Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Mofei Photos by Charlie and Mark
After walking for most of the day like machines, they finally reached Donggang. After resting at a simple backpacker’s inn, the two rented bicycles provided by the inn to ride around Dapeng Bay before sunset. When in Donggang, Pingtung, how could they not have sashimi? But Charlie, who didn’t dare eat raw fish, only had the fish soft serve while Mark ate the rest. However, the physical toll of island-hiking was huge, so they found a beef noodle shop to fill up before returning to the inn to freshen up, plan their next move, and prepare for the challenges ahead in Fangshan.
The passionate sunshine in the southernmost part of the country tanned their skin to a shiny glow.
PART6Donggang Town, Kaohsiung – Fangshan Township, Pingtung – Hengchun Town, Pingtung
It took them most of the day marching like machines before they finally made it to Donggang. After resting at a simple backpacker’s inn, they rented bikes from the inn to ride around Dapeng Bay before sunset. When in Donggang, Pingtung, how could they not have sashimi? But Charlie, who didn’t dare eat raw fish, only had the fish soft serve while Mark ate the rest. However, the physical toll of island-hiking was huge, so they found a beef noodle shop to fill up before returning to the inn to freshen up, plan their next move, and prepare for the challenges ahead in Fangshan.
When passing through Linbian Township, they met an extremely warm-hearted shop owner who offered them food, drinks, and even sponsored them a pair of slippers.
On their way to Kenting via Linbian Township, before the sun dried them out completely, they encountered many kind people offering help. The owner of the Amis scallion pancake shop ran out to give them drinks, and upon learning that Mark had no slippers, even went home to get a pair for him. In Fangliao, when they thought of getting a bubble tea, a nearby auntie generously offered to treat them, telling them to order whatever they wanted. The staff also cheered them on enthusiastically. The help they received along the way lightened their steps, and they arrived at their evening accommodation much earlier than expected — the recommended campsite: Three Fools Sea View Café & Fool’s Paradise Camping Area.
How could they visit Hengchun without paying homage to the house of A-Jia from the movie Cape No. 7?
The campsite owner, Brother Fa, loves hosting island hikers. He shared many life experiences, perspectives, and thoughts with them. While sipping tea, chatting, and playing with cats, they even left their mark of the island-hiking journey on the wall. Charlie wrote, “How brightly you shine in life is up to you. Just go. Never look back,” for his future self when he returns. The next day, they visited A-Jia’s house in Hengchun, played on Kenting Beach for a while, reminisced about their youth, absorbed the lessons of these past few days, and recharged for the unknown adventures awaiting in eastern Taiwan.
The sunshine, beaches, and sea in the southernmost part of the country — so comfortable.
Q&A
What’s the question you keep asking yourself while hiking the island on foot?
Charlie C
Is what I’m doing right now really special? Will others really think I’m unique?
Mark M
I keep reflecting on past regrets during the trip, telling myself I hope to make things right in the future so those regrets don’t repeat.
Super relaxing beach and sea — how lucky we are to have the ocean right in front of us.
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