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Had a good breakfast and after which checked out from our CityInn Hotel Plus Taichung Station Branch. We left the hotel at about 9 am and drove along Provincial Highway 14.
Sceneries along Provincial Highway 14 (台14線)
Cingjing Farm (清境農場)
- In the middle of this highway, we stopped at Cingjing Farm for a break at about 11.30 am. Cingjing Farm is an attraction located at the mountainous Ren'ai Township in Nantou County. Temperature in Cingjing Farm is cooling as it is located 1750-meters above sea level.
Probably that is the reason why there are many hotels and B&Bs located there. Interestingly there are quite of number of these buildings built in European style (left photo below). Starbucks and 7-eleven are located in the tourist center which is just besides the main road (right photo below). Initially wanted to have lunch at its 7-eleven store but gave up the idea as there was not much selection.
We also briefly walked past the Carton King Creative Park at Cingjing Farm (photo below) just to find out if there is any difference from the park we visited at Da Keng (大坑) on our first day. These two creative parks are similar in term of their attractions.
- We then continued our journey along the highway. It seems that this highway is built on the ridges where the mountain peaks are just so close to us (photos below). These roads tend to be winding with sharp bends at times in order to meander through the mountains.
- Saw many cars parked beside the road at one point of the highway, thus we also did the same (left photo below). Probably that is the curious nature of Singaporeans? Only from the signage we then knew that this is the Kunyang rest station at Mount Hehuan (合歡山). It is one of the best lookout points situated at 3070-meters above sea level. The 'Taroko National Park (Kunyang) Boundary Marker' (太魯閣國家公園昆陽界碑) is also located near to this rest station (right photo below).
Majestic mountains could be seen from this rest station especially on a clear day (photos below).
Further away from these mountains was the view of 'Sea of Clouds' where the overcast layer of clouds undulating at various lengths (photo below).
- More of the sea of clouds hovering around the mountains could be seen along the highway (photos below). It seemed like we were driving through the 'heavens'.
One of the prominent farms in Taiwan, the Wuling Farm can be reached from Mount Hehuan which is located about 29-km from Lishan. The farm spans over 700-hectares of area located at an altitude of 1740 to 2100-meters in Shei-Pa National Park (雪霸國家公園). There are two peak-seasons at the farm; Spring to view cherry blossoms and Autumn to view red maple. The farm is located at No. 3-1, Wuling road, Heping District in Taichung City County.
We reached Wuling Farm at about 3 pm.
Visitor Information Center (武陵農場旅遊服務中心)
- Once checked in to our room, we then walked towards the Visitor Information Center to find out more information regarding the attractions in Wuling Farm (left photo below). As we didn't have lunch, we then got soup noodles and Chinese tea from an eatery inside the center (right photo below). Taste was simple but could not remember its exact price.
Initially wanted track to Taoshan waterfall but the friendly staff at the visitor center requested us to re-consider. Reason was the Taoshan Trail is about 3.4-km and it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall, therefore the trail back to the center will be dark and dangerous for amateur visitors. A shorter trail to the Salmon Eco Center was more suitable during that time.Taiwan Salmon Eco Center (台灣櫻花鉤吻鮭生態中心)
- The trail begins from terminus of the main road and through a Wuling Suspension Bridge (武陵橋) (left photo below) where a good view of the protected area could be seen (right photo below).
After about an hour's walk, we reached the Taiwan Salmon Eco Center (left photo below). This center is located besides the Cijiawan River (七家灣溪) which is the home for the salmons (right photo below).
The Eco Center is relatively large with displays explaining the evolution of the salmon family (left photo below) and a large tank exhibiting these live salmons (right photo below). Glad that I was able to see these salmons at its natural environment as not many people have the opportunity to see one. The Eco Center also served as a laboratory to bred these salmons so that they can be released back into the wild.
