蓝绿之旅

蓝绿之旅 National Youth Commission “Youth Trekkers Wanted. Taiwan-give you a free hug” Project Plan (Use this format to draft your travel plan to Taiwan.) Motive of participating the activity and personal experience (briefly describe the clubs or societies you once joined, or past travel experience): I joined the Chinese Literary Drama and Debating Society back in high school due to a deep interest in the Chinese culture. Traveling became a great interest after an exchange program completed in China. As much as I wanted to complete this program in Taiwan, my university offered very limited spaces (only two!) with Taiwan Universities. The program released the travel bug in me and backpacking to other parts of China soon became a monthly affair. I derived much joy from planning meticulously my travel itinerary and reading up about the history and culture of the place before visiting them. As much as planning is good, sometimes having uncertainties in a trip also has its thrills. As part of my graduation trip, I visited Taiwan for 5 days and was amazed immediately by her hospitable people. I have never met with such friendly strangers, always ready to help. Having visited only Taipei, I made a promise to myself that I would be back again and this time, I would be going around this Formosa island. Theme of plan: Green and Blue of Taiwan – 蓝绿之旅 Characteristics of plan: This plan revolves around two main concepts that can be represented by two primary colours, Green and Blue. Like most local Singaporean youths, we first know Taiwan through its colourful entertainment industry. Sodagreen, is an indie-rock band I very much admire. There are many places all over Taiwan that has a significant meaning to this alternative band. Tying this and the abundant green tourism attractions of this Formosa island represent this youthful green. The many hidden treasures of Taiwan also have its blue side – the stunning coastal areas, offshore islands and inland lakes. This route will take us through scenic Taiwan, cultural Taiwan and lastly, fun Taiwan. National Youth Commission Planning of itinerary: Day 1 – Singapore - Taipei (新加坡,台北) Arrive on Jetstar flight 3K521 at 17:40 – 803 SGD (approx 17,600 TWD) Airport bus (Freego or Guo Guang国光) to Taipei Main Station (台北车站)– 130 TWD Take subway from Taipei Main station – Gu Ting Station (古亭站) – 20 TWD Walk from Gu Ting Station to EE Hostel Check in at Eight Elephants Hostel Address: 1F, No.6, Alley 4, Lane 48, JinJiang St., ShiDa, Taipei 489TWD for a 6-bed mixed dorm Reason for choice of EE Hostel – best rated hostel on hostelworld and hostels.com, situated near ShiDa night market (师大夜市)where many students hang out Dinner at Shi Da Night Market Recommended food at Shi Da: 灯笼卤味 – 台北市龙泉街52号 北港清蒸肉圆 – 台北市师大路 49巷 许家生煎包 Estimated fixed budget – 18, 239 (excludes meals) Apply for Digital Buddy and collect from Airport Information counter. Day 2 – Taipei (台北) 0830 – Rise and wash up 0900 – Take subway from Gu Ting Station to Zhong Xiao Dun Hua Station, Exit 3 (忠孝敦化站) Breakfast at小胖胖早餐店 No 51, Alley 216, Sec 4, Zhong Xiao East Road (忠孝东路4段216巷51号) Famous for their healthy sandwiches with 30 over varieties, ingredients are superbly fresh and servings are generous. It’s uniqueness lies in the specially made carrot-flavoured sandwich bread that can only be found here. 1100 – Shopping and sightsee at East Zone(东区) Places to visit: East Zone underground shopping mall (东区地下街) Zhong Xiao Fu Xing Station basement (忠孝复兴车站) Sogo Shopping Mall (太平洋 Sogo 百货) Fu Xing Outlet(复兴馆) – No. 300, Sec 3, Zhong Xiao East Road (106忠孝东路三段 300号) Zhong Xiao Outlet(忠孝馆)- No. 45, Sec 4, Zhong Xiao East Road (106台北市忠孝 东路四段45号) Breeze Center (微风广场) No. 39, Sec 1, Fu Xing South Road (复兴南路一段39号) Places to eat: National Youth Commission Local snacks - 小林煎饼 – No. 50-2, Sec 4 Zhong Xiao East Road (忠孝东路四段 50-2 号) 苹果工房 - 199 蛋糕吃到饱 – No.2, Lane 216, Alley 8, Sec 4, Zhong Xiao East Road(忠孝 东路4段216巷8弄2号) 1600 – Subway to Hou Shan Pi Station, Exit 1(后山埤站) Walk to Wu Fen Pu Commercial Zone (五分埔) Wu Fen Pu is a popular shopping zone especially among the youth. 