Yi Lan, Taiwan
宜蘭,台湾
25 Mar - 27 Mar 2017
I wanted to go some place near Taipei, so Yilan it is! I've never paid attention to Yilan, so I don't know what to expect from this trip. But I did some extra digging on the attractions and bus schedules, cause one thing that I've learnt from travelling to Taiwan counties, is that their public transportation is scarce. They don't have frequent bus and train services, so you really need to have time restriction on everything you do if you intend to travel by public transportation only.
Expenditure:
2-ways flight ticket + 20kg check in luggage for return flight HKD 1228.26
Anho Hotel, Luo Dong 安禾时尚旅馆, 罗东镇 HKD 335.90
A Total Of HKD 1564.16
Cash used in Yilan : less than HKD 1100
Grand Total : ~HKD 2700
2-ways flight ticket + 20kg check in luggage for return flight HKD 1228.26
Anho Hotel, Luo Dong 安禾时尚旅馆, 罗东镇 HKD 335.90
A Total Of HKD 1564.16
Cash used in Yilan : less than HKD 1100
Grand Total : ~HKD 2700
I would like to highlight on the Agoda's 'Book Now, Pay Later' reservation option. I'm not sure if I've never realized this for the previous bookings, or if I've forgotten about this issue; I'd like to give a word of advice regarding the option to pay later: Yes they will lock down that room rate for you, but bear in mind that the rate that was guaranteed by Agoda is in that foreign country's currency. Whatever amount that you'll be paying later will be determined by the currency rate exchange at that later time. So you might be paying more than what you see when you first booked.
Take my Anho Hotel booking for example, when I made the booking on Feb 4th, the rate was TWD 1258.28 which at that time, equals to HKD317. But when I actually made the payment on 20th March, I was charged HKD 335.90, because the currency rate has changed.
SO, if you've confirmed that you want to book that particular room, just PAY NOW! Or else you're gonna have to pay extra on the future date.
Take my Anho Hotel booking for example, when I made the booking on Feb 4th, the rate was TWD 1258.28 which at that time, equals to HKD317. But when I actually made the payment on 20th March, I was charged HKD 335.90, because the currency rate has changed.
SO, if you've confirmed that you want to book that particular room, just PAY NOW! Or else you're gonna have to pay extra on the future date.
Day One
I wanted this trip to be a relaxing one, so I booked for an afternoon flight whereby I can take my time to get ready after work. As usual, I ended my shift at 8am. I went back home to shower and rest, and I left home around 10.30am to catch bus 26 towards Macau Airport. After checking in, I had brunch at the Premium Lounge and waited for the boarding announcement.
Oh I forgot to mention that I used the stick on tattoos that I bought in Seoul! I still had two designs left, so I used one on my left arm, and another one on my right wrist, you know, just for fun!
So we boarded the flight slightly later than scheduled, I mean, typical TigerAir right?
After 1.5 hours of torturous flight, no thanks to the man next to me who does not understand what it means to not invade other people's seat space! Ughh, anyway, we finally landed at Taoyuan International Airport around 1520hrs. Before going through immigration, I bought the travel SIM package from T Star 台湾之星 mobile company, which costs TWD 250 for 5 days, and the package includes unlimited data and TWD 50 call/messaging allowance.
I'm not sure if it's my phone, or the mobile company; but the internet data isn't stable all the time. I had to activate and deactivate my mobile data switch, almost every time when I need to search something. That was quite annoying when I had to do it the third time onward. But nevertheless, it still worked, so...yeah.
After 1.5 hours of torturous flight, no thanks to the man next to me who does not understand what it means to not invade other people's seat space! Ughh, anyway, we finally landed at Taoyuan International Airport around 1520hrs. Before going through immigration, I bought the travel SIM package from T Star 台湾之星 mobile company, which costs TWD 250 for 5 days, and the package includes unlimited data and TWD 50 call/messaging allowance.
I'm not sure if it's my phone, or the mobile company; but the internet data isn't stable all the time. I had to activate and deactivate my mobile data switch, almost every time when I need to search something. That was quite annoying when I had to do it the third time onward. But nevertheless, it still worked, so...yeah.
After going through immigration, I followed the signage towards the Bus Terminal, which is one level below the arrival hall. I purchased the bus ticket towards Taipei main station from Kuo Kuang bus company 国光客运, which costs TWD 125. The next bus departs 5 minutes later so I half ran towards the appointed platform.
They'll tag a luggage sticker for you, and it's free seating on board.
They'll tag a luggage sticker for you, and it's free seating on board.
