For a Taipei day trip centered on nature and flavour, Yehliu Geopark is a must-visit. Famous for its Queen’s Head rock formation and other dramatic rock formations shaped by the sea, this geopark on Taiwan’s northern coast offers a unique blend of geology and coastal culture. After exploring the park, the real treat for many visitors is the fresh, local seafood at Yehliu Fishing Harbor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best food and restaurants in Yehliu Geopark day trip, with practical tips tailored for Singaporeans planning a short getaway.
Why Yehliu Geopark is a Great Taipei Day Trip
Yehliu Geopark is one of the most iconic natural attractions in northern Taiwan. Its dramatic coastline, shaped over thousands of years by seawater erosion and weathering, features formations like the Queen’s Head, mushroom rocks, honeycomb rocks, and candle rocks. For Singaporeans used to cityscapes, this ‘Mars-like’ rocky environment is a refreshing contrast and a photographer’s dream.
A day trip to Yehliu from Taipei is easy and affordable, taking about 1–1.5 hours by car or public transport. Many visitors combine it with nearby spots like Fulong Beach, Jiufen, or Shifen, making it a perfect half- to full-day itinerary. After walking the park’s boardwalks and marvelling at the geology, the next highlight is almost always the food at Yehliu Fishing Harbor, where fresh seafood is the star.
Best Time to Visit Yehliu Geopark
The best time for a Yehliu Geopark day trip is spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), when temperatures are mild and rainfall is lower. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings strong winds and cooler weather, especially along the exposed coast.
For the best light and photos, aim to arrive at the geopark in the morning and head to the harbor for lunch or early dinner. Sunset at Yehliu Fishing Harbor is particularly beautiful, with golden hour lighting the boats and sea – a great time to enjoy a seafood meal with a view.
Getting to Yehliu from Singapore
From Singapore, fly to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) with airlines like Singapore Airlines, Scoot, or EVA Air. Flight time is about 4–5 hours. Once in Taipei, you can reach Yehliu by:
- Private car or taxi: ~1–1.5 hours from central Taipei; convenient for families or groups.
- Public transport: Take the MRT to Danshui, then transfer to a bus (e.g., 862 or 790) to Yehliu. Total travel time is about 1.5–2 hours.
- Organized tour: Many Taipei day tours include Yehliu, Fulong, and Jiufen, which is ideal if you prefer a hassle-free experience.
For Singaporeans, it’s helpful to know that Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). As of late 2025, 1 SGD is roughly 22–23 TWD. Many restaurants and shops in tourist areas accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors and street food.
Top Food Experiences in Yehliu Geopark Day Trip
The highlight of any Yehliu day trip is the fresh seafood at Yehliu Fishing Harbor. The harbor is lined with restaurants that serve the day’s catch, often grilled, steamed, or stir-fried to highlight natural flavours. Here are the must-try foods:
1. Fresh Seafood Platters
Most restaurants offer mixed seafood platters featuring grilled fish, squid, shrimp, clams, and other shellfish. Prices vary by restaurant and the type of seafood, but a mid-range meal for two typically costs around 1,500–2,500 TWD (about 65–110 SGD). Look for places with high turnover and a busy dining room – a good sign of freshness.
2. Three-Eyed Crab (San Hua Xie)
A local specialty in northern Taiwan, the three-eyed crab is often served steamed, stir-fried with garlic, or in a hot pot. It’s sweet, tender, and a favourite among locals and tourists alike. If you’re with a group, consider ordering one crab per person or sharing a larger platter.
3. Seafood Porridge and Soup
After a morning of walking, a warm bowl of seafood porridge or soup is comforting and satisfying. Many harbor restaurants serve these as set meals or à la carte. They’re usually light, flavourful, and perfect for cooler days.
4. Gelidium Jelly (Sea Moss Jelly)
A local treat often mentioned by visitors is Gelidium jelly, a cool, slightly sweet jelly made from seaweed. It’s refreshing on a hot day and a unique taste of Taiwan’s coastal cuisine. Not all restaurants serve it, so ask the staff if it’s available.
Best Restaurants Near Yehliu Geopark
While there are many seafood restaurants around Yehliu Fishing Harbor, here are some of the most recommended options based on visitor reviews and local tips:
1. Fisherman’s Kitchen (漁人廚房)
Located at 薆悅酒店野柳渡假館 (Avery Hotel Yehliu Resort), Fisherman’s Kitchen is a popular choice for both locals and tourists. It’s known for its fresh seafood, clean environment, and good service. The menu includes grilled fish, crab, prawns, and soups, with prices in the mid-range (around 800–1,500 TWD per person).
Insider tip: If you’re staying at or near the resort, this is a convenient and reliable option. For Singaporeans, the setting is more hotel-restaurant than rustic harbor shack, which some families prefer for comfort and hygiene.
2. Wanghaiting Seafood (望海亭海鮮)
Wanghaiting is a well-known seafood restaurant in Wanli, close to Yehliu. It has a solid reputation for fresh catches and generous portions. Dishes like grilled fish, stir-fried clams, and crab are popular choices.
Insider tip: It can get busy on weekends and holidays, so consider going early for lunch or making a reservation if possible. Prices are moderate, making it a good option for a family meal.
3. Qiao Yan Seafood Restaurant (巧宴海鮮餐廳)
Another solid choice in Wanli, Qiao Yan offers a mix of seafood and Taiwanese dishes. It’s praised for its friendly service and consistent quality. The menu includes a variety of fish, shellfish, and set meals that are great value for money.
Insider tip: Ask for the ‘today’s special’ or ‘chef’s recommendation’ – these are often the freshest and most reasonably priced options.
4. Local Harbor Eateries
Along Yehliu Fishing Harbor, you’ll find several smaller, family-run seafood restaurants. These are often less polished but can offer excellent value and authentic local flavours. Look for places with many locals dining and a simple, no-frills menu.
Insider tip: If you’re unsure, point to what others are eating or ask the staff to recommend a few dishes. Many staff in tourist areas understand basic English, and some may even speak a little Mandarin or Hokkien, which can help Singaporean visitors communicate.
Practical Dining Tips for Singaporeans
To make the most of your Yehliu Geopark day trip and dining experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Check opening hours: Many harbor restaurants open from late morning to early evening. If you’re planning a late dinner, confirm in advance or choose a hotel-based restaurant like Fisherman’s Kitchen, which may have longer hours.
- Vegetarian options: Seafood is the main focus, so vegetarian or vegan choices may be limited. It’s a good idea to ask the staff directly about available dishes or consider bringing snacks if you have strict dietary needs.
- Hygiene and safety: Stick to busy, well-reviewed restaurants to minimise food safety risks. For Singaporeans used to high hygiene standards, this is especially important when trying local street-style seafood.
- Budgeting: A comfortable seafood meal for two in a mid-range restaurant costs roughly 1,500–2,500 TWD. Factor in drinks, transport, and park entrance fees when planning your daily budget.
Connecting to Singapore: Property & Lifestyle Insights
Many visitors to Yehliu Geopark and northern Taiwan also consider Singapore for property investment or relocation. Singapore offers a stable, well-regulated real estate market with strong infrastructure, excellent schools, and a safe, multicultural environment – qualities that appeal to international families and investors.
For those exploring Asian real estate opportunities, Singapore can be a strategic choice for diversification. Whether you’re thinking of a second home, a vacation property, or a long-term investment, platforms like Homejourney help you compare options, understand financing (including current Bank Rates ), and find properties that match your lifestyle and budget.
