Short Taipei Trip 2018

Eversince I knew about Taipei being visa free for a limited time for Filipinos, I dreamt of visiting the country. I am just so fortunate that my boyfriend, Joel, is up for it, too. We started to plan for the trip in the late part of 2017 and chose to fly from Cebu to Taipei thru Airasia last January 2018. The fare we got was about 2,000 PHP (39 USD) for one person for one way. I know we could have gotten it cheaper if there were seat sales at that time. 

As part of the preparation, I read many blogs and articles about Taipei. I made my itinerary from scratch. It was only a short trip to Taipei - just 2 nights and 3 days so the schedule was pretty tight. Also, I have read that it was winter season so I had to be ready with warm clothes!

At Mactan-Cebu airport, we both had to pay the Airport Terminal Fee which is 750 PHP (15 USD) and as a Philippine Resident, I had to pay Philippine Travel Tax of 1620 PHP (31 USD). After 2 hours and 30 minutes, we arrived in Taipei Taoyuan Airport. Look at that cute ceiling design behind us :)

Before leaving this airport, here are my tips:

1. Change money at the airport - I've read this is important because there are not many (or maybe there is none at all) currency exchange stations in the city. Note that they do ask for a fee/ commission when you exchange your money. 

2.Buy phone sim or rent 4g wifi via Klook.com - Another important thing especially when doing tours by DIY. We figured that renting a 4g wifi is more cost efficient and it did not disappoint us! For a bit less than 500PHP (10 USD), our internet connection was fast and cheap!

3. Get a tourist map - for someone who believes in old school ways, I love maps! I always make it a point to grab one from airport tourist counters. Important and tourist friendly information are in it and its free, so why not?

4. Buy Easy Card at the airport - We discussed about getting an Easy Card or Taipei Pass. Both has its pros and cons and we finally agreed on the easy card. There is a 100 NTD non refundable deposit but if you have a balance in the card before you head out, you can have it refunded at the airport counter where you bought it. 

5. ride MRT to Taipei City, cost 160 NTD (6 USD)- the MRT travels 35 minutes only from the airport to the city. A bit costly than the bus (125 NTD or 4.26 USD) but we figured out that it was an easier way to get to our hotel so MRT wins!

6. Choose a hotel near where the action is or near a train station - This is always what I do to save time, effort and save money from fares. 

We had a bit of difficulty locating our hotel and carrying our stuff around even with the help of Google Maps. But once we found it, we were so relieved! :) Since check in was at 5pm (this is the first hotel ever that I knew of a super late check in time), we left our bags in the reception and headed on to explore Taipei.

The intersection near our hotel

During our stay, here are the things we did in Taipei:

1. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

Entrance fee: Free

How to get there: Take the Blue Line and get off at S.Y.S Memorial Hall

This is a memorial built in 1972 as a tribute to the founder of the Republic of China. Walking towards it, we found many students practicing school activities on the grounds and a beautiful garden called Zhongshan Park. Inside we found historical relics of Dr Sun's life. We also waited for the changing of the guards which was awesome.

2. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

 Entrance fee: Free

 How to get there: Red or Green Line to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Upon exiting the train station, we were amazed of the huge building in Chinese Architecture. Entire complex is huge and there were a lot of students practicing. We had to sit down to take in the view. Unfortunately, during our visit, the hall was under renovation so we just stayed in the grounds and we were happy just being there. 

3. Shilin Night Market

Entrance Fee: Free

 How to get there: Take the Red line to Jiantian Station and take exit 1

One of the largest and most popular night markets in Taiwan, we came here not once but for 2 nights because we cannot get enough of the food, the sites and sound. As usual with any night markets, we found a lot of souvenirs of Taiwan. What amazed us were the many entertaining games like balloon popping, bottle standing and a lot more. Their prizes were stuff toys which were so huge, really enticing for the public to try the game.

Food was also a big factor. There were a lot of stalls that served delicious food. We particularly love this glazed strawberry for 50 NTD.

We found the food court of the market and inside it were rows of restaurants serving different kinds of cuisines. We had a difficult time choosing one and when we did, we ordered:

the Oyster Omelet.

Xao Long Bao

 In Taiwan, I had my daily fix of gong cha or milk tea :)

Lots of other drinks to choose from!

4. Taipei 101 Observatory

Entrance Fee: I bought our tickets ahead from KK day for our  visit to Taipei 101 Observatory. I got it for around 900 PHP ( 17.30 USD)

How to get there: Red Line to Taipei 101 station

view from Taipei 101 Observatory 

Claiming the ticket was a breeze from the counter and we were then asked to queue towards the world's second fastest elevators. We were lucky that the sky was clear that day and we were able to marvel at the city lights and 360 degree view  from the 89th floor. There were shops at the 89th floor for souvenirs as well. What's great with getting my voucher from KK day is that we had a free Oolong milk tea!

5. Longshan Temple

Entrance Fee: Free, Donations for the temple upkeep is accepted

How to get there: Blue Line to Longshan Temple then take exit 1

This is one of the largest and oldest temple in Taiwan. It was built in 1738 but was damaged by American bombers. Now, it is continuously improved and renovated by locals. 

6. Ximending Shopping District

How to get there: Blue or Green Line to Ximen

One cannot miss this shopping haven. With a vast number of stores, restaurants and shops, it is very easy to spend time just walking around this area. We had a quick lunch in a Japanese restaurant which is located on the second floor with a view of the busy street. 

These were only just a few sites that consisted our Taipei trip. There are other interesting sites such as Elephant Mountain, Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola but we didn't have the time to see all. Maybe in the future as we'd love to come back! Thank you for reading and 'til next blog ;)