Taiwan : Itinerary + Budget Guide for First-Timers

Taiwan : Itinerary + Budget Guide for First-Timers

Taiwan, officially the Republic Of China, is formerly known as “Formosa” which means “beautiful” in Portuguese. It is located north of the Philippines.

Also, the fast becoming a favorite all over the word – pearl milk tea, or what some call bubble tea, started right here in Taiwan.

If you have the chance to fly in/out/around the Asia via Taiwan. Go for it! Make sure to spend a couple of days on exploring the country and different places around it.

Traveling to Taiwan for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

Get Started

How to get to Taiwan —
Touchdown at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport , which serves flights from Cebu (3 hours), Hongkong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, New York, London & more. From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Manila & Clark. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Xiamen, Eva Air and Cathay Pacific. Click below to see online prices on airport and city transfers.

🏷️ 19% OFF  Sedan Taoyuan Airport Transfers (TPE) for Taipei

🏷️ 33% OFF  Taoyuan Airport Private Transfers (TPE) for Taipei

🏷️ 6% OFF Taoyuan Airport Private Transfers (TPE) for Taichung

🏷️ 16% OFF Private Taoyuan Airport (TPE) Transfers for Cingjing or Sun Moon Lake

Always book your hotel early — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Check discounts and prices online  — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens until July 2020 — So happy to announce that Taiwan extended its visa-free entry to Filipino Tourists. Scroll down to the extra tips for the list of things you might need to prepare.

Taiwan 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ Taipei 101 Observatory E-Ticket” target=”_blank”>10% OFFTaipei 101 Observatory E-Ticket” target=”_blank”>  Taipei 101 Observatory E-Ticket

Spend 3 days or more — While it’s possible to explore the highlights of the city in a day, consider planning at least 3 days to tour the city. Go for a week for a more relaxed trip. Travel longer if you want to explore nearby islands & provinces.

🏷️ 7% OFF Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour

🏷️ 12% OFF 3 Day THSR Tourist Pass

🏷️ 2% OFF  Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up)

🏷️ 10% OFF Chia Te Bakery Pineapple Cakes + Coville Pineapple Nougats with Macadamia Nuts Souvenir Set (Taoyuan Airport Pick Up) (Book 4 hours in advance)

Save More while Traveling — I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide. You can actually save more when you do not include attractions that has entrance fees. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the attractions.

Getting around Taiwan — There are a lot of transport and tour options available whether you want to go with a private tour or a do-it-yourself trip. You can even go full local and try the bus/train commute to get around or stick with packaged tours that can offer a hassle-free experience.
Uber ride – hailing app that is popular in Taiwan (they don’t accept cash only cards).

See more blogs & travel guides

Pre- Travel Tips

How to get to Taiwan
How to get around Taiwan?
Should I book my Taiwan hotel online?
What to prepare for a trip to Taiwan?
Where to best exchange currency (NT DOLLARS) ?
How to find cheap flights to Taiwan?
When is the best time to visit?
Travel Must Haves
Money-saving tips
Where to book tours & attraction tickets

How to get to Taiwan

From the Philippines, you can also fly direct from Manila and Clark. Flights are operated by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, Eva Air, Xiamen and Cathay Pacific.

How to get around Taiwan

Buy an Easy Card sold at Taoyuan station & many ticket offices around Taiwan. EasyCard is a card you can use to pay for Taipei Metro, all the vital train services in Taiwan, bus rides, parking, utilities, and even the goods at selected stores. (Please note that this can’t be used to purchase High-Speed Rail ticket)

To purchase an EasyCard at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, you need to head over to the Electronic Stored-Value Card Service Counter located at the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1 and 2. Only 1 person is allowed per card. These standard fare cards cost PHP 165 (NT$100, US$3.3, SG$ 4.2) each, exclusive of a deposit and balance.


By TRAIN ( Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR), Taiwan Railways (TR) or Taipei Metro (MRT) ) (Recommended Option to Taipei)

Taipei City is served by High Speed Rail (HSR), railway (TR) and Taipei Metro (MRT) train services. The only location where all three types of trains converge is Taipei Main Station.

