BEST PLACES TO SEE IN TAIWAN: A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE

1.3.XIMENDING SHOPPING DISTRICT

TAIPEI XIMENDING

 Established during the Japanese colonial period as a recreation area, Ximending Shopping District was named Ximen and was crammed with movie theaters. Fast forward today, it is now a hip shopping district that is very popular to foreign tourist. Most shops here open around 11:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. On weekends and holidays, Ximending is packed with crowds attending cultural, art and music events.

• Ximending Shopping District
• Location: Wanhua District, Taipei, Taiwan
• GPS: 25°02’39.5″N 121°30’24.7″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours: 24/7 but most shops open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Getting There: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Dingpu. Get off at (B11) Ximen Station. Fare is TWD20 (₱39), Senior TWD8 (₱16). Transit time is roughly 2 minutes. Walk to Ximending Shopping District.
• If coming from Shilin Station, take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Daan/to Xiangshan. Alight at (R10) Taipei Main Station. Transfer to MRT Blue Line (Bannan Line) to Dingpu. Get off at (B11) Ximen Station. Fare is TWD25 (₱48), Senior TWD10 (₱16). Transit time is roughly 2 minutes. Walk to Ximending Shopping District.

1.4.CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL

This one of the most photographed attractions. Chiang Kai-Shek is the former President of Taiwan, he ruled the country for 47 years, from 1928 to 1975.  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial is clad by a beautifully manicured garden and equally attractive buildings such as  the National Theater and the National Concert Hall.

CHIANG-KAI SHEK MEMORIAL 

• Chai Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
• Location: Zhongsheng District, Taipei, Taiwan
• GPS: 25°02’05.4″N 121°31’19.7″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed on Chinese New Year
• Getting there: Take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) towards Daan/Xiangshan. Get off at (R08) Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station.  Fare is TWD20 (₱39), Senior TWD8 (₱16). Travel time is about 4 minutes. Walk towards Chaing Kai Shek Memorial Hall for about 8 minutes.

1.5.TAIPEI 101

Taipei 101 used to be the highest building in the world, standing at 1,671 feet. This iconic building is the poster boy of Taiwan. If you’re a first timer in Taipei, experience the Observatory at the 89^th floor, with a scenic view of the city. Getting here requires you to ride the Guinness record breaking high-speed pressurized elevators.

TAIPEI 101

Taipei Observatory Ticket:BUY HERE

• Taipei 101
• Location: No.45 City Hall Road, Xinye District Taipei, Taiwan
• GPS: 25°02’03.6″N 121°33’52.7″E
• Entrance Fee (Taipei 101 Observatory – Top Deck/89 & 101 Floors) : TWD980 (₱1,998)
• Open Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Getting there: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Xiangshan. Get off at  (R03) Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Fare is TWD25 (₱48), Senior TWD10 (₱19). Travel time is about 2 minutes.
• If you’re coming from Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Xiangshan. Get off at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Fare is TWD20 (₱39), Senior TWD8 (₱16). Travel time is about 2 minutes.

1.6. ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN

This popular hiking spot offers one of the best views of Taipei 101. It’s a relatively short hike, you need to climb around 600 steps to reach the summit and enjoy the view. It’s not as easy as it looks, I swear, I did sweat a lot! But it was all worth it as the view here is majestic especially at dusk!

VIEW OF TAIPEI 101 FROM ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN

•  Elephant Mountain
• Location: No.45 City Hall Road, Xinye District Taipei, Taiwan
• GPS: 25°01’25.5″N 121°34’19.1″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours: 24/7
• Getting There: It’s about an 18-minute walk from Taipei 101.

1.7. LINJIANG NIGHT MARKET (TONGHUA STREET NIGHT MARKET)

When in Taiwan, don’t miss their booming night markets that are oozing with delicious street food. But if you’re already in Taipei 101 area, the nearest night market is the Linjiang Street Night Market known for its traditional and classic street food. Previously, 4 stalls here were awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand Status, though they fail to retain their status.

TAIWAN SEAFOOD AT THE NIGHT MARKET

Travel Tip: One of the top things to do in Taiwan is going on a food trip. They have some of the best street food in Asia! Taipei alone is oozing with night street food markets that pack a punch.  For cheap but delicious places to dine in Taipei, you can check out the updated list of the Michelin Bib Gourmand HERE.

