Welcome to Taiwan! Stone House, Hua Lien (Part 2)

 Here is my latest review for Stone House Minsu and the Hua Lien cabbie that i engaged.

As usual, i did my booking via E-mail. Auntie Liu remembered me (Not after some reminders) and is all pleased about me bring my dad there this time.

We also asked her to help link us up with Mr Chen Guang Fa, our previous Hua lien cabbie guide. Although reviews of Mr Chen has been doing down slope, we decided to try him again since he is associated with Stone House, Auntie Liu whom we had a very good experience with the other time.

On that day, she was at Hua Lien Station to receive us…She informed us that our guide for the day was Ah Bin –> Mr Chen’s Brother-in-law –> his disciple. Hmm..why am i not surprise? I’ve read in forums that “popular” Hua Lien cabbies are fond of introducing business to their so-called disciple. We decided to stay “Positive” and see how it goes.

Ah Bin was not as initiative as Mr Chen. FYI the rate that i paid was for Mr Chen (i did not get any discount when it turn out to be Ah Bin). It was more like a Q & A session. “Where is this place that we are going” “What is the name of this place?” these are the basic that we should be told right. Not prompted. If you didnt ask then too bad. . .

 Let’s just put it this way.. Ah Bin is not all bad. He was kinder than he looks. He is always looking out for us, encourage us to “go to the limit”. Ask for his opinion on things in Hua Lien and he would gladly offer his 2 cents worth.

I’d rate him:  2.5/5 tour leading skill,  3/5 for his service, 4/5 driving skill 

However, Mr Chen made up for lost time by meeting us at the “Sashimi” place (Fish Port). He apologies and explained that he brought 2 girls to Taroko today, the road is difficult and he is not confident of allowing others to do it. So he insisted on bringing them personally. Well, totally understandable.

Mr Chen is really friendly. He recognises us immeidately.

  

For NT50 per person, you get to enjoy a set of Sashimi. In our case, we had NT1500 of servings. I warn you, i am not a raw eater but these fishes are good ! No fishy-smell! AND SO CHEAP !!!!! Dad was so in love with the fishes that he asked if we can order fried fish.They will do it when there is a min of 3 fishes (true lah, if order 1 fish only they waste their oil). The cost for 3 fishes is 350NT if i remembered.IT WAS HEAVENLY GOOOOOOOOD.  Again, i am not a Fish-fan. But hell, these are really naturally sweeten fishes.

 

Stone House Minsu

Stone House was FULL HOUSE that day we arrived. All from Singapore. The power of word-of-mouth.

We have a family of 5, a young couple with 2 kids, 2 x a couple of youngsters, 2 girls …

 Auntie Liu was trying her best not to neglect anyone in the house. She is really hospitality. All of her guests are first-timers except us! We are like a walking advestisment because she kept telling eveyone in sight that this is our second time to the house. haha..

 This is our triple room. There is a sofa bed + queen bed. The toilet is very pretty! A cute bath tub~

The room has a balcony too.

P.s: I have introduced many of my friends/colleagues to Stone House and they all came back with good experiences. Quote my name when you are reserving a room, you might just get a cheaper rate O!

 i say might because it is my wisful thinking. ha

Initially, i was thinking if i should give other minsu a try since i have stayed with Stone house before. But because i am bringing dad this time, i don’t want anything to go wrong. I am certain that choosing Stone House would not go too wrong, hence i am sticking with it.

Of course, we tried the Fire Works too ! It’s totally the highlight !!!! This time, we bought NT1500 worth of stuff to put on the sky. We combined orders with 2 other girls, each of us paid NT300.

 Weather was a bit insane when we were there. As you can see dark clouds approaching. Thankfully, there was no major storm/rain, just light drizzling that would not bother anyone : )

At night, we went to the “largest” Hua Lien Night Market. Their formation is of a “triangle”. Maybe it was a weekday because it was not as happening as i thought it should be~

Hua Lien is famous for their “Muay Ji”. I personally don’t find it especially good lah. There are packed ones and freshly made ones that you can buy back.  

On your way to the train station, remember to buy 铁路便当 ! well, it’s just packet rice in Singapore terms. tsk tsk.

They recomend us a shop that is infront of the train staion (picture below).. buy it there instead of the 7-11 in the station!

There is even a promotion like buy before 1pm and you get a free Green/Red tea ! Super cool!

To book Stone House Min Su

Email: sutohome@gmail.com

Auntie Liu contacts: +886 933 485 552/ +886 932 345 151

Website:  http://www.netete.com/stone/

Remarks: a lot of you are confused at the rates stated on the website…  you just refer tothe charges for  假日 (weekends) 平日 (weekdays) 😀