My Backpacking Gear List

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All of the gear I use for backpacking in 2020

Backpacking in the mountains can provide one of the purest forms of happiness in our lives. The ability to get out of the city, the stresses of life, to be surrounded by nature and immersed in its tremendous beauty is a wonderful luxury we can all enjoy. It feels this year, more than ever, a backpacking trip to the mountains is sorely needed.

I’m often asked for recommendations on what to bring for day hikes to high mountain climbs, and everything in between. I’ve put together my gear list for overnight backpacking trips. I hope these can help you get a gear pack started, or help you refine what you already have for backpacking your hometown mountains and beyond!

In general, it is important to have these items when backpacking in the high mountains:

• Lightweight Tent

• Tarp

• 60L or more Backpacking Pack

• Sleeping Bag

• Sleeping Pad

• Stove and Fuel

• Utensils

• Food

• Water and Water Treatment Tools/Tablets

• First Aid Kit

• Hiking Boots or Shoes

• Appropriate Hiking Attire

• Rain Jacket and Warm Clothing

• Lightweight Day Pack

On top of this list, you should absolutely have the TEN ESSENTIALS:

1. Knife - very necessary

2. Headlamp - bring extra batteries

3. Navigation - compass, map, GPS device

4. Sun Protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc

5. First Aid Kit - include foot care and insect repellant

6. Fire - matches, lighters, flint, stove

7. Shelter - tarp or emergency bivy

8. Extra Water - beyond minimum expectation

9. Extra Food - beyond minimum expectation

10. Extra Clothing - beyond minimum expectation

Alright, now that we have the basics under our belt, let me show you what I bring to the mountains on any given trip. Of course, this list can be adjusted depending on how many days I’ll be in the mountains, or how difficult the hiking will be. Let’s get to it! My typical backpacking gear for 2020!

Backpack

F Stop Gear Sukha 70L

What I love about the F Stop Gear Sukha Pack is that it is large enough to fit all of the camera gear I would normally bring on an overnight camping trip in the high mountains (see below), because of the ICU’s that keep everything neatly packed inside. With those ICU’s I am also able to bring my tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and any food/cookware that’s necessary.

This is a photography bag for the adventurer. They live up to that. I’ve taken my Sukha pack all over the high mountains of Taiwan, and will even use it on day trips because of how nice and neat everything packs inside.

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Camping Gear

Kelty Salida 2 Person Backpacking Tent

I have taken this tent up in the high mountains of Taiwan backpacked with it in California and slept very comfortably every time. This Kelty tent fits two people comfortably, and is only 3lbs 14oz. The Kelty Salida backpacking tent comes with a pouch to fit the poles, rain fly, and tent neatly inside. This helps keep everything tightly packed in my backpack, and protects my other gear from the water and dirt that may accumulate on my tent overnight.

This tent has been on countless adventures and has held up spectacularly.

For friends and clients, I have a handful of Quechua two person tents that are very good for very cheap. They don’t pack as conveniently, but they can be attached to the outside of your backpack easily enough.

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Forclaz Foam Sleeping Pad

This isn’t fancy, but it does the trick and is lighter than a feather, weighing only 200 grams. This sleeping pad is also incredibly cheap. You can buy it at Decathlon for 200 NTD (~$7 USD). They have Alu film on the sleeping surface to help against abrasions and to increase thermal insulation. For backpacking, this has worked wonders.

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Sleeping Bags

My choice in sleeping bags is based on what’s easily available here in Taiwan. Typically I’ll bring sleeping bags from Decathlon, or from a local outdoor shop, Prince Outdoors, here in Taipei City. Which backpack you choose will heavily depend on the season, weather and elevation of your backpacking trip to the mountains. In the high mountains, above 3,000 meters elevation, I bring with me a -10 C tolerant sleeping bag. In the summer I’ll bring my…

Camping Feather Down Blanket

This comes in handy on so many occasions. I always bring this to the high mountains, or to normal camp trips. The down blanket stuffs into a malleable pouch, so it doesn’t take up much room at all in the bag, and is very lightweight. I use it as a pillow while its in the stuff sack, and it greatly improves the quality of my sleep!

If the night is too cold, I can stuff the inside of my sleeping bag with this as well, and I’m good to go. Conversely, if I am hammock camping in the summer I will sleep on top of this and the blanket will keep my back from getting too cold at night.

Sometimes this down blanket is enough to keep me warm all night, and I can skip bringing a sleeping bag with me.

ENO Double Nest Hammock

I wouldn’t bring my hammock to the high mountains, due to the lack of trees to hang it from, but I love hammock camping in lower elevation forests. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and extremely comfortable to sleep in. One downside is no mosquito net, but I combat this by wrapping the hammock around me, like a cocoon.

I also bring my ENO Double Nest hammock when I intend to sleep in my tent. If the camping trip is more casual, I love throwing the hammock up and reading a book while laying amongst the trees. Sometimes there’s no better way to spend a day.

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A post shared by Ryan Hevern | Adventure (@downtoexplore) on Dec 7, 2016 at 9:38am PST

So there you have it! This is just about all the gear I use while camping and backpacking in the mountains and forests of Taiwan. This doesn’t even cover my camera gear that I bring with me on every trip as well!

Get out and enjoy the outdoors, always Be Adventurous!

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Ancient Tree Groves of Smangus and Zhenxibao

Deep in the mountains of Hsinchu you can find Taiwan’s most remote indigenous village. At 1500 meters elevation, Smangus (司馬庫斯) has had an air of mystery surrounding it for many years. The Atayal village is known as a leader in community based tourism, keeping their authentic culture intact while only opening up to tourists in 1995,when the road to the village was first built. I recently had the chance to return to Smangus’ Ancient Tree Grove, as well as the Zhenxibao (鎮西堡) Ancient Tree Grove with OwlTing Experiences for a weekend of hiking, culture, and relaxation. 

Getting to Smangus (司馬庫斯)

The day started early, as we were meeting outside Banqiao Train Station at 7am. This is necessary if you want to hike the Smangus Ancient Tree Grove on the same day as your arrival. 

We took a couple vans, with hired drivers, up to the mountain villages. The drive from Taipei is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, and once in the mountains the roads can get a bit dicey. I did notice that the roads seem to have been paved recently, and have improved greatly from my last trip here a few years ago. Back then I wouldn’t recommend driving yourself, but now it’s definitely possible.  

Smangus Ancient Tree Grove

The Hike

Once we arrived, we were able to hike at our own pace, or as the group leader says, we were treated as fellow mountaineers. This was a welcomed surprise, because this was my first time being in a group of strangers where I wasn’t leading. I was worried I would have to follow in a line and not have the freedom to roam, take photos, etc. Thankfully not the case! 

Last time I was here it was Autumn, so the vibe of the forest was completely different. This time, in the summer, the greens were so vibrant, the streams were full, and the threat of summer rain was real!

The Smangus Giant Tree Trail begins at the beautifully built restaurant cafe, which overlooks the mountains and valley below. The hike to the ancient tree grove is 5km, along a relatively flat trail. Possibly the most famous aspect of the trail, other than the ancient cypress trees, is the initial bamboo forest you hike through. 

The towering bamboo shoots up, converging above to let slivers of sunlight through the creaking stalks. It’s definitely a beautiful experience, and there are ample hand crafted benches to sit down and soak it up. 

