Wulai / Taipei

Day Five

After about 2-hours' drive, we reached Mulan Country Villa at Wulai at about 5 pm. Had some washup and then took our afternoon tea in the villa. The owner of villa offered to drive us to Wulai old street for dinner which was just 10-mins drive away.

Wulai Old Street (烏來老街)

The Wulai Old Street is a 300-meters shopping street located along Huangshan Road and Pubu Road. There are many food stalls and restaurants located on both sides of the street (photos below).
Since the main residents in Wulai are Atayal (泰雅) people, the culture of the Atayal Tribe can be seen from the stone-paved roads and shop signs designed uniformly on this old street. Aboriginal foods such as roasted boar meat (left photo below), hot spring eggs, rice dumpling wrapped in Alpinia leaves, rice stuffed in bamboo tubes (right photo below), magao cuisine, fried nest fern and bulb onion can be found in this old street. The strong aboriginal characteristics surely make Wulai Old Street one of the most distinctive old streets in Taiwan.
Saw a stall selling wild boar meat kebab (left photo below). Out of curiosity I bought one at TWD 40 to try (right photo below). Taste was similar to most barbeque food but the wild boar meat was much tougher and chewy.
Decided to have our dinner at this 'Wulai Eatery' (乌来小吃店) located along Wulai street (left photo below). Ordered 'mushroom meatball soup' (香菇丸湯) at TWD 150, 'fushan black fungus' (福山黑木耳) at TWD 150, 'wild boar meat' (野生山豬肉) at TWD 200, 'fried nest fern' (炒山蘇) at TWD 150 and 'wild shallot' (山珠蔥) at TWD 150 (right photo below). The dishes were good except for the two 'local wild vegetables' that we were not used to their taste.
After dinner, we walked around to explore the old street and got some snacks from 7-eleven store. Back to hotel for a good rest.


Day Six

After breakfast, we then checked out from Mulan Country Villa and drove to the next scenic spot in Wulai.

Wulai Waterfall (烏來瀑布)

Wulai Waterfall claimed to be the tallest waterfall in Northern Taiwan, and it is located at No. 16, Pubu road, Wulai District in New Taipei City.

The waterfall is about 80-meters high and around 10-meters wide. Looking at the waterfall from a distance, it looks like a white chain (left photo below). When rainfall is abundant, Wulai Waterfall will divide into two streams which rush down from the valley (right photo below).


The best observation point is from the Warrior Square right in front of the waterfall (photos below).
Perhaps it was rainy season, the water was plentiful during our visit. The sound of water gushing could be heard which was contributed by the waterfall hitting the rock (left photo below) and the water spurting through the rocks (right photo below).
This waterfall can also be reached from the Wulai Old Street by walking roughly 1.6-km. Alternatively Wulai Scenic Train, also known as Wulai Trolley, can be taken at TWD 50 per ride from the Wulai station located at the Wulai Old Street.

Besides the waterfall, there are two attractions nearby, namely Wulai Forestry Life Museum and Yunxian Paradise.

Wulai Forestry Life Museum (烏來林業生活館)

The Wulai Forestry Life Museum is located between the waterfall and the platform station (left photo below). It is a museum planned by the Forestry Bureau. In addition to introducing the development process of Wulai forestry, it also introduces the history of the trolley. Opening hours from 0900 to 1700 hours (Wed to Mon) and closed on every Tuesday.

Yunxian Paradise (雲仙樂園)

From time-to-time, cable car can be seen passing by above the waterfall. At the end of Nanshi Creek is the Yunxian Paradise (right photo below). It is a scenic spot that can only be reached by the cable car and the only paradise in Taiwan that cannot be reached by any vehicle; this added some mysteries to this place. Opening hours from 0930 to 1700 hours daily and extended till 1900 hours during public holidays.
We then left Wulai at about 11.30 am and drove to Xindian.

Cukeng Dam (粗坑坝)

Cukeng Dam, also known as Quchi Dam, is located near Quchi (屈尺) in the middle of Xindian River (left photo below). Construction of the dam began in 1970 and completed in 1909. Its main function is to regulate the water of Feicui Reservoir and Guishan Power Plant, and divert water to the Ruikeng Power Plant at its downstream (right photo below).
Lunch at Carrefour Xindian Store

Had lunch at the food court of Carrefour Xindian Store (left photo below) before returning our car. The food court is located at the basement of the Carrefour Store building. Ordered a Black Pepper Beef set at TWD 290 (right photo below). Portion was big and it was a satisfying lunch.
Next, we returned our rental car to the Easyrent Xindian branch. After which carried our luggage to the nearest metro station 'Xindian District Office' station. Took the metro line to Taipei train station and checked in to Y Hotel Taipei at about 4 pm.