However, travelers can still take a train on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) or the Taiwan Railways (TR) network from different parts of Taiwan to Taoyuan before taking a bus that will bring them to the airport.

Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR)
Taiwan High Speed Rail Station

Taiwan High-Speed Rail is the most convenient and affordable transportation option to travel around Taiwan in the least amount of time possible. It is the most favorable transit for travelers to cross the island due to its simplicity and speed.

Where to buy

There are several ways to purchase HSR tickets.

✓ Inside the stations, there are ticket vending machines with English language instructions and there are some usual counters buy directly.
✓ Tickets can be bought from 7/11, Family Mart and other convenience stores.
✓ You can also buy them online from THSR’s Booking System, advance bookings can be purchased as early as 28 days from your preferred date. You need to provide your passport number and a phone number to purchase HSR ticket on the internet.

or

✓ Book it in advance with Klook.

***Note:

  • If you buy tickets at the Taipei Main Stations, it’s very straightforward. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.
  • When you put your ticket into the machine to go to your platform, make sure to take it back as you’ll need it at the final destination.

​​Taiwan High Speed Rail Trains leave every 20 minutes in both directions.

🏷️ 12% OFF 3 Day THSR Tourist Pass

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

🏷️ 10% OFF THSR One Way Ticket to or from Taoyuan

In Standard CarReserved Seat, Non-Reserved Seat.
In standard class, you also have the option of traveling in reserved or unreserved cars.
Reserved Seat tickets have a seat number while Non-Reserved Seat tickets are discounted, and passengers are free to find a seat or stand in cars.
Unreserved seat is a little cheaper compared to a full-priced ticket but you might be standing if all the seats are booked. All compartments are equipped with air-conditioning and restrooms. A snack cart makes its rounds throughout the train offering affordable snacks, beverages and lunch boxes.

***Check the Taiwan High Speed Rail time table here.

Taiwan Railway (TR)

Taiwan Railways has the broadest train network in Taiwan even though they are slower than a HSR train.

A TR train can bring you to Taoyuan Train Station. From there, you can take UBUS (統聯客運), Bus Number 706 to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport or vice versa.

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

For more information on train schedule and train ticketing and to book a ticket, check the schedule of trains and buy tickets at http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/index.aspx.

Tips: Tickets can be purchased from the TRA counter at Taipei Main Station (also at Breeze Centre). Normally, there is a super long queue at the counter. It may take time as you get there to buy tickets.

Taiwan Metro (MRT)

As the largest metro subway system in Taiwan, the Taipei MRT serves about 2 million riders daily. It is fast, convenient, and, most importantly, CLEAN! The subway system is very easy to navigate, and is both bilingual in Chinese and English (including the Chinese languages of Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, and Hakka.

You can use the Easy Card in paying fares.

The Airport MRT is currently the fastest way to reach Taipei city centre from the airport. It started operating just in 2017. All you have to do is hop on the MRT from the airport terminal and it will bring you to Taipei Main Station in just 35 minutes!

A ticket costs PHP263 (NT$160, US$5.40, SG$6.6). Be sure to take the express service (the purple line as depicted above) or you’ll be making unnecessary stops.

The only downside is that the service doesn’t run 24 hours. The MRT departs from the airport starting from 6:05am until 11:35pm, so if you arrive either too early or too late, you’ll have to choose other options.  

P.S. The Airport MRT provides free phone chargers and WiFi on board!

Check the Route Maps & tables here.

By BUS. (Cheapest Option to Taipei)

Several bus companies are connecting Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport with the main cities and towns around Taoyuan district.

To take a bus at Terminal 1, you need to head down to B1 from the Arrival Hall.

As for Terminal 2, the bus station is on the First Floor. As you enter the Arrival Hall after getting yourself through the Customs Inspection Counter, turn right and walk until you reach the end of the building. You should then be able to spot the bus pickup zone. There are also many overhead signs that will help guide you towards it.

