week 90_BaiShaWan Beach

My birthday gift "wish list" this year was: A Day at the Beach!

Taipei Red Line MRT, Headed North to Danshui

For the final "birthday" outing in my ongoing series of celebrations, hubby and I spent a day exploring a new beach (new to us) near Taipei. The day happened to be a cloudy and misty Sunday, but we figured this might actually be to our advantage since many of the more beautiful beaches near Taipei become crowded and rowdy during great weather. The hubby just purchased a new camera a few days before my birthday, so this was also a great opportunity to break it in! :)

I like the above ground MRT lines best ~ More to see

MRT Station Map... We're headed to the end of the line!

That's Me! Priority seat girl ~ For Now ;)

We set out for a destination that we could reach easily via public transportation --- taking the red MRT line to it's north terminal station, Danshui, and then catching a bus from there to BaiShaWan Beach. There are multiple buses to chose from and the kind folks at the Information Desk at the MRT/Bus Station are happy to point you in the right direction.

Our small shuttle bus from Danshui MRT Station to BaiShaWan Beach

BaiShaWan is known for being a large, open, beautiful white sand beach - and on a bright sunny day, I have the feeling the sand really would look more *white*. Our hazy day was still pleasant though, and great weather without being too hot. Not to mention (as you can see) we had plenty of beach to ourselves!

BaiShaWan Beach, June 2012

You'll notice that the people in the photo are congregated at the opposite end of the beach. I've heard talk that some beaches in Taiwan have designated swim areas, roped off by buoys and protected by life guards. This was our first time to visit one of "those" beaches --- not the best for free spirits who enjoy swimming deeper than chest deep. To me, a beach destination should include the ability to just dive into the water head first. As this was clearly not the case ~ we opted not to swim that day, but instead enjoyed the sightseeing, the fresh air, and the chance to stretch our legs / play with the new camera :)

BaiShaWan Beach, West End ~ Rock Formations, Trails Beyond (above beach)

Some of the mossy green rock formations were so beautiful, you would think these photos were taken somewhere else ~ Ireland? We loved all of the rocks, pools, and sea life.

Pools trapped among the rocks

Gorgeous. Wish I had caught a picture of the crabs, but they were happy to hide in these rocks!

Since we weren't swimming, we enjoyed exploring instead... full of crabs, fish, seashell formations, and sea creatures, these rocks could keep me entertained for hours!

Barefoot Beach Bar ~ Fresh Kiwi Juice, Appetizer Sampler
Best travel mate ever.

Once I was ready for a snack (after all, I am pregnant and this was a moderate workout) we stopped in at one of the beach side cafes for refreshments. There were also shops selling beach ware, floats, etc. and the stereotypical showers or hose available to rinse your feet for spare change. I love the availability of all these conveniences along the beach: hotels, cafes, showers, lockers, tent rentals, etc.

Jellyfish ~ We saw a LOT of these on the beach that day.
Does this kind sting???

The trip was great, but we did decide this is probably not our favorite beach destination for swimming. Walking, Hiking, Photography, Beach Cafe, Sunbathing, Napping, Reading a Book ~ You get the idea ~ It's a great destination for some leisure time just beyond the city.

BaiShaWan Beach, East End ~ More rocks to explore

With plenty of summer time yet to explore, I can't wait to check out more new beaches! (and to break in my new pregg-o swimsuit!) :)