Random Places Outside MiaoLi

2 places which the drivers detoured to that I think deserves to spend more time at.

GaoMei Wetlands 

This place hits me at the right spot. Personally, I really love windmills (because Singapore doesn't have those) and I love how this place came with a Marsh. You can't really catch any crabs there (conservation area) but you can watch them crawl around which itself was interesting. At the end of wooden pathway, there was actually an area which you can enter the water into marsh area. No crabs there, but the kids didn't want to get their feet wet. 

Best of all, this place is free. We went there around sunset, and the view was truly spectacular. It is one of those places I would have loved to stop and enjoy it over a nice beverage. If you could find a restaurant nearby, I am sure the sunset time can be used productively over dinner. 

Not going to lie, but the driver got onto my nerves at this place. This is really one of those places that you really need to come somewhat prepared. I didn't have any slippers prepared and fortunately I was wearing tights which could be rolled up. Though spontaneous at heart, I still prefer walking around with clean, dry feet. My shoes stunk a little after.

Also, it was not very near to MiaoLi and much closer to TaiChung (which is a place that should be explored on its own). I felt rather rushed towards the end - like a sheep being herded and couldn't really enjoy the sunset and the liberation of a holiday. Definitely a place suitable for the family (see how happy my kids and the elderly are). 

Lu Kang Old Street

To be quite fair, I don't really feel this place is suitable for children. We went for a bike tour around the area. This place has quite a bit of historical flair which I would have love to indulge in further with my husband (if we didn't come with the extended family and the kids) on a self-walking tour. I wouldn't have taken the bike tour cos the cyclist was just rushing us around and not all the temples are worth visiting. The tourist attractions are quite limited and it is more of the temple architecture which really caught my eye. (If you are not much of a temple person, this isn't for you.)

*** Aftermath correction, I was researching and realised I missed plenty of good food and pretty streets. :'(

As we didn't plan much cultural elements within our itinerary, the Sweet Osmanthus Lane Art Village provided a nice respite and education on the work of the craftsmen. I personally think the items sold there are very expensive (even with a strong exchange rate). I guess it depends how much you value handicrafts cos my in-laws supported quite a bit. We also checked out the Gentlemen's alley, which was a really tight and narrow alleyway. Wished I had more time at this place. 

Hits Within MiaoLi

Miao Li was beautiful a laidback place which I really much needed. It is quite under-rated given the number of attractions it have there. 

1. Mountain Line Rail Bike

Someone should really give the tourism board a medal for this attraction. It transform the whole town to a place which the kids/ adults look forward to. It used to be be just driving to the Longteng Bridge for a quick photo. And now it is an whole attraction itself. The route is scenic and there are things to see. Also, it is intriguing to see how they "u-turn" the train. You can grab some souvenirs/ snacks as they are doing it. 

For parents with toddlers, they are extremely strict about the age/ height of the children at the ticket counter. They checked their height and passport multiple times when we were purchasing the tickets. To be honest, the ride isn't that dangerous. To avoid disappointment, come only when your children are older than 3 years old. Or buy your tickets through a day tour online here: Miaoli Day Tour

2. Remains of Longteng Bridge

The train ends near the bridge. And we ended up taking lots of photos there. Personally, architecture of such fascinates me so I tend to spend a lot of time there. Taking the rail bike to the bridge was a way better option than taking a taxi there because of how novel the rail bike is. I don't think you need to stay long (cos my kids were bored with me walking in, out and under), but it is definitely a must check out. 

3. XinShe Castle

XinShe Castle was a recommended place by the driver. When we reached, it was very deserted. Personally, I found it a beautiful place - great for DIY wedding photoshoots or any form of photoshoots. My biggest grouse was that I didn't know we would be going and hence I didn't even coordinate/ dress for the occasion. Also, he dropped me with less than 2 hours to the closing time. 

The compound was pretty vast. If you enjoy curated gardens, this is a pretty place to wander. I just felt my time was too short here. But I am sure you all will enjoy this gem. 

*

*

*

** If you are travelling from Taipei/ not well-versed in mandarin, would suggest to book via Klook. Otherwise, to book direct from their official website for better prices. Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15. 

MiaoLi Itinerary and Minsu

Miaoli is quite a quaint town and it is usually just a short stop for families to enjoy the Old Mountain Line Rail Bike (read about our review here). Because our kids are pretty young, I decided to do a full fledge stopover - 4D3N. I really wanted a good rest so I picked a nice airbnb - Zhuo Ye Cottage.

Zhuo Ye Cottage itself is an attraction. It is like a hobbit land with lots of small houses and beautiful gardens. I decided to spend a day (against my difficult driver wishes) within the compound. And it was one of the best decisions. I felt utterly recharged. 

Most tourists are here at Zhuo Ye Cottage for their dip-dye experience which my local driver insisted was over-priced and unsuitable for children. All I can say he is just full of shit. We took a less hectic slots and the teacher was extremely patient with the kids. My son especially had a lot of fun working on his own piece. My daughter did hers with a bit of help from my husband. Price-wise, I don't think it is particularly affordable for locals but this is around "Thailand dip-dye price". Both our tissue holders cost S$20+ each and it make a great, practical souvenir for me to bring home. 

Within Zhuo Ye Cottage, there was also a cafe which served pockct-friendly food (note the food outside are really cheap). You can get to see the beautiful mist either really early in the morning of mid-day. (We caught ours mid-day while savouring their insta-worthy flower ice-cream and coloured bread among others).  Zhuo Ye Cottage serves only vegetarian food, but it was really good. I really enjoyed their pumpkin soy milk, sesame soy milk etc.) It was one of the most wholesome "hotel breakfast buffet".

