12 days in Taiwan — rajat verma

15 min. read

*Art print at Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan*

Traveling through the small yet mighty island left us in awe. We hope that by the time you finish reading the blog, this country is high on your travel list and that you find useful tips to plan your itinerary.

In our opinion, navigating through the visa requirements for the country was straightforward. Based on your citizenship and residency, you can find more information on https://www.boca.gov.tw/. As Indian citizens with Canadian permanent residency, we were visa-exempt as long as we stayed in the country for a maximum of 14 days. So we put together an itinerary for 12 days, including days for arriving and departing from Taiwan, and just got our passport stamped on arrival at the airport.

We flew with Eva Air from Vancouver to Taipei and the journey took approximately 10 hrs 45 minutes. A direct flight was convenient, especially with Eva Air's hospitable customer service and above-average food quality. The passengers on the flight were quiet and coupled with warm treatment from the flight stewards, it proved to be a sweet little insight into the country’s culture and manners.

Arrival Essentials

Three essential items you would want to cross off your list soon after landing at the airport are:

1. Currency exchange

You don’t need to carry Taiwanese Dollars from your home country. Currency exchange at the Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) is easily accessible and located next to the baggage collection area. When we traveled in February 2023, we got an exchange rate of approx. $22 NTD per $1 CAD.

Generally, payment through credit cards is conveniently accepted almost everywhere in the country (other than perhaps small local stores and night markets where you’ll find tons of vendors!), but the added transaction fees and the possibility of credit card fraud in a foreign country were reasons why we used local physical currency as much as possible.

2. SIM card

Right from the get-go, access to the internet in the country can help you tremendously, whether it’s for google translate or for navigation. SIM cards are easily available at the TPE and you’ll find options for desired days of unlimited data and calling options. In our experience, connecting to public Wifi was difficult and not easily available everywhere.

Pro-tip: we were able to our phone’s hotspot to access the internet on other personal devices through a single SIM card but we eventually felt the need to get another SIM card so that each of us had some access to the internet independently and so that we could contact each other in case we got lost or separated. Another reason why getting a SIM card for each mobile device is handy is because Taiwan offers a public bike rental service (https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0029053) in all major cities but you can only access the bikes after online registration, which requires each user to have a mobile number.

Other than above mentioned two considerations, we found that having one SIM card would not hamper access to places or the overall experience in the country.

3. Easy card (This is the best!)

A card that does it all - Easy Card is a fantastic facility to pay for tickets during traveling (such as buses, plains, ferries. and even a You-bike) and convenience stores. You can add more balance to your card at transit facilities or a local convenience store like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and similar establishments. The country has a quirky way of making the most mundane things look playful. Most illustrations across the country are typically inspired by cartoon characters, animals, and all things adorable - often with catchy bright colors. As you would have guessed, the Easy Card was no exception.

*Easy Card bought at the Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) Arrivals*

Taiwan with Language

*Heartfelt generosity - locals treated us to lunch!*

Culturally, Taiwan values its language a lot. Most signage, menus, hoardings, public notices and information boards/screens are in Taiwanese Mandarin. We found that English was not popular or spoken widely even in the touristy parts of Taipei. Small talk with locals in English may prove to be difficult; we could barely manage to strike up a conversation with a few younger adults throughout our trip, most being at reception areas of hotels and restaurants catering to foreign cuisine and crowd. Hence, the need to have access to the internet is vital and Google Translate was a lifesaver.

People in Taiwan are tech-savvy, irrespective of age. You can expect a prompt response as text on their mobile phones if you present a question after translating your query through an app on your device. Navigating the country was easy, thanks to Google Translate and a strong cellular network.

Public Transit

The transit system is clean, fast, and easy to use. We always found night markets, major landmarks, public buildings, monuments, shopping districts and malls, and all sorts of recreational facilities accessible through more than one mode of public transit. We observed a high ridership in the various transit options, partly because of the high standards of maintenance, cleanliness, and reliability. Almost all train and metro stations feature convenience stores, shopping stores, and all kinds of eateries. It felt like a mini-mall of a kind.

