it has become my annual plan to spend my birthday traveling to a new place. fortunately this year i was able to spend it to somewhere i've been wanting to go ever since i started living overseas.
anyway, this trip took a lot of time for planning which consisted of waiting for promo flights, booking for an affordable yet nice hotel and researching for a laid back itinerary.
let me share our DIY Taipei trip, photos and some tips for those who are considering visiting this country...
VISA
For a philippine passport holder like me, you need a visa to enter this country. However, if you have a valid visa from UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and/or Shengen Visas, you can apply for a visa - free travel authorization certificate online. Fill up the form here, print out the certificate and show it to the immigration officer together with your passport.
If you plan to apply tourist visa directly to the embassy, check this link for requirements.
GETTING TO/FROM/AROUND
Manila, Philippines to Taipei, Taiwan via Cebu Pacific Air - 3,599 PHP* (~77 US$)
*exclusive of tax and fees, and web admin fee
sadly, i wasn't able to book a promo flight on my preferred date. instead, i booked the all year round fare of the airline.
Anyway, my friend and I were fortunate to have our flight to Taipei on time.
Taoyuan International Airport to CityInn 2 Hotel via hotel car service - NT$ 1100 (for 2 pax)(~34 US$)
Taipei has airport shuttle bus enroute to city however its last departure is at 1:10 am and we fear that we won't be able to make it so we requested a car service from the hotel. Yes, it was pricey but it was more convenient and cheaper than taking a cab.
CityInn2 Hotel to Taipei West Station Terminal A via cab - NT$ 100 (~3 US$)
Taipei West Station Terminal A to Taoyuan International Airport via airport bus - NT$ 125 (~4 US$)
Tip: airport bus tickets are to be brought at Kuo-Kuang Bus Counter. Travel time to airport takes around an hour depends on the traffic.
Taipei, Taiwan to Manila, Philippines via Cebu Pacific Air - 1,310 Php* (~28 US$)
*exclusive of tax and fees, and admin web fee
finally a promo fare! wuhoo!
ACCOMMODATION
i have been reading online reviews for recommended hotels in taipei, which i ended up booking at CityInn2 Hotel. I booked a standard double room for 3 nights via booking.com website. Total rate was NT$ 7,800 (~241 US$).
PROs
anyway, this trip took a lot of time for planning which consisted of waiting for promo flights, booking for an affordable yet nice hotel and researching for a laid back itinerary.
let me share our DIY Taipei trip, photos and some tips for those who are considering visiting this country...
VISA
For a philippine passport holder like me, you need a visa to enter this country. However, if you have a valid visa from UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and/or Shengen Visas, you can apply for a visa - free travel authorization certificate online. Fill up the form here, print out the certificate and show it to the immigration officer together with your passport.
If you plan to apply tourist visa directly to the embassy, check this link for requirements.
GETTING TO/FROM/AROUND
Manila, Philippines to Taipei, Taiwan via Cebu Pacific Air - 3,599 PHP* (~77 US$)
*exclusive of tax and fees, and web admin fee
sadly, i wasn't able to book a promo flight on my preferred date. instead, i booked the all year round fare of the airline.
Anyway, my friend and I were fortunate to have our flight to Taipei on time.
Taoyuan International Airport to CityInn 2 Hotel via hotel car service - NT$ 1100 (for 2 pax)(~34 US$)
Taipei has airport shuttle bus enroute to city however its last departure is at 1:10 am and we fear that we won't be able to make it so we requested a car service from the hotel. Yes, it was pricey but it was more convenient and cheaper than taking a cab.
CityInn2 Hotel to Taipei West Station Terminal A via cab - NT$ 100 (~3 US$)
Taipei West Station Terminal A to Taoyuan International Airport via airport bus - NT$ 125 (~4 US$)
Tip: airport bus tickets are to be brought at Kuo-Kuang Bus Counter. Travel time to airport takes around an hour depends on the traffic.
Taipei, Taiwan to Manila, Philippines via Cebu Pacific Air - 1,310 Php* (~28 US$)
*exclusive of tax and fees, and admin web fee
finally a promo fare! wuhoo!
ACCOMMODATION
i have been reading online reviews for recommended hotels in taipei, which i ended up booking at CityInn2 Hotel. I booked a standard double room for 3 nights via booking.com website. Total rate was NT$ 7,800 (~241 US$).
PROs
- extremely accommodating and helpful receptionists
- random freebies (cup noodles, chocolates, flowers)
- 5-7 minute walk to taipei main station
- KFC and Mcdonalds outside the hotel
- clean and comfortable hotel room
- relatively fast wifi
CONs
- not so pleasant room view
- no breakfast
ITINERARY
Day 1
Taipei Main Station
Our first stop was this massive railway station to grab some lunch and figure out their metro system
Tip: It's huge so you might get lost looking for the metro. There's a visitor center information desk around the station, you can ask for directions to navigate your way
We went around the food court and found various choices. we decided to try some beef stew and dumplings.
Chiang kai Shek Memorial
Taipei Metro Station: CKS Memorial Hall Station (exit 5) (red/green line)
we spent around an hour to explore the place and snapped some photos
Day 1
Taipei Main Station
Our first stop was this massive railway station to grab some lunch and figure out their metro system
Tip: It's huge so you might get lost looking for the metro. There's a visitor center information desk around the station, you can ask for directions to navigate your way
We went around the food court and found various choices. we decided to try some beef stew and dumplings.