Formosan Salmon (Oncorhynchus masou formosanus), also known as the "Cherry Blossom Hook Salmon" (櫻花鉤吻鮭), is a very rare variety of salmon on the verge of extinction. According to an official count in 1992, there were only 200 remaining. It is a survivor of the last ice age and the only salmon in the world that has adapted to a totally landlocked environment. The fish is routinely described as a "national treasure" and its image on the Taiwan 2000 dollar banknote signifies its importance (photo below).
- After rested in our room for a while, we then drove to Wuling National Hostel (武陵國民賓館) to have our dinner. While having our meal, the staff from CityInn Hotel Plus called me to inform that we had left our chocolates in the room fridge. Knowing that it is impossible for us to collect, I then replied her that she can share those chocolates with her colleagues. Disappointedly, due to our negligence we did not have the chance to enjoy the delicious chocolates from Feeling 18 Degree Chocolate Factory.
Day Four
Wuling Farm
Breakfast at Wuling Farm
- Woke up early at 8.30 am in the morning. Once stepped out of the room, we felt sudden coldness in the temperature. We quickly got into the car and drove to Wuling National Hostel for breakfast. From the electronic display at the hostel entrance, it showed that the temperature was 12 °C. Did not expect the weather to be so cold at Wuling farm.
Peach Blossom Garden (桃花源)
- After breakfast, the sun is up and temperature risen to comfortable degree. We then took the last opportunity to admire the surroundings of Wuling farm.
The sculpture near the entrance of Visitor Center do make a good photographic spot (left photo below). Faint smell from the lavender flowers could be detected when I was taking photos of them at the Peach Blossom Garden (right photo below).
The blue sky formed a sharp contrast with the lush greeneries, and together with the cosy weather it really made me wanting to stay longer at Wuling farm (photos below). Sadly, we had to leave the farm to proceed on to our next destination.
Old House B&B
We confirmed with the owner that we would be having dinner at the B&B after checked in. Off-loaded luggage into our room, we then drove off to our next attraction.
Water Geothermal Square (清水地熱公園)
This geothermal park used to be a petroleum company workstation where it found out in 1981 that the area is rich in geothermal heat where the water temperature can reach as high as 95 °C. In 2011, the local government built this Water Geothermal Square to provide a safer place for visitors. It is located at No. 150, Lane 501, Section 8, Sanxing road, Datong Township in Yilan County.
While walking from the parking lot, hot steam arising out from the park could be seen from a distance (left photo below). The steam was coming from the hot pools where visitors can boil food in it (right photo below).
The square provides two types of activities; boil food in the hot pools or dip feet in the shallow baths. Our first activity was to purchase a bamboo basket of eight chicken eggs at TWD 60 (left photo below). There are three hot pools in the park and each pool has an electronic indicator to show its actual temperature. Perhaps we had soaked the eggs slightly too long, the eggs were quite well-cooked in the hot pool (right photo below).
Do note that plastic materials are prohibited to be placed into the hot pool as they are toxic to health, otherwise a fine will be imposed.Next activity was to dip our feet in the shallow bath at temperature about 40 to 42 °C (left photo below). From the notice besides the pool, soaking feet has great benefits such as promoting metabolism and increasing body immunity. It was relaxing and comfortable dipping our feet in these warm waters.
Admission to the park is free and its opening hours from 0900 to 1700 hours daily.
Wei Zhen Xiang restaurant (味珍香卜肉店)
Highly recommended by the B&B owner, we then drove to this restaurant for lunch (left photo below). Established since 1930, it is located at No. 305, Section 7, Sanxing Road, Sanxing Township in Yilan County.
Pok-bah (卜肉) is a battered deep fried pork chunks which is a famous local snack in Yilan and believed to be invented by this Wei Zhen Xiang restaurant. Needless to mention that this Pok-bah dish was a must in our order (right photo below).
Priced at TWD 270, the pok-bah dish may seem slightly pricey but this large plate was sufficient for three of us. Besides pok-bah, there were also fried vegetables underneath. They were well-fried and crispy with light fried aroma. The pok-bah was more delicious when dipped in pepper-infused salt.We also ordered a boiled kangkong (燙空心菜) at TWD 60 (left photo below) and a minced pork rice (魯肉飯) at TWD 25 for each of us (right photo below). We had a fulfilling lunch at this restaurant.