Eslite Spectrum Mall (誠品生活)

After some washup at the Y Hotel Taipei, we then checked with our hotel concierge on the location of Songshan Cultural Park. The hotel staff showed us a pre-printed map of the park (left photo below) and professionally explained how to reach there from the nearest Metro station.

The Eslite Spectrum shopping mall was recently opened in 2013. Located in the bustling east district of Taipei and bordering on Songshan Cultural Park, the Eslite Spectrum is a shopping mall of 4 floors of eating, shopping, tea sipping, and browsing at all the cool and unique products (right photo below).


Before exploring the mall, we opted to have our dinner at its food court. Spotted 'Hei Mien Tsai' (黑面蔡) restaurant which was new to me, so decided to give it a try (left photo below). Ordered a combo meal which included a 'minced pork rice' (滷肉饭), 'assorted Taiwanese braised bean curd' (五香拼盤), and a 'mango green tea' (鮮芒果綠茶) at TWD 174 (right photo below). Taste was good and portion was enough.
After dinner, we had a good time browsing the books at the Eslite Bookstore in this mall. We then headed back to hotel and had a good rest.


Day Seven

Woke up in the morning and left our hotel at 9.30 am for our seafood breakfast. As one of our friends was meeting his university friend, thus only two of us went to explore the Taipei city.

Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產)

Addiction Aquatic Development is a gourmet marketplace and seafood lover's paradise in the Zhongshan District (left photo below). It is like a mini-version of Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, but smaller, more stylish and less expensive.

The complex has a space of 1983-square meters and has been operating from within the original Taipei Fish Market ever since 2012. It is still popular and was packed with patrons when I visited this place (right photo below). Addiction Aquatic Development is located at No. 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu East road, Zhongshan District in Taipei City.
It is more than just a fresh fish market or restaurant; very much like the IKEA of seafood. There are ten sections within the complex, and following are some of its descriptions.

Aqua-marine (水產)

After stepping through the automatic glass doors at the entrance, we were immediately greeted by large tanks filled with bubbling water (left photo below). The temperature-controlled tanks are filled with fishes and shellfishes from all over the world. Bordering the tanks are flash-frozen fishes and shrimps, and other seafood available for sale (right photo below).
Most of these tanks were filled with humungous crabs (left photo below) and abalones (right photo below) when we visited. But fresh seafood isn't the only option; the staff there will also cook whatever seafood chosen on the spot, either to be taken home or to eat later.

Supermarket (超市)

Equally impressive was the supermarket which sold not just seafood, but fruits, vegetables (left photo below), wines and spirits, sauces, and meat of good quality. It is a one-stop shop for visitors planning a party or quiet dinner for two.

Seafood Bar (快意鮮味吧)

Located at the back wall of the supermarket is an L-shaped bar overflowing with shellfish atop with piles of crashed ice (right photo below). A glass of wine or sake can be ordered there, or peruse the daily special menus written on the chalkboard.

To-Go Bento / Cooked Gourmet (即食熟食)

Situated next to the cashier, the 'make-your-own bento' station allows customers to choose from different dishes over rice for a flat price. Across from the bento station is a large section of pre-packaged cooked dishes, as well as grilled seafood and boxes of sashimi (photos below).

Sushi Bar (立吞美食)

On the other side of the seafood bar is the Sushi Bar located at the center of the space. The Sushi Bar is a very popular section and packed with patrons at almost every hour (photos below). It is based on first-come, first-served basis, so diners can first grab a number and stroll the rest of market while waiting for the number to be called. There is no seat in this sushi bar, all customers will have to stand to eat.
Fresh and high-quality sushi is handmade and fish is filleted on-site in front of diners, thus ensuring the freshness of food (photos below).
We ordered a 'Seasonal Shell Nigiri Sushi Combo' (貝類綜合握壽司) at TWD 300 (center photo below) and a 'Addiction Sashimi' (上引生魚片) at TWD 210 (bottom left photo) to share. The sashimi was too good that we got ourselves another 'Deluxe Sashimi' (特選生魚片) at TWD 330 (bottom right photo). Total cost for these three dishes of sushi and sashimi was TWD 924 (TWD 840 with additional 10% service charge) which I felt was worth the price for two of us.

