Customer Reviews

The Rough Guide to Taiwan 1 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

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UPDATED for 2011 Edition, August 5, 2011

I first wrote this review for the 2007 edition. I just borrowed Rough Guide (RG) Taiwan 2011 from the library, reviewed and updated what I wrote before, and I discuss how the 2011 edition changed compared to 2007. I am pleased to see that two problems I mentioned before have been addressed; neither were major.

For the RG 2007 review, I had the Lonely Planet (LP) Taiwan 2004 guide as a point of comparison. At that time, that was the latest LP edition. I normally prefer LP guides because I have many and they have a consistent design, making it easy for me to find what I need even for a new country. I found LP Taiwan 2004 rather poor compared to RG Taiwan 2007. LP has since released 2007 and 2011 editions. I will review the LP 2011 edition shortly and update this review with my current thinking.

RG Taiwan 2011 is a very good guidebook with room for improvement (see CONS). However, the page count is 25% less than the 2007 guide, suggesting the elimination of some information (see CONTENTS/ORGANIZATION below). This is not altogether a bad thing, because the book is smaller and lighter, and if the information they removed was of lesser interest, you should be able to find what you want more easily. Most likely they have added some new topics as well, though I have not found an example yet.

Taiwan is a fascinating but underrated set of islands, with friendly and helpful people, many of whom speak at least a little English or Japanese. The Chinese culture here is fascinating, but I had no idea before I came here the first time that there were people other than those descended from the Chinese. The indigineous Austranesian peoples add ethnic cultures, arts, and cuisines to get to know.

The diversity of natural beauty on this island is staggering - mountains, rugged coastline, waterfalls, and unique wonders like Toroko Gorge. You can see it all easily because of the new high-speed bullet trains that can take you from Taipei to the south in just over 2 hours. (Buses from the train to inland areas are not as fast, of course.)

Even if you have to stay in Taipei, there are many day trips to enjoy; Wulai is easy and worthwhile, and you could even take a train to see a little of the south, yet return the same day.

PROS

Excellent coverage of Taipei and (separately) each of the major regions, including one for the islands. An excellent overview in the first 24 pages, with color photos to give you a very quick introduction to the highlights, which will help you decide whether you want to visit Taiwan. Sections for Basics, and for Contexts (history, indigineous people, religion, culture) make it complete.

CONS

RG Taiwan 2007 has 584 pages; RG Taiwan 2011 has 448. The page and font size is the same, as the layout and use of white space. This means they must have dropped almost a quarter of the material found in the older guide.

No maps section for quick reference, like Lonely Planet's, means you will have to search for the maps within the section for the map. They are not as detailed as I would like (for example, not all streets and alleys are marked, and the Chinese markings are not given), and use two colors. Get a local map while you're here, perhaps free at your hotel, use google maps, or make do with these maps for shorter visits. The maps are marked with Roman characters. More than one translation of Chinese characters to Roman characters is used in Taipei; see OTHER COMMENTS for how to deal with this.

When I visited in 2007, I had troubles taking the bus to Wulaim because RG said to go to Xindian station then take the Wulai bus. Though most buses have destinations shown in Chinese and English, in 2007 the Wulai bus had Chinese only, and the guide failed to mention that, and several Wulai buses went by until I asked for help, and learned what to look for. The 2011 guide has moved the "how to get to Wulai" text to a highlighted box. It now says that the bus IS marked in English. Since I have not gone to Wulai since 2007, I cannot confirm that the bus label includes English, but since the guide has improved their directions, it probably has. If in doubt, it never hurts to have your hotel write down the Chinese characters you would look for.

The Language section is for Mandarin Chinese, which it says is the most common dialect used here. It discusses the basic differences between Chinese and Taiwanese (a dialect with some differences), but in the 2007 edition it did not actually say which was presented; in the 2011 guide it explicitly says it is Mandarin.. It would be nice if they had at least some basic greetings in Taiwanese and a few of the most common indigineous languages, as greeting people in their preferred language always brings good will, and this was not added for 2011.

In describing oolong tea, they say it is semi-fermented, unlike green or black tea. This is incorrect. Oolong tea is available lightly fermented (and light/medium green), medium fermented (light brown or brownish green), and fully fermented (dark brown to black). The tastes are quite distinct: light can have a floral or vegetable taste; medium (Oriental Beauty) can be almost fruity or tangy; and fully fermented has a unique dark tea taste. I like all of them, and oolong is my preferred source of caffeine for most of the year.

