks from the Dongmen Night Market;
1. sliced beef soup noodles,
2. fried onion pancake crispy outside soft inside,
3. fried dumpling in 3 flavours of minced pork, cabbage and chives
4. fried pork ribs

Bean Curd Dessert Stall at intersection of Hemu Road and Guangfu Road.

Bean Curd Dessert with peanut toppings or red bean paste tapicoa balls (NT30)

These are some of the locally produced fruits which are available for sale at the 24 hour local supermarket.
They are really fresh and sweet. The sizes of the fruits are huge as can be seen in the comparison with the paper cup.

Yilan 14 Oct 2017~LANYANG MUSEUM 兰阳博物馆, WUSHI HARBOUR 乌石港 AND WAIAO BEACH 外澳海滩
We intended to take bus 131 from Jiaoxi Railway Station to Lanyang Museum as per the online weekend schedule. However, after waiting for half hour, we checked with driver of bus 112 who informed us that bus 131 does not run on weekends. He was kind enough to inform us to take Red 1 located at another bus stop further away from the Jiaoxi Railway Station and alight at Lanyang Museum. For the return trip, the bus stop is located along the road leading to the Wushi Harbour in the opposite direction.

After much delay, we arrived and spent about half hour just taking photos of the unique architecture and the surrounding wetlands. Entrance fee to the exhibits and museum is NT100 per adult.

Though the weather was wet and rainy, we managed to walk slowly about 15 minutes to the Wushi Harbour. There were several shops selling fresh seafood and dried seafood products. This is also the place to board boats going out to sea for whale watching and Guishan Island.

We had a very satisfying lunch at a seafood restaurant on the 2nd floor.

Fried rice with white fish roe (NT100) kangkong with ikan bilis (NT100) are dishes with the oomph wok fragrance.

Steamed crab (NT650) was fresh and succulent.

Steamed prawn (NT400) was huge, crunchy and delectable in sauce dip of ginger and spring onion.

Unexpectedly, there was a heavy downpour which disrupted our itinerary. Despite our raincoats and umbrellas, we were drenched due to the strong winds. We decided to give up sightseeing at Waiao Beach which is famous for its black sand and as a popular surfing spot. It is just 1 bus stop or 5 minutes drive away from Wushi Harbour and walking distance from the Waiao Railway Station.

Yilan 15 Oct 2017~ARTEMIS GARDEN 香草菲菲 AND TAIYANG PI 太陽埤

We were disappointed with Artemis Garden as there was really nothing much to see and definitely not worth the entrance fee of NT100 which could be used it to offset in store purchases or meals at the cafe.

There are DIY classes, a greenhouse and fragrance rooms to relax and stimulate the senses.

Also, there are piano performances on stage at the cafe.

Above the cafe on the second level is the greenhouse which was opened only at 1400hrs when we visited.

As we arrived at 115pm near to closing, we decided to wait for tea instead of the lunch buffet of NT420+ 10%.

We ordered the burger and fries as per their recommendation at NT380 less NT200 entrance fees and was shocked by its sheer size. The bun is as big as my face! It was so huge that it can feed 4pax. We ate only half and had to pack away the other half.

We were glad that we discovered Taiyang Pi or Sun Lake which is located next to Artemis Garden.

We walked up the slope into a cafe, Taiyang Hupan Cafe with a garden which was filled with fruit trees including guavas and tomatoes. The owner explained that as it was wet and rainy, we could only walk around the entrance to explore the area.

Walking down slope will lead to a lake surrounded by greens. Air was crisp. Atmosphere serene and soothing. It was perfect setting to sit and relax while enjoying a cuppa and snacks at the cafe. No entrance fees.

To get here, take bus 752 from bus stop in front of the Yilan Tourist Center near the Yilan Railway Station and alight at Taiyang Pi. For the return trip, take bus 752 from the same bus stop.

Yilan 16 Oct 2017~MEI HUA LAKE 梅花湖 AND LUODONG NIGHT MARKET 羅東夜市
Take train from Yilan Train Station to Luodong Railway Station and transfer to bus 281 which is located just outside the Luodong Transfer Station. Alight at Mei Hua Lake and for return trip, take bus 281 from same bus stop. It is a 3 minute walk to the entrance of the lake.

Several shops line the entrance to Mei Hua Lake bidding customers to rent their manual and auto bikes.

We opted to walk round the lake which was a wise decision as we could be as near to the water to check out the fishes in the lake and the birds swimming in the lake or perching on the tree branches.

