It was my 2nd time to visit Taiwan. The first time was my graduation trip in 2008 with my University friends and my old friends whom I've known since the secondary days.
6 years later, to celebrate our 16 years of friendship, my secondary friends and I decided to re-visit our favorite country Taiwan again. However, this time round, our group expanded slightly with none other than our hubbies.
We jetted off to Taipei via Scoot. It was my first time flying by Scoot and even though it was a budget airline, I'm surprised that the plane was big and had spacious leg space as compared to the other budget planes. On boarding the flight, we were greeted by funky young flight attendants with loud funky music playing from the audio. Well, this was indeed something different. Of course, as a budget airline, the air ticket does not include the meals or baggage. We had to pay separately for these items if required. Anyway, a 4 hours flight to Taipei without any in-flight entertainment was boring. Luckily, I managed to doze off.
It was 5.10am in the morning when we arrived at Taoyuan Airport, Taipei.
I felt shagged. After freshening ourselves, with the girls putting on some slight makeup, we were greeted by Mr Yang, our driver for the next five days. He wasn't looking very pleased because were late by 45 mins. Nonetheless, he regained his smiles after a while and took us to a nearby areas for some quick breakfast.
 |
| We had our 1st breakfast at this store near the airport. |
 |
| A market place nearby |
 |
| Very empty street |
 |
| Mee sua, not very fantastic, too much garlic |
 |
| Meat bun, yum yum, these taste good |
 |
| Some veggie fried buns, so-so |
 |
| Us looking cheerful |
 |
| This was nice! |
We went back to the airport after breakfast to buy the Taiwan's mobile SIM card so that we can enjoy the data plans to access internet connection and make phone calls in Taiwan for the rest of our trip. Remember, it's important to always get the mobile card at the airport because you'll get to enjoy tourist rates that were not available elsewhere.
Soon, we were on our way to Tai Chung in our comfortable 7 seater Toyota Sienna. Please note that if you are travelling to different region outside of Taipei, it's always important to hire a driver to drive you around. That way, not only will you be able to travel free and easy but also comfortably without worrying about getting lost. I've booked the driver through one car agency introduced by my friend. It cost about SGD1,500 for 5 days, which I thought was quite reasonable since we were travelling in a group.
1. Tai Chung - Lavender Farm
It took about 1 hour to drive from Taoyuan airport to Tai Chung. The first destination we visited was the "Lavender Farm". Lavender Farm is a natural park with a few plots of lavender fields within the park. The park is well decorated with cutie stuff like teddy bears, cottages, enchanted forest with beautiful floral and a carousel for kids to have their rides. Of course, the main highlight is the lavender field. Much to my disappointment, the lavender field is small and it doesn't look as nice as the lavender field in France.
 |
| Lavender field |
There are several shops selling lavender products ranging from lavender essential oil, lavender facial wash and skin care products, lavender spa and soap, and the list goes on. Price of these products are of course not cheap in such touristy area but it can be hard for anyone to resist from buying as souvenirs.
I was most impressed with the toilet in the park. It is not only clean but well designed to blend in with the natural surrounding. For instance, there are open-concept toilet cubicles where you can do your "business" while looking out towards the scenic nature view.
 |
| Nicely decorated wall murals in the toilet |
 |
| open concept toilet with natural view |
 |
| Add caption |
 |
| Very refreshing lemon soap |
 |
| Scented and calming lavender soap |
After walking and cam-whoring for almost an hour, we decided to stop for some drinks and cakes at one of the café in the park. When you purchased the ticket to access the park, you will be given complimentary vouchers that entitled you to discounts when you purchased the food and drinks from the café. We decided to use the vouchers.
The outdoor cafe was cooling as it was shaded from tall trees. We bought some cakes, lavender ice-cream (which tasted funny) and lavender tea (which was horrid).
 |
| The outdoor cafe |
 |
| Lavender ice-cream |
 |
| Vanilla ice-cream |
 |
| Tiramisu and mango cake |
 |
| Lavenders |
 |
| The lavender field |
 |
| Carousel in the park |
I would only recommend this place if you have plenty of time at Tai Chung and if you love to view the lavender, floral and enjoy some quiet leisure walk.
2. Princess Annie's garden
Princess Annie's garden is located a short distance from the Lavender Farm. This is the place where most girls will find it "princessy" and romantic. The decoration and the atmosphere in the park are all white and pink and one can really feel the happiness that surrounds the park. I personally think that this place makes a good site for wedding photography.
You can also help yourself to some playful or cute cam-whoring with your BFFs in the park because there are some wooden royal clothes and props that you can used in your photo-taking.
And do remember to check out the theme restaurant with very nice garden settings in the park. The food served are way better than those at the Lavender Farm.
No.223 Zhongxing Street
Xinshe District, Taichung City
Tel: 04-2593 1567
Daily: 9am – 8pm
3. Carton King
Carton King is yet another theme park where everything was made of carton boxes. There is another Carton King @ Cing Jing. However, both parks are quite small.
The shop at the park however sells interesting souvenirs made from carton boxes. I actually bought a wooden musical box where the car will go round the box when the music plays. It cost me SGD70 this item but I was satisfied with my purchase. Do visit this place only if you have time. Otherwise, I don't really find this place worth going.
 |
| bubble tea in a carton |
We only had enough time to visit these three places in Tai Chung and decided to check in our hotel - Parker Inn just next to Feng Chia night market. The hotel interior was not bad and most importantly, the toilet was clean.
4. Feng Chia Night Street Market
Feng Chia Night Market is the biggest night market in Taiwan and definitely not one to be missed. To put it simply, no one visits Tai Chung without going to Feng Jia. You can find many innovative snacks here, and, in fact, Feng Chia is the testing ground for most of modern street food. After they are proven popular, they are then spread to other food markets.
 |
| At one of the restaurant at Feng Chia for some ice fen yuan |
 |
| This is nice ! |
Comments
Post a Comment