DAY 2: NORTHCOAST TOUR (YEHLIU GEOPARK + JIUFEN + SHIFEN)

NORTHCOAST TOUR

2.2.YEHLIU GEOPARK

 The rugged coast of Yehliu Geopark is sporadically dappled with massive rock formations that looks exotic and miles away from the ordinary. These unique rock formations have been carved by the unforgiving weather and incessant waves overtime.

YEHLIU GEOPARK

YEHLIU GEO PARK TICKET: BUY HERE

Yehliu Geo Park has 3 sections: The first area is peppered with mushroom-like rocks of varying sizes. The 2^nd area houses the neck-swiveling Queen’s Head, Dragon’s Head Rock, and Gorilla Rock. Here, you can also encounter the Peanut Rock and Fairy’s Shoe rock near the sea. Lastly, the 3^rd area features the 24 Filial-Piety Hill and Pearl Rock.

• Yehliu Geopark
• Location: 20744 Taiwan, New Taipei City, Wanli District
• GPS: 25°12’28.0″N 121°41’47.7″E
• Entrance Fee: TWD120 (₱232)
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Getting there: Make your way to Taipei City Hall Bus Station. Ride Bus 1815 or Bus 1815A. Bus fare is TWD84 (₱163)

NORTH COAST JOIN TOUR (JIUFEN, YEHLIU GEOPARK, SHIFEN, etc.): BOOK HERE

NORTH COAST PRIVATE TOUR: RESERVE HERE

If you only have 1 day to explore the Northern Coast, best to just join a group tour that’ll cover other places in the area such as Jiufen, Shifen, etc. It’ll maximize your time and the tour rate is pretty cheap anyway. Because if you commute from Yehliu Geopark to Shifen Waterfalls then to Jiufen Old Street, it’ll take a lot of bus transfers, and this will eat up your time. You can book the day tour via KKDAY through the link below.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY KKDAY

Yehliu Stone and Light Event Ticket: BUY HERE

TRAVEL TIP: Yehliu has an ongoing light festival called Yehliu Stone and Light – Visiting the Queen at Night, which will run until July 13. It’s an event that features stunning lights at night that focuses on the Yehliu’s famous rock landscape creating a dreamy atmosphere. During daytime, the event also features activities such as art performances.

2.3.SHIFEN WATERFALLS + SHIFEN OLD STREET

Shifen is pretty known by tourists as the spot where you fly the famous sky lantern. This takes place at Shifen Old Street or Pingxi Old Street. Shifen is the midst station of the Pingxi Line in Pingxi District. Back in 1918, the Japanese built the railway line here  to transport coal from the mines of Pingxi valley. Thus, Shifen was born as one of the small mining towns here. Coal mining eventually stopped in 1971.  The custom of flying of the lanterns can be traced back to Fujian Province in China, where the descendants of the locals came from. The writing of wishes on the sky lantern started sometime in the 1800’s. Back then, gangsters are said to harass the residents here, so when the locals descend from the mountains to pick up supplies, they would fly a sky lantern to inform others that’s it’s already safe to go. Because the lanterns would fly so high to the sky, the locals started writing wishes to the gods. Today, it has become a popular tourist activity but is heavily criticized because of the lanterns would become trash that pollutes the surroundings and the sea. To help alleviate this problem, you can buy and fly eco-friendly sky lanterns in Shifen.

While you are at Shifen Old Street area, you may want to drop by at Shifen Waterfalls. The most popular waterfalls in Taiwan.  This beauty is said to be the country’s widest and largest waterfall by water volume. It is about 66 feet tall, 130 feet wide, with a total area of 8,580 square feet. It’s mesmeric natural pool is quite deep, that’s why swimming here is prohibited.

• Shifen Waterfalls
• Location: 226 Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District
• GPS: 25°02’55.2″N 121°47’15.7″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Getting There: It’s about a 10-minute walk from Shifen Old Street. Use Google Maps.

TOUISTS FLYING SKY LANTERN AT SHIFEN OLD STREET

• Shifen Old Street
• Location: #81 Shifen Street, New Taipei City, Pingxi District
• GPS: 25°02’42.8″N 121°46’31.9″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Getting there: Make your way to Taipei Main Station. Ride a local train towards Ruifang. Train fare is roughly TWD73 (₱141) and travel time is approximately 55 minutes. At Ruifang Station, you will arrive at Platform 1 or 2. Cross over to Platform 3 and hop on a local Pingxi train Line to Jingtong and get off at Shifen Station. Train fare is about TWD29 (₱56) and travel time is approximately 39 minutes. At Shifen, you can explore both the Shifen Waterfalls and Shifen Old Street, the famed sky lantern spot.