There were several snacks stalls on the way out and a toilet near the entrance of the lake. We found 1 decent food outlet at the right turn of a corner as we walked out. Simple but tasty and flavourful braised pork rice (NT75) and papaya milk drink (NT50). They also showcased a huge bear hugging a smaller one in a bicycle ride which was an attraction to the eatery.

We checked out the Luodong Downtown and Night Market which are walking distance to the Luodong Railway Station. At the Luodong Park where the Night Market is located, we found 2 tentages offering massages by the blind. We tried the neck and back massage at NT200 for 20 minutes. It was a good rub for the tired muscles. Refreshing.

阿灶伯當歸羊肉 - Ah Du Po's Angelica Root Mutton Soup (NT70) was tender and delicately done without the intense smell or taste of mutton. The Stinky Tofu (NT40) was lightly pungent crispy on the outside and smooth in the inside.

魏姐包心粉圓 Wei Jie Tapioca Dessert - The soya bean curd dessert looks like ice cream but it is warm splattered with fragrant sesame seeds and a side dish of tapioca pearls wrapped with red bean paste. (NT60)

Fringing the night market are shops and we found 1 selling San Bao Big Intestine Mee Sua which was heavenly with the vinegar and chilly sauce. (NT40)

Yilan 17 Oct 2917~NANFANGAO HARBOUR 南方澳漁港 , NANNING FISH MARKET 南方澳南宁鱼市场, NEIPI BEACH 內埤海灘 AND ZHU DAYU CULTURE MUSEUM 祝大漁物產文創館

Bird's Eye View of Nanfangao - Photo from http://eng.taiwan.net.tw

Nanfangao Harbour - A
As we wanted to relax and sightsee during the 1.5 hour journey from Yilan Railway Station to Nanfangao, we took the bus 1766 to the last stop (See map for A).

Nanfangao Harbour consists of 3 beautiful fishing ports. All kinds of fishing boats and vessels docked the ports.

Nanfangao is famous for their mackerals and each year, a festival is organised to celebrate it.

20th Anniversary Mackeral Cultural Festival was celebrated on 7 and 8 Oct 2017 which we missed. Colorful fish themed floats will parade the streets of Nanning and an assortment of folk activities to show off its intoxicating cultural charm.

Photo from http://eng.taiwan.net.tw

Neipi Beach - B
After alighting, we walked down Nanning Road to Neipi Beach (See map for B) which is about 10 to 15 minutes away. The beach is also known as Yilan Lover's Bay宜蘭情人灣 has black sand and pebbles.

Nanning Fishing Market - C
We understand from the internet that the Nanning fishing market is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

The market is both a wholesale outlet trading in daily catches that freshly arrive from the ocean and also a retail market where visitors can purchase seafood at a lower price.

It is located near to the First Nanning Fishing Port and is just 5 minute walk from the bus stop A.

You may get to see fishing boats sailing in with their day's catch.

You will get to see all the day's catch sprawled in baskets all over the market. They are as fresh as you can get from the sea. Some are still alive and moving. Lots of fishes of different kinds, prawns, squids.

Some buy the seafood and bring them to the restaurants for cooking at NT150 per item.

Fumeei Seafood Restaurant - D

富美活海鲜

The streets of Nanfangao are lined with dozens of seafood restaurants and shops selling dried seafood products.

We went to Fumeei Seafood Restaurant on Haibian Road and we were not disappointed.

We chose our live crab, prawns and squid from their water tanks. After weighing them, they will inform you of the price.

Seafood was really fresh and price was reasonable too (NT1,290 about S$60)

Steamed crab (NT680)

Steamed prawns (NT300)

Stir fry squid with celery and ginger (NT190)

Stir fry green vegetable (shui lian) with garlic (NT120)

Zhu Dayu Culture Museum 祝大漁物產文創館 - E

Zhu Dayu Culture Museum is a showcase of wall murals of deep sea creatures in 3D and 2 other murals in the outdoor. It also houses outdoor theater, classrooms for demo and DIY workshops and a food market. No admission fees.

The sun fish and the sword fish.

The blue whale, the dolphin and other fishes illuminate the entrance to the museum.

