Formosa

Taiwan, also known as Formosa, meaning the beautiful island in Portuguese, Taiwan is a small island country with a rich and incredible diverse culture. You can experience the best of the modern culture in the big cities such as Taipei and Kaohsiong or you can experience a more traditional way of life in one of the many different aborginal villages throughout Taiwan.

The diversity of culture has also given birth to a thriving food culture and the island is often described as a foodies paradise; you can visit the night markets and try all the different Taiwanese "Little Eats" or go to one of many restaurants that offer anything from Aboriginal and Hakka cuisine to restaurants that are inspired by cuisine from around the globe.

Taiwan is also known for its spectacular scenery from the famous spots such as Taroko Gorge and the Kending National Park to small secluded coves every location offers a unique atmosphere and scenery for you to enjoy. Whether you want to kick back and relax on the beach, bike around the island or hike through rainforests Taiwan has something that will suit you perfectly.

General Traveller's Information

1. Voltage and drinking water 電/水

Voltage 110 V. 60 Hz. We recommend that you do not drink tap water in Taiwan. Bottled water is readily available at any convenience store and supermarket.

2. Currency 錢

The local currency in Taiwan is "New Taiwan Dollars" (NTD). There are note denominations of 100, 200, 500, and 1000 and coin denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 50. Major credit cards, namely Visa and MasterCard are accepted at many stores and locations throughout Taiwan, however there are still many restaurants and stores that operate on cash only so it's a good idea to carry some cash with you at all times.

3. Customs 海關

Please note that it is illegal to bring any plants, fruits, meats and seafood into the country. If you are carrying US$5000 or more, or the equivalent in another foreign currency you must declare it when passing customs. Personal belongings such as laptops, cameras, stereos etc… must also be declared. For more specific information regarding duty-free allowances and restrictions please refer to the entry forms.

4. Telephone (International Calls and Emergency Services) 國際電話/緊急服務

International calling cards are available at more convenience stores. Dialing from Taiwan to other countries 002 + area code + phone number. Dialing from other countries to Taiwan 886 + area code + phone number. To contact emergency services, police, ambulance and the fire department dial 119.

5. Climate (氣候)

Taiwan has a subtropical climate island, which means that the island is warm all year round and has high humidity caused by the surrounding ocean. Although usually warm if traveling during the winter months we recommend bringing a jacket and some warm clothes, especially if you are planning on staying in the Northern region of Taiwan. In Southern Taiwan there is little need for warm clothing even in the middle of winter. As the weather is very warm and the sun is very strong all year round we suggest that you prepare sunscreen and any other products you wish to use to prevent sunburn and drink a lot of water to prevent heatstroke.

6. Visa Information (簽證資料)

For the most up to date visa information please visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.boca.gov.tw/np.asp?ctNode=529&mp=2

7. Other (其他)

Taiwan is a very safe country to travel in; but as always when traveling make sure to be aware of your surroundings and belongings to ensure your personal safety.

Northern Taiwan

Although most well known for the Taiwan's metropolitan capital city, Taipei, Northern Taiwan has much more to offer than can be found in the city. There are also beautiful mountainous National Parks to stunning coastline, great surfing and hiking to small oceanside cafes where you can sit back and watch the sunset.

Districts:

Taipei District

This district is the most well known of all the districts of Taiwan since it holds the capital city. This is the Northernmost of all the districts and although the most metropolian still has many beautiful scenic and historical spots including Yang Ming Shan National Park, Danshui, Lungshan Temple, Fort San Domingo, and many more...

Taoyuan District

Just to the Southeast of the Taipei District, it houses the main international airport. The district was named after the abundant peach blossoms found in the area and Taoyuan literally means Peach Garden in Chinese. Some sights to see: Lala Mountain, Linkou Sake Brewery, Sun Green Leisure Farm, more...

Hsinchu District

Best known as being the high tech production center for Taiwan but it is a scenic spread out city surrounded by mountian. It is also famous for its meat dumplings and rice noodles. Some sights to see: Green World Ecological Farm, Neiwan Scenic Area, Beipu Old Street, more...

Miaoli District

Well known for its mountians and strawberry farms this district has many scenic hiking trails and scenic areas. The area is also rich in traditional culture and arts and is one of the centers for traditional wood carving in Taiwan. Some sights to see: Sanyi Wood Carving Musuem, Flying Cow Ranch, Hwutaoyao Botanical Gardens and Ceramic Studio, more...

Yilan District

Situated along the Northeast coast of Taiwan the Yilan district is famous for its beautiful coastline and great surfing. The area has many different scenic areas, biking and hiking trails and is only about an hour's drive from Taipei. Some sights to see: Toucheng Old Street, Donghu River, Turtle Island, more...

Central Taiwan

This area is home to Taiwan's third largest city Taichung as well as the largest portion of Taiwan's mountains. The mountainous regions are perfect for both leisure and outdoor recreation. You can visit Alishan National Park and try and catch the sunrise, take a cruise of Sun Moon Lake or head out to the countryside and try some of Central Taiwan's famous local foods.

Districts:
Taichung District

This district holds Taiwan's third largest city, also called Taichung. The district offers everything from great shopping to beautiful scenery to fabulous foods. In Taichung city you can spend time shopping, or eating your way through, the night markets or visiting the Taiwan National Art Museum, there is soemthing for everyone. Some sights to see: Dakeng Scenic Area, Feng Chia Night Market and Taichung Harbour.

Nantou District

Nantou is most famous for Sun Moon Lake, but that is far from its only worthwhile location to visit. In addition to the beautiful mountainous scenery there is also many leisure farms where you can have a relaxing day taking the the scenery as well as trying goodies produced on site which might included custards and candies. Some sights to see: Cing Jing Leisure Farm, Chi Chi Train Station and Lu Shan Hot Springs Area.