Opening hours of this restaurant from 1000 to 1730 hours (Wed to Mon) but closed on every Tuesday.Kavalan Distillery (噶瑪蘭酒廠)
Kavalan Distillery is a Taiwanese whisky distillery. It is named after the indigenous Kavalan people who originally inhabited the Kabalan Plain of modern-day Yilan County. The construction of the distillery was completed in 2005, produced its first spirit in 2006 and released its first bottling in 2008. One of Kavalan's product beat three Scottish whiskies and one English whisky in a blind tasting in 2010.
This modern distillery features a modern tour program for visitors (photos below). It is located at No. 326, Section 2, Yuanshan road, Yuanshan in Yilan County.
Our first stop was to the free whisky tasting section. We got to sip on a small portion of selected whisky (left photo below) and to smell samples of different labels of whiskies from the distillery (right photo below). Of course, our driver friend did not get to taste the free whisky sample for safety reasons.
Next we went for a production tour where we were greeted by a strong whisky aroma upon entering the area. We got to learn how the distillery turns barleys and water into world-class whisky through its distillation processes (left photo below). One highlight in this tour was hundreds of barrels lined up in their storage room waiting for maturation (right photo below).
For non-alcoholic drinkers, there is a 'Mr. Brown' café next to the distillery which is also owned by the parent company of Kavalan.The distillery tour is free. Besides the tour, there is also DIY whisky blending with additional charges. Opening hours from 1000 to 1200 hours, and 1300 to 1700 hours daily.
Sophisca Candy Studio (菓風糖果工房)
Sophisca Candy Studio is built in a Japanese-style manor building (left photo below) situated beside a pond. The environment surrounding the studio is serene and feels laidback. It is located at No. 188, Section 2, Xiande road, Yuanshan Township in Yilan County.
Besides merchandizing its products, Sophisca Candy Studio also conducts DIY candy and chocolate making workshops. We reached this studio at about 4.20 pm, so could only visit its retail store. Sophisca is well-known for its creative packaging. Thus for conversation piece, I bought some of their candy floss sealed in sanitary napkin package as food souvenirs (right photo below).
Opening hours from 1000 to 1800 hours daily.Agrioz Candied Fruits Museum (橘之鄉蜜餞觀光工廠)
This is a factory-museum-café place for its premium candied fruit products. Once part of the production factory, Agrioz converted it into a museum and café in 2010 (left photo below). It is located at No. 33, Meizhou 2nd road, Yilan City in Yilan County.
Agrioz is famous for its candied kamquats (金桔). There are DIY classes at TWD 150 per person for visitors to slice and preserve the fruits in sugar and salt concoction, and bring home a small bottle of candied kamquats. We arrived almost to their closing time at 5.15 pm, thus could only visit its retail store (right photo below).
Opening hours from 0830 to 1730 hours daily.We then drove back to Old House B&B for dinner and had a good rest after that.
Day Five
After a satisfying breakfast, we then checked out from the B&B and set off to our morning hike.
Jiuliao Ecological Park (九寮溪教育生態園區)
The Jiuliao Ecological Park is located in Lunpi Village of Datong Township (left photo below). At the park entrance, an interesting signboard described the health benefits of completing the trail which motivated us (right photo below). The park is located in Lunpi Village, on Line 7 of the Yilan Branch Line of the Crossroad, Datong Township in Yilan County.
Our main purpose was to hike its 1.8-km long Jiulio Creek Trail "九寮溪自然步道". However, a path of 2.2-km is required to complete before reaching the trail entrance. This path started off with concrete path and crossed over a few bridges (left photo below) along the Jiuliao river (right photo below).
We then reached the entrance of the trail. First sight along the trail was "Yayue Plank Road" (崖躍棧道) (left photo below). The early residents used to wade through the Jiuliao River, but due to the unpredictable climate in summer, the clear stream in the morning may swell into a torrent in the afternoon. This section of the plank road is the temporary 'water-avoiding access road' dug by the residents along the cliff with manpower. The local people call it "ya yaw". Indeed, the water was gushing downstream when we crossed the plank road in the late morning (right photo below).
