UK-based precision engineering firm Renishaw has opened a new "significantly" larger facility for its Taiwan subsidiary in the Taichung City Precision Machinery Innovation Technology Park.

Formerly known as Formosa (the beautiful isle), Taiwan has a rich, natural landscape featuring mountains, rolling hills and coastlines. With its tropical, sub-tropical and temperate climates, in addition to its range of attractions including eco tourism, hot springs, excellent cuisine and shopping, golf courses, local culture and heritage, Taiwan has fast become a ‘hot’ destination for visitors in this region. GOLF went in search of some ‘must play’ courses in the country.

National Golf Country Club

This resort is situated in Yuanli Township and what’s quite unique about this 18-hole par-72 course is that a collection of original giant sculptures by the world-renowned sculptor, Yuyu Yang, are displayed throughout the 18-hole course, and at the corners and hallways of the First and Second Clubhouse.

A couple of holes are worth a mention – the par-4 6th is the most challenging hole especially during winter when the north wind comes into play – meaning that one should take the water hazard into account and tee off with a ‘draw’. While the south wind blows from the left to the right of the fairway, a fade can easily become an OB. The best landing spot at this hole is to the left half of the fairway. If you are short in distance while swinging, it is better to set a goal for three onto the green to avoid a bogey resulting from the water hazard or OB.

The par-3 5th hole lies in-between two protecting bunkers sitting to the left of the fairway. Yet another one is situated behind the green, which is guarded by a water hazard in front. Club selection is key here and beware of a strong crosswind.

Facilities include driving range, fully equipped conference rooms, luxurious wedding venues, accommodation, restaurants, recreational facilities such as gymnasium, swimming pool, chess and poolrooms, and private karaoke room.

No.1-1, Shizhen,

Yuanli Township,

Miaoli County 358

T: (+886) 3 7-743377

Sunrise Golf & Country Club

Officially opened in 1992, this is arguably the finest course in Taiwan. The championship Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed 18-hole par-72 course has beautiful landscaping, flora and fauna, challenging fairways and fast greens, and it has played host to numerous amateur and professional tournaments including the LPGA Taiwan Championship and the Taiwan Open. The signature 10th hole is a beauty. Like the 9th hole, it is characterized by a downward slanting fairway. The pond on the right side may seem like a serious hazard, but if the wind is not going against the driving direction, you will be safe if you drive from the area in front of the first and second bunkers. The downward slanting green can be easily conquered with a medium to short iron. Hole 12 is one of the more difficult holes in the course. It is designed with a longer fairway and narrower opening into the green. Nonetheless, the landing area for the tee-off shot is rather open and safe, so drive away but do remember to avoid the low terrain on the right side when you hit the second shot.

Facilities at the club include a Driving Range, accommodation, Conference Rooms and Chinese, Western and Japanese Restaurants. There are also 30 Recreation Facilities include Indoor & Outdoor Swimming pools, a Garden Villa, Fitness Center, Sauna & steam bath, SPA, Aerobics Room, Tennis Court and Basketball Court.

256 Yang Sheng Road

326 Yang Mei

Tao Yuan 32652

Ph: (+886) 3 478 0099

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www.sunrise-golf.com.tw

WHAT TO DO

There is so much to see and do away from the courses in Taiwan, so pack an appetite and a good pair of walking shoes to experience the rich culture and heritage, landscape and food that this country has to offer.

Check out the amazing cuisine - well-known Taiwanese snacks include oyster omelet, fried rice noodles, Tainan Danzai noodles, Taiwanese spring rolls and meatballs, rice tube pudding, pearl milk tea and braised pork rice, all readily available on the streets of Taipei and beyond.

For shopping, the day and night markets are perfect for clothes, snacks and handicrafts. There are also large shopping centres and department store chains which offer leisure and entertainment facilities in addition to wholesale warehouses, designer clothing, lifestyle products, bookstores and food outlets.

Taiwan is ranked among the world's top 15 hot spring sites, harbouring a great variety including hot springs, cold springs, mud springs, and seabed hot springs. Or try out Qigong, Zen meditation, Tai Chi, Naprapathy or Yoga.

Further afield there are wonderful national parks such as Yangmin Mountain, Taroko, Yu Mountain and Dongsha Atoll. There are also wonderful marine life and coral reefs to explore in a boat - particularly off the coast of Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung, where more than 60% of all whale and dolphin species that are found in Taiwan can be spotted.

If you want to learn more about the country’s fascinating history, visit the National Palace Museum, located in the outskirts of Taipei City. It is home to priceless artifacts that present the essence of China's 5,000 years of history. Chinese culture.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

There are a number of ways to fly direct to Taiwan from Singapore and these include China Airlines, EVA Air, JetStar Asia, Scoot, Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways.

Taiwanese president Ma Ying-Jeou has announced the government’s plans to invest NT$36 billion (US$1.11 billion) on promoting Productivity 4.0 over the next nine years so as to enhance the country’s industrial structure and global standing.