CONTENTS/ORGANIZATION

The organization of the 2011 edition is identical to that of the 2007 edition, but almost all sections have fewer pages. The number in parenthesis at the end is the change in number of pages (minus means fewer). The font size and layout style / amount of white space appears to be the same, so fewer pages means they edited down the text, probably dropping some topics present in the 2007 edition.

Color Section (where/when to go, highlights), 16 pages (-8)
Basics, 36 pages (-16)
Taipei and vicinity, 70 pages (-10)
North Taiwan, 48 pages (-10)
Central Taiwan, 62 pages (-18)
South Taiwan, 44 pages (-26)
East Coast, 48 pages (-12)
Taiwan Strait Islands, 47 pages (-15)
Contexts (history, indigineous people, religion, culture), 38 pages (-3)
Language, 15 pages (0)
Plus: two 4-page color sections on festivals and national parks (0)

OTHER COMMENTS

While many Taiwanese speak at least some English, and many younger or more-educated people can speak it reasonably well, you will at times need to look at the Chinese characters to find things (like the bus I mentioned in Cons). Unfortunately there are three different English spelling schemes used for Chinese words, so you will need fuzzy thinking using sounds in your head to work it out. Example: Xindian (the MRT spelling) is spelled Sindian on the buses. A road like Zhongshan might be spelled Jhongshian or Song Shan, but Songjiang is a different road in the same area. BTW, I have found that many Taiwanese can also speak some Japanese.

LONELY PLANET vs ROUGH GUIDE for Taiwan

I have LP Taiwan 2011 and I will edit this review to offer my comparison between that and RG Taiwan 2011 after I have reviewed it.

WHO, ME?

I have spent a lot of time all over Asia and have visited Taiwan about five times from 2001-2010, mostly Taipei for business, but I have taken some time to visit other parts. If you find this review (or any review) useful, please click the YES button below, thanks.

Rough Guide and Lonely Planet are the two guidebook series of choice for independent travelers, though where I've compared both I've consistently preferred RG for its greater depth and better writing. The LP Taiwan is okay, but this first edition of RG is clearly better in most ways.

First, it's a lot more current, published in April 2007, compared to the LP, the most recent edition of which was published in November 2004. Even in a reasonably developed place like Taiwan, things change quickly enough that a three-year guidebook is often out of date, although LP is coming out with its next edition later this year.

Perhaps more importantly, the RG is substantially more detailed. The page count alone gives an indication: about 580 pages for the RG, 367 for the LP. Add to that the LP's finer print (still readable though), and you're looking at quite a bit more text for any given attraction, and quite a few that the LP does not cover at all. Quantity isn't everything of course, and the RG -- like others in the series -- is much better written than the LP. The tone is sober, without the element of camp that sometimes creeps into the LP.

The RG is also better laid out, with accommodation information immediately following the introduction rather than coming at the end of the section on any given location, as LP has it. The "Highlights" section is both more extensive and better chosen than in the LP. The LP does feature quite a bit more full-color photography, but there are better books for that.

Overall, a pretty clear first choice for a guidebook on Taiwan, and likely to remain so even when the next edition of the LP comes out.

The Rough Guide (RG) is divided into four main sections. The full color pages at the front of the book give a basic introduction to Taiwan followed by "30 things not to miss". The next section, "Basics", gives general information about transport, accommodation, food, festivals and outdoor activities. Next comes the main section of the guide which covers all the places in Taiwan. The final section is about history, religion, aboriginal tribes, arts and language.

I like the layout and design of the book. It reads almost like a book, not just a guidebook, but it is still easy to locate specific information. I think this is typical of the style of Rough Guides which I have used in several other countries. The maps are easy to read and many of the places on the map are clearly labelled avoiding the need to constantly refer to the key.

Information about accommodation is generally listed in the text for smaller places with more detailed listings for the larger cities. Rather than giving prices for each hotel or hostel Rough Guides uses numbers to indicate the price range. The authors seem to have chosen a good range of accommodation.

All the places that one would expect to be covered in a guidebook are included. There are also a few smaller and less well-known places that are covered. Of course there are many places that are still not mentioned. However, I think overall the choices are well considered.

