The last trip to Taipei, we took a packaged day tour which bought us to some outskirt areas.
This time round, I was in the dilemma of hiring a taxi vs going about by public transport.
In the end, we decided to take on the adventure of going by ourselves.
Managed to get loads of information from this
thread from Tripadvisor but I did ask for help from the receptionist at the hotel.
To get started to Yehliu (野柳).,take the MRT to Taipei Main Station.
Look for the Taipei West Bus Station Terminal A.
There are 4 Bus Stations so once you get to Terminal A, that's half the job done.
Look for Kuo Kuang Bus queue and ask for the bus heading to Yehliu.
You can use Ezy-Card (悠遊卡) for this entire trip so remember to top it up before you head out.
The total fare is about NT500 for my entire trip.
The lobby staff told us to take a cab and the cab dropped us at the wrong terminal.
Nevermind, we had to walk and we got lost a little bit.
We found the terminal by asking another cabbie -_-"
Found the terminal and the counter finally.
I so kancheong that I bought the tickets at the counter with cash *haiz*.
The tickets got stuck and it came out crumpled!
Oh well, things can only get better.
Informed the bus driver we want to get off at Yeh Liu (野柳).
It took about 2 hours - very scenic once you get out of Taipei.
The bus stops at City Hall Station too but the risk is that the bus may be full and you'll have to wait for the next bus.
Alighting at Yeh Liu, walk towards the small street on the left when you face the main road.
There's a information board there so just continue to walk down the small street.
You'll see the fishing boats docked. Their light bulbs are really interesting.
Pay attention to them if you are there.
Temple along the small street.
Walk about 10-15 minutes and you'll see the geological park entrance.
Buy your tickets at the entrance for NT50 and get your map at the information center on the left of this photo.
Try to plan Yehliu as the first destination because of all the travelling time from Keelung/Jiufen/JinGuaShi to this place takes an hour and it closes at 1700.
Trust me, you don't want to come all the way here and not be able to get in as there's nothing else in this area that's worthed the visit other than the seadfood restaurants and the geopark.
We started this trip only at 1000am and arrived at Yeh Liu close to noon.
When we moved on from here to Jiufen, there was a couple on the bus heading to Jinguashi and mentioned that after that they will go Jiufen and then to Yeh Liu.
This was the initial route given by another frontdesk personnel at Rainbow.
When we arrive at Jiufen it was already 1400 so I doubt the couple will be at Yehliu in time to go into the Geopark. =(
I'm pointing at the famous Queen's head.
Long queue + hot + sunny = don't want to queue.
Some people were cooling down in the water.
Tortise looking stone - all naturale!
We were standing on the red line that cordones the safety zone.
Due to the heat, we spent a pretty short time here.
Heading back to the stop opposite where we alighted, we waited for the bus that goes to Keelung (基隆).
There was this Korean mother and daughter who also went free and easy.
They paid the fare in cash and basically over-paid.
Note that if you are doing that - the bus DO NOT give you change.
You are required to give the exact amount.
The bus heads to Keelung Railway Station and it takes about 50 minutes.
Alight at the last stop and cross opposite on the overhead bridge.
You'll see a bus stop like this.
The bus here will go to Jiufen (九份) and Jin Gua Shi (金瓜石).
Jin Gua Shi (金瓜石) is historically known for its gold and copper mines.
We weren't really interested in the park so we gave it a miss (but do give me gold any time!).
Instead of Jin Gua Shi, we headed to Jiufen.
The quaint little street up in the mountains that I love.
The bus ride here takes about 50 minutes too and it's uphill.
The ride was pretty steep.
This is the entrance of Jiufen.
Jiu fen = nine portions as there were nine families living here last time and they always order nine portions of daily neccesities.
This greeted us at the entrance.
Fried prawn balls!
Yummy!
This was ok only.
The reason why I came here?
It's the quaint old town feeling that we can't find in Singapore anymore.
Look at the gorgeous landscape behind.
Ami, we missed this the last time cause we didn't explore deep enough into the back.
Quieter as you explore deeper as tourists probably are too lazy to go any further.
Does this remind you of China?
Stopped for a drink and more eating as we head out!
Some mochi like tidbit.
Really, really nice and there was a queue for this!
There was also Taiwan Sausage made from black boar meat - no chance to try.
How can we not eat this here.
Not as nice cold during summer as hot during winter =P
My must eat!
Popiah skin with shaved sugar-peanut and ice-cream.
And I'm still holding on to the mochi thingy.
*GREEDY*
Looks like that once it's wrapped up.
We headed out and went to the opposite side of the road to take the bus back to Keelung (基隆).
It's obvious as there will be loads of people there waiting for bus.
It's right in front of the Li Yi Biscuit shop up-slope from where we alighted.
The ride down was pretty scary as the road was narrow and there are 2-way traffic with lots of turns!
Tell the bus driver you'd want to go to Miao Kou and he'll announce when the bus reaches.
Alight and walk towards the junction on the right when facing the road.
Cross the roads and walk all the way straight and you'll reach Miao Kou Night Market (Monga)!
The famous Miao Kou Night Market (廟口夜市).
It was really, really crowded so we decided to leave instead of staying to eat.
Headed to Keelung Train Station.
On the way, we saw a optical shop and I asked how much the Freshlook big eyes contact lens were selling.
2 boxes for NT450 (SG19)!
SG sells 1 box for SG22 and it's buy 3 box get 1 box free.
I bought 2 boxes and found out Taipei was selling for NT500 (bang head! should have bought more!).
Anyway, we took the S-L-O-W train back.
My advice is to ask for the express train or check before you plan this day trip =)
Our dinner near our hotel before heading back to Shilin Night Market (again)!
Not much photos except the supper we bought back.
This was something new.
Deep fried whole potato with loads of stuff on top.
Corn, pineapple, bacon, ham etc.
Pour melted cheese on top!
Yummilicious!!!!
We bought a pair of black spectacles each.
I even saw bling bling ones.
Last half a day in the next post!
