Taiwan's Best Kept Secret: Wulai Aboriginal Village

The side tour to Wulai Village in Taipei County is probably the highlight of our recent Taiwan trip. This mountainous village located in Northern Taiwan is populated with mostly Aboriginal people from the Atayal tribe. The name Wulai is drawn from the abundance of hot spring in the area, its Atayal translation. Taiwan is known for its hot springs but Wulai is among the popular ones because of the water's quality -- clear, colorless and odorless containing lots of minerals and natural ingredients said to be best for the skin and effective in relieving muscle and joint pains.

The Wulai Atayal Museum is a four-storey building, which exhibits the history, culture and rituals of the Atayal Aboriginal tribe. Entrance is free of charge and and all displays have English translation.

The town can be easily strolled by foot but we chose to take the Wulai Log Cart to see the famous Wulai Waterfall located 1.6km from the cable car station for experience sake. Fare is TWD50 (Php75.00) for adults and TWD30 (Php45.00) for kids, one way ride only.

The colorful electric-powered log cart trolleys can carry about 10 passengers comfortably.

The 80-meter high scenic Wulai Waterfall is one of the popular attractions in town. The water falling down the cliff offers a majestic view to the tourists from the observation deck.

We usually wait at the hotel lobby on times we arrive before the check-in time but Wulai seemed to be an interesting place that we went ahead and explored the town with just a map on hand. The few hours we spent trying out the local street food and taking the hike with the crowd to the log cart station were the best welcoming moments and one of those times that we didn't mind choosing walking and getting lost over a comfortable bed with soft pillows.

Sunday Treats No. 47

Uni Donburi - Php480.00

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Tanabe
553 Remedios St., Malate

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 528-4688

Feast for the Eyes at Juifen Old Street, Taipei TW

Once a prosperous gold mining town, Juifen Old Street is another popular attraction just two hours away from Taipei's city center. The isolated town became famous upon the discovery of gold during the Japanese occupation back in 1893. After World War II, gold mining activities declined and Juifen has since become a tourist destination and mecca for Taiwan's rich culture and history. From the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, we took the train to Rueifang Station (via TRA Yilan Line) then rode the bus to Juifen with a total travel time of approximately an hour and 30 minutes.

According to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau website, Juifen (English translation: nine portions) was the home of nine families back in the day. Because all the materials were generally transported by ship, the families formed a habit of purchasing nine pieces per object. Juifen Old Street is a Japanese-inspired village with a long stretch of food and shopping experience. From the charming tea houses, souvenir shops selling unique finds, interesting local snacks, exotic food and artisan drinks, this is one place you should never miss out in your itinerary. One important advice I wish someone had given me before going here was to come early and come hungry!

For an inexperienced first timer in Taiwan food scene like myself, the smell of competing aroma kinda overwhelmed my senses that it took me a while before I decided which ones to try. Late lunch was a bowl of Taiwan's all-time favorite beef noodles followed by the popular dessert of shaved ice with your choice of toppings. I always prefer mine with plain and simple red beans.

We passed by this stall thrice before we actually bought a cup of this Auntie's perfectly grilled king oyster mushrooms. I do love mushrooms (golden mushrooms are my ultimate favorite) but I felt like paying TWD100 (Php150) for a few slices was a bit exaggerated. But hey, it's not everyday that we get to travel to Taiwan so might as well try as much food as we can. It only took one bite and I instantly knew that we made the right choice because they were juicy and very tasty!

Some people may dislike how commercialized Juifen has become but after the collapse of the mining industry, tourism has been the major pillar of support of this small village. The view of the old houses may be obstructed by the rows of stalls in the Old Street but if it means that we can still enjoy this amazing scenery and learn Taiwan's rich history through the food and the people themselves, I guess it's a small price to pay in order to sustain Juifen for the future generation.

Widus Hotel and Casino

Widus Hotel and Casino is beyond doubt the best accommodation you can find in Clark, Pampanga. The first and only 5-star hotel in the area, the hotel boasts of modern and elegant facilities, comfortable rooms and accessibility to the Diosdado Macapagal Airport. For our annual summer getaway, my friends and I booked several deluxe rooms located at Widus Tower Suite but got lucky and were upgraded to the executive rooms at the newer building called Widus Tower Two.

The spacious executive deluxe queen room that measures about 33 square meters, emanates sophistication and warmth with its modern Asian interiors. Hailed as one of the Top 9 Best Hotels for Families in the Philippines and a consistent Traveler's Choice Awardee by Trip Advisor, each room is furnished with soft and comfortable double beds, flat screen cable TV, coffee and tea station, well-stocked mini ref and a luxurious bathroom with an 8" shower head.

Our room also came with a child-proof deck facing the tree house at the back of the hotel.

The hotel features a state-of-the-art gym, a business center, a spa for the ultimate relaxation experience and an outdoor swimming pool for kids and adults complete with slides and waterfalls.

Except for the lengthy distance from the parking lot to the lobby and the limited buffet choices during breakfast, we only have high praises with our overall experience here. Highly recommended if you're looking for a venue for your summer outing or just a quick break from the city life. Thank you Widus Family for the wonderful weekend getaway and the delicious welcome treat!

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Widus Hotel and Casino
5400 Manuel A. Roxas Highway
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines
Tel.: (6345) 499-1000
Website: www.widus.com