Elephant Mountain, Is it worth the climb? (Day 1 – MOCA & Huashan 1914, Taipei City)

Our day 1 in Taipei were almost cut in to half wandering the huge hotel we stayed in. I did not regret doing so for the  Hotel it self was already an exploration. After having our brunch, we decided to go out and explore the city.

And because this will be our first day of exploration, we already thought that it will still take some time to familiarize ourselves with the ways of the people, directions as well as the transportation system. With a very flexible itinerary we had, we decided to explore the center part of the city first – we visited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Datong District, Taipei City.

 Museum of Contemporary Art | No. 39, Chang’an West Road, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103

To better feel being a local, we first try the Taxi service at the hotel we stayed in (Also Read: Hotel Hyatt Taipei). The taxis in Taiwan resembles the ones in New York – those yellow colored taxis. Taking the taxi weren’t really a bad move for the service they gave (and the car itself) was more of like the the usual Uber or Grab services. Well, the price included. So doing an Uber service or a Taxi would just entail you almost the same amount of money.

The failure we had was on the next thing that happen …

MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)

Museum of Contemporary Art or shortly known as MOCA is Taiwan’s first contemporary art museum and is housed in a brick former school built in the early 1900s. I recommended to visit this place for I am kind of feeling the vibe of this museum. That is of course basing on what I’ve seen on the photos.

When our taxi was already parking on the side, I already felt excited and attracted seeing a huge car display elevated on top of a trailer truck. But what surprised us was when we entered the vicinity.

90% of the museum was close due to construction! Funny that we didn’t even bother to check it first online if its closed or not or if there are some things happening at the place. Fee was waived on that day due to the construction and we were able to just visit one room.

Either way, getting hiccups along the way is still part of the adventure. At least now, the next time we visit a museum or establishment, checking it first online if its operational or not is on top priority.

With hope to do something better, we decided to look for the nearest MRT station and learn how it works. The nearest station was Zhongshan Station. We were a bit undecided then which kind of MRT card to buy. They got options of either single or reloadable or those which already got a time limit like 3 days or 5 days unlimited used. We decided to buy an MRT card costing NT$200. (To know more about Taiwan, Check it here) 

As usual, doing the first MRT ride here in Taiwan needs a little bit of adjustment. Directions could be a bit difficult to decipher specially that there are so many map directions posted in the wall. Just a tip: Google Maps will make it easier for you to know which one to ride, and also, just follow the color on which direction you are going to.

We decided to visit another contemporary place – the Huashan 1914 Creative Park.

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Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a former winery called Taihuko Winery during the Japanese rule. It was built in 1914, and considered as one of Taiwan’s largest wine producers throughout the 1920’s.  It had however, long since been abandoned. In 1997, members of the Golden Bough Theater discovered this abandoned factory which they describe as a city within the city. In 2007 the Taiwan Cultural-Creative Development Co. Ltd assumed responsibility for the renovation and operation of the Park and renamed it Huashan 1914. Today, Huashan 1914 Creative Park serves as Taipei’s primary creative arts center. It is the place to be if you are into whats hip and hot and interested as well with the thing of the past.

After roaming around Huashan, we decided to head back to our area via MRT and go down to Xiangshan station passing Taipei 101 station (which our hotel was located). And because we weren’t able to look for a restaurant to eat late lunch, Ruth and I decided to just go ahead to the mountain and walk the trail of the Elephant Mountain. After all, when we ask how long it will take us to walk the trail, we were told at the hotel that it will only take us 30 minutes. I guess that was just okay, and just right in time for a Taiwanese dinner at the hotel afterwards. But we weren’t expecting what happens next . . .

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Back to the trail, Elephant Mountain

It’s been awhile since the last time I hike a mountain and traverse a trail. I think, the last hardcore trail I did was in Mt. Maculot in Batangas (Read: Rockies Trail in Mt. Maculot). That was in 2016, and just think of how it has been for me having not enough training for a year and then hiking back again. Well, if its difficult for me, I guess it would be more difficult for Ruth. But nevertheless, we need to succeed on this one.

Early that morning, we were having this tour with one of the heads of the hotel we stayed in, he even brought us on top of the building just to explain how we could be able to walk our way to the Elephant Mountain. He explains that the trail is easy and fun and it would give us a nice view of the whole Taipei (That is so true!). It was so enticing on how he explains it and I guess even though we weren’t able to hear his stories, we will still visit and try our way up. After all it is one of the best place you should not missed on your visit to Taipei.

But then again, one should prepare themselves on doing so.

I think there was a miscommunication when it was explained that it will only takes us 30 minutes to go up on the Elephant Mountain. I guess what he was referring to only was our walk from the hotel to the mountains foot, which took us almost 30 minutes already. Remember we haven’t eaten lunch nor brought enough water to quench our thirst, for on our mind after 30 minutes we can already go back and eat dinner.

But as the saying goes, if the plan doesn’t work, change the plan but never the goal. Our goal is to reach the top no matter what, after all, (I guess) we are doing this just once in our life.

We arrive at the mountains foot not later than 5pm, It was already getting dark, I guess sunset is a bit early in this side of the world. The original plan was to see the sunset on top of the mountain with its rays crossing the magnificent view of the city. But it failed us again for not checking the time of the sunset. Another learnings of the day, if you want a view of either sunrise or sunset, better to check out the time first on when will it happen for you to adjust your schedule.

Elephant Mountain, also known as Xiangshan, is a mountain in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. It got a height of 183m and is a popular place for photographers and tourist for a 180 degree view of the city. The Six Giant Rocks at the top are a tourist attraction here in Elephant Mountain. I guess it is called as Elephant Mountain for its zigzagging stairs going to the top, resembling a huge elephant nose? (that was just my idea)

It is near Taipei Metro Xiangshan Station, which is the last station where we came from.

Not too ready for the hike, we climb our way up. There are 3 stations where you could have a view of the cityscape. Remember we haven’t eaten lunch, I was wearing (sweaty) white polo and we only got a small bottle of water each. The hike took us more than 30 minutes but less than an hour before reaching the top. It is either we were too slow or we were just not in the condition of doing so. The stairs was a bit difficult to hike for the spacing is a bit irregular, there were times that it would become steeper as well.

 Our best effort to still look fresh and take a selfie at the 6 giant rock formation

At the top you will see 6 giant rocks that is a famous spot for taking selfies or photoshoots. Climbing a bit farther up, you would see a covered veranda where you could also do some photography. I was mesmerise on how beautiful the city was. We may not able to see it on a sunset, but I think it gives a different view at night. Taipei 101 along with the high rise buildings of the city is truly a must see on the side of this mountain.

Is it worth the climb? Definitely! But make sure you’re mind and body are ready and have much energy to do so. After a few minutes of staring at the city, now we would need another round of energy to go down the trail.

We arrived at the hotel past 9pm, good thing the restaurant was still open. We were able to dine in and enjoy a sumptuous Taiwanese dinner.

To be continued . . .

Also Read:

• Taiwan 101: Things you need to know 
• Review: Amba Ximending
• Review: Grand Hyatt Hotel

Until our next discovery in the City!

またね Mata ne! 

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