Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thirty years ago in Taiwan, animals were still largely treated as objects, or pos-
sessions, a holdover from the attitudes of agricultural society. Women like Helen
were looked down upon as foolish, frivolous and sentimental. But the times have
changed and dozens, if not hundreds, of animal welfare organisations have sprung
up in recent years, including Taiwan's first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (SPCA). Wealthy philanthropists, and even pop stars, have also taken up
the cause.
After years of lobbying, various municipalities are also starting to turn to altern-
ative measures to deal with strays. Most of Taipei city, for example, now practises
catch-neuter-release of stray cats rather than catch and euthanise. New shelters
are also being built to replace older, crowded ones and adoption rates are increas-
ing. Also increasing is the courts' willingness to hand down fines and even jail sen-
tences for animal abuse. The feeling among most in the animal welfare world, in-
cluding Helen, is that in recent years the tide has genuinely turned.
For more information on the current animal welfare situation in Taiwan visit the
Birdwatching
Wulai is renowned for its birdwatching areas. One route follows the road to Neidong
Forest Recreation Area (FRA) from the minitrain; the other runs along a narrow road/
trail above the Tonghou River, starting past the elementary school.
Among the birds you can see in Wulai are kingfishers, collared scops owls and flocks
of grey-chinned minivets. Winter is a particularly good viewing time as many mid-alti-
tude species migrate to the lower river valleys. For more information pick up a copy of
Birdwatcher's Guide to the Taipei Region
.
Hot Springs
Wēnquán
(hot-spring) hotels start a few kilometres before the main village as you ride in
from Taipei. There are more along the tourist street as well as spreading into the hills
around the village. Undoubtedly there are too many visitors competing for a limited re-
source, so it's best to come midweek.
For cheap but decent options head to the end of the tourist street, cross the bridge and
turn left. There are a row of small hot-spring hotels facing the river charging NT$200 to
NT$300 for private bathing tubs, and NT$600 to NT$1400 for rooms (including bed,
bathroom and hot-spring tub) per two hours.
