Watching numerous animé and Asian drama shows (K-drama, and Jdorama) featuring spring season makes me wonder, how does it feel basking on a cool day with cherry blossoms (sakura) decorating the green fields after harsh winter passed? I would always think of going to Japan and South Korea to experience that, but these countries (that require visa) would be expensive for most as airfare and tour prices skyrocket on spring season (usually from March to May). I thought, maybe next time, when I have enough money I guess.
Until last year, cherry blossom forecasts popped up in the internet and the country that I little did know have spring season, is our northern neighbor, Taiwan 台灣 officially known as Republic of China (Chinese: 中華民國)! Coupled with visa-free privilege granted to us Filipinos last November 2017, our hopes of experiencing cherry blossom spring suddenly went high. Our key then was to grab a promo fare (as I always did). Then came October first week, budget airlines published promo fares and I immediately grabbed the opportunity to get them. Forming a group of 4 (with my office friends), we got each roundtrip ticket to Taiwan at PHP 2890.02 (that’s PHP499 one-way base fare!).
For planning, I let the them choose the spots we’ll visit and what Klook purchases we need then estimate. Since we’ll go there at spring time, we decided to bring only a backpack and some handbag for travel essentials. A single jacket for cool climate, light clothing (mostly tees) and tights/long johns will do. Taytay tiangge (garment market in Rizal province famous for ready-to-wear and overruns at bargain prices) is my refuge for some OOTD…hehe
Finally, with less than half-year preparation, here’s how our Taiwanese trip went:
DAY 1:
Manila to Taoyuan Airport, Taiwan
21:00 – CebPac check-in at NAIA Terminal 3 (Dinner at KFC PHP200)
23:40 – ETD Manila (PHP1620 Travel Tax)
DAY 2:
Taipei Main Station 台北車站
Taipei Old North Gate (Beimen) 承恩門 (北門)
Camera Street 相機街
Ximending Crossing 西門町
Ximen Red House 西門紅樓
Yehliu Geopark 野柳地質公園
Shifen Waterfall 十分大瀑布
Shifen Old Street 十分老街
Yin Yang Sea 陰陽海
Golden Waterfall 黄金瀑布
Jiufen Old Street 九份老街
Raohe Street Market 饒河街市場
Songshan Ciyou Temple 松山慈祐宮
02:05 – Touchdown Taoyuan Airport 桃園機場 (NTD100 Easycard 悠遊卡 + NTD400 load) and claim iVideo Portable WiFi (via this link at PHP450 for 3 days=PHP112.5 per pax) NTD60
03:30 – Kuo Kuang Bus 1819 to Taipei Main Station (NTD130 using Easycard)
04:15 – Taipei Main Station then walked our way to Ximending passing:Taipei Old North Gate (Beimen), Camera Street, Ximending Crossing and Red House
05:30 – Touchdown Go Sleep Hotel Hankou 高絲旅館漢口 (NTD4250 for 4pax for 2 nights) NTD1202.5 per pax
06:00 – Breakfast at nearby McDonald’s (NTD59.5)
08:00 – Popular Sightseeing Private Car Tour with Mr Robert (purchased via Klook at PHP6199 for 4pax) NTD824.5
08:30 – Yehliu Geopark (NTD80 Entrance)
10:30 – Shifen Waterfall
11:00 – Shifen Old Street (NTD200 for 4-colored lantern) NT50/pax
11:40 – Lunch at Shifen stall (NTD150 Curry Rice Bowl)
13:00 – Yin Yang Sea
13:15 – Golden Waterfall
13:30 – Jiufen Old Street
15:30 – Back to Taipei (Raohe Market & Songshan Ciyou Temple)
15:35 – Train Songshan to Beimen (use Easycard) then walk to Taipei HSR 高鐵 Station (exchanged Klook voucher for Taipei台北-Chiayi 嘉義 one-way HSR ticket at PHP1530) NTD814
16:00 – Matcha Frozen Yogurt Cone (NTD25)
16:50 – Train Taipei Main Station to Ximen
17:30 – Bought Fried Chicken Bucket Meal (NTD145 per person)
17:40 – Dinner-Washup-Sleep early
A 40 metre tall waterfall that creates a rainbow as it splashes into the lake, widely regarded as the most scenic in all of Taiwan.
Shifen Old Streets is a collection of lanes and alleys in and around the Shifen railway station area. Originally built for transporting coal during the Japanese era, the station and track runs straight through the village. During old day, people fly sky lanterns as signal
The blue/yellow coloring is a result of the insoluble floating iron ions from the heavy concentration of pyrite (also known as “Fool’s Gold”) in the area, due to the pollution from nearby mining activities in years past.
The water is certainly a beautiful gold color as a result of the combination of regular rainfall in this mining area and the abundance of heavy metal elements deposited in the riverbed. The cascade of gold flowing down the hillside contrasts to the luminous green grass at its head.
