Hope everyone enjoys the new film! If you've missed some of my other posts, well, I'm about a month behind on my editing. Got stuck in the UK after Taiwan waiting for my Canadian permanent resident card to show up, when it finally did I got to Canada and was ill for 2 weeks! Nothing serious but meant I got behind on my work. So there's gonna be an itinerary video of Taiwan and then a budget video, then I'm gonna finishing off the Africa series. Whether it's done in time before I go to New Zealand in 3 weeks, I'm not sure, it's gonna be tight. But then in the New Year the content is gonna be pouring out with one adventure after another, so excited to see how this channel's gonna grow in the next 12 months with everything I've got planned! Thanks for watching as always :)
I would have preferred if you had divided the videos up into max 20 minute videos as I don't want to watch this long for this particular format. Love your content though and no offence. Use itchyboots as an example.
I've been to Taiwan twice and I feel this video did an excellent job of capturing it. I went in 2012 and 2015 and it amazes that almost 10 years later Taiwan is still not on most Western tourist's radar. It's the perfect mix of South East Asia and East Asia.
“You are handsome, Taiwan Welcomes you very much!” - what a welcome translation 🤣 Awesome video mate! Love Taiwan 🇹🇼 thank you for sharing your experience 🙏
Loved the video! Taiwan was one of the first countries I visited and I agree it's crazy it's not higher on people's go-to lists, not surprised to see you do it justice. Makes me yearn to go back
I enjoy rediscovering the everyday landscapes and scenes I've grown accustomed to through the lens of foreigners. Thank you for capturing my country so beautifully.
Love the video Karl! I recently met a load of Taiwanese travelers while walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain and they convinced me that I should be moving Taiwan higher up on my travel to-do list. I can't wait to make it over there and experience it firsthand!
Been watching your vids since HK2NY. Love your style, personality, and overall video direction Karl. It's rare that I watch an entire 1-1.5 hr video on youtube these days, but I always prioritize your videos and thoroughly enjoy each one.
Very enjoyable for us to watch and relive our recent Taiwan circle trip. Mountains, farms, lakes, typhoons but no mention of 🌏quakes! We felt a 5.4. Shame you couldn't stop off at Shizhuo's trail network in the stunning tea plantations on your bus ride down from Alishan due to the circumstances. We found parts of Taiwan are not that easy for English speakers to get around and we relied heavily on Nick Kembel's guides on 'Taiwan Obsessed', which you may already know about, and Google Translate for menus all the time. We loved the Taiwan branded beer and how vegetarian friendly Taiwan was too, although that's not one of your concerns😋 You'll have to go back for Mount Hehuan and Shizhou one day when it's not typhoon season.
Thank you, Karl, for sharing your solo backpacking adventure of beautiful Taiwan which we found to be fantastic! We followed you for the entire one hour 16 minutes video and we couldn’t be more in awe of everything you did along the way. You showed us how gorgeous Taiwan is! My husband and I both enjoy traveling the world but unfortunately we have not been there yet. It is time to visit that beautiful country, thanks to your wonderful adventures!
Loved it! Can’t wait to visit Alishan and Kenting next year now after seeing this! Was great to catch up with you in Taipei and watch the Taipei 101 fireworks. Thanks for sharing in our Facebook group too ❤, Caroline and Neil
Always the best travel videos on youtube by far. Really enjoyed this one as i havent seen any other travel vids on this destination & its unusual to see something so unique. And whilst i really enjoy the group tours i think theres something a bit special and more spontaneous about solo travels. Fab video!
