Wandering Fel

When I took sabbatical from my work two years ago, I enjoyed my non-working days so much studying Mandarin in Taipei (well, I come back with only 20 bucks in my bank account but oh well...). One thing that I enjoy the most when it's summer time in Taiwan is the blue sky. Oh my gawd, the blue sky is simply superb. Here are the list of best spots to view blue sky in Taiwan:

2. Hehuanshan

There is nowhere better to feel closer to the blue sky other than from the mountain, right? If you agree, you should not miss the beauty of the blue sky viewed from the top of Hehuanshan, a high mountain in the central Taiwan. The peak of Hehuanshan is best viewed on the way from Cingjing Farm to Taroko Gorge. It is situated within the Taroko Gorge National Park. The weather can be pretty cold up there so it is recommended to bring jacket whenever you visit Hehuanshan.

3. Xincuozai

Situated in the laid back area of Chiayi, Xincuozai offers a beautiful blue sky on top of the salt fields. The little town of Xincuozai is used to be defined by its salt. Although nowadays Taiwan has entered into automation era, the local government has preserved the culture of salt harvesting here at Xincuozai. You can still see the salt fields here in Xincuozai. 

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4. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

This place gave me a surprise actually. I have never expected Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall to be so beautiful under the blue sky. Hahaha. CKS Memorial Hall is a must visit place for everyone who visit Taipei for the first time. You can watch the guard changing ceremony on the level 4 of CKS Memorial Hall. The view from the top is also nice to look upon. During the spring, you can visit the small garden nearby to see sakura trees. They are so lovely!

5. Qingshui Cliff 

Qingshui Cliff is best viewed on the way from Taroko Gorge to the city of Hualien. There are stops along the mountain path which allow driver to park their small car (I don't think it's feasible to park bus there). Blue sky, blue sea, I guess I can't ask for more. #ultimatesatisfaction

If you need a dose of the sea and you are travelling to Taiwan, you will be in a treat. Taiwan has a lot of places to view the beautiful ocean. I am quite skeptical at first because well, whenever someone come back from Taiwan, the only thing that he or she is raving about is the night market food. Justified as it is, the beautiful coastal view of Taiwan should not be missed at all. So here are my top 5 best places to see the ocean in Taiwan. 

Qingshui Cliff (清水斷崖) is the only ocean viewing location in Taroko National Park where you can see the beautiful hues of blue of the Pacific ocean. The color of the ocean is so beautiful and it seems to be a sin not to stop for a while at the viewing platform along Taroko Pass to enjoy the beautiful view of this Pacific coastline and the shore of Chongde Beach. 

The beautiful Kenting Beach (墾丁) has become famous world wide because of the award-winning movie, Life of Pi. The paradise is located at the southern Taiwan and it took us two hours driving from Kaohsiung to reach Kenting. Whether you want to just lay on the beach, swim in the warm blue ocean, scuba dive or surf, Kenting offers the best spot to enjoy warm breeze and weather of southern Taiwan. 

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Sanxiatai is situated at the 111-kilometer mark on the coastal highway in Taitung. It consists of a headland facing a small island in the sea. Sanxiatai is the perfect spot to see the beautiful East coast of Taiwan.  You will occasionally see the sea creatures like crayfishes which are drifted across to the rocky shore of Sanxiatai.

Penghu Islands is located in the southwest of the Taiwan strait. It is also known as the pearl of the Taiwan Strait. The islands offer magnificent ocean views. Even though it's located on a different archipelago from the main island of Taiwan, it is relatively easy to reach Penghu. There are regular flights from Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Chiayi and Kaohsiung. You can also reach Penghu islands by boat, with service from Budai Harbor in Chiayi and the main port of Kaohsiung. Don't miss the firework show at night in Penghu!

5. Yehliu 

Yehliu is one of the most popular attractions amongst local and international tourists. This makes the geological park is always filled with tourist buses. It offers a superb view of the northern cape of Taiwan with so many natural wonders and naturally-created rock sculptures. The famous Queen's Head is also located in Yehliu Geological Park. Do bring umbrellas if you are visiting Yehliu on a hot summer day!

If the right side is not beautiful enough, the left side also offers a beautiful shades of blue. I'm in love with the blues. ^^

Another view taken from different stop of the highway. It's really good that one of our travelling companion has a superb camera. The pictures turned out very beautiful. ^^

If you want to visit Qingshui Cliff, it is better to stay the night at Hualien. We stayed in Classic City Resort and the room has a quite good rate for a central location (walking distance from the railway station). You can check the hotel rates here.