It was early in the morning when we departed our hotel after breakfast. We headed to Taroko Gorge, our first destination. It was a winding road uphill.

Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is one of the jewels in Taiwan. The mountain are made of marbles and protected by the goverment. This area of the gorge is also identified as Taroko Gorge National Park.

The Taroko Gorge is composed mainly metomorphic rocks such as marble, gneiss, "schist". etc. The name, Taroko means "magnificent and splendid" in the language of Truku, the aboriginal tribe who resides in the area.

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu is located at Wanli of Taipei County with a long cape. Because the rock layer of nearby seashore containes limestone subject to sea erosion, weathering and earth movements, Yehliu is full of seawater-eroded holes as well as numerous rocks in the shape of mushroom, candle, ginger and chessboard. All these make this 1,700-meter-long cape a geology park with rich ecological resources and a prosperous fishing village.

Chiufen

Located in Rueifan Town, Taipei Country, Chiufen used to be the center of gold mining in Taiwan. Chiufen is surrounded by mountains and facing the sea. When gold mining industry ended, Chiufen was once solitude until the rise of tourism in Chiufen.Today, Chiufen features historical sites of Japanese styled architectures and vivid old street that offers abundant local snacks and exotic traditional stores.


It was a short stop for us to do some shopping and to purchase some food before boarding the train to travel to Hualien. No doubt it was a rush and we barely had enough time to get our food after getting the souvenirs.

Not a usually early riser. Waking up at this monster hour at 0600 is torturous! To dampen the mood even further...it is still raining when we poke our head out the little window in the hotel room. Had our breakfast and off we went for our official Taiwan Tour!

It was a 1430 flight from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei via the China Airlines. This is way cooler than the aircraft which we usually boarded. This comes with refreshments, entertainment and even meals! Just love it and its the beginning of it.


Both, my sister and I are keeping our fingers crossed that this trip will be good one. As it is my sister's first time travelling with my parents and aunties. Yeah you heard me... aunties... and 4 of them!