We did not take a single flight within Taiwan but managed to travel around the island country via trains. The THSR (Taiwan High-Speed Railways) and TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) present a wide range of timings, travel time, and costs to its patrons with connections to almost all the major cities in the country. Most train stations provide connections to the local metro/bus network from the stations themselves, branching out to the farthest point of their jurisdiction.

Something for Everyone

Whether you like history, nature, art, or entertainment, there is a diversity of activity options in Taiwan. the country projected a strong community spirit with a liberal outlook, politeness in their manners as well as speech, and a society enjoying the perks of high-density neighborhoods with bustling local shopping districts and night markets, vibrant festivals, and appetizing cuisine.

The country is also a good choice for a family vacation with children. The culture celebrates the anime/cartoon characters in numerous ways like merchandising and marketing products of all sorts. Most of the shopping districts can be a visual treat for kids and the child inside us all.

Taiwan is also a retail hub for fashion, toys, personal accessories, and electronic hardware. You can spend days browsing through the latest and greatest gadgets, computing components and peripherals, gaming setups, and all kinds of electronic goods imaginable. The country is the largest producer of semiconductors which is most valuable in making microprocessing chips that make up the brains in any electronic device around you. It is easy to imagine that the impact of such an integral facility for the globe is bound to bring significant benefits to its local electronic market, particularly with the cost of goods.

A Treat for Foodies

Of course, no trip to Taiwan would be complete without mentioning the food. Taiwan is a must for food lovers, with a variety of vegetables and meats used in their cuisine. Hearing about or reading the translated names of many dishes native to the country can throw you off with a borderline feeling of being bizarre. Braised intestines, duck tongue, spicy duck blood, stinky tofu, iron eggs, goat testicles, and brain omelet are just a few examples of the same.

Finding food is extremely easy in Taiwan, almost every block in any city offers a host of options. Night markets, shopping districts, transit terminals, and roadside vendors are some other places to satiate your appetite, along with late-night hunger pangs. The markets are typically open till late in the night, with equally good choices available during the day. The majority of convenience stores are open 24x7. They are packed with options for snacks and meals along with seating available in most places. When we would travel and needed something quick and easy on the go, we would often have fresh-cut fruits, sandwiches, and combine cup noodles with stone-baked sweet potatoes, eggs, and fried tofu at a convenience store.

But if you are looking for dining options and you are a vegetarian like us, finding a Buddhist restaurant might be the best bet if you want some variety on the menu. Vegetable broth with rice or noodles, lentil soups, vegetable dumplings, and tofu dishes would be some of the usual options at such places. Taiwan offers great bang for your buck in food and accommodation.

*Mochi and Bubble tea at Chun Sui Tang in Taichung - the birthplace of the humble Bobba Tea*

Taiwan is a Bubble Tea paradise. It has its origin in a Taichung tea shop by the name Chun Sui Tang. The bubble tea scene is everywhere and you can typically find people holding on to their drinks in cloth sleeves with a sling. We had at least one bubble tea a day, simply spoiled for choice.

Cities/Places to Consider

Taipei

The capital is a must-visit for all its metropolitan glory. The city offers access to heavily vegetated trails with panoramic views of the bustling city on its peripheral parts such as the Elephant Mountain trail. With multiple shopping districts, electronic markets, booming food culture, National monuments, vibrant nightlife, and night markets distributed all over the city, Taipei will provide you with many reasons to stick around for a while.

*Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Liberty Square*

*View of Taipei city from Elephant Mountain Trail*

Jiufen

Though a small village, Juifen deserves a special mention. The access from Taipei is convenient with 1.5 hr. direct bus connections or around 1 hr. train ride to Ruifang Train Station followed by a 20 min. bus ride to this one-of-a-kind village. The village lights up during the evening with a million lanterns decorated throughout the narrow hill streets overlooking the lush greens of Ruifang sloping into the sea. The various tea houses, street food, souvenir shops, cafes, and hillside restaurants add tremendous vibrancy to the experience of leisurely strolling through the cobbled streets amongst crowds trickling in from all directions.

Taichung

Taichung has an industrious touch that also acts as a gateway to the interior mountains in the Shei-Pa National Park. The city is the birthplace of the humble bubble/pearl milk tea, as highlighted earlier. Multiple craft markets provide access to local artists and a chance to interact with them one-on-one; Shenji New Village and Rainbow Village are great examples of the same. Sun Moon Lake makes up for a perfect retreat from the city besides being the largest inland water body of Taiwan. The lake offers tourist activities and access to bike pathways, boat tours, hikes, temples, piers, and also Ci’en Pagoda. Night markets, a bubbling cafe culture, and a host of museums add up to a delightful experience in the city.

