Recommend December 2010 - (Page 37)
TOURISM BUREAU, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, REPUBLIC OF CHINA (2)
Adventure-minded visitors will find that, despite being one of the world’s most densely populated islands (more than 24 million people in an area roughly the size of Massachusetts), Taiwan is an exhilarating destination. This enthralling, mountainous, 230-mile-long land never fails to awe with its rough geographical beauty and for the memorable outward display of jen-ching-wei—the “indefinable joy of being Chinese”—habitually flaunted by native Taiwanese. While its capital Taipei is a visual and modern pleasure, those seeking a destination brimming with adventure, action and even mystique will find it once they venture beyond the city limits. One look at Taiwan’s rugged beauty makes it clear why ancient Portuguese mariners dubbed it Ilha Formosa, or “Beautiful Island,” as well as a land filled with a grab bag of outdoor action. There’s magnificent hiking and biking, spectacular diving, challenging cliffs and other activities performed against jaw-dropping landscapes. Most of Taiwan’s natural beauty focuses near the soaring Central Mountain Range, a place that gives the appearance of having been specifically made for outdoor pursuits. This is the country’s dominant topographical feature, with more than 200 peaks rising above 10,000 ft. Nowhere is the panorama as impressive as when viewed from the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area near Nanya, about 18 miles from Taipei, the primary access to the region. Majestic rock formations sculpted by sea and wind pose exciting challenges to climbers and the view from the cliffs is stunning with the Sandiao Cape shrouded in mist to the south, while the northern view offers Bitou Cape’s emerald-green contours contrasted against the sapphire sea. Few things are as invigorating after a climb as a hike down the trail to Long Dong Bay Park, northeast Taiwan’s largest translucent bay where divers, snorkelers and swimmers alike will swim among colorful marine life in the shallow waters. A spot active travelers shouldn’t miss is Taroko Gorge Park, a mesmerizing natural landmark begging to be explored either by foot or by pedaling along bicycle trails that run along the Central Coast Island Highway. Taroko’s most spectacular biking and hiking path runs along the Baiyang Falls Trail beginning at the end of a 1,000-ft.-long tunnel near the highway, opening on to magnificent cliffs and gorges formed by the river as the trail unwinds before dropping into a cobalt lagoon near roaring Baiyang Falls. A lessstrenuous biking trek unwinds around Sun Moon Lake in the heart of the island and at Ita Thao, where cyclers have the opportunity to sample the cuisine of the local indigenous Thao people. White-water rafting enthusiasts will thrill to the challenges of the Xiugulan River’s raging currents in the Central Mountain Range. This is where rafters can test their mettle against fierce white waters in a river rushing headlong for about 67 miles into the sea with more than 25 rapids gushing between steep walled canyons that exemplify the beauty of the Xiugulan.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Book a 2-day tour of Taroko Gorge and the East Coast, where clients can go white-water rafting, whale- and dolphin-watching, or hike through forest trails. Day one should be dedicated to Taroko Gorge, with the Baiyang Waterfall and the heart-stopping precipitous Quingshui Cliffs. On day 2, explore the East Coast National Scenic Area, with stepped seaside platforms, sand and pebble beaches, coral shores, and seaeroded platforms, channels, and caves.
Parasailers will enjoy the East Rift Valley, a destination dotted with tea plantations and sleepy villages, but refreshed by gentle breezes that make parasailing here an exceptional experience. There are numerous launch pads around the valley and, once aloft, the bird’s-eye view of Taiwan will show that this is truly the gorgeous island.
T5
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend December 2010
Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk-Marriott International
Tour Talk-Globus
Services-SABRE; Apple Vacations & Travel Impressions
Ritz-Carlton
Hertz & Hawaii
Las Vegas
Tauck World Discovery
Florida
Southwest Airlines
France
Ireland
Italy
Delta Air Lines & Rail Europe
China
Thailand
Singapore Airlines
2011 Taiwan Travel Planner
Tahiti & Goway Travel
Costa Rica
Brazil & Avanti Destinations
Egypt
South Africa
Abercrombie & Kent & Isram World of Travel
Israel
Jamaica
Sandals & Beaches Resorts
St. Lucia
GOGO Worldwide Vacations
Cancun
RIU Hotels & Resorts & Apple Vacations
Riviera Maya
Celebrity Cruises & Royal Caribbean International
Princess Cruises
Carnival Cruise Lines & Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Crystal Cruises & Viking River Cruises
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