Continuing down the trail the forest opens up a bit and you’ll have some views of the valley and surrounding mountains. The trail continues through gorgeous broadleaf forests, at a moderate level. 

After 5km of hiking you will reach the Ancient Tree Grove! This little pocket of forest meanders in a circle around beautiful streams and thousand year old cypress trees. Due to the summer rains, the forest was beautifully damp, giving the ferns, and other flora a particular vibrance that is just enchanting. 

The largest tree in Smangus’ grove is the third largest tree in Taiwan, with a base about 16m in diameter. 

After exploring the grove, and taking in the massive thousand year old red cypress trees, I headed back to the village before the thunderstorm arrived. 

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The Village

We didn’t spend the night in the main Qalang Smangus, but we drove over to the other side of the valley to stay closer to Zhenxibao forest, in Xinguang (新光). The drive from the Smangus tree grove trail takes about an hour over the winding mountains roads. 

Before heading to our homestay accommodation for the night, we got to take part in a special indigenous Atayal song and dance, as well as make mochi. An old woman, dressed in traditional clothing sang to us, as we rhythmically clapped along. She, her daughter, son, and grandchildren then all taught us how to dance along to the song. The mood was magical. We all listened to the beautiful singing voices of the grandmother and father, and the little boys try their best to be singing stars. 

After the singing and dancing, we all got to pitch in and make mochi together. This involved holding a massive club and pounding the sticky rice while the elder used a stick to flip the sticky rice over in between poundings. We all had a chance to pulverize the sticky rice into that sweet mochi. The club itself isn’t so heavy, but it feels super glued to the rice when you try to pry it free for another round. 

After many rounds, we got to taste the delicious, freshly made mochi. Roll it around in a pile of ground up peanuts, and pop it in the mouth! 

We spent the night in a shared room homestay, and prepared for the next day’s hike through Zhenxibao forest. Before bed though, I noticed how clear the sky was and decided to go take some photos. Even without the camera, the Milky Way was visible! It was so incredible, I couldn’t remember the last time I saw the Milky Way in the night’s sky like that. 

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Cinsbus Giant Tree Trail

The Hike

We had a 7:00am breakfast, then we were off to Zhenxibao’s Cinsbus Giant Tree Trail. This hike is more difficult than Smangus’ Ancient Tree Grove, but not by all that much. The trail is a bit longer, roughly 13km round trip, and passes by many more thousand year old red cypress trees. The trees through this forest are a bit more distinct, with the more famous trees known as “Adam,” “Eve,” and “The King.”

The trail begins in the dirt car park and climbs up a gradual incline for a few kilometers, weaving through beautiful mossy trees and over running streams. The early morning sunshine is peaking through the forest, illuminating the leaves in a spectacular way. The birds are active, chirping and jumping from branch to branch, seemingly following us on the trail as we hike. 

I went ahead of the group, hiking at a faster pace. I’m always keen to really hear and feel the sounds of the forests, and sometimes that isn’t possible when others are around you. 

There’s a junction along the trail, with one route going up to the more strenuous Grove A, and eventually to Poison Dragon Pond (毒龍潭). The most popular is Grove B, because it has far more ancient cypress trees and is a bit more moderate of a trail to hike. We went to Grove B, which allows for a really beautiful hike at a nice pace. 

Along the circular trail of Grove B are the famous thousand year old cypress trees. Adam and Eve, named because of their similarities to certain biological features, are each over a thousand years old. The oldest in the grove, and I think the most impressive, is called The King. This tree dates over 2,500 years old! 

Overall, the whole forest of Cinsbus is impressive. The ancient cypress trees are abundant, and the hiking is not so strenuous as to take away from the beauty of the area. I truly recommend this trip to explore Smangus and Zhenxibao. It is a fantastic escape to authentic indigenous culture and some of Taiwan’s fairytale-like forests. 

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FOR THIS FUN TRIP AND MORE EXPERIENCES LIKE IT, CHECK OUT OWLTING EXPERIENCES

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Kayaking Along the Qingshui Cliffs

In the last few months I have explored the Qingshui Cliffs from the Pacific Ocean twice as many times as I have in the five plus years living in Taiwan. That is to say, I’ve been two times in the last few months, once by SUP and most recently by kayak. I’m going to recount my kayaking trip along the cliffs with OwlTing Experiences, but if you’d like to see more about SUP, read this.

My day started at 3am, which is always rough, but I’m used to it from my mountain trekking experiences. As I’ve always said, you have to earn a sunrise!

I was staying at my go to hostel in Hualien, the Lazy House, and this time had the comfort of knowing I would be picked up by my kayak guide at 3:30 am. So I walked down the street to 7-11, got a coffee, and relaxed outside and waited. So far the easiest attempt at viewing sunrise thus far.

My guide Liber, from Moonyak, picked me up and he brought me to get suited up with a helmet, water shoes, and a lifejacket. I went through some brief instruction on paddling a kayak, and I was off! We drove to the beach at Chongde and waited for the perfect opportunity to get in the water. There were a ton of other groups out there this morning, larger parties and people who seemingly had less experience on the open water, more on their experience later. Let’s just say I was really grateful to have a private sunrise kayak session with my guide, who let me go at my own pace. 

The colors were starting to poke out over the horizon, and it looked like a beautiful sunrise was on the way. Pleasantly surprised after weeks straight of plum rains, we got in the water and slowly made our way along the coastline.

Now, I can’t stress this enough. Being in the Pacific Ocean, along the staggering cliffs of Taiwan’ east coast, is incredible. The ocean’s color varies as you move through it. I kayaked from  a cloudy sediment filled milk-blue, to a tropical turquoise, to a deeper hue. The sky was opening up and the oranges and blues started to fill the sky as the big orange sun poked out over the horizon, leaving a gorgeous reflection seemingly pointed straight at us. 

Me and Liber were casually cruising along, letting the larger groups race ahead so we didn’t have to be grouped in the cluster. It was a great time to just sit and take in the sunrise, in the calming movements of the ocean’s swells. I have to say I could not have enjoyed myself and my time in the water if I had been with one of those large groups. There is something very unappealing about kayaking in a group of 20 people who don’t know how to do it. Thankfully with Moonyak and my guy Liber, we avoided those big crowds and had the serene feeling of the ocean all to ourselves. As the crowds passed and the sun rose, we continued along the cliffs. The benefit of kayaking as opposed to SUP is that you can physically go further along the cliffs. We went practically to the ever popular viewing platform along the road, roughly 2km on the water. Along the way, while we were putting in the work to kayak, we noticed one group literally BEING TOWED TO THE END POINT AND BACK. This is what I mean. Why on earth would you sign up for a kayaking trip just to get towed by a boat while sitting in a kayak. That’s absolutely insane to me, insane that a tour provider would even consider doing that, and insane that customers would be content with that experience. 

Again, I was so thankful to be with a tour provider who allowed me the full experience, and the freedom to go at my own pace. 

One thing that was pretty cool to see was a landslide on the cliffs, all the way down to the beach. Apparently there was an earthquake, as there are every day in Taiwan, and the rocks broke free above. We sat from our kayaks and watched the rocks tumble down the cliff towards the beach. They landed with a big THUD, and all we could think about was the brilliant idea to close the old Su’Ao highway and bore tunnels instead. 

