I just got back from my quirky trip in Taipei. And as a thank you to those who helped me, I’m sharing this journey with all of you.
Keep it cheap! Wait for a seat sale, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific now offers cheap flights going to Taiwan.
What are your available flights? At the beginning of my plan (March 2009), CP still offers flights going to Kaohsiung. Then I decided, that I’ll take MNL-KHH-TPE-MNL route. However, came July 2009, they already stop going to KHH. Thus, I have removed it from my plan as well. But if you insist in going to KHH, you can take a High Speed Rail Transit from Taipei for 2 hours at about 1260-1265NT, which depends on the ticket reservation and on the departure time. Just be careful, as some say that crime rate in KHH is high. I can’t say anything on this since I have not visited the place.
Know your purpose! Are you a certified addict of TW Series? If yes, then you must study where is the Car Restaurant that was used in Meteor Garden, the name of the Farm used in Lavender or the Mall in Why Why Love. How to get the featured places in Wish To See You Again like, Taipei 101 or National Museum, just to name a few.
Limit your target! How many days are you planning to spend on our trip? Can you cover all the main tourist spots from North (Taipei), East (Hualien), South (Kaoshiung), West (Sun Moon Lake) and Central (Alishan Mountains) areas?
Are you joining a guided tour? Clarify that you wanted an English guide and not the one speaking a local language. Do not schedule it on the first nor second day after your arrival, you might encounter flight schedule issues that might also affect your schedule with the tour agency.
And the most important, do you have a VISA? This would be my first trip which will require a VISA, and I’m happy cause the Consulate marked mine as APPROVED. Some travelers worked on VISA before buying a ticket. But in my case, I bought a ticket and booked a hostel before applying for a VISA -- yes, it is risky!
Applying for a Visa
Download the Visa Application form from the Bureau of Consulate Affairs (BOCA) site ( http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=92&CtUnit=58&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 ). Fill-in the necessary details.
Prepare the Visitor Visa Requirements listed in Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) site ( http://www.roc-taiwan.org/PH/ct.asp?xItem=54268&ctNode=4712&mp=272 ).
You can apply the NSO copy of your birth certificate online through these links: https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/frmIndex.asp or http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/nso .
When applying for Bank Certificate or Certificate of Employment, prepare the addressee which would be: THE COUNSULAR DIVISION, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, 41st Floor, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.
When can you apply for a visa? It would be within a month before your departure date. In the morning, it is the application time, try to get in to their office early. I arrived at 8:45am, and I’m already client #66 and the counter is still serving customer #4. I was able to submit my application by 10:30am.
Afternoon is their releasing schedule, I got my single entry VISA after 3 processing days for 2400Php.
Since all is set, you are really flying to Taiwan!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Day 1: Arrival at Taoyuan Airport
Travel Date: October 19, 2009
After 7 months of preparation, my departure date finally came. I’m in NAIA Terminal 3, three hours before my flight schedule. I was the 3rd person who get into the plane (not that excited, huh!)
I also exchange few bucks in the airport to be used on buying bus tickets and paying in the hostel upon check-in.
After 7 months of preparation, my departure date finally came. I’m in NAIA Terminal 3, three hours before my flight schedule. I was the 3rd person who get into the plane (not that excited, huh!)
Have yourself a mask, just in case you wanted to use it because a lot of people are using it too in Taipei in general.
The plane arrived almost 20 minutes before the schedule time. After passing through the Immigration and the GREEN lane for the Customs (since I have nothing to declare), I have found my exit to roam around the airport. Sad, but there is nothing to see in Taiwan Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 (unlike Terminal 2).
Find your way to the Tourist Service Counter (located on your right side as you exit from Customs) to apply for the Youth Travel Card (http://www.youthtravel.tw/ke/ytCard/en/index.html). This is a discount pass open to 15-30 years old tourists. You can use this in Miramar Ferris Wheel, Museums and Restaurants. Just present your passport upon application.
I also exchange few bucks in the airport to be used on buying bus tickets and paying in the hostel upon check-in.
On the opposite side, you will see the Express Buses counter. Since my hostel is located near Taipei Main Station, I’ll be taking Kuo-Kuang Bus. I bought a one-way ticket to Taipei (Bus #61) for 125NT.
The driver will mark your baggage before he help you placed it at the bus trunk. After almost an hour, we reached the East Gate of Taipei Railway Station. You need to return to the driver your baggage number before you can get your stuff. After getting back my sense of direction, I was able to locate Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Mall, which is already near my hostel.
I booked at City Inn Hotel (http://www.gocityinn.com/). Confusing at first, is it an inn or a hotel? It is officially considered as Hostel, but I must say with a Hotel service. I reached the place before 3pm, I showed the email transaction I have with them. Then, they let me pay for the remaining nights that I’ll stay and requested me to return at 3pm which is their check-in time.
