Taiwan is a convenient travel destination from Korea and many people love to visit Taipei's attractions. However the rest of the island has much to offer and should not be overlooked. Ranging from Buddhist Temples, Monastaries, Dutch heritage, and Aboriginal Culture, Taiwan can easily fill your vacation plans with plenty of new experiences.

I based myself in Taichung City about an hour south of Taipei. From there an easy day trip is to Changhua with its giant bronze Buddha. However this is not just a statue but has a three story interior with diaorama. A short bus ride away is Lugang a Temple lovers paradise. Almost every other block has another temple, each more unique and distinct from the rest.

Central Taiwan also houses Sun Moon Lake, ancestral home of the Thao Tribe. There are buses from both Taipei and Taichung. You can rent bikes to circle the 30km lake although this is best done on the north side which has its own bike path. There are large extravagant temples at various points around the lake and tucked away in the south is the mighty ten storied Cien Pagoda.

I chose to stay on the south side which is less developed and more traditional. You can visit the homes of the Thao Tribe and there is also a cultural song and dance show they perform.

Closeby is the town of Puli on whose outskirts is the Chung Tai Chan Monastery. This is the largest monastery in Taiwan and can be visited by appointment only (check their website for details). I was given a guided tour by a female monk. The interior chambers are quite breathtaking although no photography is allowed. Also pre-arrange with a cab driver from Puli Station your pick up and return (cost $7 each way).

Further south in Taiwan, Tainan it's historical capital. Similar to Gyeongju or Kyoto this has an abundance of historical sites and was also a Dutch trading port. You can spend a few days exploring all the shrines as well the Dutch Fort and European heritage. Local bike rentals are also available.

Finally near the southern tip of the Taiwan is Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second largest city. Two interesting day trips can be to the Foguangshan Monastery and Sandimen Aboriginal Cultures Park.

The Foguanghsan Monastery is almost a two hour bus ride but is fascinatingly designed with eight skyscraper like pagodas on either side leading to a massive pyramid designed structure at the far end.

The Sandimen Aboriginal Cultures Park is more awkward to get to involving a train to Pingtung and bus to Sandimen. You will be rewarded with a cultural park showcasing the heritage of the 16 recognized aboriginal cultures.

The park is divided into different zones for each tribe showing their architecture and local crafts. There is a twice daily 90 min show where the various folk songs and dances are demonstrated. Woven into a love story the peformance follows their courtship of a young couple culminating in a large village wedding.

Finally in Kaoshiung you can visit Cijin Island with another Fort and British Consulate. A subway ride to Lotus Lake has temples, pagodas, and giant dragons and snakes. These are not just for display but house interesting art tunnels in their bodies.

This was my second time in Taiwan and the character of the island is different from Taipei. The people are very friendly and english speaking tourist information offices are conveniently located in all train stations. The street food varies in each region and I was beginning to recognize chinese characters on train and bus departures boards.

Taiwan can be both a future travel destination or work opportunity so its certainly worth looking past Taipei to see all the island has to offer.

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