@@sarahcashmore6736 agreed, not sure there is a you tuber out there where his fans really want him to smash it and watch the subs go up up up. Best content on you tube by far, no matter the destination
This trip is a great contrast to the many other videos you have created, I enjoyed the raw recording as a backpacker might see and record. Very enjoyable and a good description re the visits if this Island, Thank you for your hard work to organise and I'm sure it will be a useful journey hotter to those who follow. Great work,
I turned 30 this year and already I feel you when it comes to young backpackers under 25 looking at their phone when they should be living in the moment 🤣 great vid as always Karl! Definitely have to check out Taiwan one day 🙌
Great video, looks amazing. Definitely on my list of places to go. A few years back I put together an itinerary doing a loop around the island but haven’t yet got around to going
Love your videos Karl! I'm at the tail end of my own 9 months around the world trip (22 countries, 4 continents), which was very much inspired by yours. I went to some different countries than you and James did, although I definitely had some overlap with your itinerary as well (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Argentina and my final country Peru coming up. Actually gonna do the Inca Trail there which I've also wanted to do since seeing your video). I've been telling everyone I met along the way that I was inspired by your videos and recommending your channel. One guy said I should comment on one of your videos about how I've been inspired so here we are! Also for some other locations during my trip where I went I've been looking at your videos for inspiration as well (Colombia and Jordan for instance). Keep it up, I'm always excited for new videos and your new trips! Love what you're doing and thank you for inspiring me to do my own 9 months backpacking around the world trip. I was in Taiwan in 2017 and enjoyed it so much. Such an amazing country.
Oh wow that’s amazing Jay! Sounds like you’re on one hell of an adventure. Thanks for spreading the word about the channel and good luck with the Inca Trail 😊👍
Another excellent video. Hopefully you got to play hyperdarts at Meander hostel and try the Taiwan Beer Honey flavored beers. They’re better than Japanese beers.
Hey Karl! I always get excited when I see a new video uploaded by you. Hope you're doing well in Winnipeg. I didn't even know you've never been to Taiwan before. It's such a beautiful country! Thanks for the upload.
Amazing as always mate. I have to say that I miss your solo backpacking trips so this was great to see. Don’t get me wrong,I enjoy all of your videos,but this just gives me a nostalgia feel I guess as this style of videos is how I found you and became a fan. This goes right in to my top 5 videos of yours. I took my wife here for a surprise last year and we absolutely loved it too
Hey Karl, I watch your videos since the HK2NY series and I absolutely love your videos. Always feels like I did the trip myself. Keep going. Hope we see a lot of more videos coming from you.
Love all of your Videos! Great Stuff about Taiwan! About Alishan: I had the same experience in March this year...there was 5 days constant rain and i couldn't enjoy it! We need to go back ;)
Wow, they have amazing art on the buildings. Just some stunning scenery, too. Why do the people go to places to view sunsets but play on their cps🤦♀️. Boggles the mind. Sad things didn't always work out but for those who wish to go there then they can see what area's work and where not to go on certain days. Another fantastic trip I enjoyed very much. Thanks, Karl. 😊 might see you depending on where you are heading in New Zealand!
what you say about the east coast being less populated is not 100% correct. the main reason is, the mountains are much closer to the ocean, leaving less space for settlements. especially between hualien and yilan, there are around 2 larger settlements, not many people. west of the mountains are huge flat areas. i also was in taiwan a few weeks ago, i arrived just before the typhoon kong-rey hit the island and i was stuck in my stay in hualien for 2 days because of it, the building was even shaking. btw the taroko gorge isnt closed completely you can enter during specific hours but the damage is heavy, i went there each time during my 6 visits before and i felt devestated by the views i got last time. the rangers told me it will take years to repair the damage
Awesome as always. I didn't know much about visiting until now. Stay safe & hopefully you do another screening in Brixton if you are back over in the UK.
@10:00 Isn't that just a mini version of Japanese okonomiyaki? It even says まるまる焼 behind them in Japanese. Taiwan was a colony of Japan for many years after all, and still has many strong ties to the country.
Yet again karl, you've made me wanna travel to a place that i never before thought I should ever should go to, it looks amazing..where's james at..? Later bro, safe travels
Loved the video, production is up to you usual super high standards. However it did feel a bit rushed so not sure it inspired me to visit Taiwan unlike most of your previous trips.
Haha, you said 'xiao long bao' just like a local! Interesting fact, well my father says so...Chiang Kai-shek came from the same village as my great-grandparents back in China. Also, mandarin sounds real good on you😄, you did really well with the tones.
Love your videos Karl. Agree with your comment - sometimes you just need to enjoy a beer! Looking forward to you coming to NZ. Look up Matt and Nat Travel That if you are in Marlborough 😀
48:24 👀 While on these trips, you should make a couple 10 minute side videos show casing the food at the night markets in one, and the costs in the other.
