2 Weeks in Taiwan (North, East, and Central)

Lodging: Zengin Cafe
Alishan National Scenic Area, Western Taiwan
604, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township
https://www.facebook.com/ZENGINCAFETEA/

Zengin Cafe is a bed & breakfast bookable through the service, Airbnb. I truthfully believe there is no accommodation better than Zengin Cafe in the Alishan area. At a price of $80-90/night, this BnB provides comfortable rooms with everything one might need. The outside view of the mountains from the bathroom wall-window is spectacular, which is especially nice to enjoy in the large bath tub also present. The free of charge morning breakfast is like dining at a 5-star restaurant every morning, consistent but with a few delicious variations each morning. It starts with a cup of warm soymilk, followed by a plate of fruits, meat, and steamed buns (baozi) in addition to the best tasting coffee or tea in the world. Let's not forget to mention the beans and tea leaves are grown by the owners in their own farms in the Alishan mountains! The owners are a married couple who are extremely friendly and accommodating. They provide free transportation in their vehicle to the nearby 7/11 and restaurant down the road if the bus is not running. Also, when my girlfriend and I needed to wash our clothes, one of the owners kindly offered to wash and dry them for us. On two nights while staying at Zengin, we were guided by someone down the nearby road to view the fireflies and even some glowing mushrooms! We were also given the amazing opportunity to be guided into one of the tea farms one morning to view the sunrise at 5:20am. I'll never forget it.

Activity: Yawumasi Hiking Trail
Alishan National Scenic Area, Western Taiwan
605, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Alishan Township
https://www.ali-nsa.net/user/article.aspx?lang=1&sno=05003749
Open 24 hours

The length of the trail is 1.8 kilometers. The path is a fairly steep one that quickly takes you into a dense jungle forest. There are two separate suspension bridges that are crossed in this small loop hike. Despite its short distance, the steep stair climbing is certainly one that will have you breathing, but the cool air around stream the trail follows is refreshing. Beware though! I accidentally stepped on a small snake after coming off the second suspension bridge! Thankfully, I was not bitten and after further review of my fuzzy memory, it appears this was a non-venomous snake. There is an informative sign at the trailhead on the route and safety precautions. Overall, it is fairly well maintained except for some branches hanging across the tight trail approaching the first suspension bridge.