What to do in Hualien, Taiwan

Hualien city is a place of incredible natural wonders and home to one of Taiwan’s most beautiful National Parks, Taroko. While the county’s unrivalled scenery is an understandable attraction for tour groups and travellers, the city of Hualien itself also has a lot to offer. So next time, if you visit Taiwan’s East Coast, take some time to enjoy the delights of this relaxed coastal city.

Visit Taroko Gorge National Park

The undisputed king of Taiwan’s National Parks, Taroko Gorge is the quintessential destination on Taiwan’s east coast. Towering marble valleys, thundering waterfalls, forest hikes and mountain to mountain suspension bridges are just a few of the spectacular features of this grand park. Carved by the Liwu river over millions of years, the spectacular Gorge is the largest marble canyon in the world and boasts a wide variety of trails, temples and landscapes.

Sample street food at Dongdamen Night Market

You simply cannot visit any city in Taiwan without checking out the local night market. In Hualien that means heading to Dongdamen. The market is a hive of activity once the sun goes down. Take a browse around the stalls and be sure to sample some of the region’s most famous street foods. It does get busy at the weekends but half the fun of a night market is navigating the crowds while eating food on a stick.

Check out the beaches

Beaches in Hualien are uncrowded and fairly pristine. The water can be chilly, so if you want to go for a dip your best bet is to head to Jici (or Jiqi) beach airsouth of Hualien city as swimming is not allowed at the more famous Qixingtan beach.

Explore the East Rift Valley

As one heads south on Highway 9 or scenic Old Highway 193 from Hualien City, it becomes clear, quite quickly, what a spectacular day is in store for you. With the Coastal Mountain Range rising on your left, and the Central Mountain Range on your right, the green and fertile East Rift Valley stretches south, littered with glistening rice paddies, wild rivers, waterfalls, hot springs and more.

From the tranquil shores of Liyu Lake, to the tea fields and hot springs of Ruisui, there are tons of things to explore in this beautiful valley. Cool off under Fenghuang Waterfall, take a bike ride through Danong Dafu Forest Park, view countless orchids and critters in the Matai’an Wetlands, see many of Taiwan’s 450 butterfly species at the Fuyuan Forest Recreation Area and so much more.

Wander around Hualien Railway Culture Park

The Railway Culture Park is set in the restored grounds of an old railway depot. Originally built in 1932, this park is full of historical facts and information about the area’s industrial past. There is a fully restored machine yard which is something of a paradise for train lovers young and old, while the rest of the park features rustic buildings, great to take a wander around and the perfect photo backdrop.

See more: 7 must-try foods in Hualien, Taiwan

Source Internet

Best destinations to visit in Visayas, Philippines

While Visayas seems small compared to its neighboring island groups in the Philippines - namely Luzon and Mindanao - this island group should not be underestimated. We round up the best destinations in Visayas in this article.

Bohol

For a nature lover’s perfect getaway, Bohol is the ideal destination in the Visayas Region. Find lush landscapes and the amazing Chocolate Hills (which turn chocolatey brown in color during the summer), experience eating a meal on a river cruise in Loboc, and see the furry, small creatures called the Philippine Tarsiers, which are considered endemic to the country.

Cebu

Known as the province where the oldest city of the Philippines is found, the island of Cebu offers stunning views, land and sea adventures, and the grand festival of Sinulog, celebrated every third week of January each year. Apart from immersing yourself in nature and having the chance to see whale sharks on the island, Cebu also plays an important role in Philippine history; it is where the Battle of Mactan was held and the first successful resistance to Spanish colorization was recorded.

Boracay Island in Aklan

Part of the country’s pride comes from the island group of Visayas’ world-famous Boracay Island, which was hailed as the best island of 2017! Popular to tourists for its white, fine sand beaches and crystal clear waters, this island is the best location for a variety of water sports, adventure activities that seem endless, and late-night island parties. Of course, you shouldn’t skip the food trip, where you can taste freshwater seafood.

Siquijor Island

If you’re in search of pristine beaches and natural wonders that offer unique experiences, then Siquijor Island is the place to be! While it’s infamously known for dark myths (they say you can find voodoo doctors here), this remote island will satisfy your wanderlust, as it provides the perfect place to relax, unwind, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city.

See more: Find the most beautiful towns in the Philippines

Source: Internet

Budget hotels to stay in Taipei

As one of the more expensive cities to visit in Asia, Taipei isn’t always at the top of the list for the budget traveler, but this lively city full of culture has a lot to offer the thrifty tourist. And far from being a city full of boutique hotels and five-star establishments, there are more than a few budget-friendly hotels right here in the city.

CityInn Plus Ximending

This new hotel is right in the heart of one of Taipei’s coolest neighborhoods, Ximending. The entire building is super modern and very well maintained. Some of the rooms feature murals and modern art touches that give CityInn Plus a very chic and stylish feel that often makes guests wonder if the rates they are paying are actually correct.

Meander Hostel Wanhua

Located in the lively district of Wanhua and just a short walk from Ximending, Meander Hostel offers a warm and friendly welcome, with the staff and owners taking pride in keeping the backpacker spirit alive and well in Taipei. The public areas and bathrooms are incredibly well maintained and everywhere is spotlessly clean. The added bonus of staying here is the likelihood of meeting and hanging out with other travelers.

Dandy Hotel Daan

Hotels near Daan Park are usually in a much higher price bracket than this unusually named Dandy Hotel. Here, the focus is on providing as clean and modern a living space as is possible without overcharging guests. The décor is incredible, and the fact that you are in Daan where there are great public transport connections and so many things to do just makes the place an ideal find.

Flip Flop Hostel Datong

This colorful hostel is an oasis of calm in the busy center of Taipei. Close to a variety of local sights and public transport links, Flip Flop Hostel is a favorite with backpackers or travelers who just want to save a few dollars and stay in a friendly and safe environment. The rooms are modern and serviced regularly, while the staff are happy to help with local tourist information.

Space Inn Hengyang

This futuristic hostel is like something from a sci-fi movie with space themed décor found throughout. Aptly named Space Inn, guests will find a huge kitchen with a variety of appliances as well as a gaming room. The beds are pretty cozy, too, but it’s the décor and location near Ximending that puts this hostel on our list.

See more: 7 amazing themed cafés and restaurants in Taipei