One important thing that is key to the on-the-ground usability of any guidebook in Taiwan is its use of Chinese characters and romanisation. The RG includes tables through the text with place names in Chinese characters, Hanyu Pinyin with tone marks and the mix of English and romanisation that is commonly used on signs in Taiwan. I think this works well as it leaves the main text uncluttered and easy to read while all the key information is grouped together in one place for easy reference.

The RG has several features that make it stand out. These include the detailed list of festivals with dates and information about all of Taiwan's major aboriginal tribes. The section on religion in Taiwan is well written noting its syncretic nature and idiosyncrasies. It includes descriptions of all the major dieties one might encounter in Taiwan. Some pictures would have been nice here though.

The detailed coverage of how to climb Yushan and Xueshan is excellent. Everything you need to know from accessing the National Parks to obtaining permits and descriptions of the climbs is included.

Overall I highly recommend the Rough Guide as a great practical guide for anyone visiting Taiwan.

(originally posted at David on Formosa)

When Rough Guides are good, they are arguably the best guide books on the market. The Rough Guide to Beijing is the finest travel book I have ever owned, and I have owned quite a few. The problem is: they're not always that good. However, with this sleek looking 2007 Taiwan edition, the people at Rough Guides are clearly out to make a statement: "Hey, competition! Look out!" This is a quality effort. Weighing in at a hefty 580 pages, the buyer also gets much more bang for his buck, important given the price tag on all travel guides these days. Yes, you may have to pick up additional maps on your travels (a breeze in Taiwan), but you won't have any excuse for not becoming informed. This volume makes for a great deal of jaunty, intelligent reading. And it has fantastic pictures.

Taiwan is a fascinating place, and yet for various reasons (chief among them the fact that the government has no idea how to promote itself) it remains obscure and off the proverbial beaten track. What a shame, as there really is a lot to see and do. Places like Toroko Gorge, Jade Mountain, Taiwan's east coast, and the country's engaging collection of attractive islands in both the Taiwan Strait (Kinmen is a mere two kilometers off the coast of China's Fujian Province, for example) as well as the Pacific Ocean are all must-sees for anyone looking for something different in Asian travel. Living in Taipei, like I do, it is easy to forget that although half of the country is urbanized and - it must be said - quite ugly, the other half ranges from agreeable to stunning. A two to three week jaunt around Taiwan, with this Rough Guide in your hand, would make for a unique, once in a lifetime experience. Unless, of course, you were to do it twice.

Troy Parfitt, author

This book has all of the sights and activities that you would want to have but, the layout is poor. I found it difficult to use the book as a reference. It was time consuming to sift through the book to find where that particular sight was, most were not included in the index. I made it more useful by using bookmarks that I could turn to quickly to locate the sights.

Also, they included shopping as a seperate item so, if you are visiting a sight, you had to sift, again, through the book to the shopping category to see what shops surround that temple you are visiting. And vica verca, This can be tedious

I bought this book while researching for a trip we're planning to Taiwan later in the year. I checked out 4 or 5 different guides from the library and after reading through them all I bought this one because I felt I would like to take it with me. It's better organized than the Lonely Planet Taiwan guide, but written with the same general target audience in mind -- the independent traveler. I enjoy doing the research, and would rather get lost and find something really neat than be on a packaged tour. I was in Taiwan several years ago and this book has been helpful for me to reacquaint myself about Taipei and Taiwan -- and see how much things have changed!

The book has mini glossaries in each section that gives the Chinese characters and pinyin pronunciations for places and points of interest described in that section. This is very useful, but might be more useful if they were listed in the text where these places are described rather than being listed separately.

Oh, and if you're concerned about weight, at 500g (17.6 oz) this book has the lightest weight per page count (584 pgs) of all the Taiwan books I've read! The Lonely Planet Taiwan guide weighs less (360g, 12.7 oz), but also has over 100 fewer pages than this book.

I'll update this review after the trip to report on its accuracy and usefulness "in the field" but so far I find it pleasant to read and easy to find things.