My only grouse would be that I got bitten by some really itchy black mozzies (had to see a doc and it left a bit of scars). Somehow, only I got bitten. :'( Maybe because my mozzie patch wasn't pasted at the right place. But I would 100% recommend this place if you want to take a slower pace in Taiwan. I did a bit of research given this isn't the typical place many people would wander, but driver refused to respect my itinerary. He brought us to some places that were out of our plans, some were fortunate hits. Phew. 

Places outside MiaoLi (Read my reviews here)

• Lu Kang - Lots of temples etc. Personally, I prefer to spend a day there instead of doing a touch-and-go. I wouldn't be there if it wasn't for the driver. (You can read my review here.) Not suitable for families. 
• Gaomei Wetlands - I love the whole vibe of this place - the windmills and marsh land. It is nice to slow down 

** My driver squeezed these 2 within a half-day period which I felt was too rushed. 

Places within MiaoLi (Read my reviews here)

• Mountain Line Rail Bike
• Remains of Longteng Bridge
• XinShe Castle
• Zhuo Ye Cottage

** Can be completed within 2 full days

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Fairy Story Ecological Farm - DO NOT STAY THERE!

I am writing this REAL review on the Fairy Story Ecological Farm because there isn't much honest reviews online. The husband found this place and went ahead to book it partially because of the nice reviews we saw online on Trip.com and Google Reviews and also because it was the vacation period, we couldn't find a place that could accommodate our huge group of people. 

First of all, you need to know that all their "5-Stars" reviews are bought. They will tempt you with a upgrade to a room with the skyroofs and make you write smashing reviews (pre-vetted by them) on the platforms. I was coerced to write 4 (2 on trip.com and another 2 on Google Reviews - sounds like duplications for 1 stay to rig the system) and edit until they were satisfied or pay S$60/ room/ night. I wrote eventually because I would rather NOT pay them any extra. Also, whatever additional farmstay activities they are providing are at least twice market price.

To be fair, the rooms at Fairy Story Ecological Farm were very decent. It was clean, well decorated and came with really good amenities i.e. hot filtered water which was great for sterilizing the children's bottles. There were even areas for you to hang your washed clothes. The children especially love the slides and we enjoyed staring at the sky to hunt for stars before we went to sleep. 

What I didn't like was how Fairy Story Ecological Farm didn't honestly manage the business. This place will forever be almost fully booked on various platforms. But, Fairy Story Ecological Farm is in fact very empty with the rooms on the top floor used to extort 5 stars. To set the record straight, I am not against giving well-deserved 5 stars rating, but it is another thing when you try to control my content and threatening to charge ridiculous extra charges if it was not done. I just don't like the idea of being milked off every penny. This leave such a bad taste, and I think anyone who is contemplating a stay there should know of true experience ahead before booking it. 

*

*

*

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Taipei Itinerary - Toddler's Edition

Recently, we went on a terrible family trip to Taiwan. It was traumatic, the driver deviated from my itinerary and I was forced to check in at more places than required. I ended up reaching the hotel late, exhausted and with children to feed/bathe and wind down. I know I was an anomaly, Taiwan is touted to be extremely family friendly.

Given the number of numerous places we went, I decided to consolidate a series so that families with young toddlers could take reference and have a real good time. Rolling off with Taipei. 

Hits

1. Shifen Old Streets - Release of Sky Lanterns (~NT250)

This is probably one of the better spots to release the sky lanterns. The last time, I came to Taiwan I also released my lanterns here but in the night. I always had the impression it looked better at night but actually there can be quite a lot to see during the day. This area also serve as a teahouse but the menu is really expensive. It is a great pit stop because the toilet is really well maintained :) 

The kids also enjoyed feeding the fishes and checking out some of the owners' exotic pets. This is a great activity for the young and the old. Beware of the calligraphy ink as it stains the clothes. The kids got a few stains on their nicer clothes which I am still figuring out how to remove. 

*

*

*

Passes

1. YehLiu Geo Park (~NT120)

This is also not my first time there. To clarify, I think it is definitely quite a must-see for adults given how unique it is. The whole area isn't shaded. I went during summer the last round and I could remember myself holding an umbrella. For children, it is going to be a tall task to appreciate rocks under the hot sun. With our driver, we didn't go into the park but a photo spot beside. It was a bit of a climb and my daughter slipped. The view is decent but I wouldn't recommend. Just want an easier and more relaxing family trip. 

2. Prince Creative Stationery Kingdom (~NT200)

We were only here at explore because we went for Wu Fu Yang Sock Factory (open only during weekends) and it wasn't open. Crayon Factory (read here on the review) is way better. Honestly, I am starting to have doubts on the reviews for Taiwan attractions. I think it gives a deeper appreciation and understanding on how erasers are made but not much of a must-go. The whole factory tour could be completed within 15 mins for the uninterested. The place is quite run-down and the redeemable DIY activities were pretty average. The kids had fun shopping for the cute-designed erasers. 

3. YangMingShan National Park

This is my 2nd time there and still I don't find it impressive. Even when without kids, I couldn't take the heat and I think I have seen quite enough of volcanoes this lifetime. This time round we actually hiked up to find XiaoYouKeng (a dormant volcano group). I thought it was quite ridiculous because there was actually a parking lot right in front, which I thought would be better for families. Climbing up while carrying toddlers is just another level of exhausting. The toddlers hated the Sulphur smell too. The trip may be more worth if it Make your driver drops you right at the doorstep then maybe you can consider if it is the season of cherry blossoms. 

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.