Taiwan is now one of the top travel destinations abroad among Filipinos. With Taiwan's visa free entry privilege given to Philippine passport holders, it shouldn't come as a surprise that it has now become a favorite destination among Pinoys, including me!
Most often than not, travelers would seek the same tried and tested destinations to spend their holiday. But trips that are usually a little bit "off the track" is also a good idea. That is why, I am so happy when we were invited to travel to Taiwan for a familiarization tour of Nantou, Taiwan. Just like to Taipei, Nantou offers a wide range of attractions and activities perfect for families, group of friends, and even for solo travelers.
Nantou is the 2nd largest county in Taiwan. Situated at the heart of the country, it is the only landlocked county in Taiwan. As a mountainous county, Nantou offers a totally different experience. Enjoying the lush scenery, savoring the cool weather, and doing fun nature activities are just some of the many things to do in Nantou that everyone will surely enjoy.
Most of the tourist attractions in Nantou are scattered in the mountains. As the only county that does not border the coast of Taiwan, it capitalizes on natural attractions that will surely be an adventurous experience.
Together with bloggers, writers, influencers, and photographers from Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, we got to experience what Nantou has to offer using the Nantou Fun Pass. For 2 days, we visited different destinations, tried several restaurants, and enjoyed the activities and discounts included in the Nantou Fun Pass.
How to Avail and Use the Nantou Fun Pass?
- Step 1 : Visit the official website "Meet Nantou" at https://bit.ly/2QM6y7H.
- Step 2 : Create an account and verify your email address (check your inbox for the detail).
- Step 3 : Choose the tickets and check out online.
- Step 4 : Receive the confirmation of your booking with QR code for E-ticket.
- Step 5 : Bring the device that could show the QR code and directly go to the entrance.
- Step 6 : Show the QR code to the staff of the attractions and enter the attractions directly.
- Step 7 : Enjoy your trip!
2 Days Nantou Itinerary with Nantou Fun Pass
DAY 1 - Cingjing
On our first day, we traveled from Taipei to Taichung via Taiwan's High Speed Rail (HSR). Travel time from Taipei to Taichung via the HSR is 43 minutes. Upon arriving at Taichung Station we took exit 6 and went to where the buses are and rode the OKBus to Cingjing in Ren’ai Township, Nantou County. With this, let me share to you the places we visited and activities we did on our first day in Nantou.
Cingjing Farm
Location: No. 170, Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 546Time Spent: 2 hours
Cingjing Farm also known as Qingjing Farm, is an awesome destination for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh air, lush forests, green grasslands, and interacting with animals. To enter the farm, simply show the QR Code on your mobile phone at the entrance gate. The staff will scan it and will let you enter the farm.
What I love most about this place are the free roaming sheep on open pastureland that you can pet and feed. Although there are fences, the sheep here are free to roam and just enjoy the huge farm. I really got so excited when I saw the sheep. It's my first time to feed a sheep and it's definitely a wonderful experience. It is also an ideal destination for kids to see these animals up close and interact with them.
Cingjing Farm is located at an altitude of 1,750 meters above sea level. It was cold, raining, and the weather is bad during our visit. Unfortunately, we really didn't get to see the green grassland in it's full glory because of the thick fog surrounding the farm.
But if you go here on a good day, here are some photos of how beautiful Cingjing Farm is.
Cingjing Farm is located along Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. It is open from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm daily.
Cingjing Skywalk
Location: 546, Taiwan, Nantou County, Ren’ai Township, TaiwanTime Spent: 1 hour and 20 minutes
This impressive 1.2 kilometer long pathway will give you an amazing view of Nantou's mountains enveloped in mist (or sometimes fog), the vast grasslands, and the stunning views of the farms. Despite the length of the skywalk, the journey was not too bad at all even at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level. It's a leisurely walk through the elevated pathway where you could enjoy 6 nicely located lookout points and savor the amazing sights around. You can read more details HERE.
If you want to visit the Cingjing Skywalk I recommended that you reserve your tickets in advance because limited tickets are sold both on-site and online. Only 3,400 pre-sale tickets on the Meet Nantou website and 600 tickets can be bought directly at the entrance gate each day. So, it would best if you already have a Nantou Fun Pass before going here.
