We head to Sihcao Wetlands (四草), a protected ecological environment in Tainan developed in 1994 and spanning about 515 hectures. It is covered with a rare mangrove forest and has Taiwan's more abundant mangroves, wetlands and wild birds. It used to be the ancient battlefield in Taiwan's history and is also called "Tainan's backyard". We were there to see the migratory birds during this migration season
Boats that depart to Sihcao Wetlands. The boat trip takes about 20 minutes one-way. Each boat comes with a guide who will accompany you on a tour of the wetlands
Fishermen rent these bamboo rafts for NT100 (USD 3.35) a day from where they fish.
Spot the migratory birds in flight as your boat moves across the lake
Sun-tanning with open wings
Blue, peaceful waters
The area where the birds relax is quite far from the viewing area so as not to scare them away. However, there are telescopes provided for bird watching
The boat moves along mangrove swamps and stops for a short time along the banks for you to observe the wildlife such as these mud crabs
The guide will fish on the spot and will provide information based on whatever is caught. The Taiwanese are very social conscious: the Taiwanese on my boat were very anxious to release the creatures back into the water
A fish that contains poison in its fins but is a delicacy in Tainan
Oysters are so abundant that they are used to lure fish
Directions: the best way to reach Sihcao Wetlands is by taxi
We then head to Anping Old Street, which was the first road built by the Dutch 300 years ago during their colonial rule.
The town is quiet and relaxed
We stopped to have lunch at one of the old-style eateries
Anping coffin toast. In Taiwan, coffins are considered a symbol of prosperity as coffin in Mandarin is "棺材", or "guan cai", which sounds like "locking in wealth" in Mandarin.
Crispy deep fried toast enclosing creamy seafood chowder
Anping is famous for their beancurd and red bean dessert. Numerous bean curd dessert shops line the street
An interesting shop selling old-style Taiwanese snacks
Owls are very loved in Taiwan as they are believed to bring happiness
Night comes early in Autumn, getting dark around 6pm. So we head to the Fairy Lake Leisure Farm, a beautiful lodging nestled in the hills. The place gets its name from the misty clouds that form at dawn and dusk around the hills, looking like an ethereal lake. The farm staff are young, energetic and very friendly. Many of them are students studying farm management attached to the farm on internship. I've included pictures of the farm I took the next morning as well.
Bar with a view
Pool with a view: it's really too chilly for a dip, but it would be great in summer
Wild mountain vegetables and pork floss rolled in seaweed with a mayo dressing. Fresh and delicious!
Own Plantation coffee. The farm harvests and roasts their own coffee beans which can be purchased at the café.
The farm has various DIY activities like the Ang Ku Kueh making which we took part in. This is a glutinous rice cake filled with peanuts and sugar.
We're on the mountains, so definitely an amazing night view
You can head out for a morning stroll and bask in the fresh mountain air. When in autumn the sun rises at about 6am
Coffee plants grow just outside the room
The surrounding misty mountains
Introducing the farm animals
Directions to Fairy Lake Leisure Farm:
Mainstream transport will not get you there. However you can easily arrange with the farm to pick you up at Tainan Xinying Train Station.
