Originally Posted by
NYCRachel
- Taitung and the islands off of Taiwan's mainland look nice, but if I were to include it would likely replace Kenting. Understand it may be too cold for going in the water, but this could be some nice relaxing/scenic time.
- Very apprehensive about a car rental (I hate driving), but maybe between Kaosiung and SML. I'm also open to hiring drivers for a day (seems like it may be about $200 USD/day?) etc. Welcome any advice!
- Any new info/"things to do"/under the radar activities in general that may not be on your standard tourism/travel websites?
Days 1-3 Kaohsiung (won't go crazy here, getting over jetlag)
4-6 Kenting - booked Gloria Manor, which looks lovely
7 - Alishan
8-9 - Sun Moon Lake
In KS, pier 2, cijin for seafood and night markets.
There's the aquarium near kenting. You can sleepover in the aquarium with the whales and other animals. It's affordable and fun.
If you ever come back to Taiwan, you can pair hualien,taroko and taitung and outlying islands
You can probably get a cheap driver to take you from kenting to Alishan to SML, look on tripadvisor. The other option is if you want to take the old fashion train from chiayi to Alishan. It's slow and rickety ,but some like the nostalgia.
For Alishan,try to stay up mountain in the park like Alishan gou hotel especially if you are trying to wake up for sunrise. Staying at a teahouse is nice, but you have to commute to the park/mountain.
You can drive between Alishan and SML, but be aware it's a windy mountain road. Definitely bike around SML.
There are nice tea shops all over this area. Taiwan 18 is well known in SML and oolong Alishan high mountain. I can dig up recs if you want them.