Taiwan - Part II : Taroko National Park, Cing Jing ~ The Voice Within

Na Jie came to pick us at 5.30 in the morning. That early? Why? We have lots to cover. And there’s a need to beat the crowd. Crowd? What crowd?

Fine, we went with it. She brought us around Taroko National Park, which is extremely huge. It covers 3 counties – Hualien, Nantou and Taichung. We had entered through the Hualien entrance. There were dozens of trails to hike, dozens of scenes to take in. But with her experiences, she handpicked a couple of them just for us. Of course they were those with the best views. And she had hiked with us! All the while explaining the landscapes, the history, the spots to capture.

First stop – Shakadang Trail, through the Bridge of 100 Lions. Also known as the “Mysterious Valley Trail”, where the trail was built along a river cliff and famous for crystal clear waters strewn across enormous boulders.

We were then brought to Lushui Trail, a 2km trail on a gentle slope which was easy to walk. It cuts through a dense forest and a cliff terrain, which overlooks the Liwu River.

Baiyang Waterfall Trail. Now this one was cool. First, there was no obvious entrance. You get in through a tunnel by the highway, which was real dark. Then you got to hike a 2km trail under the heat of the sun and through even more dark tunnels. Halfway through we had thought of quitting as there wasn’t really much to see. But Na Jie had dragged us on. Promising us that at the end we would definitely not regret it.

And indeed we didn’t. The wonder was right at the end of the trail. Inside a dark cave, there it is – Water Curtain Cave. Spring water raining down from the cave ceiling like curtains. It was a shame that we weren’t able to snap any pictures, for it was too dark and too wet. And besides, we were occupied with splashing around and dipping our sore feet into the cool pool.

We have much to thank Na Jie for this. Her insistence had allowed us this magical sight. For it was her, as well, whom had prepared the flashlights and towels for us. It was her who had reminded us to pack food and drinks for the hike. Or we would have just went in with nothing but our camera. And true to her words, there were indeed large tourists crowds thronging those spots. Bus loads of them! I’m glad we ‘outran’ them.

By the end of it, we had dropped down exhausted - our legs wobbling and our tummies grumbling. It was scorching hot and we had hiked close to 10km. 10km! My goodness! Why do all my holidays have to be so tiring?

From there, we moved on to Cing Jing in the Nantou County. I slept all throughout the drive, with the same steep, narrow and winding roads which we have traveled earlier. It is actually a highland surrounded by mountains. So from a heated gorge to a cooling highland – 2 extremes in the span of less than a day.

We went straight to Cing Jing Green Green Grassland, as planned – a sheep farm on a grassy hill. We reached sort of late and we had less than an hour before they close. The shepherds were already guiding the sheep back to their pens. So, off we scramble to, at least, get a picture with a live sheep grazing on the grass hill. How often do we get a chance to hug a live sheep right? Anyway, the place was more suitable for kids and we didn’t find the place any more interesting.

Na Jie had introduced us this homestay in Cing Jing – Winlu Vacation Farm. Another round of gratitude to her as the place was marvelous! It was well hidden from the main road and thus, it was quiet, peaceful and very refreshing. We were able to get a bird’s eye view of the mountains and the farms from our room. It was a sight to behold! More so when we intentionally woke up early the next day to catch the sunrise. The clouds were floating among the mountains! I couldn’t take my eyes off them.

And while we were strolling around the area, we stumbled upon a secluded pathway that led us to a ridge. Guess what? Oh my gosh! The view! It was like I'm at the top of the world! I can definitely stay here forever.