Relax - The best of Taiwan

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Above: The pristine Sun Moon Lake is breathtaking at dawn, inspiring weary city-dwellers to just stand still and clear their minds.

During a three-week sojourn in Taiwan last year - which became the basis for the popular Free And Easy In Taiwan 26-part series that ran in my paper - I experienced the island at its best.

The food, as any foodie will tell you, is truly to die for. Sometimes, late at night, I find myself pining for the fried-chicken cutlet I ate at a bustling night market, and those succulent oysters that I tried on a pier.

The people are lovely, too. They are homely and down-to-earth, and go the extra mile to make you, a foreigner, feel welcome.

But most of all, I find myself missing the island's natural beauty. The quiet dignity of its stately mountain ranges, the astounding fields of flowers, and the clear-blue lakes - these are things you can't find in all-too-modern Singapore.

I can't help, therefore, but recount my time there, and tell you about my favourite places to visit in Taiwan.

To visit Cingjing Veterans Farm is to feel like you’ve been transported to a quaint European countryside.

Cingjing Veterans Farm

This tranquil pasture, nestled on the top of a mountain in central Taiwan, was easily my favourite spot.

Not only is the air crisp and cool, but you'll also find colourful European-styled bed-and- breakfasts, making you feel like you've been transported to a quaint European countryside.

How to get there: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Taichung Railway Station. Then take the Kuo Kuang Bus to Puli and transfer to the Nantou Bus, which goes in the direction of Songgang-Cuifeng. Get off at Cingjing Veterans Farm.

>>Next: Tainan

Tainan

This quaint city - the oldest on the island and located in the south of Taiwan - had my full attention.

I loved the antiquated buildings, the preserved remnants of its past (like its forts and old temples) and, of course, the fascinating fairy tale-like Anping Tree House. Its intricate lattice of intertwined tree roots and eeriely silent atmosphere were beautiful and chilling.

How to get there: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Tainan Railway Station.

Hualien

Running along Taiwan's mountainous east coast, this county gives you a slew of alluring natural attractions.

Enjoy amazing sea views atop plunging cliffs; travel on winding mountain roads, and check out the scenic lakes and a sea of seasonal golden daylilies dotting the mountains. Cisingtan's black sands are also a must-see.

How to get there: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien Train Station.

Sun Moon Lake

This pristine and seemingly boundless blue lake is breathtaking at dawn, when the first rays of sunlight hit the water's surface.

The air of serenity and harmony inspires weary city-dwellers to stand still, breathe, and clear their minds. It's also a great place for honeymooners.

How to get there: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Taichung Kan Cheng Train Station. Cross the street and take the Nantou Bus going towards Sun Moon Lake.

When in Penghu, be sure to try sea-urchin sashimi.

Penghu

This archipelago is great for a quick getaway. Charming, unassuming and carefree, here you can enjoy a blissful island life as you engage in fun water sports, or just tuck into cheap and fresh seafood.

Though there are many tiny islands to visit, each with its own unique features to offer, my favourite is Xiyu. There, head to the west coast and look for Daguoye, where you'll see the area's majestic basalt columns.

Don't forget to look for the gorgeously preserved antique stone houses on Wangan Island and to eat sea-urchin sashimi.

How to get there: Take a domestic flight - such as those of TransAsia Airways or Mandarin Airlines - from Songshan Airport to Magong Airport on Penghu's main island.

For more my paper stories click here.

Photos: Joy Fang, Taiwan Tourism Bureau

The best of Taiwan

By Joy Fang, my paper | Mon, Mar 19 2012

The quiet dignity of Taiwan's stately mountain ranges, the astounding fields of flowers, and the clear-blue lakes are things you can't find in all-too-modern Singapore.