Taiwan Travel Guide

Taiwan is one of Asia’s unsung tourist destinations; this hidden gem has so much for visitors to explore without the crowds of other more famous places. There is a great sense of tradition within the country, the ancient religious and cultural practices still take place in buildings which exude and exemplify Taiwan’s rich past. You can also sense a great urbanity within the country, the high rise buildings and buzzing traffic combine with the natural wonders and ancient buildings to give Taiwan a diverse atmosphere.

Travel Safety

Whilst most areas within Taiwan are free from trouble, there are a few aspects you should consider during your holiday and also prior to your visit. There can be problems with petty crimes such as fraud and pick pocketing. Some see that tourists are easier targets so always be aware of your possessions and the people around you. Also you should keep valuable item within the safes provided by your hotels in order to prevent them from being stolen.

You should also be aware that minor earthquakes occur regularly, you can also be at risk of tropical storms and typhoons. It is advised that you tailor your holiday around seasons where these weathers are predominant and it is also essential that you learn about the emergency procedures in case such an event occurs.

Climate

The northern areas of Taiwan have a subtropical climate with moderate temperatures; however the climate tends to drop during the winter season. In the southern areas, the temperatures are slightly higher and you can enjoy sunshine on most days as there is no winter season. It is best to avoid visiting Taiwan between the months of June and October as this is typhoon season and would therefore ruin any holiday.

Cuisine

The variety of styles and ingredients within Asian cooking means that there is a great range of cuisines and dishes to try at the multitude of Taiwanese restaurants.  Some of the larger establishments offer several styles of cooking on their menus so you can pick and choose something for your taste.  Some region specialities are spring rolls with peanut butter, sweet and sour spare ribs, oyster omelette and bean curd in red sauce. You can also find great Shanghai, Szechuan, Pekinese and Cantonese foods as both tourists and locals enjoy the flavours within these dishes.

Tourists Attractions

There are a number of events and attractions which draw tourists to Taiwan each year. There is a big party atmosphere on the island for Chinese New Year, many visitors join in with the festivities as they can participate in and enjoy the music and dancing. The hot springs are also a firm favourite; the country’s volcanic past has left over 100 hot mineral springs which are now used for relaxation and rejuvenation.

There are also many energetic activities to participate in. You can dive or snorkel in the waters that surround Green Island. The forests of coral and other underwater life are breathtaking throughout the year. You can also enjoy paragliding around the green bay area or hiking in the national park as you can soak up the natural wonders which Taiwan has to offer.