Most Pinoys
would choose Hongkong, Singapore or Thailand as their first country of
destination. As for me and my husband,
we got our first stamps on our passport from Taiwan. To be honest, it’s not
even in our bucket-list of countries to visit. But because of seat sale and
visa-free arrangements, we decided to give it a shot and we were never
disappointed. Taiwan has its unique
charm and beauty. If you dig food trips, nature and cultural experience, then
Taiwan is the best place to be.
Day 1: Arrival and Lost In Taipei # 1
Taiwan is a two-hour airplane ride from the Philippines. Our plane left Cebu at 7:10am and we arrived in Taoyuan International Airport just 20 minutes past 10:00am. Immigration process was smooth and fast although the queue is already quite long when we lined up. It’s a proof that more and more tourists are visiting the country. We arranged for an 8-seater van to pick us up. There’s just 4 of us (from the original 9) so imagine the legroom and space in the van. We felt like celebrities being picked up by a huge van.
We checked
in to our budget hotel but were directed to another hotel a few blocks. So, we
have to walk with our luggage in tow. Had they informed us of the change in
address, we could’ve directed our airport ride to the new address. Anyway, it
was just a short walk albeit a bit disappointing.
We decided
to settle in our stuff and took a short rest before we embark on our Day 1
(mis)adventure – Chiang Kai Shek and Raohe Night Market.
The misadventure was that we never made it to our planned itinerary. We took the bus to Chiang Kai Shek but were lost along the way. We ended up in that temple (above photo) near our hotel instead. We also had our first dinner at Ximending District area which is just very accessible to our hotel.
Day 2: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen
The misadventure was that we never made it to our planned itinerary. We took the bus to Chiang Kai Shek but were lost along the way. We ended up in that temple (above photo) near our hotel instead. We also had our first dinner at Ximending District area which is just very accessible to our hotel.
Our group decided to do a DIY Taiwan itinerary except for Day 2 where we purchased hassle-free tour for Taiwan's famous spots via Klook. It was indeed stress-free as we just have to hop on a bus with an English-speaking tour guide as we visit these places. The only downside though is the limited time allotted for each place. We have to rush back to the bus else be left behind.
Day 3: Taipei Zoo, Maokong Gondola, Shilin Night Market and Lost In Taipei #2
It was a rainy Day 3 for us and the first time to take the MRT. We took the wrong train to our destination but thanks to friendly and helpful Ate Taiwanese who probably sensed that we're lost. She let us tag along on the first train and gave us instructions on what train to take to our destination - Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola. It was an adventure in itself but we eventually got the hang of it and found our way.
We experienced one of Taiwan's famous night market, the Shilin Night Market. As usual, it's packed with a lot of people mostly tourists who want to try out famous street foods.
Day 4: Tamsui, Chiang Kai Shek and Raohe Night Market
Took the road less traveled on Day 4. We went up north to Tamsui - a district of New Taipei City. It's famous for the Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, Lover's Bridge, World Chocolate Wonderland, Fort Santo Domingo and a lot more. We only get to visit the first three as our time was limited. As usual, we took loads of photos.
After Tamsui, we head back to our hotel to rest for a bit. We then took another chance at Chiang Kai Shek but lost again due to google map giving us the longer route. It was a bit stressful to some but that's part of our adventure. Finally made to to this famous Taiwan tourist spot and lucky enough to be able to witness the change of guards - which is really something tourists look forward to when visiting this place.
After a tiring day, my husband and I still had the energy to go to Raohe Night Market. We made a side-trip to Wufenpu Shopping District as suggested by our hotel host to check on clothes and other items. It was disappointing because the clothes are still a bit pricey and the display are more on Winter collection. haha
Walked back to Raohe and lined up for the famous pepper biscuit. It never disappoint and until now, I am still thinking about it just like the milktea.
Day 5: Longshan Temple, Taipei 101 and Din Tai Fung
It's our last day in Taiwan and we free up the morning to do whatever we want to do before our agenda for the day. It was freezing and good thing we were able to spot a shorter queue at the Ay-Chung Flour Noodle station and tried the much talked about noodles. Also made a side-trip to our favorite shoe store - Dr Martens. Unfortunately, it was still closed when we passed by.
The husband wanted to check out some motorcycle accessories in the area. Google told us to check out Datong and Wenshan District. Finally found a few shops but still found them pricey haha.
In the afternoon, we were able to visit Longshan Temple before heading to Taipei 101.
On our last night, we made one last roam around our district, the Ximending District and celebrated our Taiwan experience over a pitcher of beer. Well, only the hubs drank all those beer.
Taiwan will always be a food haven for me. I still cannot get over all the food and milkteas we've tried and I still crave for them from time to time. That's why, when someone would ask me if I am to go back, the answer will always be a BIG YES. There are still a lot of sights that we need to see probably outside Taipei or the countryside in our next visit.
