MEET TAIWAN, Taitung

I'm after suggestions of a good area to base ourselves in. Ideally somewhere with easy access to major attractions and night markets, but not too busy/crowded. Last year we went to Japan and stayed right in the centre of Shibuya.
What was possibly a 20km trip turned out to be may be 50km! We have no GPS and if we had one it would be in Chinese, perhaps that would be better than Anna’s iPhone GPS, perhaps not. Lilly and I are still on speaking terms notwithstanding the navigator blaming the driver and vice 台東必買 versa. A real adventure making it eventually to a car park, Hall 3, adjacent to the Taipeh 101 mall. The mall an up market shopping centre on about 5 floors, every shop an international brand. We don’t even bother to poke our nose in, we are far too tight for this kinda shopping.

Travel for about 10km and take a wrong turn, so easy to do. End up back on a highway going in the wrong direction. Pass within almost a stone’s throw of our hotel again.
4TAIPEI-NANTOU (B/L)This morning travel to Sun Moon Lake, located in the middle of Taiwan, and situated 762 meters above sea level in the lofty mountains of central Taiwan. Stop at the famous Wenwu Temple and Literature Warrior Temple - dedicated to Confucius, the Master of Pen and Kuan Ti, the Master of Sword. Continue on to the Holy Monk Shrine and Peacock Garden. Howard Plaza Hotel, No.160, Section 3, Ren'ai Road, Taipei. However, the unresolved "Taiwan question" and "One China" issue continues to stir emotions and political debate. Taiwan is about half the size of Tasmania, with a similar population to Australia.
I'm currently thinking about one week in Taipei (e.g. 4 days at the beginning of the trip, and 3 days at the end) and maybe 4 – 5 days in Hualien. 'Round the Island Tourist Pass', costs $1706 NTD, and is a coupon book of 7 trips, can't double back on trips, cannot be used on Taiwan High Speed Rail , valid for 15 days. In places like Penghu driving would be easy but for places like Taipei, Kaohsiung, etc I wouldnt be getting on a scooter or driving. But travel is easy – bus and metro are clean, efficient and cheap. Another question – what's the best way to get around? Is hiring a car an option/would you recommend it?

Disembark from the boat this afternoon and proceed to Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Stroll around the monastery on a walking tour and learn more about Buddhism as you explore this sacred place. Taste a Buddhist vegetarian lunch , chat with some of the monks and discover the towering Buddha Statue in the Main Shrine. Later, travel by coach to Kaohsiung - the second largest city in the country and visit the Love River and a local Night Market.
Its postmodernist approach to style incorporates traditional design elements and gives them modern treatments. The tower is designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. A multi-level shopping mall adjoining the tower houses hundreds of stores, restaurants and clubs.

Isn't The Grand Hotel right around the corner from The American Club Taipei? I would've thought there would be a whole heap of westerners in the area! Especially because of the massive park just across the road/river...
We will be also going to the nearby Snake Alley to experience local people’s life, delicacies and drinks. It is subordinated to Ruifang District of New Taipei City. It is said that when the land is not yet opened, all supplies are supplied to the sea. Since there are only nine households in the village, it is required to prepare "nine copies" for external purchase. Hanging on the hills of Jiufen Mountain City, you can visit the special souvenir shop in Jiufen Old Street, and taste the local food.
You're invited to explore Taitung County by dining on some of its most tantalizing food and drink. Taitung sits 40 kilometres away from Chishang and is an important part of the local area. Surrounding sights include the National Museum of Prehistory, the Taitung Railway Art Village and the Fu An Gong. The Haishan Temple and Tiehuacun are also within reach. The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.