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Lizzie Evans | Travel & Nature

@wander_liz_

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Travel photographer and one half of Anxious and Travelling - the blog where we share travel guides for nervous people who want to see the world ✨

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This isn’t Thailand… this isn’t the Philippines… this is JAPAN 🇯🇵

To all my fellow nature lovers, adventure seekers, and pineapple eaters. This is your sign to come to Iriomote! (They really love pineapple here. Swipe through to see what I mean.)

A tropical island that’s covered in dense jungle, this hidden gem is filled with waterfalls, wildlife and wonder. Golden beaches backed by dramatic cliffs line the island, leading you down to the clear turquoise blue ocean.

Outdoor activities are the name of the game here. You can go kayaking through mangroves, scuba diving with manta rays, or take a guided nature walk through the jungle. And I’m serious, they will serve you pineapple with every single meal, plus an extra pineapple snack in the afternoon. (Not complaining, I love a juicy pineapple 😊)

The catch? It’s not the easiest place to get to. You have to take a flight, a bus and then a ferry to arrive from mainland Japan. Maybe that’s why it still feels so remote and unspoilt. It’s a perfect spot to get away from the crowds - there were often times when I was the only person on the beach.

It was so dreamy to float in the warm sea water with no one else around, listening to tropical birds singing in the jungle. I felt truly immersed in nature.

Have you been to any remote islands like this? Would you make the journey to Iriomote if you were in Japan?

Comment below - and follow for more because this is an Iriomote fan account now ✨

#beokinawa #visitokinawa #visitjapanjp #visitjapan_uk #iriomote #hiddengem #offthebeatentrack #naturelovers #naturephotography #travel #travelblogger #travelphotography #travelgram #remoteisland #unspoiltnature #conservation taken in Iriomote Island by @wander_liz_

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2 years ago

Santhiya resort on Koh Yao Yai ✨

I absolutely loved staying on this island! It’s a little away from the beaten track, but with easy access to loads of famous sights around Pha Ngang Bay.

This hotel felt really secluded and peaceful - it’s only accessible by boat from either Krabi or Phuket so it’s not totally overrun or crowded. The rooms are built into the side of the hill so you get amazing views out over the bay, especially from the bar and infinity pool.

It also has a gorgeous little beach where you can sip coconuts under the palm trees if that’s more your vibe. Watching the sunset from there was truly magical.

Everything here is made of wood and you’re surrounded by tropical plants and wildlife, so you really feel immersed in nature.

The only downside I would say is that they still use a lot of single use plastics here including straws and bottles, which is a shame because this would otherwise be a perfect eco retreat.

Be honest though, wouldn’t you rather be here right now? taken in Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa by @wander_liz_

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2 years ago

Sun Moon Lake ✨

Sun Moon Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan, and it’s easy to see why. The blue of the lake water surrounded by tall green mountains is a beautiful sight, and the temples here are gorgeous. Wenwu temple even has a bubble tea shop inside 🥰

For more information about visiting Sun Moon Lake, click the link I’m my bio to read our full Sun Moon Lake travel guide 🇹🇼
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#sunmoonlake #sunmoonlaketw #sunmoonlaketaiwan #sunmoonlaketaiwan🇹🇼 #sunmoonlakeview #nantou #nantoutaiwan #nantoutravel #nantoutrip #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwangram #exploretaiwan #visittaiwan #taiwanphoto #taiwanphotography #asiatravel #asiatrip #asiadestinations #travelphotography #travelguide #landscapephotography #sunmoonlaketrip #wenwutemple taken in Sun Moon Lake日月潭 by @wander_liz_

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7 months ago

Xitou nature park, Taiwan ✨

If you saw my last post, you already know about the Japanese monster-themed village in Xitou. But it also has a huge nature park which is easily accessible right from Xitou town.

Think forests, mountains, gardens, and a beautiful arched bamboo bridge. There’s longer hiking trails as well as shorter, easier paths so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery here.

If you can’t get to Alishan (the more famous forest area), I personally think Xitou & Sun Link Sea make a great alternative. The scenery is stunning, it’s much cheaper and easier to get to than Alishan, and you don’t have to worry about trying to book tickets in advance.

For more pics and info, you can read our full Xitou & Sun Link Sea travel blog at the link in my bio.

