Taiwan is calling.. From mountains to valleys, delicious menus and lively markets!
Taiwan welcomes world travelers with the attractions of urban fun, natural beauty, unique art heritage and gastronomic delights.
“ QING wen, qing zhen canguan zai na li? Oh… sieh sieh… ”
How easy it is if someone is fluent in Mandarin, or at least knows a few basic Mandarin phrases to communicate in this destination.
However, it doesn’t matter if it’s the other way around. English is also ‘practical’ in Taiwan, especially with the friendliness of the locals who seem to be no different from Chinese neighbors or friends in Malaysia, who are sociable.
The history of Taiwan which was under Japanese rule for decades is also seen to leave some traces of assimilation. One’s attention will immediately be caught on the influence of the Country of the Rising Sun in many aspects in Taiwan – from work procedures, food, culture, to aspects of discipline especially in maintaining cleanliness (oh, I praise the cleanliness of the public toilets too!).
Coupled with Taiwan’s aspirations, adaptation and availability in responding to the call for halal tourism, of course Muslim travelers from Southeast Asia and the rest of the world will heave a sigh of relief.
Starting from that sense of ease and comfort, the island region of 36,197 square kilometers only needs to promote the greatness of its existing tourism products.
Natural attractions, highlands, food, cultural heritage… there are too many to list. But the following are some that can be used as a guide:
WANT TO VISIT WHAT?
1) Alishan National Forest
Peace in the dimness of this pine forest of red cypress and yellow cedar invites all Instagrammers to come to ‘Gunung Ali’. Starting with a vintage train ride to a special stop, then a walk down a groomed trail that is sure to take you to an interesting corner of the landscape. Get close to the botanical world, while inhaling a dose of premium oxygen!
2) YuYuPas Cultural Park
Entering the Chiayi subdistrict, this location with green scenery celebrates the culture of the indigenous Tsou ethnic community through music and dance performances. While enjoying Alishan tea and refreshing lemon jelly ice, the soothing panorama of valleys and mountains can be appreciated during the journey and after arriving at this location.
3) Night market in Taichung
If Taipei is famous for the Shilin night market, the second largest city, Taichung, offers a popular night market such as Feng Chia, even on Yizhong Street. Pop-up stalls are interspersed with mini-shops that line the streets and intersections, as well as connecting cafes, boutiques and shopping malls. Souvenirs, crafts, clothing, stalls and more! Get ready to challenge your enochlophobia here!
4) Jiufen Old Street
Order your steps down the narrow, long, up and down and winding alleys. Meanwhile, on the left and right of the route there are various interesting shops to stop by. In the thrill of fighting shoulder to shoulder with the crowd, visitors will find many shops selling dry food products, clothes, sweets, tea houses, handicrafts and art demonstrations. The throb and bustle of a local identity – all set against the backdrop of the trading style of the past.
5) Taipei 101
Too high, you won’t see it! It is this building that ‘usurped’ the throne of the world’s tallest building from the Petronas Twin Towers in 2004. Standing 509 meters high, visitors must climb to the observatory level to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree view of the city. Becoming an icon of the future metropolis, at its base there is a six-story shopping mall with a wide selection of restaurants, entertainment centers, boutiques and leading brands.
HUNGRY… WHERE TO EAT?
1) Halal Chinese Beef Noodles
Not only is it recognized as halal, this restaurant with an operating record of more than six decades is also listed in the Michelin gastronomic guide. Soft noodles in a meat stew stock sauce, accompanied by tender pieces of beef after being simmered for a day with traditional spices. Don’t forget, also try the special bread with a minced meat core.
2) Zhuo Ye Cottage
A mini village that provides a vegetarian hot pot restaurant from the secrets of the Hakka kitchen, while surrounded by rustic rustic architecture and a pond landscape. The delicacy of the vegetable-based food selection makes fans of the meat menu forget for a moment that there are no animals ‘sacrificed’ at all. In addition to dining, visitors can also shop for souvenirs, and attend a class to produce cloth using indigo dyeing techniques from natural dye sources. (No. 1-5, Bengshanxia, Sanyi, Miaoli)
3) Mountain Town Café
Small but forever in the memory! This place wins on the factors of location, service and simple, delicious menu. Enjoy the view of green hills, quiet towns and the expanse of the ocean from the hillside cafe, while eating pizza or cheese rice with vegetables. The coffee is also a favorite among customers. The entrepreneur also owns a guesthouse called Shan Cheng Creation House. (No. 193, Jishan Street, Ruifang \ Tel: 0963 663 003)
4) Long Yun Leisure Farm
The concept of sustainable living continues to be practiced by a family that owns a stretch of land inherited from three generations. A combination of the attractions of tea plantations, livestock farms, vegetable gardens and highland chalets, this place is ready to welcome Muslim guests with advance reservations. The ‘star’ at the dining table must be seafood, organic vegetables and even fresh bamboo shoots that are deep-fried! (No. 1, Shizhuo, Zhuqi 60497, Chiayi)
