"Mom, the giraffe is going to walk into the room!" "Dad, the lemurs are fighting!" Upon entering the Lufu Manor Resort in Guanxi, Hsinchu, both adults and children are drawn to the wildlife all around. The short wooden boardwalk, less than 100 meters in length, offers endless enjoyment — the animals are never tiring to watch, and they always seem to strike a different pose. On this eco-themed holiday, families forget their troubles and stresses, immersing themselves in the wonder of life and the beauty of spring.
■ Experience Up-Close Encounters with Animals
Just a 10-minute drive from the Hsinchu Guanxi Interchange, you’ll arrive at the Lufu Valley Safari Park and the newly opened Lufu Manor Resort. Parents can give their kids a comfortable eco-holiday experience without enduring long, exhausting traffic jams.
"Look — is that ring-tailed lemur carrying two baby lemurs on its back? They’re just over two weeks old and have already started coming out to greet people," a hotel staff member said cheerfully as he helped with the luggage, giving excited explanations to guests. Even before reaching their rooms, visitors are welcomed by lemurs, giraffes, white rhinos, and flamingos. Many kids get thrilled watching giraffes gracefully munching on leaves, lemurs boldly sunbathing with legs spread wide, and rhinos lazily napping in the afternoon. With up to 13 different species of animals around, it’s hard for anyone to want to go back inside.
Long Meihui, who brought her kids for a vacation, said: "It’s rare for children to get so close to animals. They were super excited to see them, and I was excited too. I never expected there could be a hotel in Taiwan where you can be this close to wildlife."
■ A Nature-Loving Eco Lodge
Animals are the highlight of a stay at Lufu Manor, and the views extend right into each guest room. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to watch zebras roaming by even while lying in bed. Ms. Lin from Taipei said: "My kid kept looking out the window at the animals. We were woken up early by the flamingos and stood by the window watching them. When a giraffe walked past the window, my child jumped up and down with excitement!" Rooms on the second floor also feature small balconies where guests can step outside and enjoy the animals’ every move. Even the faint smell of animal droppings in the air adds to the sense of being immersed in nature. (For more travel stories by Huang Liru, visit http://blog.chinatimes.com/nomad)