Try Taipei

Taiwan, initially, wasn’t in my list of countries to explore until I saw photos of some of my friends in Facebook that showed various things one can do and experience there.  And since it is relatively near(er), I immediately looked for the most affordable airline rate online to book for my birthday.  As usual, Cebu Pacific had the best offer for 2,000php per way.

Next was the visa processing and I was thrilled to discover that they offer a Travel Authorization Certificate (visa equivalent) for free to those with valid entry visa in certain countries including the US, which I have.  If qualified, all you have to do is accomplish the online application form and in a few clicks, you can print the document.

Because of the convenience of staying within the main shopping area that I experienced in my recent trip to (2)Seoul, I also searched for a property in the same area in Taipei, which is in Ximending.  I got a room for 3 nights in Beauty Hotel for 7,500php in total through HotelsCombined.

Next in my agenda are the tours to avail since it will be my first time in Taipei.  Klook, which has been my go-to site for booking tours and other travel needs, was there to serve its purpose.  I got the following deals that are cheaper than their normal rates and more convenient to arrange: airport to city car pool transfer for 492php, 3-day 4G SIM card for 492php, Shifen & Jiufen bus arrangement for 757php, Taipei 101 Observatory admission ticket for 839php, Northern Coast tour for 1,817php, city tour for 1,665php and a 1-way Taipei High Speed Railway service going back to the airport for 211php.

Below, you'll find my daily activities and photos taken during the trip.  Don't miss the last portion of this blog with my personal tips and feedback.

Day 1
1.  Modern Toilet - You can't be in Taipei and miss this original toilet-themed restaurant.  Their first branch is this one in Ximen. 

http://www.moderntoilet.com.tw/en/index.asp

2.  Taipei 101 Observatory - A signature skyscraper landmark of Taiwan, which was considered the tallest in the world until 2009 when Burj Khalifa snatched the title.

http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/index.aspx

http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/index.aspx 

Din Tai Fung flagship restaurant at the basement
level of Taipei 101

It also has the record of the world's fastest
passenger elevator

3.  Ximending - Shopping district that attracts the younger population, comparable to Myeongdong in Seoul.

4.  Shilin Night Market - Aside from shopping, this place showcases a variety of street foods, Taipei is known for.

Of the options available, stinky tofu is not to be missed,
but be warned on how it smells

Hot Star Chicken, which is getting popular here in the
country, is everywhere

Day 2 (Shine and Jiufen bus arrangement through Klook.com)

1.  Shine Old Streets - It is a collection of lanes and alleys in and around the Shifen railway station area but is more popular for releasing sky lanterns.  You will also find restaurants and souvenir shops around. 

2.  Jiufen - A town outside of Taipei city, which is a popular tourist area with great views, a historical market street, and wonderful street food.  It is also the inspiration for the famous anime movie 'Spirited Away'.

Day 3 (Morning: Taiwan's Northern Coast Tour through Klook.com; Afternoon: Taipei City Tour through Klook.com)
1.  Keelung City and Harbor - A major seaport in northern Taiwan.  Don't expect much as aside from the huge buddha, it's really just a city and a harbor.

2.  Yehliu Geopark - Offers an array of unique geological formations, with the 'Queen's Head' as the main attraction.  Along the way, you can also enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.

3.  Traditional Taiwanese Temple

4.  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall - A landmark and national monument erected in memory of Taiwan's founder, Chiang Kai-Shek. 

Changing of the guards ceremony

5.  Martyr's Shrine - Built to honor Taiwan's fallen soldiers.

Changing of the guards ceremony

6.  National Palace Museum - Home to the world's largest and finest collection of Chinese art.

My Personal Tips and Feedback:

     1.  Get a local SIM card instead of a WIFI device.  It is cheaper and you can also connect more devices through your phone’s hotspot feature.  You can get one from Klook.com and collect at the airport.

2.  Ximending is Taipei’s shopping district.  But unlike Myeong Dong in Seoul, it closes around midnight.

3.   Drop by Starbucks in Ximending as it may be their best looking branch in terms of interior.

4.   After years of being built, they recently opened the MRT service from airport to the city center and vice versa and if offering a 50% off promo until the end of March (pay only 80NT).

5.  The main (indoor) observatory in Taipei 101 is located at the 89^th floor.  Climb up to the 91^st floor using the stairs to each the outdoor observatory (although nothing much to see due to the walls).

6.  The sky lantern material in Shifen is re-cyclable so you will see village folks carrying those that have fallen back in the area.

7.  On the way to Jiufen, usually, the tour bus from the city will park at a certain parking area (Ninth parking) and you have to ride another bus to climb up.  Make sure you have exact fare of 15NT as the driver won’t give any change.  I ended up giving 50NT.

8.  Tour guides would usually mention that time when you need to be back at the parking are after exploring Jiufen.  Make sure you give enough time for you to travel back as bus lines tend to be long and the drive back to the parking area may take longer than usual due to the volume of vehicles driving through the steep up/downhill road.

9.  At Yehliu Geopark, go straight to the ‘Queen’s Head’ as the line can be lengthy.  Besides, it’s the most famous formation of them all.

10.  If you have enough time, try to allot a few hours and drop by Gloria Outlet Mall near the airport.  It is literally across the street from the Taoyuan MRT station, a few stations from the airport.

11.  There are very limited restaurant choices after immigration on your return flight so stuff your tummy even before arriving at the airport.