Taiwan 2011 – Sun Moon Lake, Alishan (Day 6)

Date: Wed 30 Mar 2011
Stay: Longyun Holiday Farm, Alishan 龙云农场， 阿里山

We woke up to a beautiful mountain view. Headed out to the owners’ house next door for breakfast. It was a wonderfully healthy homemade meal! Liang Mama who made the dishes with her family came by and introduced us the various dishes so lovingly created.

Breakfast here!

Cosy dining area in the owners' home

Healthy breakfast served with sweet potato porridge - black fungus goes well with organic vinegar!

She also gave us some deep purple coloured grapes (known as Jabotica 树葡萄) which she told us was in season and we could visit the farm nearby and pick the fruit. The interesting point about this antioxidant-rich fruit is that it grows separately on the tree trunks, unlike the usual bunch that we see hanging on trees. We could also eat it whole, seed, skin and all! The skin is sourish, while the white pulpy flesh is sweet.

After the warm breakfast, we explored the compound. The area is dotted with pine trees hence the name of the minsu. There was another house which has a few rooms. Liang Mama told us that a big group could rent the whole house. It was a lovely place, made more homely by the three big dogs! I tried to take a picture with them but the leader of the pack, Xiao Xiong was most reluctant while another brown one eagerly came by and laid down next to me.

Peaceful compound

Protective trio - friendly canines

Soon, we joined some other guests to visit the Jabotica farm. It was quite a sight to see these grapes all over the trunks of the short trees! We could pick and fill up a plastic box at NT200. We were encouraged to eat and pick the fruits at the same time! The fruits can be harvested during two seasons here – during the period of All Souls’ day (end Mar – early Apr) and Mid-Autumn (August). Jabotica trees are hard to find in Taiwan as only a few areas have farms that cultivate them. We were lucky to be at the right place at the right time!

Originally from Brazil, this fruit is a rare sight even in Taiwan.

Anson came by and picked us up at the farm. We bade the friendly Liang Papa, Liang Mama and Sister good bye and headed towards Sun Moon Lake, a famous tourist spot.

Sun Moon Lake is as the name states, two lakes, one resembling a sun, another the crescent moon. It is the largest body of water in Taiwan and home to a minority aboriginal tribe known as the Thao 邵族。There are only about 600 of them left now in Taiwan, making them the smallest minority in the country.

We visited the Wenwu Confucius temple. There is a flight of stairs near the temple which has 365 steps, each has inscribed famous people who were born on each date of the year. As mine was in February, I had to clamber all the way down. Apparently I share the same birthdate as an Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso and the French impressionist artist Renoir. It was a hard climb up after that!

Sun Moon Lake

Anson informed us about a cultural performance by the Thao 邵族 tribe and we decided to catch it. There was a restaurant at the performance area where we had authentic Thao cuisine for lunch. Apparently the eatery was operated by the Thao tribe princess! We enjoyed the meal very much.

Thao tribe - they have pretty features!

Thao cuisine - the wooden contraption is a miniature version of their fishing boat with net.

Wild boar trotter - so well-done that even the bone can be consumed.

As we continued our way to Alishan, Anson pointed out areas that were destroyed by earthquakes, floods and landslides. We could see tunnels covered by landslides, houses and schools broken up by nature’s wrath. It was a sobering sight for us Singaporeans who lived on a safe land that is hardly hit by any natural disasters.

Roads destroyed

Schools destroyed. Still under repair.

Stopped by a plum specialty shop along the way to get some local pickled plums, wine and sweets. This is run by the local agricultural office which help farmers to package and sell their goods so that they can focus on cultivating their harvests.

The road to Alishan turned out to be quite a ride – the winding road up and down mountains seemed endless! Repair works were ongoing at some parts that were demolished by landslides and heavy rains. As we headed higher up, the descending fog made it more thrilling. Temperature dropped by a few degree celsius. Anson pointed out the hazards of driving up this road and the need to get to our destination by early evening before the fog covered the area. The scenery along the way was astounding though.

On the road to Alishan

There is only 1 mountain road up to Alishan - the road was once made inaccessible for over two months because of landslides, trapping travellers on Alishan.

Above the clouds

We passed by a pair of ancient trees known as Couple Trees 夫妻树 near Tatajia 塔塔加 and an ancient tree of more than 2700 years old! I think about 12 people are needed to hug the tree completely at its width!

Ancient couple trees 夫妻树

Ancient Tree 鹿林神木- 43m tall, more than 2700 years old

Finally reached Longyun which was hidden up on the mountain. It has its own Farmville! Anson got us upgraded to the new block – we got a loft room! The room was spacious and comfortable albeit cold. There was even a heater in the bathroom! Temperature dropped to about 6 deg C at night.

View of Longyun bar-cum-activity centre and its Farmville below.

Upgraded Annexe - our loft room is at the top right window

Modern loft room

Dinner was sumptuous with vegetables right from their farm! There was even a mochi-making session after dinner. Longyun is an establishment here at Alishan. They have programmes such as forest walk, fireflies night walk (which unfortunately for us, was not in season) and activities such as Aiyu 爱玉 jelly making. They have Aiyu fruit growing in their compound!

Homemade goodness with vegetables from the farm

Mochi Making - delicious!

The night was young but it was too cold so we went to bed early.

* Note: Longyun does not provide bath towels.