It's not particularly touristy and wasn't exactly on my list of countries to visit, but I'm glad I made the effort to fly in and discovered all it had to offer.

Come along with me as I explore the country and why it should be a must-visit destination for travelers.

Walking around and getting acquainted with the country, I mostly relied on the rail system that is laid out across the island.

It's surprisingly affordable, streamlined, punctual, and has a variety of basic, express and high-speed trains available.

These fast trains require a separate ticket purchase, but can get you around the entire nation within just a few hours.

The metro system in Taipei is also very straightforward and efficient.

It's never really crowded and got me around town without any problems.

As evening falls, the streets of Taiwan transform into a tapestry of food stalls illuminated by the glow of colorful lanterns and neon signs.

These night markets offer a unique shopping experience from the aroma of sizzling street food.

From stinky tofu and savory oyster omelets, the culinary options are endless.

There are a number of old quarters around the island I suggest checking out as well, even if you sometimes get something completely different.

Some of my favorite local fare would have to be beef noodle soup, crispy duck fried rice with hot water spinach, and braised pork knuckle, which is a comfort food that is slightly sweet but incredibly savory.

Taipei is the bustling capital of Taiwan, home to the iconic Taipei 101, which is one of the world's tallest skyscrapers.

It also has a regional airport in the city, where you can catch planes land and take off.

The city also has a growing art scene, mainly in the more younger generation neighborhoods, and I always enjoy taking a stroll through the colorful alleyways.

The Dragon Boat Festival is also a big deal in Taiwan.

Held in June, it's an annual event that is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the island.

Competitors come from all walks of life to test their strength and teamwork, usually for a good cause.

The festival is a time for families to come together, pay respects to their ancestors, and enjoy the cultural heritage of Taiwan.

Around Taipei, there are many places to go and get lost in nature, with some providing epic views of the city.

Some historical sites are harder to get to, but the payoff is never limited.

In fact, most Taiwanese enjoy the great outdoors and make it a priority any chance they get.

Another activity I was recommended to try was river tracing, which required to lace up in a drysuit and traverse a river against the current, where you basically reach an end point, rest, and then jump in to ultimately float back down the rapids.

I discovered a lot of places where waterfalls converge, and was happy to see how much of the waterways are protected and preserved for recreation and reservoirs.

After several days in the capital, I took a road trip to the east coast of the country in order to explore its mountainous peaks and stunning ocean-side cliffs near the small town of Hualien.

I checked into my hostel and went to explore the city.

Overall, it's a laid-back coastal city with a number of things to do in the downtown sector, as well as a huge night market that draws lots of locals and visitors.

I highly suggest picking up a garlic scallion pancake, as the taste will absolutely surprise you.

The next day, I made the push to the natural wonderland known as Taroko National Park, just 40 minutes outside the city.

This park is known for its colossal marble gorge along with a network of hiking trails.

This is a perfect opportunity to get on a motorbike and treat yourself to a spectacular ride through the many rock tunnels created near the drop-off to the gorge.

The road is perfectly laid out, and it's one of my most memorable drives on a motorbike so far this year.

The scenery every which way is just stunning.

Stop along the way to the higher elevations to take in the sights and admire the beauty of this place that has been preserved for millions of years.

Cultural elements are also found within the park, with several temples, shrines, and historical sites offering insights into Taiwan's rich heritage.

At the end of the trip, I was left smiling from ear to ear as this place really reminded me of my home in Colorado.

There are other, smaller cities on the east coast, all connected by mountain tunnel roads and railways.

I recommend stopping in, get to know the locals, eat more scallion pancakes, and visit the beautiful temples.

While there is a lot more to do in this rural part of the country, I decided to keep heading south through the mountain tunnels to visit probably my favorite city in all of Taiwan.

Kaohsiung is the third largest city in Taiwan, and visually speaking, the most futuristic city I've been to.

It's a major port city with contemporary skyscrapers and an efficient transportation system throughout the city.

Kaohsiung's commitment to the arts is evident, and it's just a colorful city built on ancient traditions and modern infrastructure.

There is a big pier catered to bringing people together, with an elegant display of waterfront amenities and a hub for the Taiwanese Coast Guard.

It's a huge economic trade hub for the country, bringing all the goods for its markets.

And let's not forget those sunsets.

We made sure to sample some of the local dining options along the Luv River before getting on a catamaran for a one-hour journey to head to a small nearby island known as Xiaoluchu.

This coral island boasts a laid-back vibe with friendly locals, creating a warm and welcoming environment for tourists.

There are a number of beaches to go snorkeling with none other than our friendly sea turtles.

Luxu Island boasts some pretty epic crystal clear waters, where a lot of visitors jump in near Fei's Rock.

A lot of other rock formations can also be found scattered across the island.

Overall, Luxu Island is a hidden gem and is a must-visit destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path travel experience in Taiwan.

We returned back to the mainland and traveled to the tail end of Taiwan known as Kenting.

Here is where you'll find several white sand beaches, small resorts, and a beacon showing the southernmost point of Taiwan.

Prices here are fairly reasonable and it's good to stay in the Hengchun Township where you get a front row seat to some dramatic blue ocean water.

There's another extensive night market to check out, serving up lots of seafood and other local cuisine.

A little bit north is where you'll find the Paradise of Deer, offering an up-close encounter with these gentle animals.

There is a cappy bar enclosure as well, which I really enjoyed.

These are some of the most friendly and docile animals I've seen.

Super fun to interact with them, scratch their bellies, and the sounds they make will ultimately make your heart melt.

I highly recommend coming to Taiwan and experiencing all it has to offer.

It's an affordable country with welcoming people, some of the best cuisine options, and a peaceful nation looking ahead to a prosperous future.

For my next video, I travel to the Philippines for a couple weeks to learn about the way of life in Manila and the surrounding area.

After that comes Palau, where I fulfill my dream of living on a boat and going scuba diving for an entire week.

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See you next time.