Yilan 18 Oct 2917~ TANGWEIGOU HOT SPRING PARK 湯圍溝溫泉公園, ART SPA HOTEL 中冠礁渓大飯店 AND WEN YAO CHICKEN 甕窯雞

TANGWEIGOU HOT SPRING PARK 湯圍溝溫泉公園

Visitors enjoying free soothing foot soaks in an open stream of hot spring water at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park

Foot Soak at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park

Photo from http://www.jiaoxi-tourism.tw

Fish spa is payable at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park

Fish Spa at Tangweigou Hot Spring Park

Photo from http://www.jiaoxi-tourism.tw

ART SPA HOTEL 中冠礁渓大飯店

We went to ART SPA Hotel for paid spa at NT250 per adult.

There is no time restrictions and we spent 4 hours relaxing and rejuvenating our tired bodies. As we went on a weekday, we shared the massive place with only a few others. Almost exclusive!

Walk out of the Jiaoxi Railway Station, turn left at Zhongshan Road and then right after you pass the Police Bureau.

Swim suits and head caps are required.

Shampoo and shower gel are provided in toilets. Bring your own goggles and towels and leave your personal belongings in a locker for NT10.

Water cooler is available so bring your own own water bottles.

Cup noodles are sold at NT40 for quick bites in between soak spas.

SPA INNER AREA
There are 7 outdoor pools with colored fragrance of essential oils and varying temperatures.

We only tapped our feet at the Suao cold spring water and shuttered at its coldness at 15°C. We enjoyed the hot spring water ranging from 28°C to 41°C.

We curled up warmly and took our power naps on the Hot Stone Beds.

Hot Stone Bed Photo from http://www.art-spa-hotel.com.tw

Sauna Rooms

SPA CENTRAL AREA
This is the indoor area with water therapy massages including bubble, fountain, back focus, belly focus, acupuncture points focus, top showering and duckbill waterfall.

Central Area Photos from http://www.art-spa-hotel.com.tw

SPA OUTER AREA

Outer Area Photos from http://www.art-spa-hotel.com.tw

The outdoor area is like a swimming pool with water therapy massages similar to those found in the indoor area.

This is the 360° outdoor spinning slide which is 5 storey high and drives your adrenalin up.

It was opened only at 2pm but we were not challenged as we preferred lazing on the warmth of the hot stone bed.

WEN YAO CHICKEN 甕窯雞

Take bus 131 at Jiaoxi Railway Station, alight at Baishijiao and walk about 3 minutes.

For return trip, cross over the road and take 131 back to Jiaoxi Railway Station

They only sell whole chicken at NT650 which can feed 4 to 6 pax.

As the portion was too huge, we only ordered another veggie dish at NT190.

They provide gloves to feast at the chicken and free flow of soup to accompany the meal. Chicken is very tender, juicy and tasty. The only complaint is that they do not sell in smaller portions so that we can also try the other dishes. There are plastic bags readily available for self help to take out any leftover food.

Yilan 19 Oct 2017~DIU DIU DANG FOREST PARK 丟丟噹森林 AND JIMMY PARK 幾米廣場

DIU DIU DANG FOREST PARK 丟丟噹森林

Diu Diu Dang Forest Park which is located across the street from Yilan Railway Station starts with a giraffe sticking its head and neck out of the colorful painted forest.

The centrepiece at Diu Diu Dang Forest Park is the massive flying train structure with a boy and a girl each popping their heads out of the colorful painted train cabins.

It is an adaptation from the acclaimed Taiwanese author Jimmy Liao's STARRY STARRY NIGHT.

The place is also a flea market on weekends.And it is free.

JIMMY PARK 幾米廣場

Unleach the kid in you when you are at Jimmy Park which is about 5 minutes walk from the Railway Station

The area is full of huge size characters and illustrations from the story books turned movie screens by acclaimed Taiwanese author Jimmy Liao including TURN LEFT, TURN RIGHT 2003 and STARRY STARRY NIGHT 2011.

奕順軒宜蘭店 17號, Section 2, Shennong Road, Yilan City

This is a renowned pastry shop popular amongst the locals in Yilan. We managed to find this place with the help of the locals by walking from Yilan Railway Station to Shennong Road which took about 20 minutes.

This is freshly baked with some kind of cheese in the inside and tasted best with a slight chill in the fridge. Too long in the fridge will harden the taste. (NT 160)

This is also freshly baked. 3 in one packing and 4 packings in 1 big box (NT460). The round pastry contains red bean paste wrapping around a quarter of a slightly salted egg yolk.

For the return trip, we walked towards Luna Plaza and shopped at Carrefour before making our way back to the hotel.

Yilan 19 Oct 2017~HOPE HOTEL 全家歓旅店

Hope Hotel is on Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District where Taipei Main Station is strategically located.

