The Heart of Asia | Taiwan

The famous Chang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall

It was started with a simple suggestion by a friend that we should take advantage of Taiwan’s limited time visa-free granted to Filipinos and ‘til now I am astonished by the fact that I’m actually here publishing my write-up about our short adventure in Taiwan (quite late than my other blogs, though) 😅

Aside from being dubbed as the Land of “The Meteor Garden” and the origin of "Milk tea", Taiwan is original known as “The Heart Of Asia”.♥️ 

This country was never a dream destination for me (cause I only got Japan and Paris on my mind. Lol) well, honestly, I don’t really appreciate other countries as much as I appreciate Philippines. 🇵🇭 Sometimes it takes a seat sale and random ticket booking before I actually take a look on what a particular country has to offer. 

If I can remember, Taiwan was just a thought of a place where I can maybe do my first solo trip outside the Philippines. But like what I’ve said, it was just a thought and I know to myself that I’m not yet ready for that challenge so it stays as a good idea only. Fast forward to reality, where I found cheap price offered by Cebupac (which by far “the worst Airlines” in the Ph) but for us, as long as you get us to our destination, delay and inconvenience will never be an issue. 

It cost us P3800 roundtrip fare per person for November trip. 

Everything was like a snap of  finger, so fast, quick and spontaneous. 

John Victor and I with Adrian and Michelle, we are just two couples who’s very excited to have a legit milktea experience, eat Xia Long Bao and everything in between. We departed from NAIA and our 3hour flight was smooth. Arrived at Taouyan Airport too early so we opted to take naps at the waiting area. The sun was goin’ up when we left the Airport right after we purchase simcard and exchanged currency. 

Day 1 | TAIPEI CITY

Wanhua District 

Cities of Taiwan are divided into what they called “district” and goin’ around these places is more convenient via Bus and Metro and got easier with Google maps (never thought I’d use this app on this trip, the idea was from my sister when she let me tour around Singapore alone while they gone to work) and it’s been very reliable with the use of Taiwan’s MTR map as well (the system with color coded line is just the same as Singapore’s and Hongkong’s so it became easier for me to follow) 

We hopped on the bus goin’ to Taipei City. It took about an hour to reach the city from the airport but it didn’t bored us to hell as we were amused by the views of mountains, passed through some impressive cities in between hills, the high multiple skyways ensures that long traffic wouldn’t be a problem, temples are spotted in different places and of course, the gift of nature always stands out. 

We headed directly to our travel lodge in Hanzhong St. Wanhua District, Taipei City. We did an advance booking and paid thru credit card so the airbnb owner just gave us the combination code for its lockbox and we settled in that easy. After sometime, we wasted no time and proceeded to our itinerary. 

Zhongshen District

2/28 PEACE PARK 

A ten-minute walk from Hanzhong St., this park has validated its name. A very peaceful park with trees as the sources of breeze with some kind of temple in the middle of a lake, old Taiwanese people meditating and doin’ some exercises which I don’t know the term. 🤷🏻‍♀️ We took our time to rest a little and have a photo opp with the beautiful temple.

CHIANG KAI SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

Another minutes of walking (which somehow we enjoyed because of the great wide sidewalk provided for the pedestrians) , we are off to one of Taiwan’s landmark and popular tourist attraction: The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. 

A memorial hall made for the famous Chiang Kai Shek. It was very huge that countless people can’t overcrowd. The entrance of it is already enormous and beautiful to have great pictures with friendly doves who seems purposely there to welcome the tourists like us. The weather was really forgiving as well, coming from a tropical country, we endure the heat and walk around without any sun protection like we’re just too blessed it didn’t rain. We refused to see and visit the main hall but clearly this place is remarkably made to commemorate the greatness of Chiang Kai Shek, a Former President of Republic of China who died in 1975 here in Taipei, Taiwan. 

#EATinerary No.1

DIN TAI FUNG RESTAURANT

You’ve never been to Taiwan if you didn’t dine in its most famous and original store of the popular food “Xia long bao”. Din Tai Fung is the very first to introduced this different kind of dim sum which carefully handmade to put a savoring soup inside the wrapper and cooked excellently resulted to a great-tasting meal that is flavorful in every bite! Just don’t forget to be cautious because it’s also extremely hot. 

Before that, you have to stand in a long queue, as this is the very first Din Tai Fung restaurant which is located in Zhongzheng district, huge number of customers from around the world is expected although there are lots of Din Tai Fung restaurants to choose from all over Taiwan, but if you’re like us who’s up to “make the most out of it” then a little waiting line won’t hurt.  Other menus are great, too! I love their soups and breaded pork but aside from XLB, I also enjoyed their free-flowing tea. So this is definitely the first on our #EATinerary list. 

