pulau ubin island’s highest point

It was time to hit Pulau Ubin Island’s trails, so I headed towards Puaka Hill first. The paved road was lined with thick forests that had regenerated and hidden old rubber and coffee plantations. Amidst the lush vegetation, the surroundings had a murmuring melody of their own, but what was that far off sound?

Taiwan’s southern most tip

Eluanbi Park was famous for its lighthouse built with a moat and loopholes for cannons to ward off Taiwan’s original inhabitants — protesting aborigines against Chinese invasion. It was built in 1882, but there were far better sights to see along the trails that criss-crossed the promontory.

Taitung’s wetlands

Complementary bicycles were available at the place I stayed at in Taitung, so I took full advantage and cycled towards Taitung’s Forest Park. I passed the fifth person in Taiwan I’d seen peeing at the side of the road — two had been women!

A trail to a waterfall

I reached Tianxiang within Taroko National Park, and headed out of the tiny village towards the Baiyang Trail. In spite of being in a mountainous region, the trail was flat and only a little over two kilometres one way. The challenge was its eight unlit tunnels, one in particular that was difficult unless you had a flashlight.

Tunnel of Nine Turns

Taroko National Park’s Jiuqudong Trail or Tunnel of Nine Turns was a close up view of the Liwu River and Taroko Gorge. The gorge was formed over 200 million years ago by the earth’s crust rising and the river eroding to form a gorge. Limestone was formed, but from high temperatures and pressure, it metamorphosed into marble.

First stop in Taroko National Park

Just north of Hualien on Taiwan’s east coast was a mountainous region with fast flowing rivers, waterfalls, steep gorges and lush forests.

Through Mt Maokong’s dense forest

Half way along the Camphor Tree Trail by Ejiaoge Mountain, near the outer limits of Taipei City, a sign pointed towards YingHe Cave. I veered on to that trail and down countless steps and over a rocky path, lured by a cave.

High above Taipei City

On the edge of Taipei City I sailed up Maokong Mountain on the Maokong Gondola. As soon as I got to the top I heard a passenger in the cabin before mine go straight to the ticket counter and ask for a ticket to head back down again. I shook my head. Were they only interested in the ride? There was an entire mountain to explore.

An en-chanting trail

One hundred metres from Chunwangsa Temple within Hallasan National Park was Seokgulam Trail leading to a hermitage. Situated in the Aheumanhopgol Valley, this was only a 1.5 kilometre hike one way, but it was steep and the steps were often amongst tree roots.

My final search for an oreum

I had driven almost full circle around Jeju Island and arrived near the western half of Hallasan National Park. I was ready to find an oreum that had so far evaded me within the park’s eastern side.