Sampling the Luxury Panorama
By David Reid, National Sales Manager, MW Tours
As MW Tours’ National Sales Manager, I’m no stranger to hearing rave reviews about our tours.
Recently, my wife and I had the chance to experience our Luxury Taiwan Panorama itinerary firsthand — and let’s just say, it more than lived up to the stories I’ve heard over the years.
Our adventure began in the bustling city of Taipei. From the moment we arrived, the warm welcome and five-star service set the tone for the days ahead. Taiwan’s capital is a fascinating mix of old and new, and it didn’t take us long to get swept up in its energy (although I must admit, the restaurants, food courts & bars alone could have kept me occupied for days).
The trip to Shifen and the famous Pingxi Railway line was a standout moment. Releasing our sky lantern into the heavens — complete with our best wishes scribbled on it — felt both nostalgic and oddly emotional, even for a Scotsman who claims he’s “not sentimental.” Nearby, the dramatic coastlines at Yehliu Geopark showed off Mother Nature’s sense of humour with rock formations you really have to see to believe.
Heading east, we travelled through breathtaking landscapes to reach Taroko Gorge — a real highlight of the trip. Towering marble cliffs, winding trails, and views that make you stop mid-sentence — it’s a place that truly humbles you. The visitor centre is a wonderful source of information of the history of the gorge, indigenous tribes, wildlife and the devastating earthquake of April 2024.
From there, we made our way to the stunning Sun Moon Lake via Wuling on Mt. Hehuan and at 3275m above sea level, offering amazing views of the Central Mountain Ranges. The serenity of the lake, combined with the grandeur of Wenwu Temple, the 360 views from Tse En Pagoda and the peaceful surrounds, created the kind of experience that stays with you long after you’ve packed your suitcase. I’m not ashamed to say it took considerable effort to drag myself away from those lakesides views & tranquil walks from our stunning hotel, The Lalu.
Further south, we dived into Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage in Tainan and Kaohsiung. Tainan’s temples and historical sites were a living, breathing history lesson, while Kaohsiung offered a vibrant, modern contrast — with riverside walks and creative art precincts adding their own flavour to the journey. The highlight was our visit to the biggest monastery in Taiwan, Fonguanshan Monastery which was truly memorable. Lukang, with its old-world charm and traditional street snacks, was another gem — and yes, quality control required me to sample more than a few local treats.
To finish off our trip we went on the guided walking tour of Taipei, taking in temples, markets, Dihua Street, the historically informative CKS Memorial Hall and of course Taipei 101!
Throughout it all, the Taiwanese people were an absolute delight — warm, gracious, and proud to share their incredible homeland.
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Releasing Sky Lanterns in Shifen
Wandering through the charming streets of Shifen, we found ourselves immersed in local culture. The highlight? Releasing a sky lantern adorned with our wishes into the open sky. It’s a simple yet powerful tradition, one that felt both nostalgic and oddly emotional — even for a Scotsman who claims he’s “not sentimental.” Watching the lantern float upwards, surrounded by hundreds of others, was a sight I won’t soon forget. It’s a truly magical experience that captures the spirit of Taiwan’s rich traditions.
Marveling at Taroko Gorge
There are few places that can truly leave you speechless, and Taroko Gorge is one of them. Towering marble cliffs, winding trails, and dramatic canyons create a landscape that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. The visitor centre provided fascinating insights into the history of the gorge, the indigenous tribes of Taiwan, local wildlife, and even the devastating earthquake of April 2024. Standing amidst such grandeur, you can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for nature’s artistry. It’s a must-see for anyone with a sense of adventure and wonder.
Discovering Taiwan’s Cultural Heart in Tainan and Kaohsiung
Moving south, we explored Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan. Its temples and historical sites felt like stepping back in time, with each corner revealing another piece of Taiwan’s rich past. In Kaohsiung, we discovered a vibrant modern city with artistic flair, riverside walks, and bustling markets. The highlight, without a doubt, was our visit to the majestic Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. The sheer scale and tranquillity of the complex were truly inspiring. It’s a place where you can feel the pulse of Taiwan’s spiritual roots.
Taipei Walking Tour and the Iconic Taipei 101
To round off the journey, we explored Taipei on a guided walking tour, taking in the sights and sounds of temples, bustling markets, and historical Dihua Street. The visit to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall provided a thoughtful glimpse into Taiwan’s political history, while Taipei 101 offered panoramic views of the city that were nothing short of spectacular. It was the perfect way to wrap up our incredible journey — standing 508 metres above the city, looking out across the landscape we had just explored.
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