The bus stations host the following bus companies with buses running between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, different parts of Taipei, and Taichung:

*Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport (國光客運): Buses with blue and purple-colored decals on a white exterior.
*UBUS (統聯客運): Green buses with huge, red Mandarin words painted on its body.
*Evergreen Bus (長榮客運): Buses painted in green, white, and red stripes.
*CitiAir Bus (大有巴士)
*Free Go Bus (建明客運)
*Taoyuan Bus (桃園客運)

The shuttle bus is the cheapest option to reach Taipei City Centre. It takes quite some time to figure out which one to go with, so let me make it easier for you. Here are the only buses you need to know about:

Bus no. 1960: If you’re heading towards the Taipei 101 area (Xinyi District), this one takes you around there. A ticket costs PHP239 (NT$145, US$5, SG$6) and the bus runs from 6.05am to 1.05am.

Bus no. 1819 and 1961: These two buses will drop you off near the Taipei Main Train Station (where you can connect to the bus, MRT, train and high-speed train).

Bus no. 1819 runs 24 hours whereas 1961 runs until 1am. Prices are PHP206 (NT$125, US$4.25, SG$5.2) and PHP148 (NT$90, US$3, SG$3.7) respectively.

By UBER or TAXI. (Fastest Option to Taipei)

Taking a taxi in Taiwan is very convenient. Do take note, however, that most taxi drivers in the country cannot speak or read English. To make sure you arrive at the correct destination, always show the driver the name of your destination in Mandarin. If you do not have it, the front desk of any hotel, especially those in bigger cities, will be able to help by writing it down for you.

Taxi fares in Taiwan follow the same metered rate throughout the country, and passengers are responsible for paying highway tolls. All taxi drivers should use the meter unless you are chartering a taxi for a day.

To take a taxi at either Terminal 1 or 2 of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, get yourself to the Arrival Hall at either of the terminals. Once you are there, you should see overhead signs pointing you towards the taxi stand near the pickup and dropoff area.

Tip: A ride to Taipei City Centre from the airport takes about 50 minutes and will cost around PHP1972 (NT$1,200, US$40.50, SG$49.3)

***Please take note that UBER services don’t usually take cash instead they can be paid using credit card. My friends and I learned this the hard way.

✓ Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Focuses mainly on Taipei Area)

Taiwan Fun pass

A pass that combines attractions and transportation for one great value and see the best of Taipei. Chock full of tourist attractions and fun destinations, it would take you days to see all of Taipei’s best sightseeing stops, but with this Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass, you can get one-time access to up to 16 different attractions within the city.

You can opt for a one day pass, two days, or make sure you have time to see it all with a three day pass.  Read all the details here.

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

🏷️ 2% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up)

Should I book my Taiwan Hotel Online?

My answer will always be YES. You can save money by checking discounts online. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

What to prepare for a trip to Taiwan?

Taiwan Tourist Visa — Go to the Taiwan Immigration website to check if you need to apply for a visa before going on your trip. Foreign visitors from countries not listed in the “Visa-Exempt Entry” can visit Taiwan visa-free.

Visa for Filipino citizens —  Nationals of Philippines (effective till July 31, 2020), except those holding diplomatic or official/service passports, are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 14 days.

Also, be sure that you are able to provide the following:

-Have confirmed flight tickets back to your home country or an onward destination that you are allowed to enter.
-Company ID or School ID.
-Passport not expiring within 6 months (This is so true! Our companion did not board the plane because his passport will be expiring in 5 months)
-Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only.
-Evidence that you are able to fund your stay for the entire duration of your visit.

Always Remember!
Always remember that all countries have the right to refuse entry to any person. Even if you are eligible for the free tourist visa or already have one in hand at the border.

Where to best exchange currency (NT DOLLARS) ?

It is best to exchange currency in your country’s local bank way before your trip. Try to plan this too when booking plane tickets. Currency rates are so unpredictable.

