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Five reasons to visit Taiwan now!

Jen Adams | May 3, 2018 | 8:01 pm | 10 Comments

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!).

  1. 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!

Local artist in downtown Taipei
The smiling faces of Taipei’s night markets
Local food vendors, Taipei
The Pisirian Amis Aboriginal tribe on the East Coast
Our new friends the tea pickers, Hualien
Fun locals exploring Taroko National Park
Food prep with the Pisirian Tribe

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.

The temples of Toroko National Park
Taroko National Park
Tea leaf harvest
The rice fields surrounding the iconic Brown Avenue

Scenic Green Island

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.

Locally sourced scallops
Traditional Taiwanese lunch, Taipei
Intimate dining experience at Century Hotel, Taitung

 

Local seafood prepared by the Pisirian Amis tribe, East Coast
Street Food at Taipei’s night markets
Street food, Taipei

4. The accommodation

First class. I’ll let these pics do the talking.

Soaking in the hot springs at Century Hotel, Taitung
The room and its views from the Amba Songshan Hotel, Taipei
Views of the Pacific, Green Island

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.

Learning to make and drink Taiwanese Tea at Jilin Tea Garden
Traditional stores on Di Hua Street, Taipei
The skyline of Taipei featuring Taipei 101

Burning incense in the temples
Jen Adams

About Jen Adams

Places We Go is Jen's dream come true. As the founder, she simply wanted to 'share the world with the world'. With the tag line “It’s not just the places we go, but the people we meet that capture our heart” Jen knows that it's always the locals that bring our travels alive.

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Comments

  1. AvatarVicky says

    May 4, 2018 at 10:55 am

    Great 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

    Reply
  2. AvatarGary Price says

    May 4, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    Looks 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.

    Reply
  3. AvatarEste says

    May 5, 2018 at 12:02 am

    It 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.

    Reply
  4. AvatarBaryHyward says

    May 5, 2018 at 9:56 pm

    I,m 70+ o being able to enjoy ones life at this time would be a wonderfull dream, if only it could be

    Reply
  5. AvatarElizabeth says

    May 8, 2018 at 9:12 am

    Looks amazing I am already subscribed !

    Reply
  6. AvatarGreg says

    May 30, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    I 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.

    Reply
  7. AvatarColleen Crowden says

    August 4, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    My 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.

    Reply
  8. AvatarMia Liao says

    August 11, 2018 at 5:21 pm

    Glad 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!

    Reply
  9. AvatarTerri Hanley says

    February 10, 2019 at 10:24 am

    We 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 😊

    Reply
    • Emma De FryEmma De Fry says

      February 19, 2019 at 11:13 am

      Hi 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!

      Reply
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Instagram post 2167120426885704568_460970782 Published this book 5 years ago today, have since published a revised version.... but the first “anything” always feels the best doesn’t it? .
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our initial 4 month filming trip around Australia kicked off 10 solid years of exploring, filming and helping the incredible people who dedicate their lives to bringing us all those amazing travel experiences that we excitedly share around dinner tables for years to come. .
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It was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives that culminated in a 13 part tv series that year .
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I want to personally thank my partner in life @clintbizzell our amazing cameraman Gary who was on this shoot @fidelia_films @kristimcdonough who was always up late in the caravan helping bring it to life, our mums Eileen and Carol, our friend (and driver Denise )... our brilliant editor Kevin and our talented producer Emma @babyinabackpack who not only worked on helping plan the shoot, but helped us bring this book to life.... and finally, our beautiful daughter Charli Grace who turned 2 under the rainbow serpent in Arnhem Land. .
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Jen x
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(Ps I hope we can take our son Harry, who is now 3 on a trip that even remotely comes close to this one day....... )
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I just bought some very cool rainbow water bottles for Xmas presents ... knowing they are good for the environment and good for the girls on the other side of the world. .
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