Your videos get better and better and better. It’s a treat to watch them. I only have one criticism about this one: the follow me drone footage looks cheap, and Karl’s videos never look cheap . Just my two cents. I could only dream of making videos to your level. Again Thank you for the great views, music and narration. ❤
Yeah the lens quality on the DJI Neo isn’t quite up to the quality I’d like, BUT it means I can get some nice shots like that soooo quick and easy, that it’s a worthy sacrifice if used sporadically. Still use other drone for the aerial scene setting shots. I’m sure they’ll upgrade the lens on it in a year or two
Hope everyone enjoys the new film!
If you've missed some of my other posts, well, I'm about a month behind on my editing. Got stuck in the UK after Taiwan waiting for my Canadian permanent resident card to show up, when it finally did I got to Canada and was ill for 2 weeks! Nothing serious but meant I got behind on my work.
So there's gonna be an itinerary video of Taiwan and then a budget video, then I'm gonna finishing off the Africa series. Whether it's done in time before I go to New Zealand in 3 weeks, I'm not sure, it's gonna be tight.
But then in the New Year the content is gonna be pouring out with one adventure after another, so excited to see how this channel's gonna grow in the next 12 months with everything I've got planned!
Thanks for watching as always :)
Taiwan > Canada nowadays
Hi Karl,
See u in NZ!
I would have preferred if you had divided the videos up into max 20 minute videos as I don't want to watch this long for this particular format. Love your content though and no offence. Use itchyboots as an example.
Wow! I can't wait to see more🧭🗺🗺!
Wait, you live in Winnipeg now? We should meet up in Canada and chat all travel lol!
I've been to Taiwan twice and I feel this video did an excellent job of capturing it.
I went in 2012 and 2015 and it amazes that almost 10 years later Taiwan is still not on most Western tourist's radar.
It's the perfect mix of South East Asia and East Asia.
“You are handsome, Taiwan Welcomes you very much!” - what a welcome translation 🤣 Awesome video mate! Love Taiwan 🇹🇼 thank you for sharing your experience 🙏
Haha cheers buddy appreciate it
My goodness, your 1st timer vlog of Taiwan beats the thousands of Taiwan vlogs out there. Amazing !
Thanks 😊
Thank you Karl for taking up the suggestion and visiting Taiwan! Your vlog totally captures the beauty of Taiwan. 🇹🇼 Cheers!
Cheers 😊
Loved the video! Taiwan was one of the first countries I visited and I agree it's crazy it's not higher on people's go-to lists, not surprised to see you do it justice. Makes me yearn to go back
I love Taiwan! The people and the scenery are great!
one of my bucket list Taiwan
I enjoy rediscovering the everyday landscapes and scenes I've grown accustomed to through the lens of foreigners. Thank you for capturing my country so beautifully.
Thank you perfect timing. We fly out tomorrow from Vancouver for two weeks of exploring by car.
Welcome to Taiwan! Be careful when driving, though. We Taiwanese can be very combative behind wheels.😅
@@mariposabay4006 Thank you. I can't imagine it can be worse than India, Cairo or Malta 😃
Love the video Karl!
I recently met a load of Taiwanese travelers while walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain and they convinced me that I should be moving Taiwan higher up on my travel to-do list. I can't wait to make it over there and experience it firsthand!
Cheers! 😊 hope you enjoy it there as much as I did
Perfect timing! My flight to Taiwan is on December 1st. Also a solo trip for 2 weeks. Going to get some last minute inspiration:)
Hope you have a great time!
Been watching your vids since HK2NY. Love your style, personality, and overall video direction Karl. It's rare that I watch an entire 1-1.5 hr video on youtube these days, but I always prioritize your videos and thoroughly enjoy each one.
Thanks very much 😊
Very enjoyable for us to watch and relive our recent Taiwan circle trip. Mountains, farms, lakes, typhoons but no mention of 🌏quakes! We felt a 5.4. Shame you couldn't stop off at Shizhuo's trail network in the stunning tea plantations on your bus ride down from Alishan due to the circumstances.
