Planning and Requirements

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!

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!)

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).

Reference: http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/english/tourist/arrival_e.jsp

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.

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 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.)

Web: www.hunters-tour.com.tw

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.

Restaurant: Modern Toilet, Ximending Store, Taipei (http://www.moderntoilet.com.tw/en/store.asp )

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 5: Tracing the Footsteps of DaoMS

Travel Date: October 23, 2009

Woke-up early because I wanted to have bagel again for breakfast, but Dante’s Coffee already moved out. Good thing, it was also served in Burger King. I’m the only customer on that morning.

Immediately after breakfast, I took a train going to Danshui Station (last station of Danshui Lane: Red). Take Exit 1, if you want to roam around the area. Visit the market street or the 4 floor Starbucks building.

Go to Exit 2, if you need to find the bus terminal.
Take Bus R26, which will send you to Danshui Fisherman’s Wharf. This is the same bus that will return to Danshui Station.


From Danshui, I drop off at Shipai Station to reach Tianmu area. This is one of the reasons I visited Taiwan - I need to see P.S. Bu bu. From the Exit gate, the bus stop is located just across the street. Wait for Bus R19, this will pass by the restaurant.

From trip advisor: Take that bus R19 to the end of Zhongshan N Rd Sec 7, to the last stop and walk down the road on the left side of the street, PS Bubu about 2 mins away.
This is the famous car restaurant used in Meteor Garden. I did not bother to use the pink mini cooper, I’m fine with the white one to give me a very nice view of the pink car. The 1991 newspaper is still posted on their wall. Most of the car plates in the restaurant are from United States. True, that the food is pricey, but I enjoyed eating there.
From here, I went to Wufenpu Shopping District, night market for clothes.

How: The best way to get to Wufenpu is by MRT. Take the Bannan (Blue) line to Houshanpi station and go out Exit 4. The market is a five-minute walk from the station along YongJi Road.

Then I took a cab to reach NeiHu RT Mart (Esprit Outlet) and Outlet Leeco mall (Adidas, Converse, Nautica, Columbia Outlets). You can skip this two outlet malls, they only offer few and old stocks. There are better finds in Mongkok and HK outlets.

Day 6: Meeting Hello Kitty and Rainy Visit at Museum

Travel Date: October 24, 2009

I woke up late due to the weather, cloudy skies and scattered rain showers. After a light breakfast in bed, I went straight to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. I have visited some malls in the area before going to Hello Kitty Restaurant.

Hello Kitty Restaurant

Location: No. 90, Da An Road, Sec. 1 (near intersection of Da An Road and Zhong Xiao E Road, Sec 4) Zhong Xiao/FuXing MRT

Hours: Sun- Thurs 11:30 AM - 10 PM; Fri- Sat 11:30 AM - 11 PM

As expected, everything is marked with Hello Kitty. The chairs and tables are pink, the walls are painted with Kitty faces. I ordered here tuna and tomato with kiwi shake.

At the lobby, cakes were sold from 120NT to more than a thousand NT.
After my lunch there, I went back to the hotel to meet my friend. In the afternoon, we visited the National Palace Museum, it’s the biggest museum I’ve visited so far. Almost 3 floors of artifacts, old vases, paintings, and mini sculptures. My favorites are the intricate design of a cabbage and small vessels. Picture taking is prohibited inside the museum.

NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM 国立故宫博物院
Entrance: 160NT
Transportation: Take the MRT Danshui Line to the Shilin Station and take bus R30 (Red 30) or 255 to the National Palace Museum.

We almost spent 2 hours in the Museum. After dinner, we walked to Shilin Market. That place is just a crazy world, it is like in every square meter there is 10-20 people at least. Yes, it was a Saturday night and you should be avoiding this place. If you can visit it on some other time, try to do so. Being there on a weekend night is a big no no.

After a long day and since this is my last night at the hotel, I was thinking of tasting either Heineken (KZ Xiao Tian‘s endorsement) or Taiwan Beer. And this action is not advisable: either you will wake up late the next morning, you’ll missed packing your things, or simply will have a not so good mood at the airport.

Day 7: Goodbye Taipei!

Travel Date: October 25, 2009

I tried to wake up early to finished packing my stuff. After a quick breakfast, I decided to checkout and left my baggage at the hotel. I’m doing this so fast cause I need to rush to the same church I visited on my first day for the Sunday mass.

After the mass, I don’t know where to go. Simply because, I did not prepare for this day. I should be going home by lunch time per the previous flight schedule. So I just grabbed the map and search for places where I can go to.

I’ve seen Yamingshan National Park on television. After taking bus R5 at Jiantan Station, for few minutes you’ll feel getting colder as the bus is going up to the mountains. Quiet like a Baguio trip in less than 30 minutes. I walked for a few meters, then decided to go back to the bus station. Why? It would be a very long if I proceed further. So I advise that if you really want to see the bunch of trees and flowers blooming at Yamingshan, just join the group tour.

Next stop, Yuanshan Station for the museums. I decided to go inside Taipei Fine Arts Museum. But what the! People are in queue, it was a very long line - for the Pixar exhibit.

Instead of that, I headed to Taipei Story House, even though just a very small place, I enjoyed it a lot.

From here, I transferred to blue lane for Ximending Station. I visited street market and the Red Playhouse. It is a museum, coffee shop and souvenir shop at the same time.

Then, I went back to the Main Station. Inside the K-Mall, I visited Taiwan Storyland. It shows how the old Taiwan village looks like. It has the old bicycles, old phones, a sample store of old cameras. It looks like seeing Taiwan in the past.

After dinner, I went back to the hotel to get my stuff.

I boarded the bus going to the Airport. Terminal 1 is simply boring. Good thing that Gate B9 is just close to Terminal 2. Below is a telephone booth and coffee shop at 12 midnight.

After having a hot chocolate, I slept and still waited for my 1:25am flight back to Manila.

Thank you to my "calling" alarm clock for keeping me awake during the last minutes of my stay on your place.

I trully appreciate my family for allowing me to visit this country - alone! Thank you again to the drivers, guides, individuals who helped me during my stay, finding the right directions and giving me tips.