It's been a comfortable 2nd night at First Hotel, and there has been a steady improvement in the medical issue with my leg. We go down to that amazing breakfast with a clear plan for the day ahead.
Today's travels start just across the road from the hotel as we hop on Bus 307 towards the train station. Here outside we find bays for long-distance buses. Waiting here is bus 1815, which will take us to Yehlui. This one-hour journey takes us east then north towards the coast for just 99 TWD.
Yehliu is a medium-sized fishing port on Taiwan's northern coastline, but it's the geopark we've come to see. We're dropped off in the town and take a walk towards the park. At the park entrance there is a fee of 120 TWD, making it a very cheap day so far. This attraction was identified some time ago as a possibility, but now that we're here, I'm glad I came. I'm not a geologist, but the rock formations are stunning, and I'm not going to rush things; I'm just going to enjoy the moment.
Yehliu Geopark is one of Taiwan's most iconic natural attractions, located on the northern coast in Wanli District, New Taipei City. This 1,700-meter-long cape, formed by the Datun Mountain extending into the sea, features bizarre and otherworldly rock formations sculpted over thousands of years by sea erosion, weathering, and crustal movement. It's often compared to a Martian landscape by CNN and is a must-visit for its unique geological wonders. Rock formations have been given particular names such as the Queen's Head, the most famous mushroom-shaped rock resembling a regal profile; Fairy Shoe, a delicate, shoe-like formation; Candle Rocks; Mushroom Rocks; Bean Curd Rocks; Sea Candles; Ginger Rocks; Elephant Rock; and more.
The highlight of the visit comes with my decision to take the trail leading to a viewpoint at the end of the headland. Feeling much better walking after recent issues, I press on to the viewpoint, leaving Katoon behind. Fortunately, while there are some stairs to negotiate, the rest of the way is mostly flat and the weather is perfect. It's a challenge that has brought the great reward of stunning views. I head back knowing that my partner will be concerned over the amount of time I've been away. By the time we meet up again, it's after 2:00 PM. We wander back through the village heading for the bus stop but note the rustic old shops displaying fresh seafood. Here I just feel it's right to sample what they have and forget the cost, as it's a rare occasion for me to sit down with freshly cooked langosteen and crab. The experience adds another hour onto the day, and that means we need to head back now.
An 1815 bus service soon arrives, and we head back to Taipei. We arrive back at the bus terminal with the idea of planning our next destination, but the last bus has already departed and the booth is closed. When we struggle to find the bus stop for the 307, it's back to the MRT and to First Hotel. There's not going to be any more exotic food today, as we have a busy evening ahead making plans.

Source: Visit