Taipei Main Station is the main travel hub for the Taoyuan Airport MRT line, High Speed Rail, metro, trains and buses.

With the opening of the Taoyuan Airport MRT line in Apr 2017, it takes only 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station A1 Station and walk 10 minutes from Exit 4 along Section 1, Chongqing North Road to Hope Hotel.

Soaking your tired body in a bath tub is definitely a plus after a hard day's work. As hotel does not provide shower gels, we brought our own for the bath tub soak.

Taipei 20 Oct 2017 to 23 Oct 2017
MORNING MARKETS~
SHUANGLIAN MARKET 雙連市場 AND YONGCHUN MARKET 永春市場
We have always included the local neighborhoods in our travels and checked out Shuanglian and Yongchun Markets to see and experience the life of Taiwanese.

Both are traditional wet markets located near the Metro Stations selling a wide variety of cooked food, fruits, vegetables, fresh cut meats, fishes, kitchen wares and clothing too.

The locally produced fruits are so huge and fresh that we could not resist the temptation to buy.

See the size of fruits in comparison with the paper cup.

Prices seemed to be a little cheaper at Yongchun which is further away from Taipei Main Station.

Taipei 20 Oct 2017 to 23 Oct 2017
LOCAL TAIWANESE FOOD~YONGKANG BEEF NOODLE 永康牛肉麺館 17, Lane 31, Section 2, Jinshan S Rd

Exit 4 at Dongmen Metro, turn left and walk on Lane 148, Section 2, Xingyi Road. Turn right at intersection with Lane 6 Yongkang Street and walk 2 minutes to join the queue.

The menu at the entrance to the shop.

Long snaking queues that seem perpetual

Big crowd inside the shop waiting for their meals but they were systematic and quick in service.

Wait in queue outside. Take your allocated seat inside. Place your order. Within 10 minutes, your order will be served. After the meal, take the order slip and pay at the cashier.

Signature dish - Braised Beef Noodles with Beef Tendon 红烧半筋半肉麺 (NT230 - small)

The noodles were smooth, springy and bouncy. Generous chunks of beef meat and tendons which are so very tender that they really melt in your mouth. The broth was a little spicy and tasty.l

Braised Beef Noodles in Clear Soup 清燉牛肉麺 (NT230 - small)

The only difference with the other order is that this is not spicy and no tendons.

Noodles and broth equally flavorful.

Taipei 20 Oct 2017 to 23 Oct 2017
LOCAL TAIWANESE FOOD~YONG HO SOY MILK 永和豆浆 Yongchun, Zhongxiao East Road Section 5, Lane 423

We found this small outfit on Exit 1 of Yongchun Metro, turn left onto Zhongxiao East Road Section 5 Lane 423.

The soy milk was not too sweet. (NT15)

The killer was the fried dough (you tiao). (NT15)
It makes that crispy crunchy sound on every bite and paper thin that melts in the mouth literally.

But the xiao long bao (NT70) did not measure up as the ingredients did not burst into succulent juice and skin not pastry thin as those at Din Tai Fung.

Taipei 20 Oct 2017 to 23 Oct 2017
LOCAL TAIWANESE FOOD~

AH CHUNG MIAN XIAN, 阿宗麵線, XIMENDING, No 8-1, Emil St Wanhu

Our all time favorite die die must try street food is the Ah Chung Mian Xian from Ximending, just 1 metro stop from Taipei Main Station

There is always a queue but it is fast moving. Usually we can get our order within 10 minutes. NT70 for big cup.

The chilli sauce, garlic paste and vinegar are at a separate self service corner after you checked out the takeaway.

Taipei 20 Oct 2017 to 23 Oct 2017
LOCAL TAIWANESE FOOD~
ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT (AAD), 上引水產, No. 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E Rd, Zhongshan District

Out at Exit 3 of XingTian Temple Station, turn right, walk to intersection about 5 minutes and cross road towards the temple.

On reaching the temple gate, turn right and walk straight for about 10 minutes.

When you see the overhead bridge, cross the road to the red pillar.

Behind the red pillar is another crossing.

After 2nd crossing, walk into the park following the concrete paths.

In the park is a playground for the kids...

Also, a playground for a few bushy squirrels.

At the end of the park is a street leading to a hive of activities.

This is the start of the fruits and vegetables wholesale market.

Continue to walk through the busy street and turn left when you see the road sign Long Jiang Road Lane 356 above the traffic light. AAD is only another 8 minute walk away.