Wulai // chasing waterfalls

sometimes, exploring off the beaten track can lead you to a fantastic discovery. when my brother and I visited the Wulai Waterfall last summer, we decided to do some exploring. this led us to another waterfall... maybe not as impressive, but certainly secluded and beautiful.

after riding the somewhat sketchy cable car up to the top of the falls, we discovered a park/resort complex that was nearly empty. there was a pond, and a stream with a series of small waterfalls running through the park. we started wandering and realized that this stream was the one that flowed down to create the Wulai falls. and so we decided to follow it up as far as we could.

we soon encountered what appeared to be an obstacle course. a series of bridges, nets and ropes criss-crossed over the water. we ventured back and forth a few different ways before spotting a trail leading upstream from one side.

we trekked up the dirt path and discovered that it ended in a beautiful cascading waterfall. we were both drenched in sweat, and decided that dipping our feet in a cool stream sounded more appealing that our original plan of hiking back down for a dip in the hot springs.

we left our shoes on the bank and waded in. my brother ventured farther upstream and I was 40% taking pictures, and 60% yelling at him to be careful because. so what happened next shouldn't be that big of a shock.

my left foot slipped as I was taking a step and became wedged between some rocks in the stream. I lost my balance and realized I was about to fall. I wavered for a bit and decided it would be best to fall backward rather than pitching forward and potentially smashing my face or camera on unseen rocks under the water.

thankfully my backpack broke my fall, and I managed to keep the camera above water. I was drenched from the waist down. but other than my foot which had been stuck in the rocks, unharmed. my brother and I had a good laugh about it, then I decided to document the spot in which I fell, as seen above.

before drying our feet and making our way back to Taipei for some much-needed consolatory falafel and hummus, we encountered this little frog hiding in the rocks. I was soggy for the rest of the afternoon and my foot was bruised for a week, but I still think our hidden waterfall adventure was worth it.

linking up with Bonnie, Courtney, Cynthia, and Yalanda for Travel Tuesday

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visiting Wulai waterfall + hot springs

Wulai is a small town outside of Taipei known for its natural hot springs, aboriginal culture, and of course Wulai Falls. many locals and tourists go for a soak in the river, or rent a room at a hot spring hotel which pipes water in for a more private experience. the water here is not sulfuric, so would be a good choice if you are put off by the smell of other springs.

to get to Wulai, take the MRT to Xindian station and hop on bus 849. Wulai is the last stop, about 45 minutes through a winding and hilly drive. [you can also take a cab, but it will cost you 600 NT instead of 15]

I visited on a hot and misty day last June with my brother - intending to explore the town, see the waterfall, and take a dip in the famous springs. after strolling through the main drag and crossing over the river to the hillside crowded with hot spring hotels, we discovered a strange little blue train. for 50NT, or less than $2US, it zipped us up to the waterfall viewing area in no time. thanks to the misty day and recent rains, the falls were flowing freely. [don't be fooled by how refreshing it looks in these photos though, it was HOT out.]

we were promptly befriended by a cat. both my brother and I love cats, so we spent a few minutes giving this stray some love before washing our hands and heading back to the waterfall. aside from the animals and some dancing shop girls in aboriginal gear, the area was nearly deserted. we visited on a weekday so the lack of crowds was a refreshing change from the crush in the city.

if you climb back into the streets near the viewing platform, you can find the cable car station and take a ride up and across the gorge. round trip tickets cost 220NT [about $7US] and allow you to wander the park at the top of the waterfall as well. even though the day was steamy, we decided to continue our explorations.

we discovered from the top that a series of smaller falls lead up to the large one. there is also a hotel, several cafes and food stands, and what looked to be a children's amusement park. we spent a few hours exploring the park and trails [and accidentally going for a dip in the river - a story for next time!] before taking the tram back down.

you might also notice that I've added a new page specifically with links to my Taiwan travels. my other travel destinations around the world are still listed here, but as I plan to explore and share more about Taiwan over the next few years, I felt this island deserved its own page.

linking up with Bonnie, Courtney, Cynthia, and Yalanda for Travel Tuesday

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