Beach time!
We took the local Taiwan train system, the TRA as this is the fastest direct route from downtown Taipei without your own car. To check the train times, http://twtraffic.tra.gov.tw/twrail/English/e_index.aspx has a very easy, all English timetable search engine.
We needed beach therapy, so we made our way to the black sand, surf beach in Ilan County, Wai’ao.
This beach has some great surf. Be prepared to watch out for the sneaker waves!!
It is a non-touristy and quite less crowded beach than others I’ve been to on the north coast. The black sand is extremely soft and the rocks are minimal, making for a very comfortable experience.
There are some great looking B&B’s to stay. I can’t vouch for these, but I will be looking into them more!
Since we are two lovely ladies traveling on a grad-school indebted budget, we opted for a budget option that was equally as charming.
The Rising Sun Surf Inn (white building in center) is a collaboration between Garret, a native to Ventura, California and Candy Lin, a native to Tainan, Taiwan. It is a modern, clean, extremely friendly, and comfortable place to stay. We stayed in the all girls dorm room with large private bath and personal deck looking over the patio and the beach. There are private rooms also available (in a separate building a few doors down). Which I will be staying in next month sometime with my honey for sure!
The main area includes a bar, sitting and lounging area and a large patio. The boardwalk is a few steps off the patio for lounging, strolling, and watching the waves.
Mmmm…great, healthy food too!
The best part about this place is the surf board rentals and instructor. If you bring a bag of trash from the beach, they’ll give you 10% off your rental too! Perfecto.
It’s easy to spend the evening in a larger nearby town by taking the local train. We went 10 minutes south to the hot spring town of Jiaoxi. This is a REAL hot spring town. Walk twenty feet from the train stop exit and you put your feet in relaxing, non-sulfide stinking, fresh springs.
There are a lot of nearby restaurants, a night market and multiple snacks to be had!
The highlight were the fish springs where little fish come nibble off the dead skin from your feet. A very giggly experience that is a must! Not only do you have great memories, but a natural style pedicure to boot. (Tosha’s awesome face photos in fish spa to insert here).
After our beach and surf time, we spent the next day sightseeing our way south. The small mountain meets sea town that we hung out in, Nan’ao Township, Ilan County.
Upon arrival, we rented bikes and soon had our own posy of local tour guides. The fact they were about 10, made the experience all that more awesome.
(Tosh’s photo of us at the Botanical Gardens, insert here).
After melting from the heat, we treated our tour guides to shaved ice. This place is über famous and has been in business for over 70 years. It’s well worth the visit!
Next, off to the falls. With team in tow!
I was super excited to be able to taste the grilled, cured pork these ladies were picnicking with. We were so blessed to experience this!
Bouldering and swimming, ah the freezing water was a delight!
Before we knew it, it was time to head back to Taipei during Sunday early evening rush hour train time.
Upon return to civilization we gorged on monster burgers at TGIF, bring on the beef!
Thank you for a great adventure Tosh! Cheers to creating many more memories! Xoxxxxoox
Courtney Cruzan's Adventures 