It was less than an hour's bus ride. After alighting the bus, I headed towards the Taipei Bus Station 台北转运站, or also known as Q Square 京站时尚广场. It's located right opposite the street from Kuo Kuang bus depot.
As you enter the bus station building at the street level, you'll see rows of bus company counters on your right. I'm heading to the Luo Dong township 罗东 of Yilan, so I searched for Kamalan bus company 葛玛蘭 as recommended by everyone on the internet. I purchased a two-way ticket which costs TWD 254, and it's cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets separately. You don't have to decide the exact date and time that you'll be using the return ticket yet. Upon returning, just bring the blank return ticket and they will assign the next bus and seats for you.
As you enter the bus station building at the street level, you'll see rows of bus company counters on your right. I'm heading to the Luo Dong township 罗东 of Yilan, so I searched for Kamalan bus company 葛玛蘭 as recommended by everyone on the internet. I purchased a two-way ticket which costs TWD 254, and it's cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets separately. You don't have to decide the exact date and time that you'll be using the return ticket yet. Upon returning, just bring the blank return ticket and they will assign the next bus and seats for you.
After purchasing the tickets, I followed the lady's instruction and head up to the 4th floor, where the bus platforms are located at. It's very interesting cause it's my first time boarding buses on higher levels of a mall!
They will announce for boarding when it's time, so just grab a seat while waiting. I boarded the bus 5 minutes before departure and I was assigned Seat 3, which is the first row solo seat. The bus seats arrangement was in a 1-2 pattern.
We arrived in Luo Dong an hour later, which is around 1840hrs. The bus drops us off at the bus terminal, which is located right outside the Luo Dong TRA train station. My hotel is located on the other side of the train station, so I headed up to the train station and passed through the ticketing platforms to emerge from the other side of the station. I thought I had to walk another 5 minutes to the hotel, but surprisingly the hotel is just 30 steps away from the train station!
I was checked into Room 236, with bed number 8. I was quite happy to get the lower bunk. There's an electronic key card to access the room, and a small key for the locker. They will also give you a transparent pouch that contains the TV remote control and head phones. My reservation is inclusive of breakfast, so I got two breakfast coupons as well.
They provide basic amenities such as toothbrush, mineral water, cotton buds, teeth floss, small towel, hangers and also shower gel + shampoo in the shower stall. The locker is big enough to store my cabin trolley bag plus my backpack.
After resting for 15 minutes, I walked over to the Luo Dong Night Market 罗东夜市 for some street food action! It was a 10 minutes walk, and the night market was so crowded!
After resting for 15 minutes, I walked over to the Luo Dong Night Market 罗东夜市 for some street food action! It was a 10 minutes walk, and the night market was so crowded!
I only bought 2 snacks and a drink to fill my stomach. I was too tired and too hungry to eat. Plus lack of research on the must try snacks.
I had the pork sausage and grilled stinky tofu. I also had the almighty brown sugar + milk + tapioca pearls beverage which tasted AWESOME as always!
I had the pork sausage and grilled stinky tofu. I also had the almighty brown sugar + milk + tapioca pearls beverage which tasted AWESOME as always!
I ended my night around 10pm cause my plan for the next day requires my to wake up at 5.30am. =D
Day Two
I woke up to my alarm at 5.30am and took a quick shower. I knew I was going to be up super early and I expected the morning to be very chilly, so I washed my hair in advance before I slept the night before. I checked the train schedules online cause as I mentioned before, their trains arrives at specific timings. I'm targeting on the 7.57am train, so I left the hotel around 7.30am. I arrived there in less than 5 minutes and caught up on the 7.45am train.
I used this link below to search on the train schedules:
http://twtraffic.tra.gov.tw/twrail/
I'm heading from LuoDong station to Yilan station, so I just chose from the options given and search according to the date that I'm travelling.
Look at the train numbers on the link and go to the appointed platforms as displayed at the station. I'm sorry but you'd have to know Mandarin to use the link.
You can use iPass 一卡通 or Easy Card 悠游卡 for the trains.
I used this link below to search on the train schedules:
http://twtraffic.tra.gov.tw/twrail/
I'm heading from LuoDong station to Yilan station, so I just chose from the options given and search according to the date that I'm travelling.
Look at the train numbers on the link and go to the appointed platforms as displayed at the station. I'm sorry but you'd have to know Mandarin to use the link.
You can use iPass 一卡通 or Easy Card 悠游卡 for the trains.
I arrived Yilan station around 7am, and walked towards Jimmy's Park几米公园 which is situated on the left side of the train station. It was drizzling, so I had to walk extra carefully to not slip and fall. I arrived at the park after 1-2 minutes of walking.