We then crossed over the "Dunong Bridge" (篤農橋), "Huoyun Bridge" (豁雲橋) which symbolizes the eye of the ancestors (left photo below) and "Ba Gah Bridge" (巴尬橋) which is made of suspension cables (right photo below). These bridges are popular sights along this trail. The word "Ba Gah" (巴尬) is in Atayal (泰雅) language which means "wooden back frame".
Two more bridges appeared along the trail, the "Ha'ai Suspension Bridge" (哈隘吊橋) is without archways and piers (left photo below) and "Linpu Bridge" (臨瀑橋) was the final bridge we crossed (right photo below).
As the name of the last bridge suggested, we were very close to the waterfall at the end of the trail. Water turns torrential and gushy, and the roar of water could be heard; probably due to the heavy waterfall from its upstream (photos below).
Finally, we reached the viewing platform where we could see the "Ga-ba Waterfall" (戈霸瀑布). Used to be known as "Jiuliao Waterfall" (九寮溪瀑布) or "Yulan Waterfall" (玉兰瀑布), this Ga-ba Waterfall hangs on the shoulder of the mountain (photos below). It has a height of about 30-meters which is equivalent to a three or four-storey height. During rainy season, the waterfall can measure up to 5-meters wide. Glad that we came in the right time where the water is plentiful. The word "Ga-ba" (戈霸) is in Atayal (泰雅) language which means "the sound of waterfall hitting the stones".
We took about one hour to hike from the park till the end of the trail where the waterfall is. Personally felt that this trail was rather gentle and easy to walk, and the sceneries along the trail were scenic and picturesque, which exceeded my expectation.
After some tiring exercise, we decided to go for our lunch.
Artemis Garden (香草菲菲)
Artemis Garden is a museum of aromatic plants and largest indoor glass house in Taiwan. It is 4.5-meters high and surrounded by many flowers and trees (photos below). Occupying an area of close to 5,000 square meters, the ambient temperature is kept between 27 to 28 °C without the use of any air-conditioners. We reached Artemis Garden at about 12.45 pm. It is located at No. 650, Neicheng road, Yuanshan Township in Yilan County.
Admission was TWD 100 per person and this can be used as voucher at 100% for any purchases within the garden.Garden Restaurant (花園餐廳)
- Decided to have our lunch in this restaurant. There were many varieties of cooked food (left photo below) and even ice-creams (right photo below) available. It was comparable to any hotel buffet restaurants.
Following were my selections (photos below). What surprised me was the Hey Song Sarsaparilla (黑松沙士) soft-drink that tasted very much like the mix between 'Sarsi' and 'Root beer'.
Although pricey at TWD 462 per person (TWD 420 with a 10% service charge), the food selection was good, its ambience was great with the constant aroma of flowers and able to dine in a natural lighting.Restaurant opening hours from 1130 to 1400 hours.
Skywalk (天空步道)
- After lunch we then took the opportunity to explore its skywalk. Located above the garden restaurant, there are many vines and climbing plants placed on both sides of the skywalk (left photo below). What caught my attention was the Osmanthus (桂花) that emitted a faint sweet fragrance (right photo below). Then I know why many people loved its fragrance and even added the flowers to cakes and dumplings.
Other ornamental plants were also planted along the skywalk (photos below).
Opening hours of the skywalk from 0900 to 1130 hours and 1400 to 1730 hours.Roof top Observation Deck (頂樓觀景台)
- We then walked further up to the roof top area where almost the whole view of internal Artemis Garden could be seen (left photo below). From the observation deck, surrounding view of lushly green mountains could be observed (right photo below).
- This informative corner enabled me to understand the kinds of spices and their respective uses (photos below). From the information, I learned that Saffron (藏红花) is the world's most expensive spice and this was followed by Vanilla (香草) because growing the vanilla seed pods is labor-intensive.
We left the garden at about 2.45 pm and drove towards Wulai.