Hong Kong & Taiwan

Mar 16-24, 2014
Mar 16 AC830 BR35 YYZ-TPE, BR891 TPE-HKG, Mar 19 HKG-TPE, Mar 23 BR18 TPE-SFO, UA1215 SFO-IAH

On our first trip to Taiwan we really enjoyed Taipei and were anxious to get back and explore further.  When we redeem our points for travel, it makes sense to try visit another city, so we decided to stop in Hong Kong along the way.  We were able to start together in Toronto and take our new favorite EVA Airways and their amazing seats and service.  We found our way into some newer areas of Hong Kong that we’d missed on previous trips and covered our other favorite areas.  In Taiwan we got right out of the city and explored the coast, the picturesque gorges as well as the mountains.  Tom braved the somewhat torturous driving on foggy, one-lane two-way roads through the mountains, and we survived a very long trip from the coast to the island’s interior and back.

Mar 17
After earlier morning connection in Taipei and into our hotel by mid morning with time to head out into Hong Kong.

Looking from the Harbour to the CBD

After a ferry ride, looking across Hong Kong harbor back to Hong Kong

Noon Day Gun Ceremony at Causeway Bay

Hong Kong General Post Office in the CBD

Kowloon, including the Hyatt where we stayed, part of the tallest structure

Newer development on West Kowloon including the 118-story International Commerce Centre

Mar 18
Explored the New Territories before heading up to the Peak

Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda on the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, New Territiories

Enjoying the view after a winding bus ride to the top of the peak, in lieu of the tram

Making our way to the Grand Hyatt through Hong Kong Park

One of the many birds in the Hong Kong Park Aviary

One the many turtles in the park

Enjoying the view with sunset cocktails from Grand Hyatt

Mar 19
Early morning flight from Hong Kong to Taipei and north coast drive to Fulong

Laomei Green Reefs on the northern coast growing on the wave cut volcanic rock

Some of the amazing ocean cut Yehliu Geopark

Closeup of one of the many wave cut rock formations

Looking up at Jinguashi’s abandoned Gold Mine

As the day ends, looking back up the coast

Mar 20
Continue exploring along the somewhat rainy east coast

Views from the beautiful coastal drive

Woodcarvings in Lin Tian Shan historical Japanese logging village

Mar 21
Very long day of exploring Taroko National Park and driving over the mountains

Heading back up the coast we find some clear views of the beautiful coastal highway

Shakadang River trail in Taroko National Park is our first hike of the day

Very colourful gorge

Panoramic view of the highway heading west through the gorge

Looking back towards the coast

Walking Tunnel of Nine Turns section of Taroko Gorge

Entry bridge to famed Jhuilu Old Trail

Continuing to soak up the beauty of the gorge

Excellent view of the contrast between old and new highways

Small temple overlooks the gorge and the new bridge

Baiyang Waterfall is the payoff for our 2.1 km hike through a number of dark tunnels

Winding drive over the top of the mountain to central Taiwan, we rise well past the clouds

More incredible views before we start the long winding road down the other side

Mar 22
Make our way from Sun Moon Lake and safely return the car in Taipei

Early morning view of Sun Moon Lake

Fountains outside of Chung Tai Chan Monastery

Built from 1990-2001, Chung Tai Chan Monastery is the world’s tallest Buddhist Temple

Elaborate roof of the Longshan Temple in Lukang

The slightly lecherous “Breast Touching Lane” in Lukang; narrowness made contact likely

Mar 23
Spend our last day in Taipei before our evening flights home

Looking back at Taipei 101 after climbing the hills at Yongchungang Park

Taking a break after a sweaty morning climb

Looking back at Taipei from the Maokong Gondola

Mar 23-24
Late night flights back home on EVA