We made it to a few rocks jutting out at the base of the Qingshui Cliffs and turned back around. The water was choppier there, and if we had gone any further it would have made for some rough kayaking. We took our time heading back, jumped off the kayaks and took a swim, marveling at our surroundings and how stunning they were. 

As we got back to the beach, we rode the waves into the shore on our kayaks. My attempt wasn’t graceful, I almost flipped over, but it was good enough to get safely on the shore. All in all the trip was about 3 hours and well worth the early wake up. EARN THAT SUNRISE!

Overall this was an amazing experience, and the people at Moonyak, especially Liber, were awesome through the whole process. It’s a tough call to choose between SUP and kayaking along the Qingshui Cliffs, so I encourage you to give both a shot and make the decision yourselves!

FOR THIS FUN TRIP AND MORE AROUND TAIWAN, CHECK OUT OWLTING EXPERIENCES

Datong Village - The Mountains Above Taroko

Taroko Gorge National Park, Hualien County, Taiwan

Datong and Dali villages are nestled in the mountains of Taroko Gorge National Park. Tucked away from the tourist location below, the people are able to live their life unobstructed. With views overlooking the Shakadang Gorge, the Pacific Ocean, and the rest of Taroko, you will find peace and relaxation here. People get away from their devices and connect with one another in the mountains of Taroko. Coming here you will learn about the history of the tribe, the self sufficient nature of those still around, and soak in the pure beauty of this special location.

 Take a train down the east coast of Taiwan until you reach Xincheng Station in Hualien County. Transfer to Taroko Gorge National Park, either via taxi outside the station, or by shuttle bus, where varied mountain peaks, numerous waterfalls, diverse plant forms and animal life, together with the indigenous Taroko people, create a rich texture of a unique and natural ecosystem.

There are a couple different ways to reach the villages. If you would like to explore Dali Village, you will begin from the Taroko Visitor Center and hike the Dekalun trail, to Dali Village. This is a steep hike, full of stairs through the jungle. Keep your eyes out for Formosan Rock Macaques, various bird species and reptiles! After roughly 2.5 hours you will come to Dali Village. Dali is a great stop for lunch and views. Still standing are old houses and a landscape full of vibrant flora and vegetable crops.

From Dali Village there are two ways to get to Datong Village, and the beautiful DaDaoDeJia (達道的家) overlooking Datong. The more intense hike involves the TongLi trail, linking Dali village and Datong Village. This trail winds along the mountainside, in more overgrown vegetation and unstable ground. The second option is to go back the way you came until you reach the old logging road. This will take you directly to the homestay.

All in all, its about a 4 hour hike to DaDaoDeJia (達道的家), the indigenous homestay, for the night. The best part is the welcome feast and views like no other within Taroko Gorge.

There isn’t much of a plan while up here. Just relax, break out that book you’ve been reading, drink some tea and decompress. Walking around the vegetable gardens and the cliff views is always nice. At night relax and keep warm by the fire while gazing at the stars above.

Early morning wake up for a short hike up the mountain cliff to view sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. The vista sits over 1,000 meters above the ocean below, with the lights of the coastal towns lighting up the night while awaiting the sun’s arrival.

After sunrise, take a slow walk down the slippery mountainside to the homestay for breakfast, coffee and tea before packing up and saying goodbye the hosts, Amay and Dingxi.

This is a truly incredible trip in Taiwan. If you are looking to get away from the crowds, connect with a culture of old, and relax in stunning nature, this is your best bet!

How Much

The home stays in Dali and Datong villages are at a fixed price. Per person the cost is 1200 NT. Inclusive of dinner and breakfast, bedding, tea, water and coffee. My favorite place is DaDaoDeJia (達道的家), as it overlooks all the other houses and gorge.

How to Get There

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FeiCui River (翡翠谷)

Hualien County, Taiwan

Hualien County is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful areas, with tourists visiting daily to explore Taroko Gorge. While a visit to Taroko is a must, in the summer heat there is a real need to enjoy beautiful swimming holes and rivers in Hualien County.

Enter FeiCui Valley (翡翠谷), south of Hualien city, in the aboriginal Truku land. Crystal clear waters flow through massive marble boulders, past waterfalls, and into a perfect natural swimming hole. FeiCui stream offers gorgeous river tracing perfect for beginners, and one of the best natural swimming holes around. River tracing isn’t necessary, as there is a quick trail leading 90% of the way up to the swimming holes.

Starting in Hualien, on the East Coast of Taiwan, you will have to drive roughly 30 minutes south towards the Truku land. I prefer to take a scooter, because it’s such a pretty ride, and with a scooter you can take the back alleys through farmland. When you arrive at the bend you have to park and begin walking an old dirt road initially built for hydroelectric farming of the region. Be sure to bring your phone or a flashlight! The road leads to a man made rock tunnel, full of uneven footing!

The FeiCui stream starts with a man made waterfall, where you’ll find locals relaxing and barbecuing, however the real beauty is above, so continue up to a natural swimming hole and ultimately a gorgeous waterfall.

Once you reach the swimming hole FeiCui is known for, you can either chill here for the day or continue up to Zimu Waterfall (字母瀑布). If you choose to do so you can take the path on the left of the swimming hole, or you can go straight up the river, which is much longer and more difficult.

FeiCui Valley (翡翠谷) is a stunning location and one of my favorite places in Taiwan to enjoy a hot summer day. If you’re in the Hualien area and need a break, I highly recommend checking it out!

How to Get There

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Top 5 Adventurous Day Hikes in Taiwan

Taiwan is a country with a vast network of trails. Spanning coastal views and dense forests, up in the high mountains or down in the valleys, Taiwan’s hikes will allow you to see the best the country has to offer. Here we will focus on day hikes that are both easy to access and are on the more adventurous side!

The Top Five Adventurous Day Hikes in Taiwan

5. Huang Di Dian (皇帝殿)

There’s no better hike to get your blood pumping and calves burning than Huang Di Dian (皇帝殿). Just outside of Taipei,  is a fantastic day hike. Huang Di Dian starts in the quiet town of Shiding, climbing an intimidating staircase and high ladders to the seemingly perilous ridges above. Huang Di Dian starts off this list due to the exposed ridge walks, large ladder climbs, and the final chain ascent, which at roughly 60% grade is no small feat! This trek is not for the faint of heart, but what good adventure really is?

 4. Wuliaojian (五寮尖)

Thought of as the big brother to Huang Di Dian, Wuliaojian (五寮尖) is one of the best, most interactive day hikes around Taipei. Start your trip climbing steep slopes and up rugged terrain towards the many peaks which give way to a perfect 360 degree panorama. While you take in the views, descend down treacherous ridges, including the near vertical 30 meter rope descent. Chance seeing monkeys and other intriguing wildlife along the way as you continue. Wuliaojian’s rope climbs, descents, and narrow ridge lines leave a lasting impression on hikers. As you finish, you will want another round!

 3. Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道)

Taroko Gorge (太魯閣國家公園) is one of Taiwan’s nine spectacular national parks. None of the day hikes within Taroko are more adventurous than Zhuilu Old Trail (錐麓古道). The trail winds up the mountain, over gaps and suspension bridges, until reaching the old “cross mountain highway”of Taroko. The 500 meters of white knuckle cliff hiking is 1100 meters above the Liwu River. The narrow cliffside of Zhuilu Old trail was used by aboriginal tribes to reach the western side of the Gorge, near Hehuanshan Mountains, until the Japanese invaded and used the same trail to attack and take over the local tribes. It was then turned into a Japanese tourist attraction. Now it is a wonderfully exciting hike, with a required good head for heights, that offers the most spectacular views from within the Gorge.

