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Hengboi was brimming with excitement when we shared the news that we would be going clams picking by the seaside today. I likened it to digging for dinosaur bones in a sand pit, which got him even more excited! After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we indulged the boys in their bathtub playtime while we packed up and checked out around 10:30 am.
Lukang 鹿港 Mazu
We made a pit stop at Lukang, which was about a 40-minute drive from our location. It conveniently fell along the route to the clam picking site, and we wanted to pay a visit to the Lukang Mazu Temple. Lukang, a historic town in Taiwan, is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, traditional culture, and vibrant temples. The Mazu Temple, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, is one of the highlights of a visit to Lukang. It’s among Taiwan’s oldest and most revered temples, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
The temple’s intricate design, ornate decorations, and serene atmosphere make it a captivating place to explore. Beyond the temple, Lukang offers charming streets lined with traditional houses, bustling markets, and fascinating cultural landmarks, providing a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich history and heritage.
Lukang 鹿港 Mazu
Address: No. 430號, Zhongshan Rd, Lukang Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 505
海牛驛站 Manateelnn
Our reservation was set for 1 pm. It took us approximately 20 minutes to travel from Lukang to the clam picking location. Our driver informed us that the activity typically occurs twice daily, coinciding with low tide, and advised calling ahead to secure a spot due to potential variations in availability based on seasonal and environmental factors.
Clam picking in Fangyuan Township is a popular activity where visitors can wade into the shallow waters of the clam fields and harvest their own clams. These clams are typically razor clams, a local delicacy known for their sweet and tender meat.
It’s a fun and hands-on experience suitable for families and individuals alike, and it is something that is not available in Singapore and offers the boys a chance to connect with nature. The whole activity took approximately 2 hours.
芳苑海牛驛站
Address: No. 100, Lane 161, Fang’er Section, Fanghan Rd, Fangyuan Township, Changhua County, Taiwan 528
Contact: ０４－８９８６６１５ or contact them on Facebook to reserve
Admission Fee: NT$350 for Adults, NT$200 for kids above 3 years old
Roaders Plus Taipei
The drive from the clam picking site to Taipei took approximately 2.5 hours. We opted not to make any stops along the way to avoid potential traffic congestion upon entering Taipei, especially since it was a Friday evening when many locals were returning home. Fortunately, the boys were able to nap for an extended period, allowing for a more peaceful car journey. Upon arriving at Roaders Plus Taipei around 6 p.m., we encountered a logistical challenge as the lobby was located on the fourth floor, and there was no luggage portering service available. Consequently, we had to bring up our luggage in batches.
However, any weariness was quickly forgotten when the boys discovered the indoor playground and ball pit on the fourth floor. Check out our review of Roaders Plus Taipei for more details. The location of Roaders Plus was fantastic, conveniently situated within walking distance of bustling shopping districts like Ximending.
Dinner at Wu Lao Guo 無老鍋
Once we settled our luggage, we strolled to Zhongshan for dinner at Wu Lao Guo, a recommendation from our driver who assured us of its popularity among locals. Elixir Health Pot, also known as Wu Lao Guo 無老鍋 is highly regarded for its nutritious hot pot offerings in Taiwan. The restaurant specializes in a unique herbal broth, infused with traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients, believed to promote health and vitality.
Unfortunately, we did not make reservations (highly recommended), so by the time it’s our turn, it was 9pm. However, the wait proved worthwhile despite the slightly higher prices. The signature broth we opted for, the Layered Tofu, was delightful, boasting high-quality ingredients. One unique aspect compared to offerings in Singapore was the addition of pig blood and sheep blood, which surprisingly tasted similar to tofu.
By the time we walked back to our hotel, it was closed to 11pm and probably the latest our boys slept during this trip! But I’m sure they went to bed happy emotionally and tummy wise. 🙂