I’m really hoping, I’ll get the room with those beautiful paintings same as the one posted in their site, but I failed. Even though, I still get the room with glass windows and a non-smoking floor - mine was Room 501. The room is well lighted, sheets are clean and the bed is soft. They have tea making facilities, free coffee and tea sachets everyday. The bathroom area is medium sized, with toiletries (comb, shower cap, razor, cleaning set, toothbrush and toothpaste) and body and hand towels. The room has LCD tv (with CNN, only english channel) and emergency exit information. They also offer to clean your room and change your used towels everyday.
Another, comment I have is that my room does not have a cabinet. Aside from that, I have no other issues. My room is just next to the elevator and the stairs. The reception is so friendly, as in all of them (3) will stand together when I get in or go out of the lobby, and they will stay standing not unless I leave the place (is it a local custom?). They even called me out at my room, when they noticed one time that I wanted to use the pc, but someone is still using it. Speaking of pc, I was able to use their free internet service at the lobby without issues. They can communicate in English as well. When I get a chance to return to Taipei, I’ll definitely stay here again.
Next, I took Neihu train going to Miramar Mall (Why Why Love scenes were taken here: http://www.mysoju.com/why-why-love/episode-1/part-1/ ). I had a quirky trip at the Ferris Wheel.
This is really a good room for solo travelers, why solo? The bathroom has no lock and has also a glass wall. So if you have other roommate, she/he may need to step out first before you do your thing.
Another, comment I have is that my room does not have a cabinet. Aside from that, I have no other issues. My room is just next to the elevator and the stairs. The reception is so friendly, as in all of them (3) will stand together when I get in or go out of the lobby, and they will stay standing not unless I leave the place (is it a local custom?). They even called me out at my room, when they noticed one time that I wanted to use the pc, but someone is still using it. Speaking of pc, I was able to use their free internet service at the lobby without issues. They can communicate in English as well. When I get a chance to return to Taipei, I’ll definitely stay here again.
After resting for a few minutes, I started my Taipei Adventure. First destination, to visit a Catholic Church. I was able to find Saint John Bosco Parish near Zhongshan Junior High School Station. On the way to the church, you’ll pass by The Sherwood Hotel (which was used in Wish to See You Again: http://www.mysoju.com/wish-to-see-you-again/episode-1/part-3/).
Next, I took Neihu train going to Miramar Mall (Why Why Love scenes were taken here: http://www.mysoju.com/why-why-love/episode-1/part-1/ ). I had a quirky trip at the Ferris Wheel.
Then I returned to Taipei Main Station to have dinner with my friend.
Day 2: Bird's View from 101
Travel Date: October 20, 2009
I started my morning by going out at around 9am for National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (9am - 6:30pm), take Exit 5 from the MRT Station.
After lunch, it started raining, I forgot to bring my cap so I had to buy one from NET. I walked towards SYS Memorial, and I did not bother going inside the Hall. I’m after taking photos of the actual Hall itself.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall 
Then, I find my way to Shifu Rd., I did not expect to see the tent that was often used on “Girls Marching On”, a series broadcasted by ABS in 2000. 
From the Taipei City Hall, it is almost 20-30 minutes walk before I reached Taipei 101.
If you are looking for the branded stuff, this is the Mall for you.
During my visit, there is an Art Exhibit and I found few entries from the Philippines. 
I also sent out postcards from Taipei 101. 
A small museum is also found inside, it contains a replica of the famous cabbage found in National Museum. Expensive jars are also for sale on the same floor. 
Try to finish the indoor observatory before night fall, they do limit the area to be visited in outdoor obersvatory when it comes to be very windy. 
As I leave the building, I’m nearing the most awaited spot I’ve been wanting to see, the LOVE sculpture. Too bad that it was so windy that I can’t leave my tripod to take a personal shot.
Before crossing the street to see New York New York mall, I was surprised when a loud music started and when I turn around, the water fountain started dancing. I’m so happy that I was able to experience again to watch that kind of water show. (Last was on Wynn, Macau on Feb 2009)
When I reached NYNY, I had sudden flashbacks of DMS and SC’s date, this is the Mc Donald’s used on the last episode of Meteor Garden. 
Upon the main entrance, I was welcomed by VZ Yu Min, he is the endorser for Sony Alpha. 
You will pass by Viewshow and multiple Shin Kong Mitsukoshi malls before you can reach Taipei City Hall MRT Station. 
I dropped off at Taipei Main Station, and called it a day!