TRAVEL TIP: But if you’re coming from Yehliu Geopark as per our sample itinerary here, getting to Shifen Station involves a lot of bus transfer and will eat up your time. That’s why I recommend joining a group tour instead.

2.4.JIUFEN OLD STREET

The nostalgic Jiufen Old Street exudes a charm that attracts many tourists. Perhaps because it reminds us of that quaint village in Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Though Miyazaki actually denied that Jiufen inspired the popular anime movie.

• Jiufen Old Street + A-Mei Lantern Tea House
• Location: #81 Shifen Street, New Taipei City, Pingxi District
• GPS: 25°02’42.8″N 121°46’31.9″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Getting there: Make your way to Taipei Main Station. Ride a local train towards Ruifang.  Get off at Ruifang Station. Train fare is roughly TWD73 (₱141) and travel time is approximately 55 minutes. From Ruifang Station, walk towards Zushi Temple for about 5 minutes. Use Google Maps.
• Take Bus 788 to Jiufen Old Street. Alight at Jiufen Old Street bus station, walk to Jiufen Old Street for roughly 2 minutes.

DAY 3: TAIPEI SIDE TRIPS

From Taipei, you can easily do a side trip to neighboring Taichung for about 1.5  to 2 hours by train or bus. You can also join the reasonably-priced group tours to Zongshe Flower Market offered by local tour operators and can be booked via KKDAY app or website.

OPTION 1: ZONGSHE FLOWER GARDEN

An easy day trip from Taipei that is very popular among first-time tourists in Taiwan is Zongshe Flower Market. But beyond this thriving IG-worthy flower market, there are also other equally charming tourist spots in Taichung that you can visit in a day, such as the Lavender Forest, Dakeng Lover’s Bridge, and Gaomei Wetlands. That is why I highly recommend you book a tour package for this trip to maximize your time.

Zongshe Flower Garden Tour: RESERVE HERE

IMPORTANT: There are entrance fees per person to some of the Taichung tourist attractions included in the tour package. It is not included in the tour rate, you have to pay for it separately. See table above for reference.

• Zongshe Flower Garden
• Location: No. 333, Section 5, Sanfeng Road, Houli District, Taichung, Taiwan
• GPS: 24°20’05.1″N 120°43’48.1″E
• Entrance Fee:
• TWD150 (₱291) – January to March
• TWD120 (₱231) – April to December
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

 OPTION 2: ALISHAN DAY TOUR

If you want a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of Taipei, take a day trip to Alishan Scenic Area in Chiayi County. Alishan is known for its cold temperatures and misty mountains blanketed by dense forest. It  is originally the hunting ground of the  indigenous Tsou tribe, who still live in the villages of Alishan.

You can also make a side trip to the nostalgic Fenqihu Old Street. KKDAY has a private day tour package. Car is good for 5, 7 or 9 pax with a driver and tour guide already, and it’s pretty cheap! Check the rates through the link below and book ahead of your schedule trip.

ALISHAN DAY TOUR + FENQIHU OLD STREET TOUR: RESERVE HERE

Important: There’s a TWD300 (₱581)entrance per person at Alishan Scenic Area and a TWD100 (₱194) parking fee.

DAY 4: HUALIEN

If you fancy  the outdoors and taking off-the-beaten path, Hualien will surprise you with immaculate natural attractions concealed in its towering mountains draped by dense wilderness. Despite its timeless popularity, Hualien remains a pleasant land of countryside charm. Hidden in Hualien is one of Taiwan’s most scenic park –  Taroko Gorge, named after the Taroko Indigenous People. It is home to many picturesque natural attractions, such as Tunnel of Nine Turns, Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, Baiyang Trail, and my personal favorite – the Eternal Spring Shrine.

TAROKO GORGE – THE ETERNAL SPRING SHRINE

 How to get to Hualien from Taipei:

Take the High Speed Train to Taitung. Fare is roughly TWD583 (₱1,129). Travel time is roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.

You can use your Taiwan Pass or the High Speed Train Ticket that you purchased from KKDAY (see links under Travel Essentials).

TAROKO GORGE NATIONAL PARK

How to get around Taroko Gorge:

 BY BUS

 From Hualien Bus Station, you can take a bus to Taroko National Park, you may use your EasyCard or Ipass or Taiwan Pass. However, due to the earthquake that hit Hualien last year, some of the buses have stopped operating or have changed routes. Currently, only Bus 1141A by Ubus from  TRA Hualien Station runs to Taroko National Park. Fare is TWD96 (₱186), travel time is about 1 hour. However, if you need to get to the next attraction within the park, you have to wait for the next bus to arrive. So, it may take half day or a day to explore Taroko National Park, depending on the availability of the bus.

