Planning on visiting Tawain this year? This is a great time to explore this magical and breath-taking country. Here’s my Taiwan highlight that you shouldn’t miss:
TAIWAN VISA
Before leaving your country of origin, make sure you understand that Taiwan requires visa for travelers. Depending on your passport, you may require to apply for a visa and acquire other travel documents to enter Taiwan. Check out iVisa.com to know the requirements and apply for a visa (if necessary).
If you have a Philippine passport, you’ll be happy to know that Taiwan has reinstated its visa-free program. Check out the article on the Taiwan e-visa for more information. Philippine passport owners can stay in Taiwan visa-free for up to 14 days from 29 September 2022 until 31 July 2023.
TAIPEI IN A NUTSHELL
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, comprised of twelve districts with a population of around 2.7 million. It’s the island’s cultural, financial, and political center, so for first-time visitors to Taiwan, you should begin here.
Taipei has many things to love, including its night markets and museums. But above its attractions, what drives Taipei so desirable for me, is the city itself. With amenities like a cheap but highly efficient metro system and its oversupply of well-maintained public parks, it’s a city that puts its people first.
TAIPEI 101 TOWER
Even if Taipei 101 isn’t the tallest building (2004-2010, it was once), it is Taiwan’s most iconic structure and is shaped like a bamboo stalk. It keeps the title of tallest green building.
To experience Taipei 101 the best way possible is to try the world’s fastest elevator up to the 89th to 91st floors, the observation deck. Save more when you order your entrance tickets online. Choose an express pass to skip the long lines.
For a more exhilarating experience, you can attempt the even higher Skyline 460 Observation Deck- the actual roof of Taipei 101 (460 meters). The ticket includes access to the common observation area and a free drink. I suggest you check on Klook then if you buy cheaper tickets. Remember: there’s only 1-time slot which is 3 PM.
You can also enjoy a one-of-a-kind spa experience right inside Taipei 101, with excellent city scenery!
PEACE PARK
This important park was dedicated to the 228 incidents in Taiwan’s history. The 228 Memorial Museum docked on one end of the park inside the previous Japanese Radio Station and the National Taiwan Museum on the other. Walking paths rambled throughout the park, leading visitors past the pagodas, Peace Bell, locomotives, and a large pond.
The entrance was free, and it wasn’t crowded. Many locals walk around, so it’s a great place to feel like a native.
NATIONAL TAIWAN MUSEUM
It is a small museum but definitely worth visiting. It was filled with a lot of information on the history of Taiwan. Some things might surprise you.
Admission was at 30NTD, which includes Land Bank Exhibition Hall across the street. It is well-kept and immaculate. Beautiful architecture on the exterior and interior.
The museum displayed a mixture of exhibits that included:
Made in Taiwan
Native Plants and animals
Ethnic indigenous Taiwanese people
Japanese curators who collected many of the museum’s specimens
Ordinary life in Taiwan
Dinosaurs
Sealife
JIUFEN
The best time to visit Jiufen Village is late afternoon or early evening because all the lanterns light up and remind me of the Ghibli movie “Spirited Away.” The view was breathtaking, and the street foods were around the bend!
YEHLUI GEOPARK
YehLiu Geopark is on the shore, part of New Taipei City, known as Xin Bei. The park faces the Pacific Ocean, where there are few things to see, including the Mushroom formation. The best-known “wind sculpture” is the Queen’s Head. Although it is in New Taipei, it’s quite a long trip.
As a nature lover, this place is definitely a sight to behold. We went on a bright, sunny (but windy) day, so the ambiance was also quite hot. Carry lots of water and since this is a famous place.
NEVER LEAVE TAIPEI WITHOUT SNACKING
Taipei’s street food is world-renowned, and you can only visit Taipei by devouring the delicacies around the city’s famed night markets. This is actually my favorite activity in Taiwan!
By tourist numbers, Taipei night markets are the nation’s #1 tourist attraction, and several night market vendors are actually recognized on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.
The “big five” Taipei night markets are Tonghua, Ningxia, Shilin, Raohe, and Huaxi. The night market in Keelung is also well-known in Taiwan.
There are also some famous street foods on Old Streets in the greater Taipei area. These are like night markets but are part of historical blocks with beautifully restored buildings during the daytime. Some of the best around Taipei are Shenkeng Stinky Tofu Old Street, Sanxia Old Street, and Tamsui Old Street.
SIDE TRIP TO TAICHUNG
Most travelers who visit Taiwan have yet to try past Taipei. It’s a shame because as much delight as Taipei is, there are many exciting places outside Taiwan’s capital, like Taichung.
If you’ve never heard of Taichung, Taiwan’s second-biggest city, with a population of around 2.78 million. In the south of Taipei, Taiwan is home to the National Museum of Natural Science and the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Taichung boasts their biggest Taiwanese night market – Fengjia Night Market. That alone makes it worthy of a side trip!
SUN MOON LAKE
Come here to appreciate bike riding, cable car, and boat rides, or ride the little train at Jiji and experience the nostalgic Taiwan railway. It will leave you with the most stunning and undying memory of your trip!
This scenic Lake is one of Taiwan’s top travelers interests. It is 80 km southwest of Taichung. The Lake is enclosed by mountains; the shade of Sun Moon Lake varies according to the time of day and the season. A small island appears from the middle of the Lake, splitting it into two parts, resembling the forms of the Sun and Moon; the Lake was named after them.
Renting bikes is always a fun choice, as well as boat tours and visiting some temples. Avoid the parking touts trying to signal you in. Some vendors are sometimes pushy, but they are always good. As always, in Taiwan, plenty of different foods to choose from!
CHINGJING FARM
If you like to count an authentic local touch to your itinerary, include a farm adventure in Cingjing Farm. Known as Evergreen Grassland, Cingjing Farm is a monumental green pasture against the breathtaking backdrops of the uplands. You can see glowing hills, the central mountain peaks, and the valleys of Puli Basin.
Locally known as “Foggy Eden,” Cingjing Farm is a four to five-hour trip from Taipei. Use a Taiwan iPass Public Transit Card to efficiently navigate Taiwan’s public transit, including MRT, railway, and buses.
There are so many things to see and do in Taipei City, but outside the city, you’ll be able to see the countryside charm of Taiwan — including gorgeous mountains, farms and plantations, and coastal lines.
