Last year, I promised myself to travel alone as much as I can, well I semi- did. If you’re reading my posts, which came to little surprise that I don’t post much now, I’ve been all over the Visayas. On last day of August through the first week of September though, I have embarked to my 2017 solo international backpacking adventure: Taiwan.
I don’t know about the process now that the Taiwan Visa for Filipinos is lifted, but when I went there last year, I did not apply for a Visa. I used my US and Korean Visas to get a free Travel Authorization Certificate online and I just printed it out as a proof to the immigration officers that I’m allowed to enter Taiwan.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW before going to the airport: Filipinos still need to pay the Philippine Travel Tax of Php 1620 so you might also want to save for that.
FLIGHT EXPENSES: I only paid Php 2, 018 for the airfare which I bought three months earlier from Cebu Pacific. I travel light so I don’t really avail of extra baggage allowance.
AIRPORT TO HOTEL TRANSPORTATION: I reached Taiwan at two in the morning and my hotel is relatively far from the airport but we actually do not have to worry about the transportation. Klook offers Taouyan Airport Carpool transfers, which is basically a van ride from the airport and anywhere around Taipei (although I guess some areas are not included in the service).
I have been using Klook way before it boomed so it’s a trusted travel itinerary planner for me (I am not paid to promote this). So you just need to create an account, or not, and you will get points that you can use as a discount for your next purchase. Just type in the destination you are planning to go to.
But if you do not want to avail of the Klook package, you can go to the bus terminal in arrival area, but I suggest you look for hotels near the Taipei Main Station. Then b
ACCOMMODATION: I reached my hotel safe and sound. I booked Diary of Taipei Hotel – Main Station through Booking.com. I stayed for three days but I have booked for four (4) nights just to be sure of my accommodation.
If you travel solo, I highly recommend this hotel. Their dorm-type rooms are so clean and spacious and it was so quiet. Their bathrooms is also spacious and it’s separate for men and women. You can literally have your privacy in a little-curtained space. The bed was also comfortable! Most of all, they offer free breakfast buffet.
First things first:
- Buy your tourist sim card. I bought mine for 500 NTD with 5 days 4G internet connection and unlimited texts and calls to any Taiwanese number. You will be in great need of internet connection for map navigation and Chinese translation, trust me.
- Buy an Easy Card. If you want those cute cards with anime character photos, you can buy it in any 7/11 stores but if you want to be practical, the standard card which can be bought in subway stations can be used for all mode of transportation especially for YouBike — basically bikes that you can rent for hours. You cannot use the card you bought in 7/11 for the bike rent, and you need to register your phone number so you really need a sim card.
Day 1: Lazy City Tour
NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY – I went here for the Meteor Garden feels, actually.
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- Via bus:
If you still have time, you can go to:
This is why I really want to go back:
PS BUBU – where the pink car diner in Meteor Garden was filmed. I have already made my reservation but I wasn’t able to go because I got a hard time registering my card for the Youbike.
- LOCATION:
- HOW TO GET THERE: From
I wanted to maximize by stay in Taipei so I also availed of the Taipei at Night package of Klook. I paip Php 2327 for the package excluding the Taipei 101 Observatory E-ticket which can also be bought in Klook for Php 860.
- What’s in the package:
- Visit to Taipei’s most popular nighttime sights including Longshan Temple, a night market (we went to the Snake Alley), and Taipei 101
- A Chinese meal at Ding Tai Fung
- Inclusive of all transportation and hotel pick up/drop off
Day 2:
MAOKONG GONDOLA: I left the hotel by 9 in the morning for the Maokong Gondola ride. It was raining and outside was very gloomy that there were no tourists flocking the tea area. I went to and from the Tea Centers alone in the cable car ride.
Even the stores are closed so I just tried different milk teas from the open stores instead.
Afternoon: Klook Travel Jiufen and Shifen Package | Book it here.
The tour basically includes Van transfer from Ximen to Jiufen Old Street where you can fly your own lanterns and then to Jiufen where you can experience the traditional Taiwanese tea culture.
However, I suggest you take the full day tour that includes Yehliu Geopark because it also includes the two sights mentioned above. You can just go to the Gondola Ride for another day.
In Shifen Old Street: I finally ticked one item on my bucketlist off: light a sky lantern. I was also able to put my wishes and dreams for me, my family, and my friends.
Photos in Jiufen ~
Maximizing my stay, I went to Rahoe Night Market although the rain was pouring so bad, and to the Rainbow Bridge (walking distance from the night market), but the show was over when I get there. (Talk about misfortune).
- HOW TO GET THERE: Take the Green Line to Songshan, exit 5. The night market entrance is just to the right across the street next to the temple. Just look for the signs leading you the the rainbow bridge.
Day 3: On my last day in Taiwan, I just met with my amazing high school friends and my heart (and tummy) was so full and happy!
Because my flight was not until 12 midnight, I also went to meet my blocmates who happened to be in Taipei the same time as me. We went on a food trip in Shilin Old Market.
- HOW TO GET THERE:
I took the express train to the airport as it is directly connected to Taipei Main Station.
It always feels good to be lost in the right direction. ‘Til next time, Taiwan. xx
Woi, I got a crappy video edited for this travel:
Neyziellewanders 