Planning a trip to Taiwan?

I’ve been to a lot of tourist spots in Northern and Central Taiwan but when anyone asks me for a personal recommendation, I always say the Sun Moon Lake. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and relaxation, it is the place to go. Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan, located more than 700 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush green mountains. All establishments — hotels, restaurants and shops are situated in a loop around the lake so that most offer great views — sparkling still waters, mountains occasionally blanketed by thick clouds… it is glorious. No wonder it is a favorite honeymoon spot for newlyweds (view more photos).

We stayed at the Hotel Del Lago where breakfast is served in a cafe with an open deck right on the edge of the lake. If schedule weren’t so hectic, it would have been nice to just sit there sipping coffee or tea for hours and just gaze at the ever changing cloud formations above the mountains. But as quiet as Sun Moon Lake may be, there are a number of activities available to tourists. Boats can be rented for a tour around the lake. You can even visit a temple high up on the mountain (okay, the climb is a killer but it’s worth it, trust me) where the view is even more breathtaking.

If you’re in search of unforgettable food, across the lake from Hotel Del Lago is a restaurant that specializes in dishes with fruits. Sorry, I can’t remember the name but it is in the Ita Thao, the village of the Thao aborigines, and very near the shopping district. The restaurant looks like a large gated house with a garden in front. Tables are laid out in the garden and, in the evening, the setting is simply romantic. And if settings do not impress you, the food surely will (read “Food tripping in Taiwan“).

Shopping in the Ita Thao Village is not quite the kind of mall shopping most city folks are familiar with. There are small shops and the items for sale are mostly local handicrafts. I bought some bracelet adorned with preserved bugs for my daughters and a ceramic wind chime for my husband.

How to get to Sun Moon Lake? No planes land in the area, that’s for sure. From Taipei, you either take the train or a bus or else you rent a car and drive all the way. Wikitravel has a good summary of ways to get to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei.

For those who like bustling activities to accompany their vacation, the best time to visit Sun Moon Lake is during the Mid-Autumn Festival when the no-swimming-in-the-lake policy is relaxed and a swimming contest across the lake is held. Unlike the traditional Chinese New Year, the Thao celebrate their New Year in August and the festivities climax with the Mid-Autumn Festival which is marked by pestle music, singing, dancing, fireworks and lanterns.