My next destination is the Artemis Garden 香草菲菲, and the bus that I'm planning to take does not arrive until 8.08am. I still had time to spare so I walked around the area and found more cutesie stuffs!
I got hungry so I went to 7-11 to top up my iPass and also to buy sushi rolls.
I waited for the bus at the bus station located on the left side of the train station. It's in between Jimmy's Park and the train station. I'll be taking Bus 752 which is managed by Kamalan bus company.
The bus arrives on time. The driver even announces his arrival through the speaker cause he thought I didn't realize his incoming.
The bus arrives on time. The driver even announces his arrival through the speaker cause he thought I didn't realize his incoming.
You'll have to tap your iPass when you board and when you alight the bus. My destination is the final stop, so I didn't bother paying attention to the various stops along the way.
In order to arrive at Artemis Garden, you can either walk for 10 minutes from the final stop, OR you could re-tap your iPass and wait for the bus to depart for their return route, and you will need to alight at the first stop of the return route. The stop name is Taiyang Pond 太阳埤.
I chose to walk over cause it's still early. Artemis Garden isn't open until 9am.
I followed Google Maps and walked slowly towards the Garden. The actual distance is actually nearer than what I perceive from Google Maps, I guess it's due to the fact that Yilan is just a small county. It's fascinating to look at paddy fields up close, rather than just passing by in vehicles. There's even a super cute book shelter which also serves tofu pudding 豆花.
In order to arrive at Artemis Garden, you can either walk for 10 minutes from the final stop, OR you could re-tap your iPass and wait for the bus to depart for their return route, and you will need to alight at the first stop of the return route. The stop name is Taiyang Pond 太阳埤.
I chose to walk over cause it's still early. Artemis Garden isn't open until 9am.
I followed Google Maps and walked slowly towards the Garden. The actual distance is actually nearer than what I perceive from Google Maps, I guess it's due to the fact that Yilan is just a small county. It's fascinating to look at paddy fields up close, rather than just passing by in vehicles. There's even a super cute book shelter which also serves tofu pudding 豆花.
After 10 minutes of slow walking, I can finally see the signage for Artemis Garden!
The entrance fee is TWD 100 per person, but they will also issue you a TWD 100 coupon which can be used to purchase souvenirs and food in the Garden. There's a map at the entrance that suggests routes to visit the garden. I was there right when they open the garden, so some areas are not functioning yet.
They displayed rows and rows of different herbs and plants at the entrance of the garden, right before you purchase the tickets.
They displayed rows and rows of different herbs and plants at the entrance of the garden, right before you purchase the tickets.
I went up two levels to the balcony to overlook the TaiYang Pond, which translates to the Sun Pond. There's nothing much to see up there though.
Since I was at the highest point of the Garden, I could take an aerial view of the interior of the Garden, which was pretty cool.
After that, I proceeded to the sky walkway 天空步道 that has the most beautiful array of fresh flowers and plants dangling from above and hanging on the sides! I had a little nose block that day so the fresh flower scent did not affect me that much.
Don't the flower look beautiful? It's even prettier in real life. Other than this flower walkway, there's one corner that displays different spices and herbs as well.
There's also a reading corner full of books donated by the public. And One Piece comic books are one of them!!!
The Garden has 4 different spice scent houses on the ground level where they burn different spice and herb aromas for us to experience.
After that, I went to the bakery to test their freshly baked bread. I liked their blueberry loaf so I bought it using the TWD100 voucher that I got earlier. The bread costs TWD80 only, It tastes so good!
I went to wait for the 10.26am bus to go back to Yilan train station. After boarding the bus, I checked the train schedule and was kinda anxious when I find out the next train will be at 10.55am. I hoped I could arrive on time to catch that train, or else I'll have to wait for another hour for the next one.
The bus arrived at 10.52am and I ran across the street towards the train station. Fortunately, the train was delayed for 3 minutes, so I was very lucky to get on it.
The bus arrived at 10.52am and I ran across the street towards the train station. Fortunately, the train was delayed for 3 minutes, so I was very lucky to get on it.
I took the train towards Jiao Xi 礁溪 to visit the hot spring. I Googled on some place to have lunch and I found this restaurant called Le Shan Ramen 乐山温泉拉面, which apparently has a seating area that does foot bath. It looks interesting so I went to search for it. But my jeans are a bit tight, so I couldn't roll my jeans up for the foot bath. I settled in on a side table overlooking the street instead.
I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen 豚骨拉面, fried tofu 日式炸豆腐 and the sauna egg 温泉蛋. I paid for the meal at the counter and waited for it at my seat. The meal costs TWD180.