During our visit, the whole place is also covered with thick fog. But on a good day, here's what to expect.
Small Swiss Garden
Location: Dingyuan Vil., Ren’ai Township, Nantou County 546, TaiwanTime Spent: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Dubbed as "Taiwan's Little Switzerland," the cold weather of Cingjing truly complements the amazing ambiance of the lovely gardens at Small Swiss Garden.
The highlight of the Swiss Garden is the European style garden with lots of fresh flowers, well-manicured lawn, a man-made lake, a windmill, Garden Corner Cafe, and a lot more.
The area is also surrounded by stores such as Carton King, 7-Eleven Convenience Store, Mos Burger, Starbucks, and souvenir shops. It's a good stop over after exploring Cingjing Farm.
Not to be missed is Nina Chocolate, where you could grab a good cup of tea, have a taste of their chocolates, or join their chocolate making lessons.
Small Swiss Garden is located at Dingyuan Vil., Ren’ai Township, Nantou County 546, Taiwan and it is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
The views of the gardens change depending on the season. Here are more photos of the Little Swiss Garden if you visit on a sunny day.
Day 2 - Sun Moon Lake
On our 2nd day in Nantou, we traveled for about 1.5 hours from Cingjing to Sun Moon Lake. We took the OKbus and alighted at Shuishe Visitor Information Center along Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. Here are the things we did and places we visited.
Sun Moon Lake Bikeway
Location: Zhongshan Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, TaiwanTime Spent: 2 hours
First on our itinerary is biking around Sun Moon Lake. Located at the foothills of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range, Sun Moon Lake is considered as Taiwan's largest freshwater lake.
We went to AnXingChi(EaseRide) Bicycle Rental and had our Nantou Fun Pass QR code scanned to rent a bike. We then drove our way to the Sun Moon Lake Bikeway which circles the lake. Lined up with lovely tress and mountain scenery, all we did is to enjoy the breathtaking views, the cool winds, and the lovely autumn feels.
The bikeway is very long. You may take the Shuishe-Xiangshan part of the bikeway which is suitable for riders of all ages. It’s a great way to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the majestic, blue and misty Sun Moon Lake. You can read more details HERE.
Sun Moon Lake Tour
Location: Mingsheng St., Yuchi Township, Nantou County 555, TaiwanTime Spent: 30 minutes
After about 1.5 hours of biking, I returned the bike and met with our group. We then went to Sunmoon Hotel where we had Shao Indigenous Native Meal for lunch.
After our very filling and satisfying lunch, we went to Shuishe Pier located near the restaurant and took the ferry for an amazing Sun Moon Lake Tour.
Again, just show them your Nantou Fun Pass QR code for them to scan it and they will give you your ticket to the boat.
The tour gave us a closer look of the Sun Moon Lake, as well as on the tiny islets as we went along the vast lake. We then stopped by on a pier and had a quick tour. HERE.
We then proceeded to Ita Thao Pier where we disembarked and had a leisurely 20-minute walk to the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway.
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
Location: No. 102, Zhongzheng Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan 555Time Spent: 2 hours
I guess, this is the highlight of our Sun Moon Lake tour and definitely my most favorite. The Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is an awesome gondola ride which provides guests with a scenic view of the mountains and the lake. This cable car service connects Sun Moon Lake with the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village and to a theme park.
For our gondola ride, we were joined by a member of the tribe and gave us many information and insights about their tribe and the lake. As she tells us stories about them, it makes me feel excited to visit their village. If only we have time, I would really love to visit the Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village to experience everything the village has to offer. Too bad, we don't have much time. Maybe next time!
She also mentioned to us that depending on the season, the view from the ropeway changes. She said that the best time to visit is during spring for the cherry blossoms. I would love to experience that soon!
The view from above was stunning and lovely; and the cable cars were clean, feels safe and big enough to fit 6 people. Families and group of friends will surely enjoy this cable car ride.
The ropeway is open 10:30 A to 4:00 pm on weekdays, and from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm during weekends and holidays. Please note that it is closed every first Wednesday of the month for maintenance.
There are so much more to see and activities to do in Sun Moon Lake; and one whole day is not really enough. I will surely come back here and maybe spend a night or two to fully enjoy what Sun Moon Lake has to offer. I will definitely be back here soon!