QIXINGTAN BEACH

 BY TOUR PACKAGE

 For a hassle-free tour of Taroko Gorge, you can join a group tour. Click the link below to check the rates. This will save you time in exploring Taroko Gorge. And it also includes a visit to other tourist spots in Hualien including Quingshiu Cliff, Banxia Beach, Xincheng Old Street, & Qixingtan Beach. For me, this tour package is worth it especially now that the schedule of the tour bus around Taroko Gorge is unreliable.

 Taroko Gorge Day Tour: BOOK HERE

• Taroko National Park
• Location: Xiulin Township, Hualien Taiwan
• GPS: 24°11’39.5″N 121°29’30.9″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE, except Zhuilu Old Road where a permit is needed TWD200 (₱387)
• Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Getting there: See information above.

TAITUNG, TAIWAN

Taitung Hot Air Balloon Carnival: RESERVE HERE

TRAVEL TIP: If you’re traveling to Taiwan this July and August, you may want to include a visit to Taitung, about 3 hours away from Hualien and Kaohsiung and join their Hot Air Balloon Carnival.

DAY 5: KAOSHIUNG

KAOHSIUNG CITY TOUR

Kaohsiung boasts of the largest port in Taiwan, hence, it is a favorite stopover of cruise ships even before airlines started flying here from the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia. This massive political and economic center of Southern Taiwan is carefully planned. What I like about it is it’s easy to explore as most of the tourist spots here are concentrated near the MRT lines. And even their metro is only composed of Red and Orange MRT lines and an LRT line so you won’t get overwhelmed. Kaohsiung is also peppered with hip café culture, thriving art spaces and cultural venues, and lush parks, which make it popular among young tourists.

5.1.DOME OF LIGHT

There’s a massive, colorful glass installation situated in Formosa Boulevard Station in Kaohsiung. The Dome of Light features colored glass made in Italy that is designed by Narcissus Qualiata.

THE DOME OF LIGHT – FORMOSA BLVD STATION

• Dome of Light
• Location: 800 Sinsing District, Zhongshan First Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
• GPS: 22°37’53.6″N 120°18’06.7″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Opening Hours: Daily 5:55 AM – 12:25 AM
• Getting There: Make your way to Formosa Boulevard Station.

5.2.Lotus Pond

KAOHSIUNG LOTUS POND

Lotus Pond is one of the top attractions in Kaohsiung. I recommend you visit this temple complex as many temples are concentrated here.  What I like about the Lotus Pond is it is peppered with uniquely-designed structures, some are standing by the man-made lake where pretty lotus flowers thrive. The first structure that welcomed me was the soaring twin temples known as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas.  If you are wondering why it’s named such that is because the entrance to the temple is the dragon’s mouth and the exit is the lion’s mouth. Walk through this route for good luck. Inside the temples there are pretty intricate religious paintings on the wall.

KAOHSIUNG LOTUS POND

• Location: Lian Road, Zouying District
• GPS: 22°40’49.0″N 120°17’33.6″E
• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Getting There: From Formosa Boulevard, take the MRT Red Line to Gangshan Station. Alight at Zouying Station (R16). Fare is TWD25 (₱48). Travel time is roughly 13 minutes.
• If coming from Pier 2 Art Center.  Make your way to Yanchengpu Station. Take the MRT Orange Line to Daliao. Get off at Formosa Boulevard Station. Transfer to MRT Red Line to Gangshan Station. Get off at Zouying Station (R16). Fare is TWD30 (₱58). Travel time is roughly 21 minutes.

5.3. KAOHSIUNG MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Taiwan’s 3^rd public museum, established in 1994, and known for its Sculpture Hall. It is one of the largest and most spacious museums in Taiwan dedicated to promoting art education and research in the community. Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts also hosts concerts, workshops, and festivals, among others.

 KAOHSIUNG MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS: BUY TICKET HERE

• Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts
• Location: No.80 Meishuguan Road, Gushan District Kaohsiung, Taiwan
• Bottom of Form
• Top of Form
• Bottom of Form
• GPS: 22°39’23.5″N 120°17’11.0″E
• Entrance Fee: TWD200 (₱387)
• Opening Hours: Daily except Mondays, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

5.4.LIUHE NIGHT MARKET

Liuhe Night Market is actually a major road by day, and transforms into a bustling street food market at night.  It traces its history back in the 1950’s when food stalls where thriving in Dagangpu area, which eventually developed into Liuhe Night Market. Lately, many tastebud-tingling food here are now certified as halal as the government has encouraged the vendors to apply for halal certifications.