After lunch, I head back towards the bus station in front of the Jiao Xi train station and waited for the Red 1 bus towards Lan Yang Museum 蘭阳博物馆. There's buses every 30 minutes, but I believe this bus only operates on weekends/holidays.
It would be a waste if I didn't visit the hot spring, so I walked further down the road to look for it. I read online that you can use the foot bath for free even if you're not planning to pay to get in the hot spring area. I found the foot bath in just 2 minutes of walking away from the bus station. The operation hours starts from 12pm, so the pool is just beginning to fill up. |
I was there for about 45 minutes, and left before the water even filled half the depth of the foot bath. I couldn't pull my tight jeans up above my calf, so I don't mind the shallow pool. I waited for the 1pm bus and it arrived around 1.10pm.
It took 15 minutes to arrive at LanYang Museum. The bus buzzer didn't work so I had to go to the front to ask the driver to stop at the station. |
I wanted to visit LanYang museum for its super unique architecture. The museum looked like it was lying down on the ground, so instead of pronouncing the correct name 蘭阳, I always said 懒洋. It looked really cool with the lake surrounding it that provides a reflection to the building.
I had no idea what is the theme of this museum, I just came for the building and that's it. But I thought since I'm already here, I might as well just visit the exhibitions. I bought the entrance ticket at TWD100, and an additional TWD30 for the special Cypress exhibition held at that time.
Apparently this museum features the history of Taiwan layer by layer. You'll first take the escalator to the top floor, and you'll walk down the floors slowly while looking at the exhibition. The top floor features the mountains and forests, then you'll see the houses and living cultures as you descend the building, after that you'll enter the ocean floor and at the end of it, the artifacts.
Apparently this museum features the history of Taiwan layer by layer. You'll first take the escalator to the top floor, and you'll walk down the floors slowly while looking at the exhibition. The top floor features the mountains and forests, then you'll see the houses and living cultures as you descend the building, after that you'll enter the ocean floor and at the end of it, the artifacts.
Below shows the Cypress exhibition.
After the museum, I walked to the opposite side of the street to wait for the Red 1 bus to go back to Tou Cheng 头城 train station. Apparently I waited at the wrong bus stop, but there are some others who are waiting for the same bus as well, so the driver very kindly stopped to pick us up. The correct bus stop is located at the earlier turning of the road.
So I alighted and followed Google Maps for a dessert shop nearby that translate directly to Ah Zhong Ice City 阿宗芋冰城. I thought they're selling shaved ice or something similar, but they are selling homemade ice cream instead. Not that I'm complaining, cause it's pretty good.
So I alighted and followed Google Maps for a dessert shop nearby that translate directly to Ah Zhong Ice City 阿宗芋冰城. I thought they're selling shaved ice or something similar, but they are selling homemade ice cream instead. Not that I'm complaining, cause it's pretty good.
It costs TWD40 for 3 flavors. I chose yam, peanut and pineapple. The pineapple is AWESOME. The peanut is interesting, the yam is meh. But that's just because I don't fancy yam flavored anything, so you might enjoy the yam ice cream more than I do.
After my dessert, I followed the map towards the old streets of Tou Cheng, but there's nothing interesting there. So I headed towards the train station and saw a huge crew of cameramen filming some cooking show beside a food truck.
After my dessert, I followed the map towards the old streets of Tou Cheng, but there's nothing interesting there. So I headed towards the train station and saw a huge crew of cameramen filming some cooking show beside a food truck.
I still have 30-40 minutes until the next train to LuoDong, so I wandered around and saw an actual food truck selling spring onion prata sort of snack. So I went in line and patiently waited for my turn. It costs TWD30 for 1 piece, and it IS similar to egg prata.
I boarded the train back to LuoDong and went back to the hotel to charge my phone and also to shower. I rested until around 6pm and departed towards Yilan train station for the Dong Men night market 东门夜市. After exiting Yilan train station, I went right and walk straight until I see the bridge with the name of the night market written on it. It's just a 3 minutes walk.
I did my homework before coming to the night market, so I hunted for the stalls that were featured online. I tried the Fatty Liang charcoal BBQ 梁大胖炭烤 and chose 5 meat sticks to be bbq-ed. I read that they have their own secret sauce, and it's quite good. It's a bit pricey, costs TWD99.
And then I found the ‘phoenix dragon drumstick' 龙凤腿, which is a deep fried street snack that resembles a chicken drumlet. But in fact it's stuffed with minced cabbage, carrots and sometimes they put fish paste in it.