If you’re from CEBU, exchange here:

✓ ALCO CREDIT AND MONEY EXCHANGE at Raintree Mall

✓ Drop-By Foreign Exchange at Rustan’s Dept. Store or Fuente Osmeñ circle

If you have not think this over and have read this now and your flight is in a week, try this.

✓ Bring Philippine Peso for your trip since Taiwan Exchange Currency Stores accept it. Exchange a small amount at the airport and then the rest at the city center for better rates.

How to find cheap flights to Taiwan?

Start your search on Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner.

Also, check Taiwan promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

If you want to see Cherry Blossoms, February – May are the best months to visit Taiwan. Be sure to ask locals on places where the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom.

Travel Must-Haves

✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.

✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.

Gps-Guided App

✓ Grab app – Hassle-free ride and it takes you to your destination fast.

✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.

✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ 72% OFF 4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan

Money Saving Tips

Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Taiwan that doesn’t cost a dime.

Eat at hawker centers & taste Taiwan’s multi-cultural food — Meals are cheap and the food is prepared in relatively high quality and sanitation. A long line of people queuing at a stall is usually a sign that it serves good food that is safe to eat.

Ride MRTs and buses — This is the cheapest way to get around.

Stay at hostels or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.

Pre-book your Taiwan tours & attraction tickets online

Booking online to enjoy discounts and cashless convenience during the actual trip is what I always do. Always check prices of tours and attraction tickets on this booking sites:

✓ Prices are often cheaper than booking on-site. Huge discounts on many activities.

✓ Maximize your trip! Avoid wasting time queuing at ticket booths & shopping for tours.

✓ Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

✓ Earn rewards points for every booking.

✓ Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies.

If you’re booking tours and you’ve already finalized your travel dates, book early, especially if you are traveling with family/friends to lock-in those open slots for everyone in your group.

Taiwan Itinerary (4 Days and 3 Nights)

Here’s a suggested itinerary that you can follow on your travel to Taiwan . Scroll down for the budget and list of expenses. Followed by extra travel tips & top spots to visit/things to do in Taiwan.

Day 1: Kaohsiung tour

Ducktours Tour and Night Safari.

Time Activity
Flight to Taiwan
0945 amETA Taiwan Taoyuan
1000 amTaiwan Airport to Taoyuan High Speed Rail
1030 amBuy food at Taoyuan Train Station
1045 amTaoyuan High Speed Rail Station to Xin Zouying (Kaohsiung) High Speed Rail Station
1245 nnAirbnb check-in See rates Compare prices
0130 pm Head to Lotus Pond, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and Spring & Autumn Pavilion
0530 pmEn route to Ruifeng Night Market
0700 pmDinner
0900 pmEn route to Apartment Airbnb

If you have more time, you can visit Chimei Museum at Tainan and Fo guang shan buddha museum at Kaohsiung.

Day 2: Taipei Tour + Taiwan Glass Gallery

Universal Studios and Pictures near the marina bay.

Time Activity
Start Taipei trip
0800 amCheck out and En route to Zin Xouying High Speed Rail Station
0830 amAt Zin Xouying High Speed Rail Station and En route to Taichung High Speed Rail Station (breakfast)
1000 amAt Taichung High Speed Rail Station and En route to Taiwan Glass Gallery via metered Private Car
1130 am At Taiwan Glass Gallery
1230 nnEn route to Taichung High Speed Rail Station
0150 pmEn route to Taipei Main Station
0230 pmChecked in at Airbnb near Taipei Main Station
0345 pmEn route to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
0515 pmEn route to Taipei 101
0800 pmDinner at Mall in Taipei 101
0930 pmEn route to Airbnb Apartment

Optional Attractions that can be included: National Palace Museum, Wuji Tianyuan Temple, Fisherman’s Wharf and Marima Ferris Wheel.

