Taiwan Day 5: Taipei - Yehliu Geopark + Jiufen Old Street + Shifen Waterfall and Old Street

Rise and shine early at 7 plus in the morning to prep ourselves for a full day tour with Ah Yip and Jane who just touched down in Taipei this morning. They were here to attend a fitness workshop which will start 2 days later. We were supposed to meet at 9.30am but they reached early, hence we hastily went to McDonald @ Taipei Main Station to tabao 2 sausage mcmuffin with egg set at NT$214 (or S$9.91) to eat in the car. What I like about their breakfast set is that it comes with a cup of ice milk tea which is not available in Singapore.

We met up with Ah Yip and Jane together with their driver outside our hotel. We booked a private driver for a day at NT$5,000 (or S$231.48). A hefty price to pay I must say.

Yehliu Geopark (野柳地质公园)

We traveled out of Taipei to the outskirt area, to Yehliu Geopark (野柳地质公园). It was about an hour drive from our hotel. Nature and city don't coincide together, they are usually located apart from each other. We will need to travel for a distance to get away from the city.

We were approaching Yehliu Geopark soon, the coastal road lead us to a scenic view and slowly the North Coast and Pacific Ocean has came to sight. 

My favourite activity in Taiwan was to visit all the scenic locations and captured all the beautiful moments. Taiwan has so much to offer and every place leaves a deep impression that makes me want to come back to Taiwan again.

We stumbled upon this big cat looking alike rock formation and stopped by for a photo. This scenic Geopark is definitely a must visit for travelers looking for photo worth place in Taiwan.

There was a market street outside Yehliu Geopark selling souvenirs and some local food products. I bought a packet of Brown Sugar Lollipop at NT$50 (or S$2.31) for office sharing.

We spent about 2 hours plus at Yehliu before proceeding to our next destination.

Yehliu Geopark (野柳地质公园)
No.167-1, Kantung Rd., Yehliu Village, Wanli District, New Taipei City 20744, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Operating hours: 8am to 5pm daily
Entrance fee: NT$80 (or S$3.70)

Jiufen Old Street (九份老街)

It was another 50 minutes ride to our next destination, Jiufen Old Street (九份老街).

*Photo courtesy from bro.

Jiufen Old Street is a popular destination located on a mountain area in Ruifang District, New Taipei City. Jiufen resembled the downtown in the Japanese anime movie 'Spirited Away' and attracted many Japanese tourists there.

We stopped by Jiufen for some food and souvenirs, it was really crowded over at the cobbled street. I got 2 Minion's draw string pouch for my bro at NTS200 (or S$9.26) and 4 Kaonashi's pens for my lunch kaki NTS120 (or S$5.56).

We have tried on the Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐), it was actually fermented tofu with a strong odor. It was my second try on Stinky Tofu. The smell was really bad, make sure to add chilli sauce to cover the smell. It tasted like normal tofu with crispy exterior. This is a must try food when come to Taiwan.

This trip has brought me many fond memories and spectacular scenery. Being close to the nature, away from the hustle and bustle of Tapei, allows me to relax and appreciate the natural beauty. I spent some quiet moments taking in the beauty of the tranquil atmosphere.

Jiufen is a very laid back place, it is another must visit place if you want to experience the cultural side of Taiwan. Time seems to freeze just by enjoying the scenery from the top.

Jiufen Old Street (九份老街)
Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布)

We went to find our driver who then drove us down to Shifen. It was another 35 minutes drive to Shifen Waterfall. We alighted at the nearest drop off point at about 4.45pm and we were told that we need to reach the waterfall area by 5pm, hence we doubled our speed and rush to see the waterfall.

It was about 15-20 minutes walk to Shifen Waterfall.Though there were a couple photo opportunity spots along the way to the Shifen Waterfall, I only stopped by for this photo as we were pressing for time.

The 40 metre tall Shifen Waterfall is the most scenic waterfall in Taiwan, it is also known as Little Niagara of Taiwan due to the powerful flow. The waterfall is set against the backdrop of forested mountainside. I spent a few moments taking in the beauty of the sight ahead of me.

There are a few spots for viewing the waterfall, we then proceed to the next spot.

This spot gave a awesome view of watching Shifen Waterfall descending down continually with no blockage of trees. Actually every direction has their own picturesque view of the waterfall. It was quite an experience watching it, very calming.

Shifen Waterfall (十分瀑布)
226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District

Next, we went to another shop to purchase sparklers and firework crackers. We then proceeded to the nearby suspension bridge to set off the sparklers and firework crackers. The price of firework crackers were not cheap, it was NTS1,000 (or S$46.30) and it required skill to set off. 

Once we ignite the firework, we have to run off to the further point immediately for safety purpose. The fireworks were beautiful and we have so much fun playing with it. These are the fun we don't get in Singapore, lighting up firework is prohibited in our country.

Shifen Old Street (十分老街)

226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District

The time was 7 plus and we booked the driver only until 8pm. The driver sent us to Ah Yip and Jane's hotel, and bid goodbye to us. After they were done with the check-in, we then walked towards the nearest MRT station, Guting. 

*Photo courtesy from bro.

While walking, we passed by Wellcome Supermarket and I went in to purchase a packet of 麻油雞 maggie mee and a cup noodle to bring back home at NTS184 (or S$8.52). 

We made our way to Jiantan MRT station for Shilin Night Market where we just walked around for street food and shopping, it's just a mega version of our Pasar Malam. Shilin Night Market is one of the most popular night market to visit for the locals and tourists in Taipei, there are so much things to look at for shopping and eating. I got myself a white pullover at Shilin Night Market and moisturiser cream from 康是美. The time was 10.12pm and we slowly made our way by MRT back to our hotel.

Taiwan is definitely a place I will be going back again. I love exploring the nature, seeing beautiful landscapes and sightseeing and eating our heart out at the night market. I miss all the sight seeing in Taiwan, something I don't experience in my city.

With that, I ended my post for day 5.