Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The main trail starts up a short incline to the right of the toilets at the end of the paved
route to Manyueyuan Waterfall. There are many side branches but the main route con-
nects Manyueyuan with Dongyanshan FRA. However, there is no public transport to and
from Dongyanshan, so if you walk there you must walk back. It's about a four-hour hike
one way.
Two very worthy diversions on the main trail include up to
Beichatianshan
(North
Sky-Piercing Mountain; elevation 1727m), the highest peak in the north, and further
afield to a stand of
giant ancient cedars
(
shénmù
).
To get to Beichatianshan, take the main trail to its highest point and then turn left, fol-
lowing the English signs. It's a long day hike to the summit and back (expect it to take 10
to 12 hours), so many people make it an overnight trip. There's a wild camp-ground near
the base, beside a rushing stream.
The trail down to the old cedars follows the same path as to the base of Beichatianshan
and then drops down a side trail, but this is not clearly marked in English. Get a copy of
Richard Saunders'
Taipei Escapes
2 for directions, or follow another hiking group.
Autumn is a nice time to visit the park, as the leaves on the gum and soap-nut trees are
changing colours. Fireflies come out in the spring and summer, and you can often spot
monkeys and barking deer further into the park. Be aware that the park has its own mi-
croclimate and, while it may be sunny and dry in Taipei, it could be cool and wet here.
Public transport here is limited and complicated. First take the MRT to Yongning MRT
station and outside Exit 1 catch bus 916 or a taxi to Sansia's
Taipei Bus Company
(
2671 1914;
www.tpebus.com.tw
)
on Dayong Rd (this is the bus's final stop). From there catch
bus 807 (NT$45). Buses leave weekdays at 7am, 9.30am and noon, and weekends at
6am, 8.30am and 11am and should go all the way to Manyueyuan parking lot (show the
driver the characters so he is clear where you are going). If the bus doesn't go all the way
to the park, it will drop you off at
Honeybee World
about 30 to 40 minutes' walk from
the park entrance. If you can get a few people together, consider taking a taxi (NT$500)
from Yongning MRT station directly to the park.
Hitching a ride back to town is usually easy. The last bus leaves the parking lot at
3.50pm on weekdays and 6.10pm on weekends (call the Taipei Bus Company to con-
firm).
HIGHWAY 2: THE NORTH & NORTHEAST COAST
02
The 166km coastal Provincial Hwy 2 winds along the top of the island from the mouth of
the Danshui River to the alluvial plains of Ilan. It's a stunning route with a wide range of