LIUHE NIGHT MARKET IN KAOHSIUNG

• • Liuhe Night Market
  • Location: Liuhe 2^nd Road, Sinsing District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
  • GPS: 22°37’56.9″N 120°18’02.0″E
  • Entrance Fee: TWD200 (₱387)
  • Opening Hours: Daily 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
  • Getting There: It’s walking distance from Formosa Boulevard Station

If you want a hassle-free tour of Kaohsiung, which includes a visit to Lotus Pond, Liuhe Night Market, and Tian Liao Moon World, join the group tour below.

KAOSHIUNG TOUR: RESERVE HERE

 DAY 6: KAOSHIUNG

KAOSHIUNG CITY TOUR

For Day 6, continue exploring Kaohsiung City at your own pace. You can even take a ferry to the nearby Cijin Island. Just off the coast of Pier 2 Art Center.

PIER 2 ART CENTER

This rightfully popular trendy destination in Kaohsiung Port is Pier 2 Art Center. This uniquely designed place has been transformed into an open art space where budding artists and students can freely express themselves through art. It’s a pretty good spot for your IG photos. Don’t miss the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park nearby, Kaohsiung’s First Railway Station.

• • • Pier 2 Art Center
    • Location: No.1 Dayong Road, Yancheng District
    • GPS: 22°37’18.4″N 120°17’02.5″E
    • Entrance Fee: FREE
    • Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Weekends 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    • Getting There: From Formosa Boulevard Station, take the Orange Line to Hamasen. Get off at Yanchengpu Station (C14). Fare is TWD20 (₱39) and transit time is about 4 minutes.

 Cijin Island

Just off the coast of Pier 2 Art center, you can find the tiny Cijin Island that packs a punch. It is hugged by a sandy beach that is ideal for swimming.  You might be tempted to just get a tan by the beach, but do take advantage of  the islands other attractions. Cijin Island is also speckled with interesting art installations.  And it has historic structures to boot, such as the Cihou Fort, Cihou Lighthouse, and the Star Tunnel. The windswept mountain here also offers a perfect view of Kaohsiung.

VIEW OF KAOHSIUNG FROM CIJIN ISLAND

• • • Cijin Island
    • Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
    • GPS: 22°36’40.0″N 120°18’32.2″E
    • Entrance Fee: FREE
    • Opening Hours: 24/7
    • Getting There: From Hamasen Station, walk for about 10-minutes to Gushan Ferry Pier. You can take a ferry from Gushan Ferry Pier to Cijin Island. Fare is roughly TWD20 (₱39) to TWD30 (₱58). You can use your EasyCard here, so instead of paying TWD 30, you’ll only be charged TWD20. Travel time is roughly 5 minutes. Ferry travels every 10 minutes from 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Alternatively, you can also take the Snoopy Seabus ferry from KW2 (Kaohsiung Warehouse 2) and Pier 2 Art center. It’s more expensive though. Fare is TWD80 (₱155). Travel time is roughly 10 minutes.

SNOOPY SEABUS FERRY TO CIJIN ISLAND

If you’re traveling in a group and you just want a hassle-free tour of Cijin Island and other attractions in Kaohsiung, join the group tour below. Click and make your reservation.

TOURING CIJIN ISLAND

Kaoshiung Suburbs (Cijin Island, Ruifeng Night Market, Fo Guang Shan): BOOK HERE

Cijin Island Join tour: BOOK HERE

DAY 7: KAOSHIUNG SIDE TRIPS

KAOHSIUNG SIDE TRIPS 

For your last day in Kaohsiung, if yu still have ths budget and energy to go on tour, before you fly back home.  Consider ay of the following relaxing tours. Not as jam-packed as our sample itinerary here.  You’ll be able to explore the other parts of Kaohsiung that can’t be easily reached by DIY travel, hence, joining a group tour is your best bet.

ZINAN TEMPLE

• • • OPTION 1: Pier 2 Art Center, Buddha Memorual, Xiziwan Scenic Area +Takao Consulate

         Kaoshiung Day Tour: BOOK HERE

• • • OPTION 2: Tianliao Moonworld, Lotus lake, Liuhe Night Market

        Kaoshiung Day Tour (Countryside): BOOK HERE

          Zinan Temple: RESERVE HERE