#EATinerary No. 2

SMOOTHIE HOUSE

Good thing about reading blogs prior our trip, we get to know only the best thing (especially foods) to try and one of these is fruit smoothies from the Smoothie house. 

At first, I just thought of it as a simple dessert bar but obviously good not until I see too many advertisements all over the metro station, pictures of it endorsed by the CNN and other international personalities, like wait, is this more popular than Din Tai Fung? We’re already full but it’s also like 2-3mins away from Din Tai Fung so we headed ecstatically to this so-called and very famous “Smoothie House”. 

It’s just a small, open store at the corner of the street but the long queue line made us more excited to taste one and we don’t even mind if we didn’t get a table. The most recommended flavour is the Mango but I chose the mouthwatering berry smoothie flavour which has strawberries, raspberries with jellies top on lychie shaved ice and it is soooo nice! I mean heaven! How I wish we have this in the Philippines. Gaaaad. We love it! 

 #EATinerary No. 3

XING FU TANG MILK TEA

The food-crawl never stops. Went back to Chiang Kai Shek (this time via metro because we can’t walk anymore) to try the very first Milk Tea or Bubble tea invented by Xing Fu Tang which just got its store opened late afternoon. It’s just nice to know how the original milk tea tastes like and I honesty love it especially its  black pearls. We drink our take-away Bubble teas in our lodge and rested our tired, exhausted body. 

ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN 

Another popular landmark/spot of Taiwan is the Taipei 101 building which was the tallest building in its own time before the completion of today’s tallest, the Burj Khalifa of UAE. It can actually seen in every street of Zhongshen District but a trek to the top of Elephant Mountain gives you the full view experience of Taipei 101. We started trekking at 4pm fingers crossed to reach the top before sunset. After an hour of enduring the stairs, pausing for water and palpitations, we’ve finally reached the top.

TAIPEI 101 

Guess all the tourists would also like to see the building from the better place like us which made the place crowded. But all the pain (yup, for me trekking is painful) , it was all worth it. The view, people looks so amazed by these buildings when they lighten up as the sun goes down and Taipei 101 is like the king of this concrete jungle. This building, by the way, can be experienced by goin’ up to its highest floor with the overlooking 360 view of the entire city of Taipei. 

Shilin District 

SHILIN MARKET

Shilin Market is the most popular market of Taipei. It’s like a heaven for street food lovers and recommended place for those who wants to buy pasalubong. It has too many different kinds of food to try and that includes the eggball in a stick which surprisingly good that we had to order twice; the very intriguing “stinky tofu” which is very smelly yet very tasty and we loved it;  a puto-like with shaved coconut for the toppings and beans or peanut for the fillings; we also tried the famous michelin-star Missua soup which actually tasteful; a very mouthwatering wagyu cubes flamed to himalayan salt and pepper; even though we have no idea what’s in it, following the long lines is always a good idea because we get to taste veggie wrapped with pork which seasoned very well; we also took time to buy boxes of Taiwan’s famous pasalubong : Mochis, bought ref magnets and other stuffs. 

As we would really like to have a good long sleep, we didn’t stay long at the night market, hence, we head back to our lodge and tried their tea egg we bought along the way. 

Day 2 | NEW TAIPEI CITY 

It’s a brand new day! Day one was indeed a very productive day and so is day two. Woke up early from a very satisfying sleep (good thing about being tired, getting a good sleep is not a problem) Before we traveled to New Taipei City, we had a quick visit at Creative Park located in Zhongshen district, Taipei City. It was like an abandoned place of good arts and stores. This is the nearest attraction we could get into while we’re waiting for Adrian’s friend (who will accompany us to New Taipei City). 

Luckily, we’ve found a great place to have breakfast. An Italian restaurant that serves really delicious meals with good serving. I had a smoked salmon topped on the scrambled egg and salad as the side dish with Balsamic vinegar dressing and yogurt topped with muscovado and pistachio for dessert while JV had sausages and eggs with the same side dishes and Adrian and Mic had egg Benedict topped on the smoked salmon. Somehow, we realised that we needed it, this kind of heavy savoury breakfast for it will be a  productive day awaits us. 

Pingxi District 

SHIFEN WATERFALLS

We took the metro going to Taipei Main Station to meet Adrian’s friend, Ana Marie, to whom on my surprise, was with her cousin Fedelyn who happen to be my sister’s good friend. What a small world. (Actually, Ana Maria was my schoolmate during highschool days as well) We had our second round of breakfast near the station then moved our asses to the bus station. We hopped on the bus and after countless stops, we alighted at Shifen District. 

We were welcomed by a lot of tourists in the area happily walking towards to the waterfalls. It was approximately 20min walk which includes stairs and bridges. Shifen Waterfalls is known as the Algaria Falls of Taiwan. We’re not too excited because Philippines has numerous enchanting falls that we almost get used to it but seeing the Shifen Waterfalls cheered up our soul. It was such a nice view and it’s very cold at the platform. 

