Miaoli

The initial registration at the High Speed ​​Rail counter is a bit of a hassle, but if you're using unreserved seats, you can go 10 minutes early, show your passport and documents to the staff, and enter directly through the ticket gate. You only need to queue briefly at the entrance to cars 10-12 to board. On weekdays, you can easily find a seat, making it very convenient. It's a great deal because you can recoup the cost with just one round trip between Taipei and Kaohsiung. However, the way to read the timetable is not as easy as in Japan (it changes depending on the day of the week), so those who plan meticulously in advance should be careful. The timetable displayed at the station on the day of travel is easy to read and reassuring.

I was a little nervous since it was my first time using the service, but there was absolutely nothing to worry about. They dropped me off close to the check-in area for my flight, and everything was very convenient.

The weather was very hot, but everyone's enthusiasm remained high. It was our first time participating in a pilgrimage with the Goddess Mazu, and we sincerely prayed for blessings 🙏 for a peaceful, prosperous, and successful year. In Baisha Village, we received many gifts and tokens of love from the local residents who came to worship. Our tour guide was also very kind, showing concern for our well-being, especially since we were worried about heatstroke 🥵. We received countless blessings from everyone throughout the day; we are so grateful!

Although there's an extra charge for the Tung Blossom and Firefly Festival, it's a unique experience and worth a visit! The accommodation offers a shuttle service to the train station, which is very convenient for those without a car. The park is large, and the elderly really enjoy it; guests staying there can get up early to explore the less crowded park. The only downside is that guests staying at the Songyuan Hotel have to go down two flights of stairs to enter, which might be inconvenient for seniors with knee problems.

I was so lucky to have met Da Xiong, who was also our driver and guide, on this day trip! 👏 From the moment we set off from Taipei Main Station, his professionalism and attentiveness were immediately apparent. His time management was impeccable, and the pace of the itinerary was just right – neither rushed nor slow. He didn't just drive; he also provided timely introductions to the sights and shared local stories, adding warmth and knowledge to the entire trip. Especially around Shei-Pa National Park, his familiarity with the roads made his driving stable and reassuring, allowing me to completely relax and enjoy the scenery. 🌿 Da Xiong was very friendly and humorous, and he took great care of the group members, reminding them of everything clearly, including meeting times and important details. Overall, he didn't just "take you to the attractions," but truly guided us through a "wonderful trip." Having a driver and guide like him was a huge plus! 👍 I would definitely want to join his tour again if I had the chance!

The rental office is about a 10-minute walk from Luodong Station on the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA), or about 3 minutes from the Luodong Bus Terminal. It's located on a main street, so it's easy to find. When you give your name, they'll ask for your passport, Japanese driver's license, and a Chinese translation of your driver's license issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). For gasoline, they give you a card for affiliated gas stations, which you use for cashless payments. Payment is settled upon return. This time, I didn't refuel before returning the car, and paid at the rental office based on the mileage. The car was a LUXGEN U6GT crossover SUV from a Taiwanese manufacturer. It's probably comparable to a Toyota RAV4. Just like when renting in Japan, the first thing to do is check the car. It's a good idea to take pictures of any scratches or dents beforehand. It was easy to drive, the brakes worked well, and my trip to the Taiwan Mountains was very comfortable. They have rental offices all over Taiwan, and it seems you can return the car to a different office. The staff were friendly, and I would like to use their service again next time.