2. Yuanzuishan (鳶嘴山)

Yuanzui Mountain (鳶嘴山) is a fun, interactive climb. This adventurous hikes allows hikers to stand above the clouds and take in views of the iconic Jade Mountain in the distance. The Yuanzui Mountain experience is incredible. Pine forests, ridge-line walks, and rope climbs while on this exciting excursion will keep your heart racing. What starts as a straight forward set of stairs quickly turns in to a massive climb up ropes and tricky cliffs. Hair raising, vertical cliffs are the pathway down the backside of the mountain, where you’ll be tested on any fear of heights that might be deep down!

1. Stegosaurus Ridge (劍龍稜)

Stegosaurus Ridge (劍龍稜) is quite possibly the finest day hike in Northern Taiwan. Steg Ridge is also THE MOST adventurous day hike in Taiwan. Think hiking with a hint of bouldering and balance beams.

Hikers will spend a solid hour maneuvering through head high silver grass before balancing and scrambling up a ridge line with sheer drops on either side, with no trail!The knife ridge sticks out above an abandoned copper mine, the blue coastline and links up to Teapot mountain. Scrambling over the trail-less ridge line is exhilarating and challenging, with the opportunity to stand over the cliff on Buddha’s Tongue for a picture perfect moment of excitement.

Stegosaurus Ridge is bound to get your adrenaline pumping from start to finish!

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube for more photos and videos of Taiwan’s adventurous side!

SUP Along the Qingshui Cliffs of Hualien

The Qingshui Cliffs of Hualien are iconic in Taiwan. The towering rock wall rise sharply out of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, reminiscent of the Hawaiian archipelago. I have explored this area extensively over the years. Hualien County is practically my second home within Taiwan. I often will look down towards the milky blue waters from above, as I sit perched for sunrise. I have never, however, been IN the water below. I finally got that opportunity a couple weeks ago with OwlTing Experiences for the sunrise SUP tour along the Qingshui Cliffs.

My trip started from Taipei the night before, taking the slow train in to Xincheng Station, arriving at 12:30ish in the morning. It was raining and there were no taxis available at that hour to get me to Chongde. What would have been a 10 minute drive turned into a 40 minute walk in the rain. Eager to find a quick spot to guerrilla camp, I happened across a covered basketball court roughly 5 minutes from the start point of the tour. Fantastic.

After setting up the tent, changing out of my wet clothes, and getting comfortable I looked at the clock. 1:34 am. My alarm was set for 4:15, knowing I needed to take down my makeshift campsite and, more importantly go find coffee before meeting the team for our SUP tour at 5:30am. Sleep was fleeting, but my excitement for the sunrise SUP activity was all I needed (and coffee).

 I arrived to Andy’s SUP house to gear up and go over the necessary details of the day. We had a group of seven total, with three guides to make sure we were safe and sound. We got fitted for wetsuits, life jackets, and waterproof shoes. Andy, the main man behind the operation, showed all of us the proper way to position our bodies on the board, how to hold the paddle, and how to use our momentum and legs to successfully paddle out on the open ocean. I have to shout out Bella here, because I was the only foreign adventurer on the trip, Bella helped translate what I didn’t understand, and was super helpful the whole day!

After about 30 minutes we piled into the van and headed for the coast. Considering the weather that we had in the weeks leading up to this day, we really lucked out. The sky was cloudy, but no rain, and it looked like we might actually get a sunrise.

Upon arrival to the black pebble beach, the skies were brightening up and the waves were crashing down. The swell was intimidating, as it looked like it would be a bumpy ride on the SUP boards. The anxiety turned to excitement the more I gazed at the coastline. Qingshui Cliffs truly is stunning. The cloudy turquoise waters, or as they are called in Taiwan, “blue milk,” is due to the shale and schist sediment falling off the cliffs. Its truly a sight to see from the cliffs themselves, but I never imagined how beautiful it would look floating over the divide from milky turquoise to deep blue.

We had further instruction from Andy on the coast, about how exactly to get beyond the surf with our boards and paddles. Basically, wait for a lull in the waves and charge full speed ahead! I waited a few breaks and I was off. We had full wetsuits and lifejackets, so the water temperature felt perfect. I imagine when summer comes, and the temperature gets to the 30’s, no wetsuit will be needed.

We cruised north along the cliffs, just far enough outside of the shore break to stay safe from inadvertent waves. Now, I have experience with SUP in the past, and going into this I thought I would be just fine. Of course, that was some years ago and this was the open ocean on a big swell day. I was getting tossed around like a rag doll the first few times I tried to stand up! But with good coaching, more focus, and a lot of laughter, I was able to stand up and cruise along the coast for a while.

We paddled out as a group for about 300 meters as the sun rose, then returned the same way. The whole time we were laughing with each other as each person fell gracelessly into the refreshing blue ocean. We would congratulate each other when we triumphed and stood up. Some of us were even able to take on rolling swells, get some photos taken of us, and pose before tumbling back into the ocean! 

As we returned to the vehicle, we had one more challenge upon us. Get onto the beach without the board and paddle washing away with the waves. Andy and Bella were there to help guide us. Lie back, and ride the wave in until we could stand up freely. Luckily we all handled this well!

We rested with hot tea, provided by the SUP team, and watched as the “Jesus light” came shooting out of the clouds above. The team helped us take photos with our board, and we returned to change clothes and get on with the rest of the day, with all smiles and laughter from the group.

Getting this experience with OwlTing Experiences was incredible. It showed me a piece of Taiwan that I know so well, but never had the pleasure of experiencing it from this perspective.  It was truly an awesome morning, and I’m ready for summer so I can go again!

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For this trip and more fun activities around Taiwan, check out OwlTing Experiences!

Snakes in Taiwan: A Quick Rundown!

Spring is in the air! As the weather heats up and the spring rains come, the flowers bloom and the fauna emerges. Spring time is one of the most enjoyable seasons for hiking in Taiwan, as the ecological diversity is on full display. One of Taiwan's inhabitants emerging from the cold winter are the abundance of snakes! Don't be deterred, as this post will run through some common snakes in Taiwan, and what to do when you come across them.

Snake Encounter DO'S and DON'TS

DO:

It can be quite common to come across a snake while hiking the vast trails in Taiwan. If you happen to encounter one, stay calm and give it some room. Snakes generally feel your vibrations ahead of time and will slither away accordingly. If they do not, try stomping your feet from a distance to encourage it to slither away. If there are no other options, carefully move around it yourself.

DO NOT:

Do not prod at it with a stick, throw rocks, or disturb it in any way. This will only agitate the snake and increase the previously slim chance of catching a snake bite. The general rule of thumb is snakes can strike at half their body length. While side stepping it, make sure to give yourself at least double or triple that distance.

DO:

Keep an eye on the trail ahead of you. If you are hiking in tall grass be sure to look down while walking. In order to give yourself the chance to enjoy the whole of the scenery around you, bring a walking stick to help move the grass and deter snakes.