The stall works in the way that the owner will place all the freshly fried skewers onto the strainer above the fryer, then we'll grab a paper bag and place whatever we want into it and show it to the owner and pay accordingly. They have their special sauce placed in pots for you to dip your skewers in it.
The stall works in the way that the owner will place all the freshly fried skewers onto the strainer above the fryer, then we'll grab a paper bag and place whatever we want into it and show it to the owner and pay accordingly. They have their special sauce placed in pots for you to dip your skewers in it.
I also tried the 卜肉 from a from stall called Xiao Chun 小春, I think their centure eggs 照烧皮蛋 has great reviews as well, but I did not try it. The 卜肉 was so so only.
As I was walking around the market, a girl kept following me asking me to help her with a survey or something. I told her I don't want to, cause you know, I met some of these people in Taipei and they're fucking annoying, and they will try to con your money. So I kept going forward saying I'm in a rush, but she kept following me. Ughh seriously woman? So I half ran towards the train station to get away from her. Bummer.
I waited for the train to go back to LuoDong, so that I could visit the LuoDong night market again. I did more research this time, so I know what exactly to look for. Firstly, I went for the dessert stall named Sister Wei 魏姐包心粉圆专卖店, they sell tapioca pearls that are filled with some paste that I can't identify, I think it's red bean.
I waited for the train to go back to LuoDong, so that I could visit the LuoDong night market again. I did more research this time, so I know what exactly to look for. Firstly, I went for the dessert stall named Sister Wei 魏姐包心粉圆专卖店, they sell tapioca pearls that are filled with some paste that I can't identify, I think it's red bean.
I ordered the three flavored pudding with condensed milk which also includes ice cream and the star of the dish: the stuffed tapioca pearls. It was good, but nothing wow about it.
After that, I went to look for the lamb stew stall but it was crowded with people, so I gave up on it. I ordered some lamb skewers at Xiao Chun 小春 instead, which tasted awesome!
After that, I went to look for the lamb stew stall but it was crowded with people, so I gave up on it. I ordered some lamb skewers at Xiao Chun 小春 instead, which tasted awesome!
I read online of a shop/bakery that sells souvenir biscuits, so I followed Google Map to the location, which is 5 minutes away from the night market. It's called Yi Shun Xuan 奕顺轩. They are well known for their roll up ice cream cakes, but it was too much for me to finish by myself, so I didn't buy one. Sigh. Anyway I bought their 牛舌饼 (cow tongue biscuits) which tastes heavenly, especially the cheese flavored ones. Damn it, should have bought more.
I went back to the hostel for some rest and pack my luggage. I set my alarm to wake me up at 7am so that I can go to the LuoDong Forestry Culture Garden 罗东林业文化园区 which opens at 8am.
Day Three
I woke up on time and took a quick shower. I went to have some breakfast at the hotel eatery which serves simple buffet dishes. I had fried rice, sausages, ham, tofu and fried egg. It was simple and nice, tastes like home.
I decided to walk over to the forestry cause it doesn't look too far off on the map. And I was right, there's a side door into the forestry which is just 5 minutes away from the hotel. but the door does not open until 9am. So I walked along the main road towards the front gate. When I was doing some food research the day before, I found this shop selling a local dish called 肉焿面, which is a thickened soup noodles with starch coated pork. It costs TWD40.
After that I went into the forestry, and it was a garden for leisure strolling I guess, cause it doesn't have specific attraction to it other than the awesome looking train tracks.
I exited through the side door that opens at 9am and walked towards the night market area in search for food. The area transformed into a day market selling fruits and vegetable. I walked to the Yi Shun Xuan 奕顺轩 to buy more biscuits. On the way back to the hotel, I stopped by family mart to get something to eat. I bought melted cheese mashed potato and green milk tea. from the famous 纯粹喝 series.
Oh and I forgot to mention this, I finally found the D-Up double eye lid stickers that everyone is raving about! It costs TWD350 for 165 pairs of stickers plus another additional 45 pairs as their limited promotion.
It's a bit difficult to peel off from its plastic sheet. It's working fine at first, and now my eye lids are getting harder to stay in place. It's quite frustrating, maybe cause I didn't place it right. We'll see. |
After my light snack at the Family Mart, I walked back to the hostel to pack up. I left the hostel at 11am and walked towards the Kamalan bus station, which is on the other side of the train station. I took the blank return ticket to the Kamalan counter, and the personnel wrote down the bus departure time and seat number on my ticket.
I waited for a while and the bus departure shortly.
I waited for a while and the bus departure shortly.
This ends my trip in Yilan. I went back to Taipei and spent another two days there for my birthday. I'll write on it in another 3D2N post shortly.