Is it just me, or does this scenery remind you of a traditional Chinese scroll painting?
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#xitou #xitouforest #xitounatureeducationarea #xitoutdoors #xitouforestrecreationalarea #xitouvillage #xitoutaiwan #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwanplaces #taiwanview #taiwanphotographer #taiwantourism #visittaiwan #exploretaiwan #asiatravel #asiatrip #asiadestinations #beautifuldestinations #travelphotography #naturephotography #landscapephotography #naturelovers #naturetravel #travelblog #travelblogger taken in Xitou Nature Education Area 溪頭自然教育園區 by @wander_liz_

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7 months ago

Xitou Monster Village is a delight for Ghibli fans ✨

This whimsical theme village can be found in the middle of a forest in Taiwan. It’s especially atmospheric at dusk, when the mists fall over the streets and the lanterns are lit up.

It’s small, but worth seeing if you’re in the area, and makes a fun base for visiting nearby Xitou and Sun Link Sea nature parks which are magical in their own right.

Curious about this weird and wonderful place? Visit the link in my bio to find out more.

The big question is: would you try the cat bite pie? 😅
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#xitoumonstervillage #xitou #xitouforest #xitounatureeducationarea #monstervillage #monstervillagetaiwan #mvillagexitou #sunlinksea #sunlinkseanaturepark #shanlinxi #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwanplaces #visittaiwan #exploretaiwan #asiatravel #ghiblivibes #ghibliaesthetic #ghibliplaces #ghiblilovers #studioghibliaesthetic #studioghiblivibes #uniqueplaces #naturelovers #experientialtravel #magicalplaces #travelblogger #taiwanguide taken in Xitou Monster Village by @wander_liz_

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7 months ago

The beauty of Sun Link Sea ✨

This nature park in the heart of Taiwan was one of our favourite places we visited. Beautiful waterfalls, magical misty forests, and gorgeous autumn leaves all in one place.

It’s less famous among western tourists than its neighbour Alishan, but we saw several Asian influencers conducting full on photo shoots here, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets to be a lot more popular in the near future.

For more pics and info about Sun Link Sea and how to visit, you can read our blog post at the link in my bio.

Which picture is your favourite? 📸
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#sunlinksea #sunlinkseaforest #sunlinkseanaturepark #sunlinkseataiwan #sunlinksea🍁🍂 #shanlinxi #shanlinxiforestrecreationarea #shanlinxiforest #shanlinxitaiwan #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwangram #taiwanphotography #taiwanview #taiwannature #taiwanplaces #taiwantravelguide #visittaiwan #exploretaiwan #beautifuldestinations #amazingplaces #discoverearth #travelphotography #naturetravel #naturelovers #landscapephotography #travelblogger #travelinspiration #asiatravel taken in 杉林溪森林生態渡假園區 Sun Link Sea by @wander_liz_

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7 months ago

Euro spring is finally here! ✨

It’s shoulder season, the sun is shining, the flights are cheap and it isn’t too crowded.

The 20 degree weather in the south of Spain last week was the perfect antidote for the winter blues.

Send this to someone who should take you here ASAP 🌴

(I had to interrupt my Taiwan content to make this important announcement but I’ll be back posting more of that trip next week ☺️)

Who else needs a little sunshine in their life right now?
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#eurospring #eurosummer #springishere #guadalest #guadalestvalley #calpe #altea #alteaspain #spain #spaintrip #spaintravel #spainiswonderful #europe #europetravel #europetrip #europedestinations #beautifuldestinations #wintersun #seasonaldepressionbegone #springtime #springsunshine #travelinspiration #followingthesun #travelblogger taken in Spain by @wander_liz_

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7 months ago

Fo Guang Shan temple and Buddhist museum, Kaohsiung, Taiwan ✨

I’ve visited a lot of different temples across Asia, but the Fo Guang Shan temple and Buddha museum is one of the biggest and most impressive I’ve ever seen.

It’s got a giant golden Buddha statues, an avenue of pagodas, a museum including Buddha relics, beautiful gardens, and countless halls and shrines to explore. Not to mention temple cuisine restaurants, a hotel, and even a Starbucks on site.

Fun fact - according to Wikipedia, this place has also won 3 national awards for its lavatories. Don’t ask me why, they seemed normal to me 🤷🏼‍♀️

To read more about how to visit and other things to do in Kaohsiung, head to the link in my bio.

Would you take the time to visit a place like this while travelling Taiwan?
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#kaohsiung #kaohsiungtaiwan #kaohsiung_city #kaohsiungcity #kaohsiungtravel #kaohsiungtrip #kaohsiungplaces #amazingkaohsiung #foguangshan #foguangshanbuddhamuseum #foguangshantemple #foguangshanbuddhamemorialcenter #taiwantemple #taiwan #taiwanplaces #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwangram #taiwanphotographer #amazingtaiwan #visittaiwan #asiatravel #taiwantravelguide #hiddengemtravel #experientialtravel #travelphotography #travelbloggers taken in Fo Guang Shan temple Dashu, Kaohsiung Taiwan by @wander_liz_

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7 months ago

Corners of Khaosiung ✨

One of my favourite things to do on my first day in a new place is just… wander. No itinerary, no big tourist attractions. Just exploring, seeing what the vibe is. Getting into all the little side streets where the locals go.