Chiang kai Shek Memorial
Taipei Metro Station: CKS Memorial Hall Station (exit 5) (red/green line)
we spent around an hour to explore the place and snapped some photos
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Taipei Metro: Sun Yat Sen Memorial Station (blue line)
It was drizzling when we reached the place. Taipei 101 is best seen in this area. Too bad, the weather hindered us for spending more time and take photos around.
Ximending
Taipei Metro: Ximen Station (Exit 6) (blue line)
The known hipster place as most young people prefers to hang out here. it is also known as a shopping destination for locals and tourists.
we arrived a little past 4 so we roamed around and check out possible shopping experience. Footwear were hugely sold almost every corner, and they were relatively cheap! I resisted the urge to hoard so i only bought a patent loafers as my feet were aching. Anyway, purses and clothes were likewise sold almost everywhere but i found the prices more expensive than usual "tiangge" prices.
After getting lost looking for Modern Toilet, we asked around til we saw the huge lighted toilet sign in front of us.
Modern Toilet is a toilet themed restaurant in Taipei. There is a minimum amount (NT$ 90) to spend once seated in the restaurant. Overall experience was fine, good for one time visit. Food - wise it was filling but that was it.
after our early dinner, we decided to walk around ximending again for some street food snackin'
Day 2 - Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Taipei Metro: Taipei City Hall (blue line)
again, we woke up late, so we went straight to Taipei 101 for my birthday lunch.
I have decided to spend my birthday lunch in Din Tai Fung as this restaurant originated in this country, it is a must experience!
After lunch, we walked around inside and outside of Taipei 101. We decided not to go to the observatory because of the overcast weather.
Taipei Metro: Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Exit 3) (blue line)
My birthday won't be complete without a dessert treat! I've read about the hello kitty sweets in taipei so i made sure to have a dessert stop here.
If you're a hello kitty lover, you'll love the place! Sadly, the service was not so good and the prices were exorbitant.
Taipei Metro: Jiantan Station (red line)
the most famous night market of Taipei. They are known for its street food, bargained goods, sweet treats and everything under the sun, or rather the moon (whut?!)
We decided to walk around first and acquaint ourselves to the vibe. We planned on buying treats as souvenirs and come back the following night for food trip.
i'll post a short additional info about taipei's shopping at the later part of this trip report.
Day 3
i've read good reviews about this restaurant so we decided to have our lunch here on our last day in Taipei. The was fine, nothing to rave about.
Taipei Metro: Longshan Station (blue line)
We went into the temple but i wasn't able to linger inside that long as i am allergic to incense smoke.
Taipei Metro: Yuanshan Station (red line)
we were lucky enough to visit this temple with hardly other people/tourists around. It was so peaceful and serene. every corner was snapshot worthy. This is my favorite destination in Taipei.
Tip: best seen in the late afternoon
Shilin Night Market
Taipei Metro: Jiantan Station (red line)
we're back to finally sample taipei's famous street food. we've queued on every stall that had a long line of people. And of course, we've tried the well-known stinky tofu.
over all verdict, we were not really satisfied with the street food choices. Moreover, we didn't like the stinky tofu. too bad.
SHOPPING
These are my top 3 shopping recommendations in taipei
1. COSMED
facial masks! facial masks! facial masks! they have the cheapest variety of facial masks. i hoarded a lot. like a lot lot.
2. Birkenstock
a birkenstock outlet store in shilin market, which i found cheaper compared to Philippines and Jakarta. i bought a pair for the boyfriend and resisted the urge to buy for myself.
3. Mochi and Pineapple cake
i've read in almost all forums that taipei's mochi and pineapple cakes are the must buy! i hoarded mine in shilin market. some stores had promo like buy 4 boxes, free 1 box. Make sure you have extra space in your luggage!
#OOTD
1. coat from rumah mode | skirt from strativarius | knit top from magnolia | black tights from uniqlo | boots from topshop | purse from chanel | hat from h&m
2. leatherette skirt and furry top from Taipei Main Station Underground Market | knee high socks from h&m | patent loafers from ximending market | purse from chanel
3. knit top from rumah mode | striped skirt from dotti | tights from uniqlo | patent loafers from ximending market | purse from chanel | hat from h&m
Last Thoughts about Taipei, Taiwan
i am extremely grateful to have given the chance to travel on my birthday, in a new country. Furthermore, i am lucky to have a close friend with me who agreed to travel on the dates within my birthday weekend. Anyway, DIY travels has been my favorite way of traveling. Researching and plotting itinerary makes me excited for the upcoming trip. As of this writing, i'm not entirely sure when will by my next DIY trip but i do hope i'll have one again before the year ends.
Now, Taipei. At the end of my trip, i found the city like a laidback Hongkong. I've read that to appreciate Taiwan, one should explore outside Taipei. Maybe if given the chance again to visit the country, i'll explore Taiwan's countryside.
If asked how long should one stay in Taipei, 3 days will be enough to explore the city. If i am asked if i consider visiting Taipei again, maybe not anytime soon.
Again, another year, another country. Hopeful to keep this tradition yearly. crossing fingers!
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