Changhua District

This district is considered a very traditional one and is perhaps best represented by Lu Gang, a town within the district. Lu Gang has preserved a great deal of traditional architecture and there are many stores that sell hand made traditional items. Some other sights to see: Lu Gang Aboriginal Cultural Center, Ba Gua Scenic Area, and the Tian Mao Biking Trails.

Yunlin District

The Yunline District is a conservative and traditional district and even though its development continues it still retains a conservative feel. Some sights to see are the Matsu Park, The Dou Liu Gate and the Feng Lai Waterfall.

Chiayi District

Located along the Southernmost edge of Central Taiwan, Chiayi's most famous scenic locatoin is Alishan National Park which is home to extensive forest and huge old growth trees. Some other sight to see: The Chiayi Distillery, Art Site of Chiayi Railway Warehouse, and Feng Shan Scenic Area.

Eastern Taiwan

Eastern Taiwan is most famed for its spectacular scenery as well as its rich aboriginal culture. The area is rich with marble and many of the marble artisans are international class. Whether you're looking to see spectaular scenery or experience traditional Taiwanese culture Eastern Taiwan is a definite must see.

Districts:

Hualien District

Situated on the East Coast of Taiwan this district is a popular for with both locals and foreign visitors. The feel of the district it very natural and has a wide range of different scenery from the famous marble canyons in Taroko Gorge to the stunning coastline found along the entire Eastern edge of the district. Some sight to see are: Li Yu Lake, The Ma Tai Wetlands and Fu Yuan Forest Recreational Area.

Taitung District

This district lying on the South-Eastern Coast is well known for both its scenery and rich aboriginal culture. Much of the aboriginal culture, traditional arts and cuisine can be found throughout this district and allows visits a unique look into both the past and present culture of Taiwan. Some sights to see are: The Platform of Three Immortals, the Umbrella Rock and Kararuan.

Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is most famous for its hot sunny weather, beautiful beaches and relaxed pace of life. It can be considered a very "local Taiwanese" sort of culture and natives here will often speak the Taiwanese dialect rather than Mandarin. The area also preserves a great deal of Taiwan's history through its monuments, culture and food.

Districts:

Tainan District

Looking at Tainan from a historical perspective one could talk for three day and three nights without stop and still be unable to tell the area's story from the day it was established until present day. Tainan was one of the earliest locations developed in Taiwan, and was a hub for cultural interaction between East and West during the 16th and 17th centuries. In addition to being a history rich area it is also famous for its wide variety of delicious foods. Some sights to see are: Hua Yuan Night Market, An-Ping Castle, and Hu Tou Mountain Scenic Area.

Kaohsiung District

Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan and is Taiwan's largest port. The city has once considered a purely industrial city has become a modern metropolis with something for everyone. One of the city's most popular sights to visit is Love River, both locals and tourists come to walk along the river and night and see the city lights reflected on its waters. Some other sights to see are: The Windmill Park, Qi-Jing Harbour, and the Old British Consulate.

Pingtung District

This district is the Southernmost of all Taiwan's Districts and has the hottest and sunniest weather year round. It is also famous for its fabulous beaches and various watersport activities which vary from scuba diving and surfing to relaxing on the beach. Most well known for the Kenting National Park there are also many other locations that are worthwhile to visit including Chuan Fan Rock, Da Jian Mountain, and Sha Dao just to name a few.

Outer Islands

The outer islands of Taiwan are varied and each offers unique scenery, culture and atmosphere. The vary from islands with a long military history to island where you will want to spend most of the time underwater experiencing the fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving. Each is a departure from what the mainland has to offer and each will leave visitors with a deep impression.

Islands:

Penghu

What is commonly known as Penghu Island is acutally make up of a set of islands. These islands are well known for their beaches as well as their art which is sprinkled through the island and often surprises visitors. You will see everything from colorful cow statues to massive sculptures of waves and leaping dolphins. Some sites to see are: Lin Tou Park, Kua Hai Bridge, and the Xi Lan Lighthouse.

Matsu

Located to the West of the main island of Taiwan this island has been played a pivotal military role since Taiwan was first established and even now it continues to play an important role. Although many people only know the island for its military significance it also is beautiful as well as very quaint as it has a quite small population. Some sights to see are: Tang Hou Beach, Matsu Aboriginal Cultural Center, and Bi Shan Observation Platform.

Jinmen

Jinmen is also located to the West of the main island of Taiwan and also played a pivotal role in the military role. For many years visitors were not allowed on the island and only military personal were able to visit the island. Despite this the island has a thriving culture including a wide variety of local cuisine from their Gong Tang candies to a very famous Taiwanese brand of Gao Liang, a very strong liqour. Some sights to see are: The Jinmen Distillary, Gong Guang Lou and the Gu Ning Tou War History Musuem.

Ludao (Green Island)

Located off the Southeastern Coast of Taiwan Green Island is a beautiful many undeveloped jewel of an island. It is small and you can drive around the entirely of the island in about forty minutes on a scooter. Despite its small size it has a huge amount of beautiful scenery from the inland visits to the beaches to snokeling and diving to appreciate the vistas under the waves. Some sights to see: Sunrise Salt Water Hot Springs, The Spotted Deer Ecological Area and the Turkey Rock.

Lanyu (Orchid Island)

Located off the Southeastern Coast of Taiwan Lanyu is quite close to green island but its volcanic origins of birth are far more obvious than thatof Ludao through its multitude of volcanic rock formations. Lanyu also boasts some of the best scuba diving in all of Taiwan. Some sights to see are: The Two Lion Rock Formation, the Crocodile Rock, the Dragon Head Rock and the Lanyu Lighthouse.