I think one of the reasons I loved Kaohsiung in Taiwan so much is because so many of those little local spots are just utterly charming.

To find out more about Kaohsiung and what you should do there, click the link in my bio for our full Kaohsiung travel guide 🇹🇼

Do you like to wander aimlessly around a new place, or do you prefer to have a solid plan from the get go?
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#kaohsiung #kaohsiungcity #kaohsiungtaiwan🇹🇼 #kaohsiungtrip #kaohsiungtaiwan #kaohsiungtravel #kaohsiunglife #kaohsiungguide #kaohsiungplaces #kaohsiungwheretogo #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwanplaces #taiwanplacestovisit #taiwantravelguide #exploretaiwan #visittaiwan #taiwangram #taiwantourism #taiwantour #asiadestinations #beautifuldestinations #asiatravel #hiddengemtravel #experientialtravel #sustainabletravels #travelinspiration #travelblogger #anxiousandtravelling taken in Kaohsiung, Taiwan by @wander_liz_

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7 months ago

Kaohsiung, Taiwan ✨

Located on the south coast, Kaohsiung is the second biggest city in Taiwan. It’s also my favourite of the cities we visited there.

It feels clean and spacious, it has easy access to nature, there’s loads to do (including a visit to Fo Guang Shan, one of the biggest Buddhist temple complexes I’ve ever been to) and there’s loads of great food. Not to mention the cute monkeys who live in the hiking area right next to the cities.

Click the link in my bio to read our full travel guide to Kaohsiung.
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#kaohsiung #kaohsiungcity #kaohsiung_city #kaohsiungtaiwan #kaohsiungtrip #kaohsiungtaiwan🇹🇼 #kaohsiungtravel #amazingkaohsiung #kaohsiungphotography #taiwankaohsiung #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwanplaces #taiwanview #exploretaiwan #visittaiwan #taiwanderer #taiwantravelguide #taiwangram #asiatravel #asiadestinations #beautifuldestinations #travelphotography #travelinspiration #travelblogger #hiddengemtravel #naturetravel #experientialtravel taken in Kaohsiung, Taiwan by @wander_liz_

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8 months ago

Kenting Forest Park, Taiwan ✨

This gorgeous nature park really has something for everyone.

Cool prehistoric coral caves? Check ✅
Amazing wildlife including native monkeys? Check ✅
Viewing platforms with incredible views? CHECK ✅

Kenting is a little bit out of the way on the very southern tip of Taiwan, but it’s worth the journey.

Visit the link in my bio to read our Kenting travel guide and find out why it deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

Which part of the park would you be heading to first?
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#kenting #kentingforestpark #kentingforestrecreationarea #kentingforestnationalpark #kentingtravel #kentingtrip #kentingtaiwan #kentingnature #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwanitinerary #taiwanplaces #taiwanplacetovisit #taiwander #exploretaiwan #visittaiwan #taiwannature #naturelovers #naturetravel #experientialtravel #asiatravel #asiadestinations #beautifuldestinations #travelblogger #hiddengemtravel #taiwantravelguide #taiwanview taken in Kenting, Taiwan by @wander_liz_

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8 months ago

Kenting national forest park ✨

As well as beaches, Kenting in Taiwan has some incredible hiking trails. We really loved visiting Kenting national forest park and Sheding nature park.

They’re both composed of huge fossilised prehistoric coral reefs which are now on land, covered in plants. The nature parks have hiking trails that wind through them, dipping down into deep caverns and gorges before re-emerging at the top for views over the peninsula. They’re packed full of amazing tropical plants and wildlife (including monkeys!), and hiking there was honestly spectacular.

If this looks like something you’d enjoy, visit our Kenting travel guide at the link in my bio for more pics and info.

Did you know that Taiwan had this much natural beauty?
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#kenting #kentingtravel #kentingtrip #kentingtaiwan #kentingnationalpark #kentingnationalforestrecreationarea #kentinghiking #kentingnature #taiwan #taiwantravel #taiwantrip #taiwanderer #taiwanderlust #exploretaiwan #visittaiwan #travelphotography #naturephotography #landscapephotography #wildlifephotography #travelblogger #naturelover #naturetravel #beautifuldestinations #asiatravel #travelinspi̇ration #hiddengemtravel #taiwanmonkeys taken in Kenting, Taiwan by @wander_liz_

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8 months ago