Remember those moments when you doubted something at first which eventually turned out to be good after experiencing it? That's Yehliu Geopark for me. Ironically, it is one of the most popular destinations in Taipei.
Yehliu was not in my list of places to visit when I decided to pack my bags and fly for Taiwan. I like nature but rock formations, no matter how peculiar they are, just don't appeal to me. Well, caves and mountains are different. For someone born in the Philippines, however, any strange formation caused by strong waves and winds is not extraordinary. I grew up in Leyte and typhoons are considered natural occurrence there.
However, I gave it a chance. I scanned Instagram photos of the park and looked at it from the other side. The Taiwanese capital is known for temples and night shopping. Why not feature something different this time? That argument had be sold. I found myself the next day, sitting in a bus which is driving its way 90 minutes west from Taipei.
Yehliu is the entire area where the bizarre rock formations were discovered. It is actually not part if Taipei already. By political jurisdiction, it is inside Wanli District in New Taipei. But don't let that intimidate you. As mentioned, all you need is a comfortable 90-minute bus ride from the Taipei Main Station which will lead you straight to the gates of the park. The ride costs 96 Taiwanese Dollars for one way.
Entrance to the park will cost you 80 NT. That's roughly 40% cheaper than entering Manila Ocean Park. With that mentioned, the Yehliu Ocean Park is located right next to it. It's admission, however, is not part of what you will pay for the geopark itself.
Given the rainy weather when I was there, visiting the park is actually one of the nice things that I did during my Taiwan trip. I stayed there for roughly 4 hours. I just observed the rocks, ate and took lots of photos. I am sharing the photos below!
Since Taiwan is now temporarily visa-free for the next 9 months beginning November 1, 2017, it should be easier for you now to take your own portraits in Yehliu Geopark.
HOW TO GO THERE
While in Taipei Main Station, follow the signages that will lead you to Taipei Bus Station A. You need to navigate inside the mall. Just follow the signages. You need to climb three floors up using the mall's escalators. Turn right to see a small atrium with the signage Taipei Bus Station A. You need to go down to B1, go out of the building to cross the street for the Kuo-Kuang Bus Terminal. You won't miss this since the building is viewable from inside the mall. Should you need help, there is also an information desk with English-speaking staff in this area.
Purchase a ticket at the bus station for bus 1815 which will stop right at Yehliu Geopark gate. If you have an EX Card, you can just tap it on the bus for easier admission.
