This trip to Taiwan was completely unexpected and unplanned. Initially, I wasn’t even part of the original itinerary my friends had been putting together. In fact, they had been planning this trip since last year, meticulously organizing every detail and finalizing tour packages well in advance. I was simply a bystander to their excitement, until everything changed just a week before their scheduled departure.
Out of the blue, they started urging me to join them. Their main point of persuasion? If I came along, the overall cost of their tour packages would drop significantly because the rates would be split among more people. At first, I was really hesitant. Booking flights on such short notice meant that airfare prices were high, and I wasn’t sure it was worth the last minute splurge.
But the more I thought about it, the more tempted I became. They pointed out that Taiwan is known for its budget friendly shopping, especially when it comes to souvenirs, food, and unique finds. The idea of bringing home quality items at a fraction of the price started to tip the scales. Eventually, I gave in and booked my flight just three days before departure. And just like that, what started as a spontaneous decision turned into one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve had.
This was my third time traveling abroad, so I was already familiar with the usual pre-departure hassles checking documents, going through immigration, dealing with long lines, and making sure everything was packed and in order. At this point, I’ve come to expect and accept the process as part of the journey. However, this trip brought a completely new experience for me, which is the weather.
For the first time, I got to experience genuinely cold weather much colder than anything I’ve ever felt in the Philippines, even in Baguio, which is often considered our coldest city. Before the trip, I checked the weather forecast online and mentally prepared for the temperatures listed, thinking I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the icy chill that hit the moment I stepped out of the airport in Taiwan. It was way colder than the forecast led me to believe like the kind of cold that goes straight to your bones. It was a shocking, unforgettable welcome, and a reminder that weather apps don’t always do justice to the real feel of a place.
We landed at Taoyuan International Airport, which marked the official beginning of our Taiwan adventure. After going through the usual immigration process which, thankfully, was smooth and relatively quick, we proceeded to take care of some essential travel needs. For first-time visitors, one of the first things you’ll want to do after clearing immigration is to head to the booths just outside the arrival area to pick up an EasyCard and a SIM card.
The EasyCard is a must-have when traveling around Taiwan. It makes commuting via MRTs, buses, and even some convenience stores so much easier and more convenient. It’s a rechargeable smart card that really simplifies your day-to-day transport and small purchases while you’re exploring the country.
As for connectivity, I opted for a local SIM card, but I didn’t go for the 5G option. Honestly, Taiwan’s 4G network is impressively fast and reliable, even for someone like me who needs to stay online for work. Whether I was uploading photos, navigating with maps, or answering emails, the 4G service handled everything smoothly. Unless you absolutely need super-high-speed internet or plan to stream a lot of content, the 4G plan is more than sufficient and also more budget-friendly.
A Quick Guide to Key Areas
Navigating Taoyuan International Airport is quite manageable once you understand the layout. Whether you’re arriving, departing, or just in transit, here’s a quick breakdown of the key levels and what you can find in both the non-controlled and controlled areas:
B1 Level: Convenience and Connectivity
- Non-Controlled Area:
- Located just under the Departures Hall, you’ll find the Airport MRT station, which is a fast and efficient way to get to and from Taipei.
- There’s also a food court, perfect if you need a quick bite before heading out or in.
- Just beneath the Arrivals Hall, there are two 24-hour 7-Eleven stores—a lifesaver for snacks, drinks, or even SIM cards and local essentials.
- The bus station is also located on this level, offering more transport options for travelers heading to different parts of Taiwan.
1F (First Floor): Where Arrivals and Departures Meet
- Non-Controlled Area:
- The Arrivals Hall is located on the west side, where friends, family, and drivers often wait to greet passengers.
- The Departures Hall is on the east side, where travelers check in for their flights.
- Between the two halls, there’s a hallway that provides access to the Skytrain (South Line), which connects different terminals—especially useful for transit passengers or those with connecting flights.
Knowing these areas can really help streamline your arrival or departure experience at Taoyuan. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to explore, everything you need—from transport to food to convenience stores—is within easy reach.
Hotel in Ximending
After a long journey from the Philippines to Taiwan, we finally made it to our hotel—and the excitement really started to sink in. We chose to stay in Ximending, one of Taipei’s most vibrant and youthful districts. It’s a popular choice for travelers, and for good reason. Not only is it full of energy with its colorful lights, bustling streets, and trendy shops, but it’s also conveniently located near several key tourist attractions, making it a strategic base for our trip.
