By NABILA AZLAN

The Salam Taiwan Co-Creation Tour diverted my attention to two major things: one, while Taiwan has a very low (yet growing) population of Muslim residents, the country has been putting immense effort into attracting Muslim tourists to it. Naturally, a good way to start is by increasing halal options and providing Muslim-friendly amenities – and it has been motivated in doing so for the past couple of years.

Related read: ‘Halal’spotting in Taiwan: Field notes on culture, Muslim food and hotels

Two, and this has nothing to do with Muslim tourism at all – Taiwan has a stunning array of ecotourism spots. This is essentially what this article will highlight; an intro list to the country’s scenic destinations to be enjoyed by all ages and activity stages. While I have yet to explore the country through hikes and climbs, a lot of my time spent in Taiwan – from Taichung to Taipei and the places in between – have been on foot. It is necessary to note that with the narrow streets and curious alleys, it is best to walk or be on a motorcycle. There are even electric bikes in town for short term rentals, suitable to explore the wonders of the steel and concrete jungles!

Taiwan’s land size is comparable to that of the state of Pahang, Malaysia (read my notes from the first article here) yet unlike Malaysia which has ‘three seasons’ (rainy, sunny and extremely sunny!) Taiwan has the usual four with the temperature across seasons ranging from 25 to 33 degrees Celcius, not far off Malaysia’s temperature scale. It is summertime at the time of my visit, which means sunny with occasional drizzles. Summer runs from June to August; autumn lasts around September to November and winter runs from December to February. While it does not regularly snow in larger parts of Taiwan, you should be able to enjoy white blankets of snow near mountains and hills. Springtime, which runs from March to typically May, is where Taiwan cherry blossoms bloom – an alluring reason to return (or visit for the first time) if you ask me!

Ecotourists, scroll through for the places in Taiwan channelling relaxation, serenity and crisp, fresh air!

XinShe Castle in Taichung

Don’t forget to bring: A book or two

XinShe Castle grounds seem like they have been taken out from a fairy tale – European-style buildings stand amongst lush trees and shrubbery. Taking inspiration from Medieval Europe, it boasts curated gardens as well as other serene, rustic additions like a wooden house, fountain, watchtower, Roman pillars and secret gardens. I dare say that even non-photography enthusiasts and Instagrammers will get a kick out of this calm destination (needless to say, the XinShe Castle is highly picturesque and every angle screams Instagrammable if this is what you are into!) – a casual stroll and a visit to the chateau and hexagon awaits. Come in the evening to escape from the tolls of the city, into a tantalising terrain filled with various flora and fauna. Enjoy every second of the trail!

Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung

Don’t forget to bring: Slippers

I was pleasantly surprised at the number heading to and hanging out at Gaomei Wetlands when I arrived. My first thoughts being “Are these many people attracted to the wildlife and soil?” The answer is yes, among other things. Gaomei Wetlands is home to a diverse species of fauna – wild ducks, fish, birds and crabs flock and gather to reap from Dadu River’s rich mixture of mud and soil, which also brings abundance to the surrounding vegetation. Characterised by a seemingly never-ending walkway and windmills that could be sighted from stretches away, first-timers and return visitors, locals and tourists alike come for the natural palettes which appear grander at sunset and to feel the texture of the soil with their own bare feet (bring slippers for this!). A couple of minutes away from the gorgeous wetlands you are able to spot the newly-opened Gaomei Lighthouse, another attraction complete with a café, souvenir store and ice cream shop.

Wanggong Fishing Port in Changhua

Don’t forget to bring: Light pants and slippers

An area dense with ecological marvels and ultimately cultural wonder, Changhua is named one of the country’s stars for ecological recreation. Wanggong Village is a coastal village nestled in Western Taiwan known for its oyster and clam culture developed by fishermen and tradesmen who have kept their methods strong for decades. Defined by its traditional oyster farms, aquaculture ponds, lighthouses and more, my visit to the Wanggong Fishing Port with my fellow travellers are accompanied by piercing blue skies, mudskippers and fiddler crabs. I tried my hand at scraping the soil for clams at low tide – although to no avail, I gained an exceptional appreciation for oyster farmers!

Intermission: The fishing ports here are a league of their own. While my first visit to Zhengbin Fishing Harbour in Keelung (pictured above) is actually a part of a pit stop en route to Yehliu, the historic fishing port is a famous spot for photos by many.

Beitou District

Don’t forget to bring: A portable fan

Beitou (Xinbeitou town) is famed for its hot springs, geysers, which has kept an observable Japanese influence through and through. A stroll through the town will lead you past natural parks, spas and bathhouses – a visit to the Beitou Hot Spring Museum (which was then the Hokuto Public Bathhouse, an abandoned historical monument following the Japanese occupation) will tell you the backstories of the town – which has once been deemed as the country’s entertainment hub, with memories of different eras tucked into a mineral-rich package. You may opt to stay in the district’s resorts to enjoy the thermal valleys and lakes or take a day trip to explore the district’s steamy meadows.

Ecotourism in Taiwan – a sight for sore eyes – could provide endless inspiration and rest to weary travellers and aspiring artists. The lush landscapes, breathtaking natural landmarks and scenic palettes bring forth a peaceful state of mind. This arena of art, nature and purposeful use of space has been a wonderful crash course to history, culture and city wonder – incredible gems to bring home to reflect upon. Here’s to leaving my footsteps behind at other ecotourism spots in the country!

A special thanks to Hexa-Comms for the thorough tour in Taiwan!

This content is co-produced by BASKL (a product of MyCreative Ventures) and Taiwan Tourism Bureau as part of Salam Taiwan 2024, a special co-creation tour of the destination’s historical, panoramic and cultural marvels curated for Muslim travellers.

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