1700 – Subway to City Hall Station (市政府站) Shuttle bus to Taipei 101 Shopping Mall (台北101购物中心) No. 45, Xin Yi District, City Hall Road (信义区市府路45号) Places to visit: Eslite Bookstore 诚品信义店 No. 11, Song Gao Road (松高路11号) Major bookstore chain with a comprehensive variety and one of the few bookstores in the world that operate 24 hours a day. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi 新光三越百货 Largest and leading chain department store along Song Shou Road(松寿路)and Song Gao Road(松高路)with many international labels and extensive assortment of food from local delights to international cuisine. New York New York 纽约纽约购物中心 No 12, Song Shou Road (松寿路12号) Modeled after streets found in USA, the entire mall consists of different themes that bring out the unique characteristic of each shopping area in the US. 2000 – Take a taxi to Rao He Night Market (饶河观光夜市) Enjoy the beautiful night scenery of Rainbow Bridge (彩虹桥)and enjoy local delights such as Pepper Biscuit (胡椒饼)，braised spare ribs (陈董药炖排骨), etc. 2300 – Take a taxi back to Hostel and pack up to leave Taipei. Reason for visiting East Zone: As a popular hangout place for the youth, sodagreen has also held various autograph sessions at these places. Day 3 – Taipei – Tai Chung (台北,台中) 0800 – Rise and Shine 0900 – Subway to Taipei Main Station (台北车站) Quick breakfast at neighbouring shops or cooked food from 7-11 (Available inside station) 1000 – Train (台铁) to Tai Chung(台中) Train Type: Zi Qiang(自强), Train Number: 1013 1215 – Arrive at Tai Chung (台中车站) Walk to Youth Guesthouse – Tai Chung Hero House (台中国军英雄馆) No 127, Nan Jing Road, Tai Chung City East Zone (401台中市东区南京路127号) National Youth Commission 1300 – Lunch at Taiwan Banana New Paradise (香蕉新乐园) No 111, Sec 2, Shuang Shi Road (台中市双十路二段111号) This restaurant has been created to have the atmosphere of 1940’s Tai Chung City. 1500 – Take a bus to National Museum of Natural Science(国立自然科学博物馆) Taichung Transit No. 27, 35, 70, 71, 88, 103, 106, 146, 147 Jenyou Transit No. 22, 37, 45, 48, 72, 125 U-Bus No. 77, 83 No 1, Guan Cian Road (馆前路一号) One of the biggest museum in Taiwan, learn about Taiwan’s flora and fauna, Aborigines, astronomy, it even has an Earthquake Museum which serves to foster understanding about such natural catastrophes. 1900 – Take a taxi to Feng Chia Night Market (逢甲夜市) Located near Feng Chia University, Feng Chia Night Market is one of the biggest night markets in Taiwan. Many local delicacies are thought to originate from here. Dinner will be trying all these yummy delicacies! 2200 – Back to Youth Guesthouse Reason for visiting Taichung: One of sodagreen members is from Taichung (Ah-Fui, acoustic guitarist) and this was the first place outside of Taipei City that they held autograph sessions ever since gaining fame. Besides, the lead singer of sodagreen has his roots at Taichung too. On the greener side, Tai Chung is a pivotal area for visitors wanting to witness Taiwan’s lush forests and mountains. Day 4 – Tai Chung – Cing Jing (台中,清境) 1000 – Rise and Shine, pack up 1100 – Tai Chung Main Station – take bus to Puli 埔里 (Approximately 90 minutes) From Puli, take another bus to Cing Jing (清境). There are only 5 buses to Cing Jing daily (0710, 0835, 1020, 1400, 1635) therefore, catching the 1400 bus is crucial. 1400 – Bus from Puli to Cing Jing 1500 – Arrive at Cing Jing Check in at Guesthouse – 清境峰情民宿 No 46, Rong Guang Alley, Nantou County(南投县仁爱乡大同村荣光巷46号) Dinner at guesthouse 2000 – Hot spring at Lu Shan (庐山) No trip to Taiwan is complete without a good soak in Taiwan’s famous hot spring! Reason for visiting Cing Jing: Sodagreen had once attended a concert that was held on this beautiful hill top. The concert was held at the Cingjing Farm and this tourism-bureau initiated activity is a refreshing idea putting together beautiful music and picturesque Cingjing. Cingjing is a place where you could almost greet clouds yet at the same time, be standing on a green field filled with bleating sheeps. It also here where blue and green meets and there couldn’t be anywhere more peaceful than this nature. National Youth Commission Day 5 – Cing Jing (日月潭,清境) 0500 – Catch sunrise from room 0700 – Breakfast at guesthouse 0800 – Day tour with guesthouse’s owner as guide Visit the highest point of Taiwan that is accessible by road Wu Ling (武岭)，Mountain He Huan (合欢山) and enjoy this part of the Taroko National Park’s beauty. 