Smart Wealth / Travel Experts Lead the Way: Discover Hidden Summer Getaways

By Smart Wealth Magazine / Lin Ya-hui

The summer vacation has just begun this year, but temperatures have already soared to 35°C or higher, dampening the enthusiasm of many who had just started planning trips. Yet staying at home means running the air conditioner all day, which not only drains your wallet but also makes you feel stuffy and uncomfortable — a real dilemma.

▲(Photo / Provided by Penghu National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC)

But in fact, in Taiwan, this treasure island, asking the right travel expert can definitely lead you to a fun and sunburn-free summer destination.

Dai Sheng-tong, founder of the “Travel Taiwan with the Chairman” fan page, whose skin is tanned and shiny, spends half of each month outdoors, either traveling or developing interesting new attractions. He has found that Taiwan’s beauty absolutely cannot be appreciated through a cursory visit — only through in-depth travel can one truly experience the charm of Formosa.

Adventure traveler Song Jia-yuan also believes that Taiwan, surrounded by sea on all sides, boasts many world-class scenic spots that attract numerous international tourists. “Other countries may have great mountains and oceans, but often you have to drive for a long time to reach them; Taiwan’s sea and mountains, however, are very accessible — you can drive from the city and arrive in less than an hour.”

Therefore, Smart Wealth magazine has invited Dai Sheng-tong, Song Jia-yuan, and Yeh Hui-ting, co-founder and deputy CEO of iPeen Review Website, to each recommend a list of hidden summer getaways that meet these criteria, allowing readers to embark on a trip that will satisfy both body and mind.

Dai Sheng-tong, who visited Penghu for just two days in mid-June, said, “I love going to Penghu often, away from Taiwan’s main island, to enjoy the slow life. After clearing my head, I always come up with more new ideas.”

What to do in Penghu? For many, the top choices are water activities like banana boat rides, parasailing, and snorkeling. But for Dai Sheng-tong, Penghu’s beauty is not limited to the sea. World-class sights like basalt formations and blue holes are also worth visiting, and night squid fishing and feasting on seafood are another highlight. However, none of these compare to the hidden gem he recommends: the lesser-known Kuibi Mountain and Xianjiao Islet.

“Did you know that a scene like Moses parting the Red Sea actually takes place in Penghu? At the intertidal zone of Kuibi Mountain, during low tide, an S-shaped basalt path is exposed, with seawater receding on both sides, making it feel as if the sea has been parted,” Dai Sheng-tong described with relish.

To see this marvel, Dai Sheng-tong recommends setting aside two hours during low tide. Aside from walking along the wave-tossed path, there is also an air-raid shelter dug during WWII at the foot of the northern side of Kuibi Mountain, playfully called the “Turtle Cave” by locals. It’s a great spot to cool off or observe intertidal marine life. Be warned: the waters around Kuibi Mountain can exceed 2 meters in depth during high tide, so the above activities must be completed within one hour before or after low tide to ensure safety.

Song Jia-yuan recommends Qing Shan Waterfall, located upstream of the Lao Mei River in Jian Shan Lake, hence also known as the “Jian Shan Lake” trail — a very gentle and easy path to walk. From the trailhead to the waterfall area, it’s about 1.4 kilometers, with the first section featuring stone steps and a gentle slope. The path is shaded by trees, so you don’t have to worry about the scorching sun. Enjoying the forest’s phytoncides while strolling leisurely, you’ll reach the Lao Mei River valley in less than half an hour.

Beyond the Lao Mei River valley, the path turns into a more rugged mountain trail. Those with a faster pace can reach the waterfall viewing platform at the end of the trail in about ten minutes, where they can get a close-up view of Qing Shan Waterfall cascading down, with mist gently spraying in their faces — cool and refreshing.

“If you have a professional guide, I recommend going with a few friends and experiencing the more pristine beauty of the forest through canyoning,” Song Jia-yuan emphasized. The area around Lao Mei River features diverse terrain, including deep pools, canyons, waterfalls, and multi-tiered cascades. Qing Shan Waterfall alone has a drop of over 50 meters, and the lush mountain paths along the way make it a popular challenge spot for canyoning and rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world. But you can choose sights based on your stamina and save some beautiful spots for your next visit.

Yeh Hui-ting recommends the much-loved Ruo Yin Farm in Taichung. In July, iPeen asked users to vote for “hidden attractions,” and among these secret gems, Ruo Yin Farm in Taichung took the top spot.

Located in Zhongkeng Village, Heping District, Taichung City, Ruo Yin Farm is a stopover on the way to the Daxue Mountain Forest Recreation Area, sitting at an altitude of about 1,100 meters. Some say it’s a place close to the sky and the stars, hence earning the nickname “Farm in the Clouds.” Visitors who have been there are full of praise, as the farm offers a 270-degree panoramic view where you can sit quietly and take in the sights of the Shihkang Reservoir and Dongshi Forest. The majestic valley scenery and the ethereal, rolling sea of clouds beneath your feet make it feel like a paradise on earth.

However, Yeh Hui-ting advises that because this hidden gem is located in a remote area, it’s best to have your own transportation. If using public transport, be prepared for “multiple transfers.”

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