Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ocean terraces. There are several places to camp along the way, and more and more gues-
thouses seem to spring up every year.
Much of Highway 11 falls under the auspices of the East Coast National Scenic Area
( www.eastcoast-nsa.gov.tw ) .
EAST COAST EATING
Hualien and Taitung Counties have a diverse mix of aboriginal, Hakka, Taiwanese
and mainland Chinese descendents, all contributing to the culinary traditions of
the area. Amis cooking is particularly influential and emphasises the natural fla-
vours of fruits, flowers, taro and wild vegetables. Amis dishes made from betel-nut
flowers, sorghum and rattan can be seen in various night markets and restaurants.
For something very traditional head to Matai'an for hot pot brought to boil with
heated rocks.
Fruit is abundant on the east coast and grown year-round. Something is always
for sale roadside. The Luye region is known for its pineapples, Dulan its pomelos,
and Beinan County its custard apples. The best of the latter are known as pine-
apple custard apples and really do have the consistency of custard.
Some of the best meals you can find along the east will often be at homestays or
small guesthouses. Set meals usually include fresh mountain veggies, free range
chicken, local rice and a soup of in-season ingredients.
Some specific regional delicacies to look for include the dumplings of Hualien,
the steamed buns of Donghe (look for two shops in mid-town across from the
7-Eleven), and mountain boar in aboriginal areas. Fresh seafood is available all
along the coast. Finally, if you need a quick bite, look for the giant agricultural asso-
ciation buildings off the main highways: they usually have simple but tasty lunch-
boxes made with locally grown produce as well as a host of dried and preserved
snacks you can take away.
Getting Around
Personal transport (scooter, car, bicycle) is best for travelling Highway 11.
BUS
Dingdong Bus Company ( http://diingdong.myweb.hinet.net ; 138-6 Guo Lian 1st Rd) Has buses
from Hualien to Taitung (NT$475, 3½ hours, once daily at 1.10pm)
Hualien Bus Company ( www.hl.gov.tw/bus ) A daily bus from Hualien to Taitung
(NT$514, 3½ hours, 9.20am) and hourly buses from Hualien to Chenggong.
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