1200 – Lunch at traditional Yunnan Restaurant 1330 – Cingjing Farm (清境农场,青青草原) This place is spread across a huge area and hills with countless sheeps on the loose for visitors to view and feed. 1700 – Back to guesthouse for dinner Day 6 – Cing Jing (清境) 0700 – Breakfast at guesthouse 0800 – Day tour with guesthouse’s owner as guide 1000 – Arrive at Sun Moon Lake 1200 – Arrive at Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village(九族文化村) This village was created to preserve and teach about Taiwan’s nine aboriginal heritage and culture. Taiwan aborigines are part of Taiwan’s unique culture thus, preserving and protecting such a special identity can be an uphill task in today’s rapidly urbanizing Taiwan. Here, folk dances are also performed at certain times and are taught at different corner of the village. This village also has a theme park and European Gardens to cater to visitors of any age group. 1800 – Back to guesthouse for dinner and pack up Reason for visiting Sun Moon Lake and Village: Blue is now the limelight at this crystal clear blue lake with rows of mountain dotting at the background. Majority of Taiwanese aborigines can be found at central Taiwan and Sun Moon Lake has been such a centre for thousands of years. Their colourful culture and costumes splashed with many colours contrasts sharply with Cingjing’s blue and green. Day 7 – Cing Jing – Kenting (清境,垦丁) 0530 – Rise and Shine 0600 – Breakfast at Guesthouse 0700 – Bus to Pu Li then back to Tai Chung 1038 – Train from Tai Chung to Kao Hsiung(高雄) Train Type: Zi Qiang(自强), Train Number: 1009, 2 hrs 21min 1300 – Arrive at Kao Hsiung Lunch at Kao Hsiung station National Youth Commission 1400 – Take a taxi to Ken Ting (垦丁) 1500 – Check in at guesthouse – Beach House No 2 (海邊(二館) No 22, Nan Wan Road, Heng Chun Town, Pingtung County (屏东县恒春镇南湾路,,号) Take a stroll along scenic South Bay(南湾) 1800 – Take a bus to Ken Ting Main Street (垦丁大街) This street bustles with activity at night dotting stores selling food, games stores, merchandise, etc. Reason for visiting Kenting: Kenting is home to not just surfers, but many underground bands that are struggling to be heard. The annual Spring Scream festival at the beach is famous not just at home but also overseas. The recent phenomena local film, Cape No 7, only drove crowds to visit this beach that can be compared to Bali’s pristine waters. Blue is splattered everywhere in this leg of the plan and Kenting holds another meaning for Sodagreen. It is an avenue for them not just to perform but also learn from other bands. While criticism has been drawn about the vices that Spring Scream festival has brought about, it has no doubt brought the world’s attention to this hidden treasure of Asia. Day 8 – Kenting (垦丁) 0800 – Rise and shine 0900 – Breakfast at Guesthouse 1000 – Get a guide/car to see the various scenic spots at Kenting National Park Places to see: 船帆石, 鹅鸾鼻灯塔, 香蕉湾，龙坑，风吹砂，龙磐公园，佳乐水 1300 – Seafood lunch at 后壁湖渔会 Taiwan’s version of Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, fresh seafood is in abundance here and sashimi is said to be on par with its Japanese counterparts. 