Charcoal Grill (備長炭燒烤)

At the right side of the building is a DIY charcoal grill restaurant with outdoor seating (left photo below). Food can be grilled over white charcoal at the table which imparts a smoky slightly charred flavor. This makes the place a good casual space to linger with friends. Besides this section there is a to-go charcoal grill house (right photo below).

The closest metro station to the Addiction Aquatic Development is Xingtian Temple (行天宮) Metro Station. It can be reached either by walking for about 20-minutes from Exit 3 of the station, or take a taxi or Uber from the station which the fare will never exceed TWD 100.

Operation hours from 0600 to 2400 hours daily. However do note that several sections has its own opening time:

• Sushi Bar from 0930 to 2400 hours.
• Seafood Bar from 1000 to 2400 hours
• Supermarket from 0700 to 2400 hours
• Charcoal Grill and Hot Pot from 1100 to 2400 hours

Do note that only cash is accepted in Addiction Aquatic Development and there is no credit card services.

MAJI Square (集食行樂)

Located inside the Taipei Expo Park (left photo below) is the MAJI Square which is a vast food hub with fast-food and sit-down eateries, a supermarket, speciality shops and an event space (right photo below). MAJI square was officially opened only in June 2013. The square is within walking distance from Yuanshan (圓山) Metro Station. It is located at No. 105, Section 3, Xinsheng North Road, Zhongshan District in Taipei City.
Market Square

The market square was formed by cargo containers and wooden barns where it is eco-friendly yet chic and stylish. Local snacks can be bought from the eateries there (photos below).
Among the eateries is the '黑妈妈臭豆腐' (left photo below) where we bought a plate of stinky tofu with minced meat at TWD 70 (right photo below).
We also patronized another eatery '阿宏鹽酥雞' (left photo below) and got a plate of deep-fried chicken dice (right photo below) at TWD 50.
Dessert store '336 豆花' (left photo below) was our final eatery and we got two bowls of tofu pudding (right photo below) at TWD 80.
These snacks definitely satisfied our craving for local food. Opening hours of the Market Square from 1200 till 2100 hours daily.

Brick Works Café

One interesting café we saw at the square was the Brick Works Café (left photo below). It is a Lego-themed café that has a dining area and an onsite Lego store (right photo below) where there were plenty of Lego bricks displayed.

Shopping Spree at Xinyi District

Xinyi District (信義區) is a prime shopping area in Taipei, and it is anchored by a number of departmental stores and malls. In addition, numerous high-end restaurants are located in this area.

My friend and I decided to explore this Xinyi District separately to maximum our time. My first stop was to Taipei 101 where I literally shopped from day (late afternoon to be exact) (left photo below) to night (about 7 pm in the evening) (right photo below).


In-between these two timings, I also visited Eslite Bookstore, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (left photo below) and ATT 4 FUN (formerly known as New York New York) (right photo below).
Dinner at Ramen Restaurant

Met up with my friend at ATT 4 FUN for dinner at about 7 pm. We decided to have Japanese Ramen at Ramensanji (麵家三士) (left photo below). The restaurant name comes from the Restoration Sanjie (Three Masters) at the end of the Tokugawa period in Japan, and its decoration is very distinctive with the three masters in ink-painting style on its wall.
Ordered a '龍馬三士拉麵' at TWD 210 (left photo below) and a value set of barbeque pork with iced lemon tea at additional TWD 105 (right photo below) for myself. Taste was slightly above average.


After dinner, we went back to hotel to met up with our friend and took Kuo-Kuang (國光) Shuttle Bus No. 1819 to Taoyuan Airport. It was a long wait in the airport where most shops were closed and we could only take a nap on the uncomfortable seats.


Day Eight

Scoot Airlines

Finally boarded the flight TZ 205 (left photo below) which took off on time at 0400 hours. Surprised that the flight was quite packed even at such a dreadful timing (right photo below).
We landed on Singapore at about 8.45 am. With this, it ended my 10-days trip to Taiwan.