Nuomi Bridge, located in Guoxing, Nantou County, is also known as the Glutinous Rice Bridge. During Japan’s rule over Taiwan, its army used stone blocks mixed with glutinous rice, brown sugar and lime to build this bridge, hence its name. — NG KOK LEONG/The Star
THERE is more to Taiwan than meets the eye. Synonymous for boba tea, electronics manufacturing and its vibrant metropolis, unbeknownst to many, this island nation is also home to quiet scenic lakes, dramatic cliffs, stunning gorges and misty mountains.
A group of Malaysian photographers from various media were flown to Taiwan to explore and capture the beauty of its countryside for the biennial Taiwan Leisure Farm Malaysia Media Photography Competition.
This year’s edition of the competition, organised by Apple Vacations and Conventions and the Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association, aimed to promote Taiwan’s leisure farms as tourist destinations.
A woman enjoying the view from her window surrounded by colourful blooms at Flower Home, Miaoli.
The photographers were given a daily theme over a span of several days to capture the essence of these farms, including the people’s daily lives and the photogenic landscapes.
The competition saw them capturing snapshots at 20 locations across Yilan County, Nantou County, Taipei County and Keelung.
A man tending to his plants during his free time at Xin Feng Leisure Farm, Taiwan. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
“People always say that the best scenery in Taiwan involves its people,” said The Star photographer Low Lay Phon, who was one of the participants.
“I was fascinated by the people in Taiwan as they are passionate about their work and preserving their traditions and culture.”
The participants were judged based on the aesthetics and technicality of their work.
Five winners were selected at the end of the competition, while six others received special prizes in recognition of their efforts.
Toucheng Leisure Farm welcomes locals and foreigners to experience life in an agricultural setting. — NG KOK LEONG/The Star
There is nothing like the peace and quiet of the countryside at E-long Goat Farm, Yilan.
A forest of tall bamboo plants at Fu Tian Yuan Leisure Farm, creating a place of calm and tranquillity. (Right) A close-up of a dye-making process using natural ingredients at the farm. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