I started my morning by going out at around 9am for National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (9am - 6:30pm), take Exit 5 from the MRT Station.
C.K.S. Memorial Hall Station
Find your way to the main entrance, to take a snapshot of the huge gate. I spent around 2-3 hours to take shots of the National Theater, Memorial Hall, Democracy Boulevard and Concert Hall. If you are lucky, you can also watch the exchange of guards at the Memorial Hall.
Open: 9:00 AM TO 6:30 PM
Address: 21, Zhongshan South Road, Taipei (100)
National Theater
Memorial Hall
I planned to go to NTUniversity in Gongguan Station, but decided not to proceed with that plan. I’d rather spent more time in Taipei 101.
From CKSM Station, I moved to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Station, Exit 2 to look for Mr. J. Restaurant. This is owned by Jay Chou where the theme is inspired by his movie The Secret. There is nothing special in the location, it seems like it is in a street together with residential area. I was not able to see the grand piano, but the walls are full of Jay’s memorabilia. I ordered for vegetable salad and pasta, and it was good.
Address: No.43 Lane 308, Guangfu St., Da-an District, Taipei City 106
Lunch Set (12:00 - 14:00): starts from 150NT
After lunch, it started raining, I forgot to bring my cap so I had to buy one from NET. I walked towards SYS Memorial, and I did not bother going inside the Hall. I’m after taking photos of the actual Hall itself.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Address: 505, Jen-ai Rd, Sec. 4, TaipeiE-mail: sun@yatsen.yatsen.gov.tw
Hall Attraction: 9am-9pm (Part of exhibition rooms only open from 9:00~17:00)
Then, I find my way to Shifu Rd., I did not expect to see the tent that was often used on “Girls Marching On”, a series broadcasted by ABS in 2000.
From the Taipei City Hall, it is almost 20-30 minutes walk before I reached Taipei 101.
If you are looking for the branded stuff, this is the Mall for you.After roaming at the mall, I looked for the Observatory Ticket Booth located at the 5th floor of the Mall. Thanks to Youth Travel Card, I paid my ticket for 350NT only and got 50NT discount. The elevator will take you then to 89F (indoor observatory). Be sure to use their audio guides, it is very easy to use and it will explain to you every section seen from the observatory.
During my visit, there is an Art Exhibit and I found few entries from the Philippines.
I also sent out postcards from Taipei 101.
A small museum is also found inside, it contains a replica of the famous cabbage found in National Museum. Expensive jars are also for sale on the same floor.
Try to finish the indoor observatory before night fall, they do limit the area to be visited in outdoor obersvatory when it comes to be very windy.
Operating Hours: 10am - 10pm (Last ticketing: 9:15pm)
Address 89F No.7, Hsin Yi Rd Sec 5, Taipei 101
Visiting Route: Entry 5F (take elevator -> 89F [indoor observatory] ) -> 91F [outdoor observatory]Exit 88F (take elevator -> 5F)
As I leave the building, I’m nearing the most awaited spot I’ve been wanting to see, the LOVE sculpture. Too bad that it was so windy that I can’t leave my tripod to take a personal shot.
Before crossing the street to see New York New York mall, I was surprised when a loud music started and when I turn around, the water fountain started dancing. I’m so happy that I was able to experience again to watch that kind of water show. (Last was on Wynn, Macau on Feb 2009)
When I reached NYNY, I had sudden flashbacks of DMS and SC’s date, this is the Mc Donald’s used on the last episode of Meteor Garden.
Upon the main entrance, I was welcomed by VZ Yu Min, he is the endorser for Sony Alpha.
You will pass by Viewshow and multiple Shin Kong Mitsukoshi malls before you can reach Taipei City Hall MRT Station.
I dropped off at Taipei Main Station, and called it a day!
Day 3: Day Tour at Taroko Gorge, Hualien
Travel Date: October 21, 2009
My 3rd day is a guided tour in Hualien. This is the cheapest tour I found from Taipei, because they offer it via train. Most of the Hualien tours are using airplane.Try to understand your train ticket. Get into the station as early as you can, so will have enough time looking for your waiting area.
Merry Travel Service (Taipei)
Phone：886(2)25652780
Address：8-2F, No. 54, Songjiang Rd., Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Ticket below shows the time of departure and arrival. Take note of the coach number (2) and seat number (25). Along the way, a ticket inspector will check if you have the correct ticket.
Upon arrival (10:41am) at the Hualien Station, find your way to the Visitor’s Information counter. Get some maps that will still help you on the tour.
When the bus arrived, I got frustrated that I booked for the Mandarin tour. I checked it online that it was an English tour. Good thing that my co-tourists were accommodating and generous to translate to me important information along the way.
