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Sep 19, 2024 | 1:17 am

#7

uanj

Join Date: Jan 2005

Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL

Posts: 3,840

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilove2fly

Can someone give an update on Taroko Gorge?

Most roads are now open but crossing the island from Taichung takes a long, long time. Speeds are reduced and there can be road closures for hours at a time, or even all night. Some sections are one way only, alternating traffic direction with long gaps in between. Lots of road and slope maintenance so really for local traffic only. I heard the visitor center on the Hualian side is open but no trails. The park has consistently said they intend to get some trails reopened before the end of the year so that should happen. How many trails and when, we haven't heard yet.

The Silks Taroko is located in the gorge and re-opening October 1, from their website: "The hotel will begin operations in stages starting on October 1st. Currently, the road from the Taroko Archway to the hotel is subject to time-restricted access during five specific periods: 07:00-08:00, 10:00, 12:00-13:00, 15:00, and 17:00-17:30. If you are planning a holiday and driving yourself, please be mindful of the road control schedule. Alternatively, we recommend opting for sustainable travel by booking the hotel’s scheduled shuttle service to ensure smooth transportation." Silks Taroko Website

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYCRachel

Hello!

Going to Taiwan back half of November and starting to put together an itinerary. Surprised at the lack of generic tourism info online (i.e. your usual suspects of T+L, CN etc.), alas maybe that's a good thing. Would love any thoughts/suggestions on the below. Will be with a friend and have additional friends meeting me halfway through the trip in the north, hence starting out in the south.

Some thoughts/questions:
- I'm game for almost anything (love exploring cities, scenic spots etc.), but also love some relaxing time along the way as this is vacation

(spa/hot springs reccos are welcome)
- Taroko will be closed for quite some time, so that's a non-starter.
- 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
10-15 - Taipei with day excursions to the usual suspects (Jiufen, Beitou etc.). Debating if any of these spots should be spent overnight, but I hate schlepping luggage (unpacking, repacking). May be lazy and just not check out whatever Taipei hotel I end up choosing. Currently considering MGM Mitsui Garden Hotel, but open to suggestions - flexible on price but looking for something nice, modern and in the center of the action. Don't need ultimate luxe, as I don't plan on spending much time in the actual hotel.

Thank you in advance!

With 15 days in Taiwan, most people would tour the perimeter of the island. The East Coast is uniquely beautiful and unlike most of what you will see on the West Coast. Understand you do not want to be packing and unpacking, but if you like nature and mountain scenery you could consider the East Coast. Any reason to rule it out? It will not be urban like the cities on the West Coast, so if you like cities you can skip it. But if you like interesting train rides and while there are tourists, it is nothing like SML and Kenting.

You mention visiting islands, will you be able to rent a scooter to get around?

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