DO NOT:

Walk blindly over fallen logs, into tall grass, or any other obstacles a snake might want to relax under. Keep your eyes out for snakes under large piles of wood.

DO:

Wear appropriate clothing. It isn't ideal to walk through tall grasses, jungle forests, etc, with flip flops on. Be advised long pants and sturdy boots are the best defense against a snake getting frisky.

Treatment

In the case of a snake bite, one rule is very essential: Stay calm. Keep your heart rate low and look to evacuate the area and seek the nearest hospital or clinic.

Venomous snakes can inject one of three types of venom: Hemotoxins, Neurotoxins, or Myotoxins. Different snakes will require different anti-venoms. In order to identify the snake, take a picture, or mental notes. DO NOT try to catch it, cut off its head, or anything that will lead to more bites.

DO NOT try to suck out the venom, cut around the bite area, or anything you may have seen in the movies. Take off all jewelry and tight clothing or accessories to allow for swelling.

If you are close to a trailhead, slowly make your way out and seek help immediately. In the instance you are far from the trailhead call Emergency services and get an evacuation. If there is no cell service, have a friend hike out or hike up and seek help.

Again, it is important to stay calm, limit your movement, and seek help immediately. Taiwan keeps good stock of anti venom in clinics and hospitals.

To help limit your movement, create a splint around the affected bite area. Do not make it too tight as the limb will swell. This will help you keep the affected area as still as possible while you seek help

Night Hikes!

If you are interested in learning more about the various species of snakes in Taiwan, contact us for one of our Wildlife Night Hikes! We will explore the jungles and streams of Taiwan, often coming across many snakes, endemic amphibians, civets, flying squirrels and more. The purpose of our night hikes is to educate adventurers on the flora and fauna surrounding them. The more you know, the better prepared you will be when you encounter one of these reptiles in the forest! We hope to see you soon!

Common Snakes in Northern Taiwan

Taiwan Habu 龜 殼花 (Brown Spotted Pit Viper)

The Taiwan Habu is highly venomous, and can be spotted camouflaged in with leaf litter on the forest floor. Look for the triangular head, brown diamond like scales on the back with yellow outlines. The Habu is active at night, and hiding under logs or rocks during the day.

Bamboo Pit Viper 赤尾青竹絲

The Bamboo Pit Viper is Taiwan’s “feared” green snake. Active at night, you will spot it slithering around vines and tree branches. This snake is venomous, and can be spotted by the triangular head, red eyes, and red tail.

Greater Green Snake 青蛇

The Greater Green Snake is Taiwan’s “other” green snake, the Non-Venomous kind! You will find this snake perched on tree vines and branches at night, sleeping. You can differentiate the Greater Green Snake from the Bamboo Pit Viper by the shape and size of the head, and the tail color. The GGS is very vibrant, glossy, and a treat to spot!

Square-Headed Cat Snake 大頭蛇

The Square Headed Cat snake is mildly venomous, mostly nocturnal and mostly arboreal. The body is long and slim, and it is a rear fanged species. The Cat Snake gets its name from the cat like pupils.

Red-Banded Snake 紅斑蛇

The Red Banded Snake is non venomous, and one of the most common nocturnal snakes in Taiwan. This snake is known for its defensive nature, and will readily bite if disturbed.

Many-Banded Krait 雨傘節

The Many-Banded Krait is highly venomous, and can be quite common while hiking at night in humid areas. The Many-Banded krait is not aggressive unless provoked. In most encounters the snake will freeze or flee to avoid any interaction. Be careful and do no disturb this snake, as you have to go to Australia to find a more venomous bite!

Night Hikes in Northern Taiwan: Common Reptiles & Amphibians

A field guide for all adventurers is available for Kindle and Paperback!

WATCH: 10 Most Common Snakes in Taipei

Wuliaojian: All the info you need for the hike!

Hiking Wuliaojian in Taiwan

Taipei Hiking

Wuliaojian (五寮尖) is one of the best, most interactive day hikes around Taipei. And for good reason! Start your day climbing steep slopes and up rugged terrain towards the many peaks which give way to a perfect 360 degree panorama. While you take in the views, descend down treacherous ridges. Chance seeing monkeys and other intriguing wildlife along the way as you continue. As you finish, you are guaranteed to want another round!

From your arrival to the trailhead, the ascent winds up a fairly gradual climb, including ropes, ladders, and rocks. Wuliaojian is an extremely interactive climb from the beginning until the end.

The high narrow ridges at the top will provide stunning 360 views and the proper mix of fear and excitement. The highlight of the hike is no doubt the 30-meter rope descent. On a weekend there will most likely be a queue for it, but the feature is well worth the time. There are two ropes to descend, the first being shorter and the second being the longest.

The trail has maps with different routes to get back to the trailhead. From the giant tree go straight down and you’ll be back in 30 minutes or so. Take care on the way down as it can be tough on the knees and slippery after rain!

How to get there?

From Dingpu MRT Station (B01), take a taxi roughly 20-30 minutes to the Wuliaojian trailhead. Getting back can be tricky, as buses are scarce. Ask the taxi to pick you up at a certain time when you’ve finished hiking.

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube for more photos and videos of Taiwan’s adventurous side!

Shuiyang Hiking and Camping

Shuiyang Forest

Geographically, Taiwan may be a small country, but for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers it has an overwhelming appeal. Shuiyang (水樣) is a perfect example of Taiwan’s many natural hidden treasures. Having been greatly affected by the Jiji earthquake in September of 1999, it created a cluster of dying trees and a lake (which was originally a small stream) in between Sun Link Sea and Alishan National Forests.

As Ryan put it, “It looks like the type of place where you should be seeing alligators”. And he wasn’t wrong. There was a beautiful eerie feeling to being surrounded by dead trees and fog. What made this location exceptionally beautiful, however, was the sunset.

In the last hour as the sun was setting, campers gathered around the lakeside to take pictures of the incredible silhouette of the trees in the still water. The beautiful reflection of the lake along with the prime real-estate was the icing on top of our trip. For dinner, we built a small fire, cooked up some pasta, and played a few games before going to bed for some well-deserved rest.

Those wanting to retreat to this haven in central Taiwan might be deterred, however, when they know the requirements it takes to get here.

We departed from Taipei at 9:30pm driving three hours south to a beautiful campsite just outside of Sun Link Sea. The site was ideal as we only needed to park and set up our tents. It also provided some faint lighting so we weren’t entirely blind. When we woke up the next day, the view from the mountaintop was breathtaking.

Our campsite was surrounded by tea farms and bamboo forests. We could see for miles and the sights, sounds, and smells were out of this world. We ate some breakfast burritos, drank some coffee, and departed south for the National Forest.

Upon entering Sun Link Sea, each person needs to pay approximately 300NT for entry. Some may gripe about the cost, but I can understand why the fee after witnessing the pristine condition of the forest. We parked our van by the Sun Link Sea hotel and walked 20minutes to the trailhead which began as an old logging road. Logging in the area is strictly outlawed and is heavily fined which is extremely apparent due to the dozens of signs hanging up along the way.