Near the falls, it’s impossible not to notice the smell of grilled Taiwan Sausage and we had the chance to taste one (Thanks to Ana Marie for the treat!) also, there’s an icecream stall of caramel flavour which also nice to lick before starting to trek back. 

The stores also has lots of humungous fruits such as Dragon fruit (my mom’s favourite), Atis, red-coloured Bananas and even Macopas! Guess it’s true that minerals from mountains can make fruits or even some fishes quite huge compare to its normal size. 

SHIFEN OLD STREET 

One of Taiwan’s “Must-have” experience is definitely a visit to Shifen Old Street. It’s an old but still operating railway and it’s not just the place but the famous tradition that Taiwanese does which became listed on tourist’s bucketlist, that is to lighten a lantern with your wishes personally written/painted on it for they do believe that it will come true as you set the lantern into the sky.

It’s just good to try and hope for the best. Such a great experience. Surely one for the books. Although rain poured a little, we still got the chance to fly our lanterns. 

Ruifang District 

JIUFEN OLD STREET

We left Shifen Old Street by riding their version of PNR, much cheaper metro but still convenient, going to Ruifang Station and from there we took cabs to Jiufen Old Street. The place resembles to Baguio City, it’s like a city at the top of mountain. On our way, we spotted a golden temple seems situated at hilltop, shining and sparkling like golds. It is very evident that they really have a thing with temples, buddhas, traditions and culture. It’s almost dark when we alighted at the entrance of Jiufen Old Street. 

It’s very crowded like we’re having a hard time walking without getting push or elbowed by others. It’s a busy street indeed. Packed with stores, souvenir shops, diners and many more. We’ve reached the famous spot, wherein the popular Teahouse is located, as much as I want to sip a cup of tea at A-mei Teahouse, we just couldn’t because it’s too expensive for a tea so we quickly walked to the exit and continue sightseeing with the red lanterns which warms the place and had our dinner at the simple stall before the exit. 

Ride in a cab again back to Ruifang Station, while we’re waiting for our train, we saw another Milktea stall which is very famous in the Philippines, Coco Milktea. I always wanted to try it, I planned to take P2P bus from Bulacan to Trinoma just to get a sip of coco’s milk tea and who would have thought that I’ll have it from it’s origin here in Taiwan. Well, I must say, nothing really special with coco Milk tea and just the same as other bubble teas. 

It’s almost late when we got back to our lodge, but we still have plenty of time to drink Taiwanese beer and some street foods while we talk about our recent adventure in Shifen and Jiufen. 

Day 3 | BACK TO TAIPEI CITY

Beitou District 

Since our first and second day was very exhausting and productive, we would like our third day to be more relaxing. Taiwan is popular spot for hot spring, too. 

Beitou the home of hot spring in Taipei and the most convenient area for travelers visiting Taiwan to enjoy authentic thermal hot spring.  Taiwan is blessed with three types of hot springs including green sulfur (slightly green coloured and only found in Beitou and Akita, Japan), white sulfur (a milky coloured spring which make up the majority of springs in the area), and iron sulfur (transparent springs found around the Ding Beitou area) -says the Google. 

One hour away from Wanhua district, we took metro and pass through beautiful flowering trees. Dropped off at Beitou Station and rode in a special metro to Xinbeitou Station. This metro is filled with hotspring inspired photos, kind of vintage style, has touchscreen monitors for which you can check other tourist spot in the area. Xinbeitou is just one stop away from Beitou Station. We had a picture at photobooth in the station and it was fun! (Well, at least for me)

MANKEWU RESTAURANT

Food first! This famous Taiwanese Ramen restaurant looks like an apartment or water station on the outside but incredibly serves great ramens! It’s very cold in Beitou and to have a ramen was one of the grandest decision we made. We had their best seller ramen and side dishes with cold tea in can because they do not offer tea or any hot beverages. I should say I’d come back here if I visit Taiwan again (hopefully with my family next time). 

THERMAL VALLEY

For starters, we tour around the area and the first spot that we reached is the Thermal Valley. This is where the white sulfur is coming from (I guess?). Its heat breaks the cold weather at Beitou which made it more perfect. One of nature’s gift. Staring at the steam and feeling the heat from it was such a relief, like a massage for our spirit. 

BEITOU PUBLIC HOT SPRING

We dipped ourselves in one of the famous authentic thermal hot spring here which won’t allow us to take photos. It was really rewarding like the best thing that happened during our trip. Nothing beats the relaxation you give to your body after a great adventure. *sigh 

BEITOU HOTSPRING MUSEUM 

This museum shows the history of Beitou and how it became a pamper place for some Japanese. It also shows some scientific explanation on where does white sulfur came from and why it existed in Taiwan, health benefits of hot spring and different style of tubs that they’ve used before. 