Fenqihu

It is a charming mountain village, popular for lunch boxes, Aiyu jelly drinks, snacks, and souvenirs for tourists en route to Alishan National Scenic Area. The cobbled streets offer scenic views and an old-world touch to your journey through the hills around. We took a train from Taichung to Chiayi, and then boarded the Alishan Express from Chiayi that stops at Fenqihu. Something to keep in mind is that you must catch one of the only two buses that depart from the village for Alishan at 11:30 am or 2:30 pm (as of Feb, 2023), otherwise, you’ll have to stay the night here and get the bus the next day.

*Street nibbles and refreshments - Mochi, Aiyu jelly drink, and Fresh rice crisps*

Alishan National Scenic Area

An enchanting destination, it is nestled amidst the lofty mountains of Chiayi County. Lush forests, and tea plantations characterize the landscape of Alishan. This place is a must-see when you visit Taiwain! People make a clockwork effort to take a small train ride to a viewing spot at the top of a mountain to see the sunrise across the valley and we sure did so too! The melting golden rays are a worthwhile spectacle of the sun, casting its rays over the vast blanket of clouds that span across the valley. Numerous hiking trails lead to waterfalls and lakes. Ancient tree sites, such as the Sacred Tree (a 2000-year-old giant cypress tree), offer enriching insight into the history of Alishan’s flora. Besides a small area designated for lodging and a market plaza, Alishan with its serene ambiance and stunning vistas offers a perfect escape into the woods.

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a large port city in southern Taiwan with a booming political and economic prowess. In our opinion, the city competes with the likes of Taipei for its metropolitan life with inspiring urban revitalization interventions. The harbor offers repurposed brick shipping warehouses turned into an Art Centre (known as Pier 2- Art Centre), a Music Centre (opened in 2021), a contemporary urban plaza for flea markets along with a range of exhibition spaces, and Light Rail crossing through these spaces. This social and cultural hub offers numerous quirky art installations (found over rooftops, streets, and walls), cafes, artist studios, restaurants, bars, and unique local brands to shop from. Qijin is a slender island that is 10-15 mins away via ferry service from Gushan Ferry Terminal. The island is known for a variety of tourist spots such as the Qijin Seashore Park, Qijin Lighthouse, Tianhou Temple, and the food streets. With its blend of modern architecture, nightlife, shopping districts, lush green spaces, and vibrant street art scene, Kaohsiung promises an experience to remember.

*Pier 2 - Warehouse food and retail shops*

*Qijin Ferry Terminal (view from Gushan terminal)*

Hualien

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the soaring Central Mountain Range, Hualien is a known destination for its awe-inspiring landscapes. Hualien offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts; from the striking Taroko Gorge with its towering marble cliffs, serene rivers, and dense forests, to the picturesque beaches that stretch along the coastline. The uniqueness of the night market in Hualien is in its proximity to the coast along with a nearby park, called Nanbin Park. The night market also offers open bars, loads of snacks, and dining options which add up extremely well with the festive culture of the city.

Taroko National Park

The experience at Toroko National Park starts at the visitor center with a brief overview of the local indigenous communities, biodiversity, and information on various hiking trails, shrines, and activities offered within the park. Crystal-clear streams, dense vegetation, and deep gorges add tremendously to the trail walks. One of the most iconic sights is the famous Eternal Spring Shrine, a temple perched on a mountainside overlooking a cascading waterfall.

In Conclusion

As we look back on our visit to Taiwan, we feel sincerely grateful for the hospitality of the locals and also admire the convenience of traveling via dependable local and country-wide transit facilities. The hygiene standards, social etiquette, and budget-friendliness tempt us to visit this country on a regular basis. If you found the blog helpful, keep a look out for more sections on Taiwan where we dig deeper into our itineraries, must-visits, and insights into the local indulgences, particularly as vegetarian travelers. If you are looking for a great experience during your next travel, we highly recommend visiting Taiwan.