Taiwan Travel Adventures 2011 - Sun Moon Lake, Part 5: Hanging Out at the Shueishe Pier

      I admit that I was already really, really tired that afternoon after riding the Ropeway.  I haven't slept the night before as I went straight from the airport to the hostel, then from the hostel to the train station going to Taichung and eventually, to Sun Moon Lake.  I returned to Shueishe Visitor's Center a few minutes before 3 p.m.; the Kuo Kuang bus to Taipei would leave at 4:20 p.m.  So, I still had at least 1.5 hours left before I finally depart.  I could have gone to see the Wenwu Temple, which the bus passed by going to the visitor's center, but I was really tired.  I had very little energy left.  I decided to just stroll along the Shueishe Pier and found treats along the way.

Taiwan Travel Adventures 2011 - Sun Moon Lake, Part 4: Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

     After much debate with myself (I was alone, remember?), I pushed through with my plan to ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, although I very much wanted to just stay at the Full House Resort and chill.  

     Finding the Ropeway is quite easy, but getting there takes a lot of steps.  650 meters seem near but quite far with the hiking/walking trail.  At least, the view is great.  Along the way, I passed by another lodging similar to the log cabin look of the Full House Resort.  It's called the Rich Forest, mere seconds from the Full House Resort.  Then, there are some food stalls and a couple of very quaint, very charming coffee shops.  Not long thereafter, I reached the start of a trail leading to the Ropeway.  The trail is well-maintained; it would be the perfect place for a great jog or walk.  It is near the water's edge but not too much.  There were not a lot of people around.  Just a couple of passersby, like me.  

Taiwan Travel Adventures 2011 - Sun Moon Lake, Part 3: Full House Resort!

     From Ita Thao Pier, the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway is around 650 meters away.  There's a sign, that is how I knew how far is it.  I followed the street signs from Ita Thao Pier and no more than five minutes, I came upon this quaint lodging, very rustic and charming.  This is that something I was looking forward to discovering in Sun Moon Lake.  It's a treat waiting for me to find. It's a log cabin, and there were tables outside its garden.  I took a step closer, and I saw a fantasy land.  I almost squealed in delight!  I love gardens and everything cute, and all of these are in this place called, Full House Resort. 

Taiwan Travel Adventures 2011 - Sun Moon Lake, Part 2: Shueishe and Ita Thao Piers

Shueishe Pier

     So, I bought my Sun Moon Lake Pass for NTD 299.00 and I asked where I could board the ferry going to Ita Thao.  I was given directions going to the Shueishe Pier and was told to look for the Sun Moon Lake Pass booth and for the staff wearing a vest.  Apparently, the next ferry will be departing in a few minutes.  So, I rushed to the Shueishe Pier and I immediately found the booth.  It was located just below the steps, to the right, in front of a coffee shop.  I gave my pass, the staff tore my shuttle voucher and I was led to the boat which was about to depart.  I was among the last to get in.

Taiwan Travel Adventures 2011 - Day 1: Sun Moon Lake, Part I

* Read Parts 2, 3, and 4.

     I took the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Bus at the Taichung Railway Station bus stop.  I paid NTD 180.00 for a one-way ride to Sun Moon Lake.  I was able to catch the 9:00 a.m. bus, which was almost full when I got in.  A man was telling passengers that there's another bus going to Sun Moon Lake for NTD 200.00, in case we don't find a seat in the shuttle bus.  He looks kinda creepy but I think he's a liaison for a bus company that services Taichung and Sun Moon Lake because I see him directing passengers to a bus in Sun Moon Lake going to Taichung later in the day.

     The one and a half hour ride from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake was quite relaxing.  The scenery was awesome!  It was green everywhere.  The mountains are quite beautiful and the foliage, lush.  I was still sleepy but I managed to stay awake because I just could not resist the beauty laid before my eyes.  I got a seat in front, behind the driver.  I noticed in Taiwan that people don't usually seat behind the driver; it's one of the last seats to be taken, unlike here in the Philippines where people love to seat in front (is it a reserved seat?)