Scooter around Taiwan part 1: Hualien to Tainan

"Six years in Taiwan" trip to Taidong

I first stepped foot in Taiwan on April 15, 2008.

To celebrate my anniversary, I took a 3-day 2-night scooter trip along the east coast to Taidong (Taitung). This helped me prepare for my around-the-island tour coming up in two weeks.

The views along Highway 11 are breathtaking!

Click on photos to see full size.

知本國家森林遊樂區 (Zhiben National Forest Recreation Area)

Of course, photos inside the hot spring are prohibited. However, I managed to slyly snap a shot. The bathers are not wearing clothes in the photo, so I am only posting a link here if you want to see (faces have been altered to maintain anonymity).

The owners were super friendly!
剛剛好生活民宿 (Gang Gang Hao Sheng Huo B&B)

I recommend the soup dumplings and dry noodles at
海草健康輕食館 (Seagrass Light & Healthy Restaurant)

 

Marino's Kitchen

Dulan Crap

Taroko Gorge Hehuan Mountain (合歡山) on Scooter

On a cloudy Monday, my friend and I took our scooters through Taroko Gorge and up to Hehuan Mountain. It was a long (8 hours total) but beautiful ride.

Click on photos to see full size.

 

 

How to get there:

1) Car/Scooter (bicycle?!): From Hualien City, take Highway 9 north towards Taroko. Drive through Taroko on Highway 8 and take in the beautiful scenery. Merge left onto Highway 14甲 and follow the signs to Hehuan Mountain (合歡山 Héhuānshān)

2) Public Transport: While there are public buses that run from the Hualien Train Station through a portion of Taroko Gorge, as far as I know there aren't any that go up to Hehuan Mountain. I did see some private tour buses up there, however.