Another major reason we picked Ximending is its accessibility. It’s well-connected by MRT, which made it super easy to get around the city. Plus, having countless food stalls, cafes, and local eateries just steps from our hotel meant we were never short on dining options—especially important since our itinerary was mostly centered around food-hopping!
Most of our tour was arranged through a travel agency, which helped streamline the experience. This allowed us to cover more ground without the stress of planning every detail ourselves. All we had to do was show up, enjoy the sights, and—of course—eat our hearts out. From night market snacks to must-try local delicacies, we were ready to dive into Taiwan’s rich and flavorful food scene.
Exploring Taiwan’s Scenic Gems with Klook: A Hassle-Free Day Tour
Most of our tours in Taiwan were conveniently booked through Klook, a platform we found incredibly helpful. Not only were the packages more affordable compared to other options, but they also came with detailed instructions that made the whole process smooth and stress-free. From booking to the actual tour day, everything was clearly laid out—perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their trip without worrying about the logistics.
One of the tours that stood out as my personal favorite was the Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfalls itinerary. It was a full-day adventure that offered a beautiful mix of nature, history, and cultural charm. Thanks to Klook, we didn’t have to worry about navigating public transport or figuring out how to get from one location to another.
Jioufen & Shifen, New Taipei City, Taiwan
On the day of the tour, we simply followed the instructions provided, arrived at the designated pick-up spot, and boarded the bus. From there, everything ran smoothly. Our guide was friendly and informative, the transport was comfortable, and each stop gave us a unique glimpse into Taiwan’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
From the dramatic rock formations of Yehliu Geopark, to the nostalgic streets of Jiufen, the peaceful sky lantern moments in Shifen, and the stunning natural beauty of the Golden Waterfalls—every destination had something memorable to offer. It truly was one of the highlights of our trip.
Yehliu Geopark
Maokong Gondola taipei Zoo
This trip had a DIY vibe, but we needed to book our tickets thru klook in advance for entry to the Taipei Zoo to avoid the hassle of falling in line. We also had the option to include a cable car ride since the Maokong Gondola station is just a short walk from the zoo. We opted for the unlimited ride pass, which allowed us to return anytime throughout the day. However, since it was already getting late and to be considerate of others, we only used it twice, mainly to get back to the station for easier access to public transportation.
It was my first time seeing animals like the red panda up close, and it was truly an incredible experience. Being that close to these amazing creatures made me feel more connected to nature. What’s even more inspiring is that the Taipei Zoo is focused on rescuing animals from around the world, rather than just operating for profit. It’s heartwarming to see conservation in action.
Saying Goodbye to Taiwan: A Week Full of Memories, Mishaps, and Meaning
I had so much fun during our week in Taiwan, and one of the things I truly enjoyed the most was diving into the local food scene—especially trying authentic Taiwanese dishes like xiaolongbao. Those little soup dumplings were a highlight of nearly every meal! Honestly, whenever I went out on my own, I usually opted for quick snacks or meals from convenience stores. Not only were they super affordable, but the quality and variety were surprisingly impressive. It made solo food adventures easy, satisfying, and budget-friendly.
After a full week of exploring, eating, and soaking in the sights, it was time to head home. As much as I was ready to rest, there was one thing I knew I’d really miss—the cool, crisp weather. Coming from a hot and humid country, the chilly breeze in Taiwan was such a refreshing change, and I already longed for it as we began our journey back to the airport.
Getting back to Taoyuan Airport was straightforward, but not without its fair share of last-day travel drama. First, I had to buy an extra piece of luggage—I had bought way more groceries and souvenirs than I anticipated. Then came the struggle of repacking everything to manage the weight limit, and in the midst of the chaos, I even forgot something back at the hotel. Just when I thought the worst was over, I realized I had lost one of my bags on the train on the way to the airport.
But here’s the amazing part—Taiwan is incredibly safe. I was in a panic at first, but someone who spoke both English and Taiwanese kindly helped me explain the situation to the station guard. I was told that items left behind on trains are usually collected and brought to the admin office at the next station. True enough, as I approached the admin office, I caught sight of my missing luggage from afar, sitting safely and untouched. What a relief!
To cut it short, Taiwan left a lasting impression on me. From the food, the scenery, and the weather, to the kindness of strangers and the smooth travels, it’s a destination that I will always hold close to my heart. This trip may have been spontaneous, but it turned into an unforgettable adventure—one I’ll always look back on with a smile.
