Joy Fang

WHEN one thinks of Taiwan, one usually thinks of the bustling city of Taipei. But move down south to Taitung County, and you’ll get a very different experience. Taitung, sometimes referred to as “the backyard of Taiwan” by locals, is full of pastoral fields, natural parks, and towering mountain ranges.

Last week, my paper profiled wild rides and adventure experiences for thrill-seekers that are to be found in Taitung. This week, check out the more laid-back activities on offer.

YUAN SEN APPLIED BOTANICAL GARDEN AND CHULU RANCH

Surrounded by green mountains, Yuan Sen (No. 8, Shiyanchang Road, Mingfeng Village) is a herb garden which doubles as a biotechnology research facility and educational centre.

Here, you’ll learn about the medicinal effects of herbs found in Taitung, which number more than 2,000.

Grab health products such as medicinal wine, herbal bath items and even confectionery made from herbs, and try veggie and herb dishes at the restaurant.

What else can you see, you ask? Well, the grounds are elevated, so one gets an unparalleled view of mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean.

Also in Mingfeng Village is Chulu Ranch (No. 1, Muchang Road), a picturesque, rustic farm perched on a hillside that is home to the biggest dairy farm in Taiwan.

There, you’ll see cows grazing lazily in the sprawling grasslands. You can ride ponies (a very short ride costs NT$100, or S$4.30) or ride on a horse carriage. Play with calves, bred by the farm, and watch farmers milking their cows.

You can feed animals, such as goats and boars, with leaves. Kids can have a go at sliding down the hillside on plastic sledges. Remember to grab a few freshly made dairy products to take home with you at the gift shop. Creamy milk-flavoured sweets, biscuits and cream line the shelves.

To get to the spots mentioned, take the East Rift Valley line of the Tour Taiwan Bus from Taitung train station.

XIAOYELIU AND FUGANG FISHING HARBOUR

Xiaoyeliu, so named because it is similar to those found at Yeliu on Taiwan’s North Shore, is a beautiful stretch of land dotted with a variety of fascinating sandstone rock formations.

Head to the Visitors’ Centre to learn how these amazing geological displays were formed. Feast your eyes on rocks featuring honeycomb weathering and other strange, miraculous sights. You might also be able to catch a glimpse of Green Island – a small volcanic island that’s become a popular spot for divers – from there.

Next, head to the Fugang Fishing Harbour where you can taste some of the freshest seafood in Taiwan at its many restaurants. It is also the place to take a ferry to the nearby Green Island and Orchid Island – home to the Tao, an ethnic minority group.

To get to Xiaoyeliu, take the Downtown and Coastal line of the Tour Taiwan Bus from Taitung train station.

JHIHBEN NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION AREA AND HOTSPRING SCENIC AREA

Perched on a mountain edge surrounded by dense forests and linked to the town by a long suspension bridge, the Jhihben National Forest Recreation Area (No. 320, Longcyuan Road, Wencyuan Village, Beinan Township) is great for hikers.

It has four forest trails, ranging from 320m (up incredibly steep slopes) to 2.1km.

The trails will take you past pavilions with ocean views, a waterfall, a botanical garden, preserved villas and a creek (find the “creek massage footpath” made of pebbles, and get a free foot massage by walking on it), among other things.

Spectacular wooden carvings of statues made by aboriginal groups, some taller than 2m, line strategic spots in the park.

After working up a sweat, head back to town (across the bridge) and soak in Jhihben’s renowned hotsprings.

A multitude of resorts offer baths in Jhihben’s naturally hot water. This reporter chose to relax in an open-air pool at Ming Chuan Hotel (No. 2, Lane 267, Longcyuan Road, Wencyuan Village, Beinan Township).

Set on the top of a hill, one gets a lovely view of the mountains and forests as the sun sets slowly. It’s a great way to unwind.

To get to Wencyuan Village and the national forest area, take a train from Taitung to Jhihben station and take a bus from there.

SANXIANTAI

The Sanxiantai (No. 74, Jihui Road, Sanxian Village, Chenggong Township), also known as the Terrace of the Three Immortals, is really a series of scenic spots along the coast. You’ll find a 10km-long stretch of beach, an offshore island and a view of a rugged and rocky coastline.

Cross the iconic long footbridge that connects the coast to the largest island there. A renowned tourist attraction, you can find jagged and weathered rock formations scattered across the island. Watch the azure ocean waves splash over the
gravel shoal and coral reefs.

To get there, take a train to Chenggong station.

This page is brought to you by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Taiwan Visitors Association

HELPDESK
Medicinal effects: 医疗效用 yī liáo xiào yòng
Dairy farm: 乳牛场 rǔ niú chǎng
Foot massage: 足底按摩 zú dǐ àn mó
Open-air pool: 户外游泳池 hù wài yóu yǒng chí