Who has been to Taiwan or thought about going? Not one person I know has. I’m almost at the end of my trip here and I want to give you five reasons why I absolutely love it (apart from the fact that it is ONLY an 8-hour flight direct from Brisbane!).
- The people
As soon as we arrived, the warmth and openness of the locals has been something our entire film crew keep talking about. We regularly find ourselves saying the word “joy”. There is so much joy here. From the old town to the new, to the mountains and the tribes of the East Coast, here are just a few of the hundreds of photos we’ve taken representing the spirit of the people here – and don’t forget their infectious ‘quirkiness’ that we have come to adore!
2. The scenery.
Taiwan is not only an island, two-thirds of it is mountainous so everywhere you go they seem to be watching over you. Toroko National Park is the perfect example of how stunning the country is; then there are the rice fields; as well as the islands off the main island (we made our way to Green Island where we are right now).
For someone that loves nature so much, I am left wondering why I never knew how much Taiwan has to offer? The locals tell me it’s because tourism is only now opening up to the rest of the world. I have not seen one Westerner since I arrived, which is great for us intrepid travellers, but the locals really do want to share their backyard.
3. The Food
The locals really believe in eating clean fresh food. And it is absolutely superb. From steaming hot-pots, to traditional Taiwanese noodles, we can’t get enough.
4. The accommodation
First class. I’ll let these pics do the talking.
Finally,
5. The culture.
From the iconic Taipei 101 building built in the shape of a bamboo stalk and incorporating the lucky number 8 wherever possible, to the temples, Aboriginal tribes and traditions, tea ceremonies and traditional medicine, the local culture and customs here are strong, the people are proud and there is so much for us visitors to absorb and learn. Exactly the way I like it.
Vicky says
May 4, 2018 at 10:55 amGreat blog, I have been wanting to visit Taiwan now for couple of years, nearly got there last year but circumstances prevented me going. It is now back on the radar big time, thanks for the inspriation again
Gary Price says
May 4, 2018 at 12:20 pmLooks like an amazing place, I would love to experience their way of life, culture and local cuisine.
I love Asian people and their outlook on life. Many have nothing compared to us yet they always have a smile on their face.
I have visited Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam was my favourite.
On my bucket list is Japan and China and now Taiwan.
Thaks for sharing this Jen.
Este says
May 5, 2018 at 12:02 amIt looks absolutely beautiful. I’ve never even considered going, but I will now! Might try to make a Vlog competition entry! Would absolutely love to go to the islands, the fish there must be delicious. I had fresh, fried mackerel on Cheju Island in Korea, and to this day it remains my favourite fish meal ever.
BaryHyward says
May 5, 2018 at 9:56 pmI,m 70+ o being able to enjoy ones life at this time would be a wonderfull dream, if only it could be
Elizabeth says
May 8, 2018 at 9:12 amLooks amazing I am already subscribed !
Greg says
May 30, 2018 at 5:41 pmI have been twice and absolutely love it. I’d go again in a heart beat. Nothing compares to the Taiwanese people. For anyone who think it’s like China you couldn’t be more wrong, it’s a fusion of many cultures but they definitely have there own identity despite what China would like you to think.
Colleen Crowden says
August 4, 2018 at 4:01 pmMy husband & I have been to Taiwan 3 times & just love it. Our 2 sons are adopted from Taiwan & since traveling to this fantastic island we cannot wait to return again in the near future to explore more of this amazing place “Love Taiwan”
We just happen to be watching your show this afternoon & the kids were very excited see it was about Taiwan.
Mia Liao says
August 11, 2018 at 5:21 pmGlad that you love your time in Taiwan :D.
I am a Taiwanese now live in Brisbane! I am very happy and excited to see Taiwan on TV.
Thank you and your whole crew introduce Taiwan as it has been neglected from travelers around the world.
Taiwan has many more to offer, hope you will go visit again next time!
Terri Hanley says
February 10, 2019 at 10:24 amWe just watched your very inspiring Taiwan Trip & were wondering if you did a tour or did you arrange it yourself. We will have to watch the show again to get more details as we would really like to go there …. thanks to you Jennifer. We had no idea how beautiful it is there.
Thankyou again for a great story 😊
Emma De Fry says
February 19, 2019 at 11:13 amHi Terri, Jen is actually in Taiwan again as we speak! Such a wonderful destination we jumped at the chance to go again. The trip you watched wasn’t on an organised tour. It was an itinerary we put together with our partners at the Taiwan Tourism Board that anyone could also do. It is very easy to travel independently around Taiwan, they have an excellent train system and great domestic flights. Everything works really well and is of an excellent standard, and the people are so friendly and helpful! We hope this helps!