Day 3: Shifen + Jiufen + Raohe Night Market

TimeActivity
0500 am Wake up Call
0700 amBreakfast and En route to Shifen Old Street
1100 pn At Shifen Old Street (Lunch)
0130 pm En route to Shifen Waterfalls
0300 pmEn route to Jiufen
0500 pmAt Jiufen (Dinner, Buy Pasalubong)
0800 pmEn route to Raohe Night Market
1000pmEn route to Apartment

Optional Attractions that can be included: Gold Museum, Yeliu Geopark, Juming Museum, national Museum of Marine Science & Technology, Lungshan Temple, Taipei Confucius Temple, Red House Building, Snake Alley, Xianting Temple

Day 4: Going Home

TimeActivity
0700 amWake Up Call
0800 amEn route to Taoyuan Airport via Taxi
1025 amETD to Cebu Philippines

Taiwan Budget

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 4 days and 3 nights (4D3N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

Prices below are ‘per person’, calculated based on a group of 5 people sharing the travel expenses.

Transport expenses breakdown
PHP 1200 or NT$ 731Taxi— Anywhere in Taiwan (mostly going to attractions). PHP 6000 / 5 pax.
PHP 3074 or NT$ 18713 Day THSR  —For Bullet Trains or High Speed Rail transfers. Book online
Activities/Attraction costs breakdown
PHP 1,925 or SGD 1172 Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up)  — Attraction with Bus and Train passes per person
Budget Trip Expenses Summary
PHP 4,274 or NT$ 2,602Transport — Shared expenses per group of 5. Airport transfers and Ez Link.
PHP 2,750 or NT$ 1,675Accommodations — 2 nights in budget hotel/hostel.
PHP 5,000 or NT$ 3,045Food — Full meals x 3 days
PHP 1,925 or NT$ 1,172 Activities — Admission tickets/entrance fees on selected activities above.
PHP 12,949 or SGD 8,492Total — Including all expenses above for 4 days in Taiwan. Excluding flights.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

Where to Stay in Taiwan

Many of the top tourist attractions in Taiwan are located in the city itself. I can suggest that you stay in a hotel that is near Taiwan Railways (TR) or Taipei Metro (MRT) .

Click below to compare rates on Taiwan hotel/hostels or apartments within your budget.

Best Luxury Hotels in Taiwan — Splurge at the best 5-star and 4-star hotels in Taiwan. See rates & reviews
Promo rates on 4-Star & 5-Star Taiwan hotels — Discounts on luxury rooms available for booking today. See discounts
UnderPHP 4,000Recommended 3-Star Taiwan hotels & mid-range accommodations — Great-value rooms for couples or when traveling with family & friends.See rates & reviews
UnderPHP 2,000Best Taiwan Apartments — For 4 or more travelers looking for decent yet affordable accommodations and does not like crowded hostels.See rates & reviews
UnderPHP 1,000Best Taiwan hostels & budget hotels — affordable places to stay for backpackers/solo travelers.See rates & reviews

Top-rated Places to Stay in Taiwan

TOP RATED PLACES TO STAY IN TAIWAN
Grand Hyatt Taipei
Splurge / Xinyi District, Taipei. See discounts
Grand View Resort Beitou
Splurge / Beitou District, Taipei. Check Rates

Grand Hotel Taipei

Mid-Range / Chung Shan North Road. Check Rates

Caesar Metro Taipei

Mid-Range / Bangka Blvd. Check Rates

Space Inn Hengyang Branch

Budget Hostel / Hengyang Road, Taipei. Check Rates
UZ Hostel
Budget Hostel / Zongshan Road, New Taipei. Check Rates

We Stayed in

During our Kaohsiung Trip, we stayed in Zuoying District and booked thru Airbnb because it is much cheaper when you are travelling in group of 5.

