Instead of beach sunsets and lantern festivals, Taiwan’s new mega tourist attraction is … closed signs. From Taroko Gorge to Sun Moon Lake, and from Kenting National Park and down to Lugang Old Street, many of the country’s most well-known spots have temporarily been closed due to Typhoon Podul.
Where It Hit the Hardest
Taitung, on Taiwan’s southeast coast, is known for its dreamy postcard-worthy beaches and usually gets some love for the surf, sand, and sun. But when Podul nailed the island on August 14, that visceral beauty suffered. Winds pummeled the beach and created an incredibly battered area. Taitung was closed to tourists.
Just a stone’s throw from Taitung, the Sansiiantai Scenic Area, was being closed with the government warning of landslides and potential flash flooding. The local emergency rescue teams even began precautionary evacuations, which to many locals and travelers felt a bit premature, but better safe than sorry.
Cities That Felt The Ripple
Places like Kaohsiung and Tainan may not have taken the full impact but were hit by some but nevertheless impacted. Hotels, restaurants, and shops closed temporarily. Not for damage, but just safety! These beautiful places are known for temples, history and local charm.
Official Advisories
Officials have been very clear – “As long as you are not traveling from Taiwan to the South for no good reason, please don’t”. If travelers are already in Taiwan, they will have access to government shelters while organized relief teams make their way to the hardest-hit areas quickly. For those that will arrive shortly, just a simple reminder – check the airline schedules frequently and to double check your hotel reservations, as cancellations and changes have been made with little to no notice.
The Big Picture
Sure, Taiwan has faced storms in the past, but Podul stands as a stark reminder that it can happen anywhere, anytime (it can usually be avoided if you simply use common sense, but I digress). For now, it feels less about the “bucket list” sightseeing and more about staying safe, letting the cleanup happen, giving the island some space to recover, and waiting for the tourism to start up again.
