Kenting to Hualien via Train @ Fangliao station

continued from here…

The most economic way to travel to Hualien (花蓮) from Kenting is by train which also translate to long looOoong journey. The train journey from Fangliao station to Hualien station is already around 4 hours 30 minutes not to mention the 1 hour 30 minutes bus journey from Kenting to Fangliao station and another 20 minutes from Hualien station to homestay. This is the direct and fastest train we can get. Imagine those train that are already old and stop at every station somemore… can die!!

Our train from will depart from Fangliao at 1:04pm and we need to reach 30 minutes before departure time to collect our ticket.We checked for both bus and taxi fare with the hotel front desk and guess what… NTD150 vs NTD1200…. Hahahaa~~ even they recommend us to take bus.

The bus stop is just opposite the resort and based on our calculation, we need to be at the bus stop by 10:30am in order to reach Fangliao station before 12:15pm just to be on the safe side. After waiting like for 20minutes, a taxi came instead of a bus.. He saw us at the bus stop and I think he think THIS IS THE TIME MAN!!! to con us… Hahahaa~~ he made a u-turn and asked us where we are going and us being polite answered Fangliao and he being persuasive said NTD800 and kept telling us kenot late wan, later ticket all finish, bus dunno wat time come and bla bla bla. Since it is cheaper than NTD1200 and still no oncoming bus, we accepted the offer.

There the nice wish that earned NTD800. It takes just over 1 hour traveling by car.

We reached at 11:45am and collected our ticket that we booked online 2 weeks prior to our departure time. This will not only guarantee you a seat but also allow you to chose the fastest train to reach Hualien. Ticket price is at NTD542 per pax. Book your ticket here: http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index/index.aspx

Went to 7-eleven and bought “bian dan” for lunch while waiting for the train.

Time to board the train. Dammit, they dun have escalator or elevator so have to climb the stairs with 20kg luggage!!

Our seat was 35 and 36 BUT but 35 and 36 ain’t next to each other. The pair is 35 and 37 – lucky no one is taking 37 else I’ll be sitting with a stranger for that long 4 hours ++ journey.

Saw this tomb somewhere in the middle of the paddy field. For good fengshui  I guess.

After a boring 4 hours 30 minutes… Finally, we reached Hualien station (taken on another day)

Waited a while for the owner of Stone house, Aunty Liu to pick us up and went straight to the homestay to put our luggage before heading out for dinner. Along the way, she introduce Hualien famous street and some must try food. There, their car – the grey wish. We have to spent the 1st night at the city because the Stone house was fully book. No comment on the accommodation because I DUN LIKE IT… hahahaaa~~

Their famous street is actually within walking distance but Aunty Liu is kind enough to drove us there for dinner but after that have to walk back on our own la.. On the way, she showed us where the A-mei tribe dance performance will be held everyday at 9pm and recommend us to try pork rib mee or bbq pork which is just opposite each other.

We decided on the pork rib mee.

Nothing much to shout about actually. The food are of mediocre and the portion is quite small. Guys may need a XXXXL size of it

After the meal which has only stuffed 50% of our belly, we stopped by this shop that sell glass noodle soup.

What makes it differ from other noodle shop is

that it is served with goose meat. Very very flavorful – must try this.

The famous pao shop in Hualien. Open 24 hours. See those pao fanatic… tapao so many.

Seafood anyone??

This is the biggest rolling stone in Hualien if not mistaken. Located at the roundabout on the way to the aborigine dance.

Made it on time for the performance.

The tribe dance performed by mostly university students… They hope to promote the beauty and culture of A-mei which is one of the aborigine tribe in Hualien.

It is indeed very entertaining.

Come join the fun… Careful your leg

They say this is how the guy should carry the girl to show their love. If half way through they let you down, means they don’t love you enough and you should not be with them because they are not good guy!! haahahaaaa~~~

I love to see this…

The performance last for about an hour and at the end of the session, feel free to take photo with them.. FOC!!

That’s all for the first night. We then walked back to the homestay and called it a day. Have to wake up early the next day for one day tour to Tarako.

Next, Tarako National Park…