This is one of my best experiences in Taiwan, the Hehuanshan (合歡山). We took the local sunrise tour package available at the hotel reception that we were staying a day before the tour which cost us NT$400 per person. We were told to wait for the tour bus at the pick up point at 4:00 a.m. So we got into the bus and traveled in total darkness road for about 30 minutes to an empty land half way of the peak. We got off the bus and gather around for stars viewing !
This was my first time seeing so much stars and the not-so visible milky way. It was really awesome ! We stayed there for about half an hour hearing some stories about the stars by the tour guide. After that, we proceeded to the first viewing spot for the sunrise. It was very cold with some freezing wind blowing.
5:42 a.m.
5:43 a.m.
After viewing at the first spot for about 15 minutes, we got back to the bus and transferred to the second viewing spot. I personally prefer this more than the first one as this has a nice curvy road that improved the composition of my photos in my opinion.
6:10 a.m.
6:15 a.m.
6:20 a.m.
Lastly, the third spot. When we reached there, the sun was already blazing very brightly which helped to warm my body. Thanks to that !
6:40 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
So here ends the sunrise tour of Hehuanshan (合歡山). By the way, the photo below is the tour bus we took. Very easy to recognize isn't it ?
Click here for the full 8D7N itinerary.
12 comments:
Hi Desmond,
Thanks for your nice pictures and detailed description. Just a quick check with you, referring to your description "We took the local sunrise tour package available at the hotel reception that we were staying a day before...", that means you only booked/contacted with the service provider the day before departure? Thanks in advance.
We saw the brochure at the hotel so we asked the hotel receptionist. She was kind enough to phone and book the tour for us and yes, it's the day before departure. Anyway, I would suggest to book earlier if possible because the hotel receptionist told us usually the tour is fully booked a day before.
Hi Desmond! Your pictures left me in awe. It looks more than spectacular. Will you share which hotel you stayed at, and if you have the tour company's name. Would love to arrange for the same package you went for.
Hi Rachy! Thanks for your compliment. I stayed at Misty Wonderland Villa (雲濛仙境) in Cingjing and that's where I got the contact of the tour agency from the receptionist. I am still keeping the name card of the tour agency and here's the link of the name card screenshot =D
Thanks for the reply & info! Really appreciate it! :) Which month/season did you visit Hehuanshan? I'm going in January, wonder if the cold/wet weather means star gazing is not possible.
I went in end October last year. Actually there were some rains during my trip and the night before Hehuanshan tour too. Luckily, the sky was clear and the stars were crystal clear... Great experience !
hi desmond! it's me again, haha. i've planned my trip at last. here's hoping the weather is clear, and the stars in abundance! ... just wondering if you could share a tip or two - taking photographs of stars. you're a professional, so i understand if you may have tricks you might prefer not to share. heh! :)
Hi, it depends on what camera u are using. Normal compact camera is almost impossible IMO. I would suggest a DSLR with a decent tripod (MUST). Set ISO speed to highest (3200-6400) with wide angle lens preferably large aperture lens (F2.8). Try to keep exposure time to be less than 20sec or even 15sec to avoid capturing star trails. I think that's about all.
Oh ok! I have the standard 18-55mm & 50mm f1.8 lens. Quite certain I will not succeed with the shots, haha! Will go there & play around with the settings you stated. Thanks so much for sharing :)
50mm at largest aperture can do a better job than 18-55mm but may not be able to capture as much stars. If AF doesn't work in almost total darkness, then use Live View or manual focus to infinity.
Hi, I was looking for a tour that bring us to Hehuanshan for the milk way tour. Do you remember any information regards to the tour that your hotel provide that I can contact with?
Thanks!
Hui
Hi Hui, you may refer to this link for the name card that I got back then :)
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