I went to Taipei for the 1st time a year ago. not knowing much and with only this guide on hand it really help be get by during my stay.
It has really helpful maps, places to see, eat, shop, museum infomations.
There's also a a lot of helpful info that explains
- you must bring a bag or purchase one when shopping at most shops because of enviromental reasons they don't like wasteage
- all public transportation closes at midnight
- it is not customery to tip (I did this and the waitresses would just chase after you to give you back your money)

I travelled around Taiwan armed with both this book and the latest edition of Lonely Planet.
Both were very good, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Rough Guide. I found it just as good for practical info, but it is much more detailed, covering activities like hiking, and in general exploring off the beaten track, in far greater detail.
It also has excellent, insightful and up to date background info on various interesting subjects, such as religious life and aboriginals.
Can't recommend it highly enough.

I bought this guide for a trip to the Republic of China I made last year -not solo, but I'll keep this review a 1st person's perspective. I like to have a second opinion on my travels so I also took Taipei In A Day Includes: Taiwan From A To Z, First Edition along with it. Normally I'd get the LP but I had 2 reasons for not doing so: the negative reviews and the LP travel pack syndrome (which I paraphrase as the syndrome of the 1st time visitor to a popular destination for which there seems to be only 1 guidebook available). So armed with these 2 guides and as much information I could muster from the internet I set off on a journey ...

The RG to Taiwan is divided in:
* Colour section: Including 30 places not to be missed (there're more colour photos inside the guide proper).
* Basics: Travel preparations, health matters, culture, safety, holidays, and such.
* Guide: The guide proper, divided in 6 practical geographical sections.
* Contexts: History, religion, social issues, recommended readings, etc.
* Language: Basics of mandarin chinese.
* Travel store: List of RG titles.
* Index.

The writing is clear and you get a good idea of what to expect of the places being described; it's a bit too enthusiastic, but not annoying. Every city has a comprehensive list of acommodations, bars and restaurants. I made online reservations in advance (except for the city of Taichung), but I'm glad my favourite place, the Youth Activity Center in Sun Moon Lake, is listed. Eating out in Taiwan seems like a national sport, and I was appreciative of the guiding that listing gave me, eg. where the Shilin (sp?) night market is (night markets were an interesting experience). It was also nice to have for once a guide where the prices listed matched (or nearly so) the ones I encountered; in some cases even exceded them (for they're mostly gathered during high season). Almost every acommodation & restaurant is showed on so-so maps, which are the weaker aspect of this guide. There's 2 things I don't like: Lack of coordinates on the bigger maps (especially since numbering doesn't always follows a pattern) and the lack of Chinese characters AT ALL on them. Let me rant on this one: It's humanely impossible to get around the jungle of a big Taiwanese city with a map that's written on a transliteration (the process of obliterating Chinese into Wade-Giles blabber) that no citizen barely understands. Taiwan has been in the process of adopting pinyin (the system used in mainland China) and it makes sense, now more than ever, to have the addresses written on traditional Chinese, since it's the only consistent writing you'll find in the island. On the plus side, pinyin & traditional Chinese are used extensively when a place is introduced, listing things like information, sights, and acommodation.

Another thing to consider is that there aren't day itineraries included in the book. I don't lament their absence, except for the idea they give onto what can be done on a balanced planning. The other book I carried, Taipei in a day, has them, but the author failed to research that they're actually doable, so I didn't get any idea from it either. Quite useful were, on the other hand, the advice, tidbits and insight into Taiwanese culture & everyday life, which, on lesser cases, might prevent you from revealing yourself as "too" tourist, or, on a much grander scale, help you land an important business accord (no, I didn't get that, I'm just speculating).

So, should you get this guide? Since I don't know you I can't tell (I'll happily answer questions you have about it, though), but if you do so, I'd recommed you ask the friendly staff of a tourist office a map of the places you're planning to visit (or if you're fluent enough, one from a stationery store).

I used both this book (2007 edition) and Lonely Planet Taiwan (2007 edition) on a recent trip. Both are very good. This would be my first choice, as it offers much more detail. But getting both would be a good idea, because each will have some things the other doesn't.

The section at the end of the book describing Taiwan's history, culture, religions and aboriginal peoples is a real bonus.

Unlike the Lonely Planet book, this one has a good index. The maps are also more detailed, but they lack a grid, so it can be a little slower finding things.

Chinese versions of names are relegated to separate tables. I would rather they were integrated with the text, as it's a bit of a guessing game what table to look in, and whether the name is there at all.

One little annoyance was that in the hotel listings, the price-range is printed in a light-brown ink that is impossible to read in dim light. And once you have read it, the table you need to decode it is perversely buried on page 35.