Embracing Nature in Hualien
Hey guys, a million apologies for not updating my Taiwan Trip for a long time... Have been too busy and hesitant to do it as I have tons of photos sitting in my albums..
So, here comes my update on our trip to Hualien, Taiwan.
I felt that Hualien is the main highlight of my entire Taiwan Trip because besides all that eating, we finally had the chance to slow our paces down to admire nature! Also, the flora and fauna did brighten up our trip :)
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| Taking a photo @ Taipei Train Station |
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| Taking a train to Hualien from Taipei |
Arrival @ Hualien
We checked into our hotel - Charming City Hotel (香城大饭店) in Hualien.
As we were only going to spend a night at this hotel, Sweetie Muffin splurged a little and booked this hotel which was located nearby the train station (approximately 5 minutes walk) with decent hotel facilities and larger room.
Charming City Hotel （香城大饭店）Address: 花蓮市國興二街19號Tel : 03-835-3355 Fax : 03-834-7890
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| Check out the Water Feature at the hotel! |
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| Hotel Lobby |
We actually liked this hotel a lot that we began to miss it once we head back to Taipei ;(
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| Nice Wall Painting @ The Lobby |
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| Hotel Breakfast (Chinese Style) |
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| Hotel Breakfast (Western Version) |
Taroko (太魯閣)
Never attempt getting around Taroko without a cab. We managed to negotiate for a good price with a nice cabbie aunty - Ms. Gu (古小姐) at the lane nearby our hotel to take us to Taroko.
According to Taiwan natives, they advised us against staying too long at the Taroko gorge due to landslides. Hence, we decided to just get around the place on a cab and only stop by a few selected spots for photo-taking. Anyway we were not too keen on walking that much either LOL.
Bridge of 100 Lions
This was our first stop. We were fascinated by the sculptures of lions made of rocks which lined the bridge...
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| I think.. any bridge can be "Lovers' Bridge".. LOL |
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| Pretending to Rock Climb... |
Swallow Grotto (燕子口)
Next would be the Swallow Grotto whereby we were required to wear safety helmets.
Loaning of helmets is completely free of charge :)
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| Such Picturesque View... |
Buluowan (布洛灣)
Buluowan means "echo of canyon" and it used to be a village of the Taroko aborigines.
We pretty much enjoyed the scenery at this particular park.
The air is fresh and chilly too :)
When was the last time you hear Mother Nature calling out to you?
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| Feel the Rhythm of River... |
Leader Village Taroko (立德布洛灣山月村)
As our cabbie aunty is of Taroko descent, she could explain to us the history of Taroko Tribe fluidly.
Also, she brought us up to this hostel - Leader Village Taroko for a brief visit to experience life of the Taroko Tribe.
Leader Village Taroko (立德布洛灣山月村)Address: NO 231-1 Fu Shih Village, Hsiulin, Hualien, Taiwan, R.O.C.TEL：886-3-861-0111 FAX:：886-3- 861-0191E-mail：blw@leaderhotel.com
The people of the Taroko Tribe lives in the mountains and they made their living by hunting animals and weaving.
I would like to stay in this hostel during my next visit to Hualien for a change to experience the culture and lifestyle of the natives! Also, the air on the mountains is so much fresher!
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| A little Hut with some semblance to those where the tribal people resided |
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| What a festive looking tree! |
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| Photos hung on the wall displaying fragments of the Taroko Tribal Activities... |
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| This was supposedly a photo of a Shamen (Witch Doctor) |
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| Wild Boars... |
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| Riding on Wild Boars... |
Seven Star Lake (七星潭 Qī Xīng Tán)
Our cabbie aunty drove us to the Seven Star Lake (七星潭) in the morning of the second day before we take the train back to Taipei.
Marvelling at the gigantic waves of the Pacific Ocean ~
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| Sweetie Muffin lookin' SEXY on that beach! |
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| Waves so high that we thought a tsunami is approaching! |
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| Posing with the waves.. |
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| Run!! We are almost WET! |
Do check out our previous post: Highlights of Taipei: Raohe St. Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市) soon!
What's Next? - Highlights of Hualien (花蓮): Zhiqiang Night Market (自强夜市)
P.S.
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