We found parts of Taiwan are not that easy for English speakers to get around and we relied heavily on Nick Kembel's guides on 'Taiwan Obsessed', which you may already know about, and Google Translate for menus all the time.
We loved the Taiwan branded beer and how vegetarian friendly Taiwan was too, although that's not one of your concerns😋
You'll have to go back for Mount Hehuan and Shizhou one day when it's not typhoon season.
Hell yeah, i’m in Japan right now and gonna be in Taiwan in two weeks, perfect timing Karl, can’t wait to watch this at the airport haha
Enjoy! 😊
We welcome all to explore our beautiful country, cheers from Kaohsiung!!!
I enjoyed this! I've lived in Taiwan for 23 years and love it here. It's always great to watch people having their first taste of it.
Thanks Karl. Taiwan is now on my radar as a must do trip! It looks really approachable as well as lovely and interesting. Well done.
Lived here for 2 1/2 years and an expat.. LOVE IT!
Thank you, Karl, for sharing your solo backpacking adventure of beautiful Taiwan which we found to be fantastic! We followed you for the entire one hour 16 minutes video and we couldn’t be more in awe of everything you did along the way. You showed us how gorgeous Taiwan is! My husband and I both enjoy traveling the world but unfortunately we have not been there yet. It is time to visit that beautiful country, thanks to your wonderful adventures!
Loved it! Can’t wait to visit Alishan and Kenting next year now after seeing this! Was great to catch up with you in Taipei and watch the Taipei 101 fireworks. Thanks for sharing in our Facebook group too ❤, Caroline and Neil
Cheers guys! Loved spending time with you in Taipei :)
I lived here for five years and this brought back so many good memories. Thank you!
As a local, was excited for Taiwan’s film!
Really enjoy watching this film as always!!
Always the best travel videos on youtube by far. Really enjoyed this one as i havent seen any other travel vids on this destination & its unusual to see something so unique. And whilst i really enjoy the group tours i think theres something a bit special and more spontaneous about solo travels. Fab video!
Thanks 😊
@@sarahcashmore6736 agreed, not sure there is a you tuber out there where his fans really want him to smash it and watch the subs go up up up. Best content on you tube by far, no matter the destination
This trip is a great contrast to the many other videos you have created, I enjoyed the raw recording as a backpacker might see and record. Very enjoyable and a good description re the visits if this Island, Thank you for your hard work to organise and I'm sure it will be a useful journey hotter to those who follow. Great work,
Definitely putting Taiwan on my to-go list now!
Awesome travelogue of Taiwan! Thanks for sharing!
I turned 30 this year and already I feel you when it comes to young backpackers under 25 looking at their phone when they should be living in the moment 🤣 great vid as always Karl! Definitely have to check out Taiwan one day 🙌
Great video, looks amazing. Definitely on my list of places to go. A few years back I put together an itinerary doing a loop around the island but haven’t yet got around to going
Great job again Karl! Your filming is fantastic! Really enjoyed this and I had no idea Taiwan was so beautiful! 👍🏻
Thanks 😊
Welcome to my hometown ❤
Great video! I am so ready for 3 weeks there.
love TAIWAN
i;m here right now, what great timing!
tuning in to steal your itenerary! 🤠
Love Taiwan.. made me want to go back
Amazing! Taiwan is amazing 🙂
Love your videos Karl! I'm at the tail end of my own 9 months around the world trip (22 countries, 4 continents), which was very much inspired by yours. I went to some different countries than you and James did, although I definitely had some overlap with your itinerary as well (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Argentina and my final country Peru coming up. Actually gonna do the Inca Trail there which I've also wanted to do since seeing your video). I've been telling everyone I met along the way that I was inspired by your videos and recommending your channel.
One guy said I should comment on one of your videos about how I've been inspired so here we are! Also for some other locations during my trip where I went I've been looking at your videos for inspiration as well (Colombia and Jordan for instance). Keep it up, I'm always excited for new videos and your new trips! Love what you're doing and thank you for inspiring me to do my own 9 months backpacking around the world trip.
I was in Taiwan in 2017 and enjoyed it so much. Such an amazing country.