When beginning the hike up to Shuiyang, you have the option of taking the wider logging road on the right or start off climbing up the trail behind the pagoda. Along the logging road, there are several short cuts eventually leading to the same location. Eventually, you will encounter a fork where you can choose climbing to Mt. Luju on the right (approximately 2,200meters) or going left for a more flat and direct route. Wanting to arrive at Shuiyang with plenty of time to rest and relax, we chose the leftmost route which was narrow and filled with dips, bends and silvergrass for several kilometers (as pictured below).

The final two kilometers of the hike brings you to a steep climb up to the coniferous forest above. The route is split to help hikers who don’t want to use ropes exclusively. It was a brief, but fun climb.

After arriving at the top, we were surrounded by beautiful lush pine trees covered in moss and monkeys off in the distance. The air felt cleaner and the scenery was otherworldly. This was the kind of place I would want to hang up my hammock and relax for hours.

The experience was short-lived, however, as we began our final descent back down the mountain on the other side. We were greeted with more silvergrass, thin trails, and steep rope climbs. When we finally made our way down, we were rewarded with the beautiful Shuiyang forest. It felt very much like the forest opened up and provided a perfect camping spot.

This awesome location, however, has become widely known and becomes very busy late in the evening despite the rigorous journey to get there. Hikers began setting up tents a few hours after our arrival and the campground was rife with laughter and conversation. If possible, I would suggest that visitors come during the weekdays to avoid and unwanted noise. Pictured below is the full campsite after everyone setup camp.

Later that evening, the noise died down which allowed for some excellent sleep. We woke at 6am for sunrise and to make breakfast before packing up and heading home. Due to the initial steep descent, the climb back up was even more arduous, but a great workout nevertheless. By the time we got back to our van everyone was exhausted and ready to head home.

You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube for more photos and videos of Taiwan’s adventurous side!

How to Travel Responsibly

How to Travel Responsibly

Traveling abroad is important for many reasons. Personal growth, broadening your horizons, building self confidence, and more. Your travels abroad should also benefit the communities you visit. Make sure to travel responsibly on your next trip. Below are some pointers on how to do so. 

Tips on How to Travel Responsibly

Before Traveling

Find out as much as possible. The more you know about an area before arriving, the more the area will come alive. Look into the area’s history, culture, natural environment, customs, legends, advisory notices and more.

Learn a few words in the local language. Making an effort to speak the local language allows you to interact with the people who know the site best. People appreciate your efforts and your interest in learning. Simple words like ‘Hello’, ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ can go a long way.

Pack light. It is tempting to pack everything you think you might need, but remember to be smart about your necessities. Packaging items like the paper box to your film or the plastic wrapping of your new toothbrush simply consume space in your bag and can create excess trash for local area.

Lodging choices. Look for hotels that have a written policy covering their environmental impact, employment and cultural policy.

Explore transportation options. Remember that traveling affects the environment. Wherever possible, try to minimize your pollution and impact on the environment by looking to alternative transportation and off-setting your carbon emissions.

While Traveling

Engage in local culture. The saying, ‘While in Rome do as the Romans’ still applies today. Your trip provides a unique opportunity to explore a new culture and to see the world through a different perspective. Remember that eating local foods, shopping in local markets, and attending local festivals are all part of experiencing the culture.

Buy local products and services. Choosing to support locally owned businesses, community tour operators, and artisans means that you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience and your money will go directly to the community. Before purchasing goods, ask about their origin. Avoid buying products made from threatened natural resources and report poaching and other illegal activities to the local authorities.

Refrain from aggressive bargaining. It’s often difficult to know your limits in bargaining so if you’re not sure, ask your local hotel for tips. Remember that the purchases you make directly affect vendors’ livelihoods, so decide if you really need to hang onto that extra dollar or if it could impact the vendor more.

Hire local guides. Enrich your experience by choosing local guides who are knowledgeable about the destination. Ask local tour operators and hotels for good recommendations.

Tread lightly. Destinations are exceptional due to their natural or cultural splendor. Do your part to keep them that way by following designated trails, respecting caretakers, and not removing archaeological or biological treasures from sites.

Respect the natural environment. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Even though you are just visiting and not paying the utility bill, disposing of your garbage properly and minimizing your consumption of water and energy will benefit the overall destination.

After Traveling

Distribute your responsible travel tips. In addition to telling family and friends about the wonderful memories you made, also consider sharing tips on how they too can positively impact the World while having an amazing journey.

Share your photos. Pictures can say a thousand words.

Explore more. Traveling is just the start of learning. Once you return home continue exploring and being involved with the issues or region that captured your attention. Build upon your knowledge and also learn about another fascinating place.

Give back. Traveling often opens your eyes and heart to something new. You can continue to preserve inspirational areas for generations to come by making a donation to a local charity.

Options will vary in each country you visit. Rest assured though, as you can always choose to travel responsibly on your next adventure! We hope to see you in Taiwan for your next trip abroad. We promise to ensure you travel responsibly.

Snorkeling in Taiwan! The Dragon Cave and ALL the Info you Need

Snorkeling in Taiwan - Long Dong (龍洞)

Beautifully clear ocean water rests in the Dragon’s Cave on the East coast of Taiwan. Long Dong (龍洞) is the top location for snorkeling in the North of Taiwan. The coastline’s picturesque golden-gray crags surround you as the you are surrounded by colorful fish, crabs, and other interesting sea life roaming the coral below.

Long Dong gets its name from the shape of the coastline resembling a dragon laying down. Long Dong ((龍洞) translates to Dragon’s Cave. Upon your arrival, you will have to scramble over the coastline rock formations for 20 minutes before reaching the ideal snorkeling destination - The Dragon's Cave. After working up a real sweat, the crystal clear ocean will feel excellent! There are hundreds of fish and underwater critters to gaze at while snorkeling, and some nice cliffs to jump off!

Things to Consider

It is advised to stay out of the ocean during winter due to high tides and strong currents on the east coast. There is NO shade whatsoever at the snorkeling spot. Take umbrellas, tarps, and plenty of sunscreen when you go! Snorkeling equipment can be rented from a shop at the entrance. There are also small snacks and drinks, so to be safe bring your own lunch.

How to Get There

From Taipei the drive is roughly 1.5 hours to the east coast of Taiwan, Long Dong Ocean park (龍洞). Emerging from the mountains surrounding Taipei, to the north eastern coastline is spectacular. Look to the ocean for turquoise waters and fishermen braving the crashing waves. Look to the mountains to see amazing day hikes like Teapot Mountain.

Bus is another option. Take Bus 1811 or 1812 from Taipei Main Station to Longdonggang (Long An Temple) stop.

Taipei 101 Skyline 460 Tour

If you have ever been to Taipei, or even considered traveling to Taiwan, there is a 100% chance you know about Taipei 101. From 2004 - 2010 it was known as the tallest building in the world at 508 meters. Taipei 101 towers over the rest of Taipei City. It’s truly an impressive building, meant to resemble bamboo stalks with their notches. However, I was once told it looked like a bunch of take out boxes stacked in to each other, and now I can’t unsee it.

Most people who travel to Taiwan only get just that, a look from the outside. I recently had the chance to see the opposite. MyTaiwanTour brought me to the TOP of Taipei 101, to experience the Skyline 460 Tour and see the views of Taipei City and the surrounding mountains.

The experience begins by taking an elevator at light speed to the 88th floor. Here we got to see the massive damper hanging in the middle of the building. This damper was built because Taipei 101 is still the largest building to stand in an earthquake zone. The damper is meant to help Taipei 101 withstand earthquakes that hit up to 9 on the Richter scale, as well as prevent any damage from strong typhoon winds.

