Taiwan travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

There is nothing Taiwanese about the Astoria Cafe in Taipei. And that is what made it special. The place was opened over a half century ago, on the west side of Taipei. It is a bakery, which sold fresh bread and homemade cakes downstairs. On upstairs level, it served dark bitter Russian coffee.

The capital of Taiwan also has unfolded history. Business boomed. Taiwan bet early on high-tech manufacturing and the island was gadget maker to the world.

Taipei these days is full with narrow avenues, tiled facades and crowds of street vendors, office towers, shopping malls, restaurants and foreign boutiques sprouted from the city's new glass-and-steel east side. But there are echoes everywhere of the turmoil that shaped the city and signs of an uncertain future.

In any boomtown, things vanish and other things take their place. But something more has happened in Taipei. Near the National Taiwan university there're a cluster of old Japanese-era houses. They're astonishing.The side street are crooked and lovely and lined with bookstores, cafes with tiny round tables and boutique sellingJapanese street fashion.

Taipei's shiny east sideis hometo the world's tallest building. Taipei 101. But Chiang Kai- shek's memorial casts a longer shadow. It sits in the middle of a sprawling walled garden, towering over a severe plaza that spans several city blocks.

The Sun Moon Lake is located in 1,5 hours from Taichung Domestic Airport and 3,5 hours from Chiang Kai Shek International Airport in Taiwan. The place is lovely with adorable views over the mountains and hills.

Over there you will discover ‘The Lalu‘ – a panorama hotel which overlooks into the mystical Sun Moon Lake. The Lalu cheers visitors to to experience an all-suite lifestyle concept, including seven private villas with individual swimming pools, courtyards and pavilions. Complimented by five restaurants(Oriental Brasserie, Japanese restaurant, Chinese Teahouse, Chinese Restaurant, Lobby bar & lounge) and bars serving western and Asian delicacies, The Lalu is a place to relax and enjoy.

The hotel’s Spa comes with an extensive range of organic treatments. A 60-metre swimming pool and a well-equipped gym are also available. The surrounding region offers authentic cultural exhibits, festivals and events in a unique natural environment. Visit the temples, gardens and pagodas, and experience the beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

Each room has modem line and superb unique design, satellite TV, stereo, 2-line phone, safe, minibar, air conditioning, balcony, airport transfer on request, laundry/dry cleaning.