Also, I decided that the place should be near the train station so that it is very accessible.

kaohsiung taiwan airbnb

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to avail cheaperst prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Places to Visit in Taiwan + Things To Do

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Taiwan (Taipei and Kaohsiung)

1. Get Good Luck at Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung

2. Walk at Summer and Autumn Pavilion

3. Sight the Gigantic Statue at Zuoying Yuandi Temple

4. Ride the High Speed Rail

5. Experience Taiwan Glass Gallery

6. Visit Taiwan Husheng Temple

7. Ride the elevator in Taipei 101

8.  Experience night market at Rueifong Night Market Kaohsiung

9. Be Amaze by the City View at Taipei 101

10. Hunt Cherry Blossoms at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

11. Find Instagrammable Spot in Chiang Kai Shek

12. Have a taste of the coated strawberry

13. Dine and Drink at Raohe Night Market

14.Find this spot in Jiufen

15.Taste all free taste in Night Markets

16.Write your wishes at Skylantern Police Station

17. Experience the Splash of Waterfalls in Shifen

18.Visit Pingxi Old Street

19. Find this Spot at Taoyuan Internatational Airport

20. Be Surprise by the Architectural Design of the Temples

21. Drink Yoghurt drinks in a box

22. Milk Tea Hunt!

1.  Get Good Luck at Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung

dragon and tiger pagodas kaohsiung taiwan

It is believed that when visiting the pagodas, always remember to start at the Dragon Pagoda and exit through the Tiger Pagoda for good luck!

🏷️ 7% OFF Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour

🏷️ 12% OFF 3 Day THSR Tourist Pass

🏷️ 2% OFF  Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (TPE Airport Pick Up)

🏷️ 10% OFF Chia Te Bakery Pineapple Cakes + Coville Pineapple Nougats with Macadamia Nuts Souvenir Set (Taoyuan Airport Pick Up) (Book 4 hours in advance)

2. Walk at Summer and Autumn Pavilion in Kaohsiung

spring and autumn kaohsiung taiwan

This is one of the temples around Lotus Lake. It is between the Zuoying Yuandi Temple and Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. This spot is perfect for instagrammable. Let me just flaunt my hair flick here.

🏷️ 10% OFF  Taipei 101 Observatory E-Ticket

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

🏷️ 12% OFF 3 Day THSR Tourist Pass

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

3.  Sight the Gigantic Statue at Zuoying Yuandi Temple in Kaohsiung

kaohsiung taiwan Zuoying Yuandi Temple

The amazing tiles are to look for. This place has a mini rides for children. I was also amaze by the machine that they have here because when you pay a coin, a figure will give you a note.

This is a place where they burn sticks and pay respects to.

🏷️ 5% OFF Taiwan Easy Card

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

4. Ride the High Speed Rail

The train rides are very important if you want to reach Kaohsiung (the southernmost part of taiwan) in a couple of hours.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

Taiwan Glass Gallery

This has to be one of the coolest Glass Gallery in the whole world that you should not pass to experience. Seeing yourself in every turn is not something you should miss.

🏷️ 5% OFF Taiwan Easy Card

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

6. Visit Taiwan Husheng Temple

Taiwan Husheng Temple

The name of the temple was given by the King of Heaven himself, to be Taiwan Husheng Temple, which celebrates the great skills of Taiwanese artisans.

“Glass Temple”- Every thing made of glass worth seeing. 

🏷️ 5% OFF Taiwan Easy Card

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

7. Ride the elevator in Taipei 101

Taipei 101

Mega Fast Elevator in Taipei 101 includes two high-speed observatory elevators manufactured by Toshiba. Their highest speed is 1,010 meters per minute (about 60.6 kilometers per hour). It only takes 37 seconds to travel from the 5th floor to the 89th floor of the skyscraper.

It actually made me feel a little dizzy.

🏷️ 5% OFF Taiwan Easy Card

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

🏷️ 10% OFF  Taipei 101 Observatory E-Ticket

8. Experience Night Market at Rueifong Night Market Kaohsiung

Ruifang Night Market Kaohsiung Taiwan

Bes! Taiwan Night Markets are not to be exempted. I was taken aback by their stinky tofu because it literally stinks. I did not dare try it. *cries in gibberish*

You can also find clothes and jewelries there.

🏷️ 5% OFF Taiwan Easy Card

🏷️ 5 Day Joint Train Pass (THSR+TR)

🏷️ 12% OFF 3G/4G WiFi (MNL Delivery) for Taiwan

🏷️ 3% OFF Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass (Taipei Main Station Pick Up)

9. Be Amaze by the City View at Taipei 101

taipei 101 view at the highest floor

This is the tallest building in Taipei.