The 89th floor is generally where most will end their trip within Taipei 101. The enclosed observation deck offers views from behind thick glass windows, lots of souvenir shops, and art installments. With MyTaiwanTour we were able to continue our trip up to the 101st floor, and with perfect timing too.

We arrived on the Skyline 460 deck just in time for sunset over Taipei City, where we could see all the way out to Bali District and Tamsui on one side, and out towards the mountains of Pingxi on the other. Harnesses on and locked in for safety, we were able to roam around the deck, taking in 360 degree views from a viewpoint very few get to experience.

I’m more of a mountain and forest guy rather than a city type, but this was right up my alley. I felt as if I was high up on the mountain peaks, taking in an epic sunset that Taiwan so often offers to those who choose to experience them.

This was a unique experience within Taipei City. Taipei 101 is worth the visit, but to explore the building on this level - the TOP level - is a must. I highly recommend it!

A not-so-flattering shot of myself at the top!

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If you’re interested in checking out the Skyline 460 Tour yourself, you can do so via this link HERE!

Hehuanshan 5 Peaks and How to Climb Them!

Five of Taiwan’s most accessible top 100 peaks lie in Central Mountain Range of Taiwan. The Central Mountain Range lies on the border of Nantou and Hualien counties. Due to it’s unique position, Hehuanshan is a gorgeous location to hike the high mountains, camp, and view some of Taiwan’s history. There was once an operating ski lift on the East Peak, which the remnants are still visible.

DAY 1

I would recommend leaving Taipei at 6:30am due to the 4 hour drive down south, towards Nantou County. On the way you will drive through Puli and into the mountains of Hehuanshan. The highway is the only paved road across the Central Mountains, connecting Taichung to Hualien via Taroko Gorge.

On arrival there is ample parking near the North Peak trailhead. However if you want to first ascend the three easier peaks, all above 3,000 meters, you can park next to the 3158 Cafe. The East peak (3,421m), Shimenshan (3,237), and Main peak (3,417m) all lie within reach of the parking lot. East Peak being the longest hike at roughly 2 hours round trip, Shimenshan being the shortest at 20 minutes.

After bagging these easier peaks, grab your gear and trek roughly 2 hours to the campsite near North Peak. The campsite is just below North Peak. You will come to a junction, and take the path down the mountain to the right. Other campers and their tents will be in sight from there. After setting up camp, cook up some dinner and take in the beautiful sunset from high in the mountains.

DAY 2

Wake up early for sunrise over the mountain peaks. After taking in the view take your day pack and conquer North peak (3,422m) and West peak (3,145m). This is a strenuous day, totaling roughly 8 hours of hiking. The hike traverses over the the mountain ridge, with plenty of cliffs, ups and downs, and beautiful forested areas along the way. Upon conquering the North and West peaks, you will have topped 5 of Taiwan’s Top 100 mountain peaks above 3,000 meters!

It’s a long drive back to Taipei, so there are options to spend the night in a hotel nearby, or if you have your own vehicle you can continue driving to Hualien and Taroko Gorge.

Puyuma Hunting Rite Festival

Many people flock to the city of Taipei to watch the fireworks boom off of Taipei 101 to mark the beginning of the new year. What few may know, is the diversity of Taiwan, and the celebrations that come with it.

New Years Eve isn’t always referred to as such, because in a time before “time,” people followed the moon cycle. This time of year is known as the Hunting Rite. The Puyuma people, one of 16 recognized aboriginal tribes in Taiwan, celebrate by adorning colorful traditional clothing, beautiful flower wreathed crowns, hawks feathers for the elders and former chiefs. This time is for the men to hunt, to go into the forest a boy, and come out a man.

Starting in the early morning Puyuma families get ready. Mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles help each other and their children strap on the clothing. Different patterns, colors, and pieces of clothing for different levels of adulthood. It’s a wonderful scene. Young boys and girls getting ready, looking confident and vibrant in their attire. Older members of the family helping them get the seams just right, and out the door on time.

The men leave first. As the elders of the tribe walk to the ceremonial grounds, the young men of the village run circles around them, chanting, singing, and enjoying the hand outs from the women. Beetle nut, chocolates, and other cookies are given to the young men as they protect the elders.

A circle of deep vocal aboriginal songs ensues, with elders giving thanks and celebrating the community, the year, and congratulating those who have accomplished manhood. Afterwards a massive feast ensues and celebrations happen through the night.

Dancing, singing, love and laughter all through the night. One of the more exciting events of the Puyuma Tribe is going house to house drinking gifted rice wine and dancing and singing with the ladies of the house. You must be 18 years old and unmarried to take part in this event. If you’d like to be a spectator, just listen for the sound of bells jingling throughout the town, as the men wear them to alert the women of their arrival.

Back in the day this was a big deal, and how many people met their wife or husband of the future, and the young women really were excited for it. Now, there are so many chances to meet boys it doesn’t have the same anticipation, but there is still tons of energy and excitement in the air!

The celebrations happen until the last man calls it a night.

The Hunting Rite is held every year on the weekend of New Year’s Eve, and can be viewed from the outside. The Puyuma provide a wonderful glimpse into untarnished culture still present in the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan.

Sileng Wild Hot Spring Camping

Driving over the gorgeous Highway 7 will bring you to the locally revered, unique waterfall hot spring of Sileng. It’s an adventurous hike down the mountainside, passing and setting up a wild campsite surrounded by birds and nocturnal mammals, before reaching the chilly river with a relaxing hot spring on the bank. Enjoy the jungle while the hot springs flow from above.

For those leaving form Taipei you can expect to drive along the beautiful Highway 7 to the outskirts of Sanxia, for 2-3 hours. Once at the trailhead off the side of the highway, park and begin your descent. It is a steep climb to the campsite below for roughly 30 minutes. The climb down to the river from the massive campsite is a bit more steep, and will also take roughly 30 minutes.

The climb down entails ropes and roots to the river below. The river gets louder as you get closer, and roughly 30 minutes down the mountain you will get your view of the brightly colored orange and green painted rocks across the river. It’s a brief, chilly traverse across the flowing river to reach the spectacular waterfall hot spring.

Relax. Climb back up for dinner and a campfire once you have soaked to your satisfaction.

Wake up with the sun and the birds to brew coffee and make breakfast. After walking around the campsite searching for wildlife, you can always descend back to Sileng hot spring. One last relaxing hot spring session to wake up, before returning to the campsite, packing up and heading back towards Taipei.

This hot spring is one of the most fantastic camping sites in Taiwan. When winter rolls around be sure to experience this hidden gem.

Jade Mountain (玉山) Trekking

Welcome to Taiwan’s rooftop! The highest peak in Taiwan, at 3,952 meters, Yushan (玉山) is also the tallest mountain peak in East Asia. Jade Mountain is located in the Yushan National Park in the central mountains of Taiwan. The national park is the largest and highest in Taiwan, with an abundance of wildlife, diverse flora and fauna, and pristine forests. You will therefore not want to miss the chance to climb Jade Mountain.