The tour includes pass at Cihmu Bridge, stroll on Tunnel of Nine Turns Trail, look at Changchun Shrine and stop over at Cisingtan Beach.
The tour guide also sent us to a Jade shop and souvenir stores. I love the chocolate mochi I got from Hualien.
I arrived at the Hualien train station few minutes before the departure time, but I felt like I really need to run to find the train. I’m not able to take a photo of the bullet train from outside because I’m afraid that I might be left behind. So I just stay inside the train and wait until it depart from Hualien.
When I get back to Taipei proper, I immediately go to Ximending to find Modern Toilet (this will be my third, I had my first and second at Mongkok, Hong Kong). I ordered for the seafood pasta meal, thus, I was able to taste the ice cream that looks like a poop.
Address: 2F., No.7, Lane 50, Sining S. Rd., Wanhua District, Taipei City
Weekdays: AM11：30 ~ PM10：00 (Last order by 9:00PM)
Near Ximending MRT, Exit 6, I was lucky enough to watch a mini concert which also features English songs.
Day 4: Visiting Lavender Farm
Travel Date: October 22, 2009
This day is my Taoyuan challenge. I’ve been wanting to see the farm used in Leo and Yshin’s series, Lavender. After doing the research, I found that it was Tomita Farm located in Taoyuan. But, when I reached the place and due to unexpected drizzle, I decided to visit only Tashee Blooming Oasis (few more minutes and you will also see Tomita Farm).
From Taipei, I dropped off at Ximen MRT Station. From my research, travelers were advise that from Taipei’s Gueiyang Street (貴陽街) in front of the Soochow University annex (located between Ximending and Presidential Office, east of Zhonghua Rd), board a Taipei Bus (台北客運) or Taoyuan Bus (桃園客運) bus to Dasi. I waited for Bus 9103 on the school side. Below is a sample bus ticket that you will received from the driver, and which should be returned upon drop off. 
From the bus station on Daxi town, I took a cab and it is almost a 15 minute travel for less than 160NT.
I’m also amazed that the Love at the Corner series also shoot in the area. 
Other series that I’m not familiar with the title but with the actors are Rainie Yang, 5566, etc. 
I had vegetable pasta for lunch, more expensive that the usual. 
At around 1pm, I left the area. It took me around 30 minutes waiting for a cab to return to Daxi bus station. The bus to Taipei arrived at around 2pm, if I missed it I need to wait for the 4pm bus.
Woke-up early and had breakfast from Dante’s Coffee, I loved bagel and cream cheese.
This day is my Taoyuan challenge. I’ve been wanting to see the farm used in Leo and Yshin’s series, Lavender. After doing the research, I found that it was Tomita Farm located in Taoyuan. But, when I reached the place and due to unexpected drizzle, I decided to visit only Tashee Blooming Oasis (few more minutes and you will also see Tomita Farm).
From Taipei, I dropped off at Ximen MRT Station. From my research, travelers were advise that from Taipei’s Gueiyang Street (貴陽街) in front of the Soochow University annex (located between Ximending and Presidential Office, east of Zhonghua Rd), board a Taipei Bus (台北客運) or Taoyuan Bus (桃園客運) bus to Dasi. I waited for Bus 9103 on the school side. Below is a sample bus ticket that you will received from the driver, and which should be returned upon drop off.
From the bus station on Daxi town, I took a cab and it is almost a 15 minute travel for less than 160NT.
I paid 80NT on the Tashee Blooming Oasis admission fee, I got a 20NT discount from the Youth Travel Card.
Since I decided to go to the other farm instead of the one used in Lavender, I’m surprised that they still have Lavender plants.
I’m also amazed that the Love at the Corner series also shoot in the area.Other series that I’m not familiar with the title but with the actors are Rainie Yang, 5566, etc.They also offer the Lavender bottle and different teas.
I had vegetable pasta for lunch, more expensive that the usual.
At around 1pm, I left the area. It took me around 30 minutes waiting for a cab to return to Daxi bus station. The bus to Taipei arrived at around 2pm, if I missed it I need to wait for the 4pm bus.
I arrived at almost 4pm in Ximen, I looked for Far Eastern Department store to find the supermarket. I think it is cheaper to buy chocolate and tea pasalubong from supermarket rather than keychain or shirt from night market.
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About Me
- ruffeecola
- Welcome to my travel tales! I'm a backpacker in Philippines and suitcase traveler in Asia. Love checking low fares and hotel hunting and mostly stay in the middle of the road. Addict in planning and sorting itineraries. Collection includes: paper bills, maps, photos, postcards, stamps and Starbucks mug. Travelling with Nikon D40 and Nikon J1. You can send in your questions about the places I've been to on my email address. Thanks!