Taiwan
Tourist guide of Taiwan
Taiwan looks like a continent tucked into a small green island: adventure sports, a capital with a rich legacy, popular traditions, lively night markets.
Taiwan also feeds the soul: the island has inherited the Chinese tradition of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, together with a large collection of deities and demons to be worshiped. However, over time, people have been integrated to consolidate a tolerant religious culture. Thus, the Taiwanese have forged the most vibrant democracy in Asia and a liberal society where freedom of the press, gender equality and respect for human rights and, increasingly, also for animals prevail.
Travelers with passports from the following countries: Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Spain can obtain a free visa upon arrival for 90 days. To qualify for the 90-day free visa, you must have a valid passport for at least 6 months. Officially, you must also have an exit test, but this is never requested. Keep in mind that these 90 days can not be renewed on the spot. If you know in advance that you want to stay in the country for longer, it is better to apply for a visa in advance. Travelers with passports from the Dominican Republic can also obtain a free visa. However, this is not valid for 90 days but for 30 days.
Taiwan is modern and well developed, so ATMs and other monetary issues are never a problem. In almost every street you can find an ATM. Your international bank cards work without problems here.
In general, all year round there are temperate temperatures and the changes in winter and spring are greater than in summer and autumn. It is a suitable climate for traveling, with an average annual temperature of 71.6 °F, and a minimum annual average between 53.6°F and 62.6°F. In winter it does not snow except in some high mountains. In the spring, between April and May, due to the influence of the monsoons there are frequent rains, and in this season you must always carry umbrellas. In the summer of Taiwan, between June and August, there are usually typhoons, so you have to be attentive to the weather, because on the coast there can be huge waves that do not advise the stay on the beaches or the contemplation of the sea. In the fall, between September and November, you can enjoy clean skies and very pleasant weather. And the short winter of the island, between December and February, is quite pleasant except when continental cold fronts arrive. Taiwan's spring weather makes it an ideal place to visit.
The currency of legal tender in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar ($ NT). The paper tickets are 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100 dollars. The coins are 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 dollars. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks approved by the government, or at international hotels. When changing currency keep the receipt, because when leaving the country if you want to change the $ NT in foreign currency you must submit it.
What to do
Taipei 101
In the capital, Taipei, you will find the gigantic Taipei Tower 101. This building was the tallest building in the world for several years, but that title has been lost since then. You can enter the tower to enjoy a magnificent view. Even more fun is going to Elephant Mountain to have a view of the entire city, including Taipei 101.
Taroko National Park
The most famous national park in Taiwan is the Taroko National Park. Here you can make beautiful walks, among other things. The highlight of the Taroko National Park is the Taroko Gorge. This can be achieved after a short walk, after which you can take enough beautiful photos. The park is easily accessible from Hualien.
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is often referred to as the most beautiful landmark in Taiwan, but we found it somewhat disappointing. The lake is visited mainly by Chinese group tour tourists. They think it's great, but many Westerners find it disappointing. However, it is a beautiful lake and if you have time, you can definitely spend some time around here.
Kenting National Park
The Kenting National Park is located in the south of Taiwan. This area is the highlight of the island in our opinion. You can make beautiful scooter trips along the coast and through the mountains. On the way you will see beautiful beaches and viewpoints. Use the town of Kenting as a base to visit the park.
Fort Zeelandia
In Taiwan you will find many temples, but these are not very special individually. Fort Zeelandia, currently called Fort Anping, is very nice. Especially because you can get more information about Dutch history in Taiwan here.
Fo Guang Shan Monastery
The largest monastery in Taiwan is located near Kaohsiung. In this gigantic complex are several beautiful temples and large Buddha statues. The Buddha Memorial Center that is located here is also worth a visit.
Food
Beef noodle soup
This noodle soup with beef typical of Taiwan is the fast food par excellence. A good bowl with thick noodles in a dark spicy broth. It ends at the top with a handful of green, celery, leeks, green onion, etc. The spices to minimum so that it is not too spicy. It is accompanied with a very cold green tea and we have already dined.
Mixture of pork and rice taiwanese style
It may not be the healthiest option on this list, but it is definitely the simplest. This typical Taiwanese food dish has pork livers in sauce on a rice base. What makes it unique is how the sauce is poured through the rice, giving flavor to the whole dish. It is completed with daikon radishes, some green and perhaps rice cookies to accompany.
Glutinous oil rice
It's a sticky rice dish mixed with mushrooms, dried shrimp, peanuts and sliced pork. Its original name is "rice with oil" typical of Taiwanese food. Take soy sauce which brings the dark color to the plate. You can add hot chili sauce.
Oyster pancakes of Taiwan
The famous oyster omelette in Taiwan has fried eggs with sautéed vegetables and a special seasoning. The Taiwanese like that the oysters in this dish are very large, that distinguishes their quality. This typical Taipei night market dish has tapioca starch that gives it glutinous texture. It is completed with a sweet and salty red sauce on top.
Stinky Tofu
Stinky tofu is one of the most controversial dishes in Taiwanese cuisine. It can smell rather unpleasant but its taste is very pleasing to the palate. The Cho Dofu of Taiwan is made with tofu cubes submerged in fermented milk brine, vegetables and meat. The stronger the smell of the fermented milk in brine, the better the dish for the Taiwanese. The cubes of tofu are accompanied with vegetables such as cabbage and sprinkled with seasoning based on soy sauce. You just have to try it.
Taiwanese Beef Rolls
The Taiwanese meat rolls are a sure hit. The roll consists of a crunchy green onion pancake wrapped in slices of stewed beef with a handful of pickled vegetables and cilantro. It is accompanied with a sweet red bean sauce. The taiwanese beef rolls are the best appetizer to accompany a fresh drink.
Pig intestines taiwanese style
Pork intestines may seem like a nasty dish from Taiwan but do not get carried away by the name. They are pieces of intestines in slices that are usually served fried or in sauce. The guinea pigs of Taiwan have a tender and chewy texture. They are usually accompanied by a ginger-based sauce which gives a delicious flavor to the fried texture.