Originally Posted by
trebex
Spent one week in Taiwan - 5 nights in Taipei, 2 in Hualien.
Highlights:
1) Taroko Gorge - Well worth a visit. I hired a cab for the day, which was not cheap, but much better than taking a bus tour. The Eternal Spring Shrine was definitely the highlight. The walk toward the water curtain was nice as well, though the best part of the trail is closed. And there are plenty of great views of the gorge, the river and the coast throughout.
I really had great expectations of Taiwan. The previous LP guide raves on and on about it. For me it was ok, but not what I expected. It is a long and tiring trip from New York and only Taroko Gorge and Elephant Mountain were really worth the effort.
Glad you made it to Taroko, it is really amazing. in fact, I was just there again two weeks ago. You mentioned the best part of the trail to the water curtain was closed, may I ask which part that was? Beyond the water curtain is a continuation of the original road to the power plant but that has been closed for years due to cave-ins. That trail (before that part) is one of the best as there are few stairs, it is relatively flat,without steep sections yet provides some of the best views in the park. I highly suggest taking the time to walk it for anyone who going to Taroko.
I understand how you felt about Taiwan, I don't usually recommend it except to people who live in Asia. It is not Thailand, its a long way to go and a good many places are not that memorable.
Good food is kind of a fashion there, and I avoid the places with lines as they are just what is trending at the moment. It is not difficult to find other places with good food and no wait. In the mall food courts they have pictures or plastic sample dishes of just about everything they make, so English menus are not so necessary. But you are right, many places will not have an English menu. For other visitors I suggest checking with the hotel for a couple of suggestions unless you are truly in search of an adventure. People are so friendly though in a small restaurant most of the other customers will want to step in and help fi they see someone having trouble ordering.
If you go to Taipei Station it is easy to book train tickets to Hualian and they have a very helpful information desk immediately to the left of the large Taiwan Rail ticket counter in the central section. They would be happy to explain the different train options you have to Hualian. Even though I went during the Dragon Boat holiday weekend tickets were easy to get a hold of. I have not read LP's Taiwan book in many years, hope they mention this kind of thing.
But I agree with you, Taiwan is one of those places where many of the best things are not well known and requires a lot of local knowledge to explore and enjoy.