PUBLIC LIBRARY 

Oh, if public libraries looks like this, I’d probably be gone in the world of books. I mean, it’s a good wooden three-storey building shaped like a cruise ship. Clean mirrors stands as its wall with a very calm surroundings. Though, we didn’t stayed long inside because talking is strictly prohibited, we just had few pictures outside. 

XINBEITOU HISTORIC STATION

This light and airy wooden station building dates back to 1916 was in service until 1988, when it was disassembled and packed off to Changhua to go on display. After locals campaigned to its return,  it was shipped back and reconstructed close to its original location using blueprints from 1930s incarnation. (says the Google) 

Exhibits recounting the station’s story don’t have much english but there are lots of good photos. Don’t miss the hot hand-soaking pool just before the station and to have photo-opp with the vintage train. 

Wanhua District 

We couldn’t resist so we had another meal at Din Tai Fung when we got back from our relaxing hot spring experience. Since tomorrow will be our flight back to the Philippines, we decided that it’s good to have our dinner here. We invited along Ana Marie and few of her friends/workmates (unfortunately, Fedelyn wasn’t able to join us this time). They told us that it’s their first time to try Din Tai Fung that’s why we’re so glad that we were able to take them here in return of her generosity of accompanying and guiding us on our trip. Thank you, Ana (and friends)

But before we got our table at Din Tai Fung, after we take our queue number, we quickly went back to the street where Smoothie House is located but, Nah ah, we weren’t there for fruit smoothie, we just remembered another food stall with incredibly long line (actually longer than Smoothie house) and it makes us so curious that we thought we really have to try it before leaving Taiwan. 

In our surprise, it was just pancakes with fillings inside which you will choose from different flavours and it is sooo good, too! Especially while it’s hot. Undeniably, worth our look-back. 

Also, beside Din Tai Fung, we bought ShareTea which tops my best milk tea so far. It has caramelised brown sugar with great milk and bubble tea. My favourite. 

XIMENDING NIGHT MARKET

Shilin Market is the most popular night market in Taiwan but honestly, we like, no, we love Ximending Market 10x more! Like how the hell happened that this is not the most popular while it’s wider and more lavish than Shilin Market. Now I understand why it’s called the “Shibuya” of Taipei.

 There’s a group of musicians who welcomed us at the entrance with their attractive instrumental serenade. It is actually more like Shilin Market, different stores of clothings, bags, shoes etc, food stalls and pasalubong areas but much more varieties to choose from. We tried candied fruit which is caramelised strawberries in a stick; tried our luck in its numerous claw machine (which is very annoying to be honest) ; it was also my first time to try Tiger Sugar which don’t really differed from other milk teas; fried squids are also a game changer; one of my favourite is the wrapped ice cream with peanuts; we also had another set of stinky tofu because we really love it; we bought milk tea candies for pasalubong and my cousins enjoyed it. 

As much as we want to stay, our flight schedule is 2:00am and we need to leave our lodge at 10:00pm. We left Ana and friends in Ximending Market and made our way to our room to get our things ready. Took the metro to the Airport and flew back peacefully to Manila. End of our trip. 

It has been a wonderful trip, first, because I’m with JV who’s always full support (also who’s feeding me all the time) and it’s our second out of country trip together (more to come, please) second, I get to travel with my friend whom I would like to call my guy bestfriend (naks) and he’s also with his love, Michelle (I got the chance to know her better, too). From a simple “Tara, taiwan” and a quick reply “G!” to an unforgettable Taiwan trip. I’m always open for another “aya” but make sure next time you guys will make effort on seatsale finding and making itineraries. Lol. Here’s to the new level of adventure that we’re taking (as a couple and as friends), here’s to more places to visit and lastly here’s to completeness of our group, (with Ana&Renz and Noemi&Jones) hopefully soon! 

Of all the countries I’ve been to (Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau) can I just say that Taiwan is my favourite. It’s not as architectural like Singapore and lavish like Macau (esp the golden buildings) either has no theme park like Hong Kong, but the goodness I see in every corner of it: from it’s people who’s very kind to talk to, who has genuine concern to others and hospitable like Filipinos; goodness how they give respect to their religion; goodness on how they keep their culture and tradition and most of all, how good they protect the nature. Like me, Taiwan might not be included in your want-to-visit-places but also like me, you will learn how to appreciate this small county. Maintaining the cleanliness in every district seems like a routine or an everyday normal thing not an obligation. The place is as peaceful to look at like their people (can I just add up their good smell). How can you not love this place? It’s like all the things I’m looking for can be found here- Great culture, good people, delicious food and stunning nature. I just hope Buddha blessed Taiwan more and to stay what it is because here is where the heart is. ♥️

Let us travel like it's our last chance, 

Let us seize the day as if it's ours, 

Let us claim every seconds that comes. 

For life is meant to be live. 

So live the moment.