Taiwan 2011 : Sun Moon Lake to Puli

We moved on from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake. We took about a four hours ride by bus from Taipei bus terminal using Kuo Kuang express bus to get to the scenic destination.

The bus we took to Sun Moon Lake 

Since there wasn't a lot to do, we went to hire a bicycle. It costs a lot more than I expect it to be. Nevertheless, I must say it's no ordinary bike as we get one of the best Giant bikes around for a good hour with a GPS device just in case we trail off the route. The rate for the rental is about TWD400/hour.

Our GPS device from our bike rental 

This is what its like around the area. It's a hot spot for wedding photographers. We bumped into 3 couples either taking photos by the lake or getting ready at some restaurant. It is amazing to what extend these newly weds can go just to take photo. I trust that it must have been a very exhausting experience. Nonetheless, the best of memories should come with the "price" paid. :)

Newly weds everywhere 

Sun Moon Lake is a destination known for not just the lake but also the mountain and the sky. The name says it all actually. And you'll definitely hear about this if you do take one of those cruise from the 3 main jetties in that locality. Normally, these cruises package can be obtained at a slightly cheaper price if you do book it with yourminsu or hotel. It is an unlimited day pass which allows you to go around the 3 townships by the lake, of which one is actually a temple.

The sunset view from one of the jetties 

Puli, where one of the aboriginal theme park is located, is about 20-25 minutes drive away from Sun Moon Lake. There is a bus service which departs from the Tourist Information Centre which can ferry you to this theme park. Alternatively, you can take the cable car service.

Entrance of the theme park 

It is actually a really big theme park. At the entrance, there is a magnificent European Garden to entice you into the park. The garden is so big that there is a steam train running in a loop to give you a tour around the area. Apart from the park, there is also an indoor theme park where visitors can take the ferries, roller coasters, swings, teacups and so on. As this aboriginal village and theme park also give exposure of the difference natives living in Sun Moon Lake, this is a famous destination for school trips. During my visit, there were at least 4 schools who were visiting at the same time. Like all cultural village, you'll also be entertained by the aboriginal performances and along the way, there are also many kiosks where you can purchase some authentic aboriginal food such as bamboo rice.

Bird's eye view from the cable car 

We took the cable car back to Sun Moon Lake once more and walk around the quiet little town at night. There we lots of souvenir shops around and I'm sure you can pick some specially made in Sun Moon Lake before you depart. Oh, and I must say that the best fried chicken chop is still from the little green store opposite the jetty at the Shueishe town.