Oh wow that’s amazing Jay! Sounds like you’re on one hell of an adventure. Thanks for spreading the word about the channel and good luck with the Inca Trail 😊👍
Great video. You had a lot of bad luck, but you still made it look like a great place to travel to. The countryside looked amazing.
Cheers 😊
Another excellent video. Hopefully you got to play hyperdarts at Meander hostel and try the Taiwan Beer Honey flavored beers. They’re better than Japanese beers.
32:04 - that part of the park looks like a scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Beautiful area.
Nothing I enjoy more than a Saturday morning coffee in front of a new Karl Watson upload 😉
☕️👍
Super excited for this video!
First, planning a cycle around Taiwan currently so this is perfect timing Karl! Thank you!
That'll be an awesome trip! :)
@@karlwatsondocs I can't wait! Thanks again for the stellar content as always good sir.
Hey Karl! I always get excited when I see a new video uploaded by you. Hope you're doing well in Winnipeg. I didn't even know you've never been to Taiwan before. It's such a beautiful country! Thanks for the upload.
Yeah it’s an amazing place! 😊
Great, as always. I never knew anything about Taiwan at all tbh apart from a bit of the history… until now 😊
Karl's thumbnails for his videos always look like he is on the run in some foreign country and only just got out of the shower..
Haha that still is from when I was hiking in Yuli
Great video Karl as always. Exciting for your trip to NZ. Hope you will met up with Matt, he is absolute legend.
yep will be! :)
This was very entertaining! Thanks!
My favourite fellow winnipeger going to one of the first places i travelled on my own to. Love it
Missed these films, captured the vibe perfectly as always ;) looking forward for what's to come!!
Amazing as always mate. I have to say that I miss your solo backpacking trips so this was great to see. Don’t get me wrong,I enjoy all of your videos,but this just gives me a nostalgia feel I guess as this style of videos is how I found you and became a fan. This goes right in to my top 5 videos of yours. I took my wife here for a surprise last year and we absolutely loved it too
Cheers! There's only gonna be 1 tour a year now anyway so there'll be lots more random adventures
Karl back to solo backpacking!!! This is gonna be locked in like Jordan in 97, Gretzky in 86, and Tiger in 2000🔥🎯🔥
Cracking documentary, another country to add on my bucket list. Bring on Sri Lanka!
Hey Karl, I watch your videos since the HK2NY series and I absolutely love your videos. Always feels like I did the trip myself. Keep going. Hope we see a lot of more videos coming from you.
Thanks for watching all this time! Loads more videos coming :)
Been waiting for this to drop as I've caught up on all the old videos I missed when I lost my phone. Hope your good Karl 👍
Cheers 👍
You've done it again, the quality goes up, as usual. I don't watch many things on RUclips over 30 minutes but you're I could watch all day.
Thanks very much :)
Here for it! Love your work.
Great video mate, amazing destination too, filmed and edited top notch as always. Enjoy your videos man.. all the best for future adventures.
Thanks :)
Welcome to Taiwan.
❤🎉
Honestly Karl, your videos are just quality. Another great one👍👍👍
Thanks 😊
The alcohol at 21:44 is usually used as a cooking wine instead of for drinking which might explain the flavor lol
Love all of your Videos! Great Stuff about Taiwan!
About Alishan: I had the same experience in March this year...there was 5 days constant rain and i couldn't enjoy it! We need to go back ;)
Taiwan welcomes you 😊
35:46 The weather this year is quite strange, there are a lot of typhoons even though it's already October.
welcome to Taiwan 😀
Wow, they have amazing art on the buildings. Just some stunning scenery, too. Why do the people go to places to view sunsets but play on their cps🤦♀️. Boggles the mind. Sad things didn't always work out but for those who wish to go there then they can see what area's work and where not to go on certain days. Another fantastic trip I enjoyed very much. Thanks, Karl. 😊 might see you depending on where you are heading in New Zealand!
Great video!
Welcome back to NZ!
