Taroko National Park

After arriving in Taipei in Taiwan, I set off to Huelien and Taroko National Park together with Alexis. It was a quick 2.5 hour train ride from Taipei and as we got there we sorted out a scooter and off we went to the national park.

Despite the rain it was absolutely beautiful. We stopped at the information centre to get us prepped for the next day, turned out that due to construction work, part of the park was only accessable between 6-8am, 12-1pm and then again 5-7pm, but we made a quick stop at Changchun shrine before heading back to one of the most amazing night markets.

After the worst nights sleep ever thanks to an extreme snorer we set off again at 5.30am to ensure we got past the construction workers. We started off the morning with a beautiful waterfall trail. It was recommended to wear a hard hat and bring a torch, thinking we'll be fine without it we set off.

We got to a pitch black tunnel where we couldn't see the end and we walked in total darkness with one hand on the side rail and the ither in front of us to feel for anything or anyone that might appear. When we finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel a bat decided to circle us, getting us to run out of the tunnel.

Next was another cave like tunnel, with a narrow side walk path next to the river emerging from the cave. We set off and balancing with one hand on the cave wall through the darkness pitched screams echoed as we walked in to a waterfall. The end destination was a gorgeous waterfall curtain in the cave. It was definitely worth a bit of a soak.

Our next stop was the Lushui trail which we were completely alone along before we had lunch and then sat watching the construction workers which was insane work. They were throwing rocks down a mountain about 50m up, without any harnesses and with the mountain going straight down. That takes some serious guts!

Our final stop was at the Swallow Grotto which to our spoiled annoyance was crowded with people. With that completed we felt that we were ready to head back to Taipei on the 5pm train.