Quick Fact: The name, Taipei 101, is derived from the fact that the building encompasses 101floors. It was originally known as the Taipei International Financial Center.

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10. Hunt Cherry Blossoms at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

CHERRY BLOSSOM AT Chiang Kai-Shek hall taiwan

Did you know that Cherry Blossoms bloom in Taiwan too? Try to book between January – May to see the wonderful pinkish flowers.

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11. Find Instagrammable Spot in Chiang Kai Shek

Chiang Kai-Shek hall taiwan

The white magnificent Architecture and designs of the building this place have is a must for any traveller.

Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall is without doubt, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan. 

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12. Have a taste of the coated strawberry

strawberry coated with sweets food taiwan

I know. I know. I know! This is very rare for me even if Philippines has a strawberry capital. Let me know what you think.

P.S. I really thought that all the fruits in the stick are strawberry but I was wrong. There’s a tomato.

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13. Dine and Drink at Raohe Night Market

Raohe Night Market

Night Markets are popular here in Taiwan. Raohe – One of the oldest night markets in Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is packed with delicious food and MILK TEAs!

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14. Find this spot in Jiufen + Souvenir Buying

As we saw Jiufen on our bus window, a rush of excitement came unto me. It was drizzling with rain but it did not stop us from reaching that destination. The alleyway was packed with free taste foods and drinks. People walking to and fro will make you cower and go home but it did not stop us. We also saw a lot of new stuffs – some naughty others funny.

Actually, we dine in a restaurant just to take the picture above. Nevertheless, it was all worth it. Thank you Jiufen for the magical place you offer.

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15. Taste all free taste in Night Markets

Taipei, Taiwan Food Stall

Just as what I said before, you will feel full just by eating all the free foods their stalls has to offer.

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16. Write your wishes at Skylantern Police Station

pingxi led lights taiwan

 “Lantern shape police station ”. Jingtong area is famous for lantern, and so their police box is also in the shape of lantern.

We were actually lost when finding this place because the cashier did not know how to speak english (Yup! language barrier). However, we were very amazed in seeing our handwritten wishes in the Led Lantern.

Not to say bad things to anyone using the actual lantern but it’s gonna be a garbage when its floating down.

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17. Experience the Splash of Water at Shifen Waterfalls

Shifen Bridge going to Waterfalls

This was not in my Itinerary but our group unanimously decided to include it so that’s it.

According to Wiki, Shifen Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, on the upper reaches of the Keelung River. The falls’ total height is 20 metres and 40 metres in width, making it the broadest waterfall in Taiwan

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18. Picture Perfect Pingxi Old Street

Pingxi Train Station

This is my second favorite spot in Taiwan because it really takes me back to a certain era that I probably have seen in movies. It’s literally old! Plus, the place is very insta-worthy one.

As you can see in the picture, that’s the last trail for the train in Pingxi.

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19. Hunt for this Spot at Taoyuan International Airport

Taoyuan International Airport Taiwan

I just happen to see this and took a quick picture. The plane operator called our names and I really don’t know if this is the cause of it.

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20. Be Surprise by the Architectural Design of the Temples

Taiwan has so many temples. I cannot actually read the temples name so I generally wrote it like this (haha!) I am indeed impressed by the designs.

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21. Drink Yoghurt drinks in a box

Taiwan Yoghurt Green Tea

My favorite drink that can be found in 7/11 stores.

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22. Milk Tea Hunt!

Home of the bubble milk tea is located here. Don’t forget to hunt them one by one!

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Download the Taipei Tourist Map

A lot of places that is not listed above can be found in this tourist Map. Don’t forget to subscribe for more information and updates on places in the Philippines and Beyond.

MAP TO HELP YOU LOCATE THE NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Have you visited the places I have listed above? Share your thoughts with me!

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!!

shellwanders

Have you ever been to the places I’ve listed above? Go and try them yourself!

Always remember to “Develop your One Days to Day Ones!

XOXO,