There’s nothing quite like a customised road trip where you can take a chance on a total flexible journey without getting the hassle of being rushed. The stress of planning or being restricted to places we wanted to explore has been made right by Ownrides. They’re like the Uber of custom tours! You know for a fact that I’m a fan of Uber which sadly they’re not available in Malaysia anymore. They’re fast, reliable and you get to save so much time just like Ownrides. I got my trip settle in minutes, and I am happy that I found Ownrides! With so many Tour Companies In Taiwan, I realised that Own rides is the most easy to work with. I used to love DIY trips, but the more older I get, the more I want something convenient during my trip. Talking about signs of aging, I’m more into comfortability and flexibility now. I love that you can create a custom tour on their website in a matter of seconds!
Some tour companies will tell you that your tour is crazy, like this is impossible! You can’t accomplish this in a day! Hell ya I think it is possible! I just made it with Ownrides! The reason why I love them so much is because they do care about the things you want (as a customer), not the things they only want just for the money. Why am I saying this? ‘cause prior finding Ownrides, I’ve been contacting Tour Companies and even local drivers via Wechat and Whatsapp regarding my preferred tour and sadly, I don’t see that they’re putting in the value for the benefit of their guests but only for themselves. So hands down to Ownrides!
I plotted our tour as this:
Nanya Scenic Area > Bitoujaio Trail > Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock > Yehliu Geopark
First Stop: Nanya Rock Formation
I am into Nature and Nanya Scenic Rock is one of the places I wanted to visit during my Taiwan Tour. I am fascinated with the sedimentary stripped pattern rock formation. The entire coastline is absolutely scenic and that’s pretty amazing! There are no food stalls and no facilities making you more likely to feel at peace with nature. You’ll be impressed by how much beauty there is in a bunch of stones together.
Tip: Head over to the cliff to get a nicer view of the seaside.
Second Stop: Bitoujaio Trail
It was closed when we visited Bitou Cape for some constructions issue, but glad that Vincent, our local driver from Ownrides, found another way to get through it in another direction. It was a long trail though, scorching hot, but the views were really fantastic. The scenery from every steps gave us a different angle of the hills. The best part was getting to the top where we see the blue skies and sea kissed the rock like forever. There are some resting pavilions on each trail though to catch your breath and the views to enjoy, too. The trail is easy and pretty conventional, but it was exhausting, too well despite it was 41 degrees when we climbed! I think it was the most hottest climb I’ve ever did. Literally and figuratively!
Tip: Make your first stop at Bitou Elementary School. I think this is a good starting point to easily get to the top.
Quick Stop: Golden Waterfall
We passed by a Golden Waterfall on the side of the road. There weren’t enough water flowing through the falls maybe ‘cause it’s summer. Fenced off by the platform and a bridge, This golden waterfall is a reminder of an old mining history in Ruifang. Quite a pit stop to just marvel the surroundings and its unique colours.
Tip: It’s good a quick stop as there is nothing much to see here. Probably a nice photo op will do.
LUNCH: 友信餐廳 Youxin Seafood Restaurant
Squid all the way! We had our lunch at Youxin Seafood Restaurant with overlooking views of the fishing village. They have so many specialty dishes and the Cuttlefish Sausage is what I loved the most. The taste is just utterly delicious! We also had a Fried shark meat with bean paste which is absolutely flavoursome, Cold salad bamboo with Mayonnaise, Cold salad bamboo with Mayonnaise, Fried white water snowflake, and a Squid Rice noodle soup which we didn’t finish ‘cause out stomach was so full! These was recommended by Vincent, our Local Guide and I may say that the lunch we had was indeed satisfying.
Tip: I would Highly Recommend Cuttlefish Sausage, Fried shark meat with bean paste, Cold salad bamboo with Mayonnaise and Fried white water snowflake (they say that the snowflake only grows in Taiwan, Must try!)
Third Stop: Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock
What a beautiful rock formation and it really looks like an Elephant Trunk! The Elephant Trunk Rock is by far the highlight of our trip. It is just a short walk along the rocky beach. It is quite tricky I would say to reach the top of the Elephant Trunk Rock. We got to climb through rocks that leaves some trail. The views atop is breathtaking stunning and windy, too. We saw some people cruising the shore and enjoying a kayak ride. I didn’t know that was possible, probably will do it next time!
Tip: Definitely go to the top of the Elephant Trunk Rock! You get this one’s in a lifetime. It’s a strange rock formation and who knows when it’ll be gone. So take this chance now!
Quick Stop: Shuinandong Smelter
We had a quick stop over to take a glimpse of what remains of Copper Refinery. It is Taiwan’s 13 Layer Remains Site during the Japanese regime were prisoners of war were treated roughly to work under pressure. Once forgotten site, but the relics are still there. Such a historical site to stop by.
Fourth Stop: Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is my least favourite among the attractions probably due to the fact that it is very touristy. There were so many people queue to get a photo of the Stone queen. We did the mandatory photo ops. The stone queen is not that huge as what I expected it to be nevertheless the formation really looks like a queen’s head. It rained that day and we were really exhausted, and Vincent, our local tour guide gave us some milk tea that is really refreshing and not to mention taste really good! There’s a market in the exit area of the Eco Park where you can purchase souvenirs and stuff. Do not forget to get a salmon floss for your friends or family back home.
Tip: You really have to queue to get a photo of the Stone queen. It’s a must!
Last Stop: Shilin Night Market
We thought it would be great if Vincent would drop us off at Shilin Night Market were we can have some street foods. It is one of the biggest and famous night market in the city and I am such a big fan of XXL Chicken in Malaysia. Glad that I was able to try the original one! I am not really into Night Markets, but I’ve never seen such bustling night market with so many choices and inexpensive prices.
Tip: You sure need to try XXL Chicken and Crispy Squid Cheese. Thumbs up!
One thing that makes our ownrides trip so memorable was because of our very attentive Tour Guide. We were very lucky that we had Vincent as our driver. He is very informative and speak english really good as I specifically request for an english speaking Tour Guide. We had so much fun during our trip. He knows very well how to take care of us throughout the entire tour. He’s prepared with wet wipes, mineral water, Lucas Papaw for sunburn, Umbrellas, Milk teas, and just everything that you haven’t even thought of bringing with you. Even up to the last time that we are going to part our ways, he’s gesture was very moving. He sprayed us with DKNY Be Delicious perfume to make us remember this scent of how amazing our trip was. I have DKNY memories in College, but he added one great memory to it. What’s really touching was he gave the perfume to my sister who will be celebrating her birthday in the next few days. We were absolutely surprised!
It’s my first time to have this incredible trip that a local guide made us feel that we were good friends in an instant!
I have nothing to say but amazing things about Vincent and Ownrides.
Editor’s Note:
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