Been waiting for this one
Awesome as usual 👍❤
Thanks 😊
what you say about the east coast being less populated is not 100% correct. the main reason is, the mountains are much closer to the ocean, leaving less space for settlements.
especially between hualien and yilan, there are around 2 larger settlements, not many people. west of the mountains are huge flat areas.
i also was in taiwan a few weeks ago, i arrived just before the typhoon kong-rey hit the island and i was stuck in my stay in hualien for 2 days because of it, the building was even shaking.
btw the taroko gorge isnt closed completely you can enter during specific hours but the damage is heavy, i went there each time during my 6 visits before and i felt devestated by the views i got last time.
the rangers told me it will take years to repair the damage
Another amazing video
Fantastic video!!!
Amazing film👏👏
🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫 We like to keep it a secret how beautiful Taiwan is.
I totally agree with you about the phone. It’s insane to go up there and not take in the views, but instead stare at their phones.😂
Awesome as always. I didn't know much about visiting until now. Stay safe & hopefully you do another screening in Brixton if you are back over in the UK.
Cheers, not sure when the next screening will be
Great video as always.
@10:00 Isn't that just a mini version of Japanese okonomiyaki? It even says まるまる焼 behind them in Japanese. Taiwan was a colony of Japan for many years after all, and still has many strong ties to the country.
Yay for coming back to Aotearoa 🎉 i hope Jaime enjoys all our country has to offer
So good Karl!
Thanks 😊
Awesome as always 😊❤
😊👍
Yet again karl, you've made me wanna travel to a place that i never before thought I should ever should go to, it looks amazing..where's james at..? Later bro, safe travels
He's in Bristol but he maybe about to have a change of scenery, if it happens there'll be a future video about it
Welcome to Taiwan😍😍
Amazing ❤
🎉🎉🎉welcome to my hometown Yuli😊😊
Loved the video, production is up to you usual super high standards. However it did feel a bit rushed so not sure it inspired me to visit Taiwan unlike most of your previous trips.
Thank You Karl for Another Amazing and Awesome Adventure🙂Wishing You Safe Travels from New Brunswick Canada🙂💙👍
Cheers 😊
Haha, you said 'xiao long bao' just like a local! Interesting fact, well my father says so...Chiang Kai-shek came from the same village as my great-grandparents back in China. Also, mandarin sounds real good on you😄, you did really well with the tones.
I dunno I’m sure there’s some place names I butchered in the video 😜🙈
“This brown egg looks a bit off-putting…So I’m going straight into it 😄” 😂😂😂😂😂
The mystery food Karl ate at 10:11 looks a lot like okonomiyaki, the Japanese savory pancake of fried foods.
Love your videos Karl. Agree with your comment - sometimes you just need to enjoy a beer! Looking forward to you coming to NZ. Look up Matt and Nat Travel That if you are in Marlborough 😀
48:24 👀
While on these trips, you should make a couple 10 minute side videos show casing the food at the night markets in one, and the costs in the other.
Nice one 💪🏼. When's the tour 😉
Haha 😊
@@karlwatsondocsHow you getting these walking shots did you snap up a dji neo or something?
@@richardlphillips yeah DJI Neo, super useful for getting quick shots like that
@@karlwatsondocs Sweet
Crazy crazy crazyy🎉
Gutted I couldn’t be on this! Next time for sure bud! You made me laugh with the I did “things”
You’d have loved the food, hated the stairs. And there were lots of stairs.
@ I was just going to say “my kind of hike” what the 19 million steps 😂😂😂
Jason Bourne taking care of business at the balloon game haha
Bro, name the soundtrack at 23:50. Awesome content by the way. I still reminder your 9 months epic South Asia trip. Keep motivating us.
Your videos get better and better and better.
It’s a treat to watch them.
I only have one criticism about this one: the follow me drone footage looks cheap, and Karl’s videos never look cheap . Just my two cents.
I could only dream of making videos to your level.
Again Thank you for the great views, music and narration.
❤
Yeah the lens quality on the DJI Neo isn’t quite up to the quality I’d like, BUT it means I can get some nice shots like that soooo quick and easy, that it’s a worthy sacrifice if used sporadically. Still use other drone for the aerial scene setting shots. I’m sure they’ll upgrade the lens on it in a year or two
@ exactly what I thought.
Cheers.
Finally sorted the fringe out Karl 🙏🤣
You didn’t get a chance to visit Taroko national park 😔 Next time! 😊