1400 – Continue with tour around Kenting 1700 – Proceed to 关山 to view sunset 1900 – Join fellow backpackers in guesthouse for a barbeque and beer party Day 9 – Kenting (垦丁) 0800 – Rise and shine 0900 – Breakfast at Guesthouse 1000 – Water activity at South Bay Choose between snorkeling or capsizing on a huge banana boat, there are many water activies available 1400 – Lunch at beach café along South Bay 1500 – Guided tour on the natural habitat of Kenting 1700 – Proceed to关山 to view sunset but this time, at a café instead 1900 – Visit Kenting Main Street again National Youth Commission Day 10 – Kenting – Taipei(垦丁,台北) 0800 – Rise and shine 0900 – Breakfast at Guesthouse 1000 – Take a bus to National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium 1500 – Return to guesthouse and check out. Take a taxi to Kao Hsiung Dream Mall (梦时代广场) Sitting on top of this mall is a ferris wheel that overlooks Kao Hsiung city. 2000 – Take High Speed Rail back to Taipei 2230 – Check in at Futurestar Hotel in Xi Men Ding (西门町) Day 11 – Taipei (台北) 0900 – Rise and shine 1000 – Travel to Taipei Main station, change train to Rui Fang then Shi Fen 1100 – Visit Shi Fen Waterfalls. Lunch at train station 1300 – Take a train to Jiu Fen Walk down streets of Jiu Fen, what used to be a gold-mine area, and visit ancient gold mining areas. Travel out of the commercial street of Jiu Fen and see Jin Gua Shi (金瓜 石) amongst others fantastic spots. 1700 – Take a bus to Kee Lung Kee Lung night market – discover the difference between night markets and their own unique beauty 2000 – Take a direct bus back to Taipei Day 12 – Taipei (台北) 0900 – Rise and shine 1000 – Breakfast at local breakfast shops (早餐店) 1100 – Take a subway to Dan Shui (淡水) Visit Danshui Old Street (淡水老街) for its wide selection of shops and small cafes. Local specialties such as A-Gei (阿给), iron eggs(铁蛋), fish crackers (鱼酥)should not be missed too. Fort San Domingo(红毛城) Constructed by the Dutch, this for offers a great view over the mouth of Danshui River. Danshui Fisherman’s Wharf (淡水渔人码头) Lover’s bridge (情人桥)is a photograph-worthy spot with splendid views especially by evening. 1700 – Take a subway back to Taipei 1800 – Visit Xi Men Ding Try the famous noodles – 阿宗面线 Reason for visiting Dan Shu and Xi Men Ding: In the last leg of a blue trait, Danshui offers a slower-paced option to Taipei. Xi Men Ding was also the venue of countless of autograph sessions Sodagreen has held, often attended by screaming fans and family members alike. National Youth Commission Day 13 – Taipei – Singapore 0900 – Rise and shine 1000 – Breakfast at local breakfast shops (早餐店) Check out of hotel and travel to Taoyuan International Airport As many details are not released on many events, this plan is subjected to changes. I have kept in mind other festivals such as海洋音乐季at台北县贡寮乡境内的福隆海水浴场. This is the festival where sodagreen was talent-spotted and more importantly, this festival has been the central of criticism due to the human pollution it brings about each time after a night of raving. The damage to the coastal line has even forced this event to be relocated further inland. If you are selected to travel Taiwan, in what way(s) will you share your traveling experience with other people upon completion of your trip? I would share through these ways: Online Blog As youths, we spend most of our time on the internet. Recording every moment of the trip and uploading photos on the blog would be the fastest and easiest way to share with friends and family this wonderful journey. Travel forum Since I would have completed the trip, I would be able to provide tips and information to people who are intending to visit Taiwan. Forums are a place where people source for first hand information, rather than just from guidebooks. The information from forums are usually from the perspective of a traveler and not edited nor commercialized, interaction between the users also helps in getting all the necessary information. Thus, being active and sharing my experience with strangers through forum would be very useful. Facebook The power of social networking websites cannot be underestimated. Uploading beautiful photographs of the trip on Facebook will entice people from your network to view and tempt them to visit Taiwan too! National Youth Commission