Taiwan Travelogue September 2015 (Day 4)

September 29, 2015

Today morning everyone is really tired. Even Jaclyn who usually wakes up early only woke up at 9am today. We had breakfast, packed up our stuff and checked out at 10.45am. It was drizzling today in Yilan and we are glad that we have decided to head to Shifen Waterfall instead of exploring Yilan.

Shifen Waterfall- a mini one near the hanging bridge before heading to the actual one

It is an hour drive to Shifen Waterfall and we reached at about 12pm. We parked and walk down to the hanging bridge, passed by a small waterfall and to the Shifen Waterfall Park (Open 9-5.30pm daily). It is indeed a majestic waterfall and one could feel the water droplet kissing their face. I read online about a NT80 entrance fees but we didn’t see any place for ticket. It is probably another entrance from the Shifen Visitor Centre or they have omitted the charges?

Passing by the Shifen Waterfall Park before the majestic fall

A duckie that entertained the kids while we take turns to visit the washroom

The huge falls. The water practically sprinkle on you so it is hard to take photograph

The staircase leading to the observation deck was pretty steep and wet so if you are bringing kids, make sure grab on to them tightly. Forget the stroller at this place, totally useless as mostly it is steps and no flat road.

For parents with young children, you can consider having some drinks at the café and take turn to go down to the waterfall observation deck so that the kids no need to go down. It is quite windy and cold as the water droplets splashes onto you plus stairs are wet and steep. So, only I head down while hubby take cares of the kids.

There are toilets at parking area (free parking) and waterfall park so it is convenient.

My pictures of the waterfall definitely did not do justice to them- check out professional photographs of the majestic waterfall here: http://taiwanswaterfalls.com/waterfall-guide/new-taipei-waterfalls/shifen-waterfall/

Jaclyn was having some rashes on her face and neck. I am not sure if it is because of the insect bite that she gotten yesterday at Taroko National Park. She wasn’t itchy or uncomfortable so I gave her an antihistamine, hopefully will subside in no time.

We are already quite late to return the car so we had a quick lunch at Pingxi Old Street. Lunch is super yummy- braised meat, stir fry vegetable and clam. One of the best meal I had in Taiwan I must say.

Lunch of the day. They look normal but tasted fantastic.

Cost: NT590 including 2 bowl of rice and a bottle of apple juice.

Wooden Postcard

Cute Postbox just outside the shop!

While waiting for lunch to arrived, I grab the chance to buy some postcard (Wooden type-NT60 each) and stickers (NT20 each) for the kids. Manage to send the postcard too, it is NT20 for stamp back to Singapore. Hopefully will receive the postcard when I am back home J

Train running above the houses at Pingxi Old Street

Pingxi train station is famous for its railway which runs above the houses and shops as the shops are all at a lower ground area so one could basically see the train going on top of them which is cool. We manage to catch a glimpse of a train passing while strolling the streets.

We are really late now so quickly drive to Ximending (30 minutes drive) and check in our hotel. There is no parking on site so we had to park at roadside and then unload our stuff. As kiddos and me go to the room, hubby went and return the car at the airport.

Reach hotel.. time to check in and rest

But before that, let's try out our left hand driving skill...

I cleaned the kids up and tuck them for nap. Today is the first day they can nap on bed after sleeping in the car for the past few days.

Finally, we get a proper bed for nap today...

As usual, they played around and only nap about an hour later. I then went down to Level 2 to get our laundry done. It is NT50 for 30 minutes wash and NT for every 10 minutes dryer (we dry the clothes for an hour). Washing powder is complimentary can be obtained from the reception at Level 1.

Laundry time

Full review of the hotel : http://blessedlittletravelers.blogspot.sg/2015/09/westgate-hotel-review-ximending-taipei.html

Hubby came back about 5 plus and I went down to walk around while he rests. It is really happening at Ximending with lots of food stall, restaurant and shops selling little cute things. I went back to the hotel at 6 plus and woke kiddos up for dinner. All are very tired and reluctant to wake up, but eventually manage to wake them up.

Happening Ximending

Dinner is at Watami Casual Restaurant, food is similar to the outlet in Singapore. We had a pleasant dinner. Leisurely walk around Ximending, watch street shows and got back to hotel.