DAY 1

The first day always begins with a drive from Taipei (or whatever city you’re in) to Yushan National Park (玉山國家公園). The easiest place to stay before the climb is Dongpu Lodge. This has to be arranged almost immediately after obtaining permits to climb Yushan. It costs 300 NT per person to stay the night, and is a very basic mountain style lodge, which means wooden bunk beds and sleeping next to strangers.

Another option is to stay a bit outside the park at one of the many tea farm B&B’s. These typically run about 1,000 to 2,000 NT per person.

DAY 2

Make sure you wake up early for a pre climb breakfast before departing for the trailhead. The hike to Paiyun Lodge spans roughly 4 hours during a gorgeous, gradual climb, passing through the diverse, pristine forests of Yushan, from Broadleaf forests to Subalpine.

Be on the lookout for Yushan’s variety of wildlife species, from mammals like the Serow, to birds like the endemic Mikado Pheasant.

Once you reach your destination for the night, Paiyun Lodge (3,402 meters), check in and drop your gear, and head for Yushan West Peak (3,518 meters). This climb is quite flat and will take roughly 2 hours round trip.

Return to Paiyun Lodge for sunset, dinner, and an early nights rest.

DAY 3

Early morning wake up at 2 am. Paiyun Lodge will provide breakfast, mainly congee and mantou. You will have to make your own coffee or tea if you want before setting off under the moon and stars.

The ascent to the Main Peak (3,952 meters) will take roughly 1.5 hours.  Take in the sights from the top of Taiwan! We will watch the transition from bright stars overhead to colorful skies rising with the sun. The views from the peak are spectacular.

After soaking in the sunrise, descend to the Paiyun Lodge, eat lunch and continue back to Taipei.

Nenggao Historic Trail (能高古道) West Section Trek

The Nenggao Historic trail (能高越嶺古道) is a beautiful trek into the high mountains of Taiwan. While you explore Nenggao, you will be able to take in its rich history. The history between the Japanese and Aboriginal tribes is evident as you cross from Wushe to Tianchi, and up to Qilai South Peak. See the area once used as hunting grounds for the local tribes. During the Japanese occupation era the trail was used to subdue the tribes. As you hike to Qilai South Peak under the stars the famous “Sea of Clouds” will emerge. You can take this incredible hiking trail to the many mountain peaks above, or all the way to Hualien!

DAY 1

Typically the first day of the journey begins with a trip from Taipei, Taichung, or any other western city of Taiwan to Nantou County. There are plenty of options to stay once you arrive. If you arrive too late and cannot find a B&B in the area, you can always camp at the trailhead. This makes for an early start the next morning!

DAY 2

Be sure to wake up early, eat some breakfast and have some coffee, because the journey ahead is a long one! The hike takes roughly 13 kilometers to Tianchi hostel. On the way to camp, you will pass landmarks that tell stories of the Wushe Incident, when chief of Mahaibu Village Mona Rudao, rallied rival headhunting tribes together to rebel against the Japanese army.

The hike spans across three suspension bridges and a few landslides, one roughly 1000 meters long!

While hiking keep an eye out for the wildlife such as the Golden Weasel, Formosan Macaque and Mikado Pheasant.

Before making the trip you will have to decide whether you want to camp or stay at Tianchi Lodge. If you want to stay inside the lodge, or camp on one of the new platforms outside, you will have to make arrangements beforehand with Tianchi Lodge here. If you choose to camp, I suggest hiking the extra 2 kilometers or so to Tianchi Pond and setting up shop there. The area is sparse with people, and is nice and open. Be sure to hike up to Nanhuashan for sunset, as its absolutely spectacular!

Day 3

Wake up at 2am for a two hour hike to Qilai South Peak (3,381m)! Trekking under the stars and through the yushan cane will take you to the top, where you can view stunning mountain groups such as the Hehuanshan mountain peaks and Qilai mountain peaks.

After taking in the sunrise descend to Tianchi Hostel, eat breakfast, pack up camp and depart for the city. Its a long last day, but you’ll find the hike to be spectacular. The terrain varies greatly over the course of the trek, and in good weather this is one of the nicest high mountain trips in Taiwan.

Mountain Paradise Destination: Buscalan, Philippines

We all need a relaxing vacation more often than not, right? I already know the answer to that question, so I'll propose a country most notable for the crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and an overload of pork dishes.

The Philippines.

The Philippines offers beauty inside and out, from the aesthetics spanning over 7,000 islands, to the smiling, always helpful (regardless of their situation) men, women and children across the country.

Like most, I decided this time around to try out a place new to me, but definitely not to tourists across the world - Boracay.

Beautiful beaches?

I'd say yes. But....

Call me crazy if you want, but I got bored of Boracay. The beaches are stunning, but the island reminds me of a Kuta in Bali, Cancun or Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. It is packed with drunk tourists getting rowdy at all times. The island is small, leaving little room to escape the party scene when the day ends.

Maybe I should admit... I didn't necessarily try to escape it, just couldn't hang after three days! The thought of living that life for 10 days straight quickly turned my relaxing vacation into a potential shit show. It's not for me. So I got to thinkin', thinking about another paradise I have fond memories of. A little known area in the mountains of Northern Luzon, where the rice is native, the pigs are wild and the sounds are natural.

Buscalan.

This remote village is accessible by Jeepney from Bontoc. After roughly 2-3 hours of unnervingly fast driving on the winding roads through gorgeous mountain tops, rice terraces and waterfalls, you'll have to trek an hour or so up the mountain.

Depending on the time of year, you'll encounter some landslides...

These become bonding experiences though, like when the old woman asked me to carry her bags up and over the mound so she could carry her baby worry free. I always end up the jackass.

Throughout the journey the views captivate you. But its extremely refreshing to get outside of the Jeepney and begin the hike. (The drivers know the roads so well, they drive fast. Real fast. So for five plus hours it can get a little exhausting.) It starts with a unsuspecting trail on a flat grade... but quickly goes downhill and then straight up!

Past waterfalls where the old men of the village bathe and the young men cool off from the strong mountain sunshine you traverse. Up and over rice terraces, which grow the "native rice" as they call it in Buscalan, that supply the whole village for the year. Only for personal consumption, none of this deliciousness makes its way out of the mountains.

After hundreds of butt burning stairs, the village shows it's face. Ahhhhh simplicity. A year ago this village taught me the lesson of want versus need. I hadn't seen a village quite like this before, living off the land, working together to build a tight knit community, where everyone is your mother, brother, sister and the like.

As advised last year, I brought gin for the men and candy for the children (really the mothers, but I won't tell their secret). I met my guy AmBoy who along with his family would host me for however long I wanted to stay. The hospitality across the whole of the Philippines is quite amazing, but up here in the mountains it is a real lesson in care. Interested in your stories, in improving their English abilities, and gaining new friends from across the world, these guys and girls are so engaging.

The days are long and slowly paced here. We sit and talk, smoke, go see the legend Apo Whang-Od, and her skills that are holding on by the seemingly invincible thread of her weathered hands. There is much to this village I don't want to divulge here, because I hold it close to my heart, and do not want to blow it up for all to see. Just know if it is true relaxation you want, a mind clearing moment away from modernity, and a lens into those people and lifestyles forgotten by modern politics and city dwellers, then Buscalan is the place for you. Its a special kind of paradise. It's my kind of paradise.

I'll leave you with pictures, and hope to hear your stories from this village in the future, if you choose to make the trek.