After about 2 hours, we're back at Ita Thao Pier and took the ferry back to Shuishe Pier. We then walked back to Shuishe Visitor Information Center and rode the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service Bus Number 6670B to Taichung Station.
Overall, it's an amazing 2-day trip to Nantou which gave us a lot of good memories. If you want to experience the best of nature has to offer, visiting Nantou should be part of your Taiwan itinerary.
SUMMARY: 2 Days 1 Night Nantou Taiwan Itinerary
DAY 1: Cingjing
- 06:55 - Departure from Taipei
- 07:20 - Meet-up at Taipei Main Station
- 07:31 - Take the HSR to Taichung Station
- 08:15 - Arrive at Taichung HSR Station
- 08:30 - Take the OKBUS to Qingjing (Exit 6 Platform 9)
- 10:30 - Explore Qingjing Farm
- 12:20 - Meet at South ticket gate
- 12:30 - Go to to Inako Restaurant for lunch
- 13:00 - Lunch at Inako Restaurant
- 14:30 - Go to to Cingjing Skywalk
- 15:00 - Explore Cingjing Skywalk
- 16:20 - Meet-up at Qingjing Visitor Information Center (French Small Town)
- 16:30 - Go to Small Swiss Garden
- 17:00 - Enjoy Small Swiss Garden
- 18:30 - Go to Lumama Restaurant for dinner
- 19:00 - Dinner at Lumama Restaurant
- 20:00 - Check-in at Sen Love B&B
DAY 2: Sun Moon Lake
- 07:30 - Breakfast
- 08:00 - Take OKBUS to Sun Moon Lake
- 09:30 - Arrive at Shuishe Visitor Information Center
- 09:40 - Go to AnXingChi(EaseRide) Bicycle Rental
- 10:00 - Sun Moon Lake Cycling Route
- 11:30 - Back to AnXingChi Bicycle (EaseRide)
- 11:45 - Return the bicycle
- 12:00 - Sunmoon Hotel-Shao Indigenous Native Meal for lunch
- 12:50 - Gather to Shuishe Pier
- 13:00 - Take Boat to ha Thao Pier
- 13:30 - Arrive at Ita Thao Pier
- 14:00 - Walk to Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
- 14:30 - Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
- 15:00 - Go back to Ita Thao Pier
- 15:20 - Arrive at Ita Thao Pier
- 15:30 - Take the boat to return to Shuishe Pier
- 16:00 - Arrive at Shuishe Visitor Information Center
- 16:20 - Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service Bus Number 6670B to Taichung Station
- 18:00 - Back to Taichung HSR Station
- 18:30 - Take the HSR to Taipei
- 20:00 - Arrive in Taipei
Transport Information
OKbus shuttle bus service information and corresponding fares:
- Taichung HSR to Cingjing - NTD 450
- Taichung train station to Cingjing - NTD 500
- Taichung airport to Cingjing - NTD 550
- Hotels in Taichung to Cingjing - NTD 550
- Sun Moon Lake to Cingjing - NTD 450
NOTES:
- OKBus Departure from Taichung HSR or Taichung train station with minimum 1 person.
- OKBus Departure form hotels in Taichung or Sun Moon Lake with minimum 2 people
Special Offer: If you buy specific tickets such as the Sun Moon Lake Package or the Cingjing Small Swiss Garden Admission Ticket, you can get 10% discount on OKBus fares by showing your ticket QR code to the bus staff. Period of this promotion if until February 28, 2019.
How to reserve in the OKBus?
You may contact the at the following:- E-MAIL: OKBUS168@GMAIL.COM
- QQ : 3245272590
- WECHAT : CINGJINGBUS168
- WHAT'S APP : +886-978 002 916
For more information about the Nantou Fun Pass, please visit their official website at www.nantou.welcometw.com.
This Nantou Fun Pass Familiarization Tour was organized by the Nantou City Government, and Taiwan Pass. Co-organized by Fontrip. Thank you very much for inviting us! We truly had an awesome time!
FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES ON YOUTUBE @PinoyAdventurista
Thank You For Sharing!
|
0 comments :
Post a Comment
Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries?
Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!"
Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.