Colloquially known as the ZhaoLing Temple, it is located on the intersection of Qingbian Road and Qiche Road, serving as a major tourist attraction in Jiufen. The temple pays tribute to the god of justice, ChengHuang, who is the protector of the surrounding city.
Jufen is a decommissioned gold mining mountain town and originally built by the Japanese but is now a maze of lanes and alleyways with rich history and culture.The majority of attractions are concentrated along the cobblestone steps of Shuqi Road (豎崎路), where the three roads running perpendicular to it (Jishan St., Qiche Rd., and Qingbian Rd.) each boast a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and cafés.
As one of the oldest in Taipei, it is the epitome of a traditional Taiwanese night market. This 600 metre path along Raohe Street in Songshan District is packed with fun and interesting night foods and snacks, quaint shops and stalls, and carnival games with prizes.
It was built by local residents in 1753 during the Qing Dynasty era and dedicated to the goddess Mazu.
DAY 3:
Alishan National Forest Recreation Area 阿里山國家森林遊樂區
Sun Moon Lake 日月潭
Shilin Night Market 士林夜市
05:00 – Wake up then prep. Then walk to Taipei Main Station. Brought free mineral water from hotel.
05:30 – Breakfast at McDo across Taipei Main Station as it opens at 6am (NTD81)
06:30 – Start HSR ride to Chiayi HSR Station (show HSR ticket and passport)
07:45 – ETA Chiayi HSR Station (Immediately go out of the station to catchup ride BRT shuttle bus for free. Just show your HSR ticket to bus driver)
08:25 – ETA Chiayi TRA Station (Go to the other side by crossing the footbridge and queue at Alishan Bus 7322. Pay using Easycard for discounted fare at NTD212. Otherwise, NTD240 in cash)
09:10 – ETD to Alishan
11:30 – ETA Alishan Forest Area (NTD150 entrance fee just show the Chiayi discount coupon given by bus driver). Immediately bus 6739 bus to Sun Moon Lake
13:30 – Ride Shuttle Bus back to entrance (NTD50) as we missed riding the Alishan train
14:00 – Yuanlin Bus 6739 to Sun Moon Lake (NTD336). Just bought snacks at 7-11 and ate at the bus. (NTD35 Tuna Sandwich)
17:00 – ETA Shueishe Visitor Center at Sun Moon Lake
17:20 – Sun Moon Lake Bus 6669 to Ita Thao Pier (NTD80) Buy at ticket counter.
17:35 – ETA Ita Thao Pier (walk to the pier)
18:10 – Back to Bus stop and ride to Shueishe (use the same 6669 ticket)
18:25 – Nantou Bus 6670 to Taichung 台中 TRA Station (NTD195 pay cash to bus driver)
21.00 – ETA Taichung TRA Station (NTD375 bound to Taipei)
21:46 – Taichung TRA to Taipei Main Station
00:03 – ETA Taipei Main Station (Load Easycard NTD200)
00:20 – Taxi to Shilin Night Market (NTD47.5)
00:55 – Late dinner at Zhong Cheng Hao (NTD165) as Shilin Market is already closed
01:30 – Taxi back to hotel (NTD60)
Widely considered the centre of Taipei City, this is the main transportation hub for both the city and for northern Taiwan. Originally opened as Taipei Railway Station in 1891, the complex is one of the most popular meeting places in Taipei City. The area surrounding the station is primarily a commercial district very popular with tourists, students, and commuters as Taipei Main Station is the primary interchange station for the city.
The 1400-hectare mountain resort is situated at about 2,200 meters above sea level. The incredibly wet weather contributes to an outstanding forest climate and landscape with an Alishan sunrise, a sea of clouds, an afterglow, a forest, and railways. These five famous sights are known internationally.
The narrow gauge lines were originally constructed by the Japanese Colonial Government in 1912 to facilitate the logging of cypress and Taiwania wood. Now, it serves tourists within Alishan to have scenic ride whether it is for sunrise viewing or visiting the Scared Tree within.
Located within Alishan National Scenic Area, it enshrines the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven (玄天上帝) as its main deity is the highest temple in Taiwan in terms of elevation. In 1948, Shouzhen Temple was established and became the largest temple in Alishan.
The aboriginal Thao tribe lives around the lake, and are the proprietors of many local businesses. The town Ita Thao (伊達邵) is located across the lake from the pier area and next to the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway.
Taiwan’s largest lake, Sun Moon Lake is located in the mountains of Nantou at the geographic centre of Taiwan island. The name of the lake is inspired by the beauty of the area. The east side of the lake is round, like the sun, while the west side is long and narrow, like a crescent moon. The aboriginal Thao tribe lives around the lake.
One of the largest, most popular night markets in Taiwan with regard to food, and also one of the most popular points of Taipei’s night life among visitors. The maze of alleyways is filled with a variety of local, traditional, and international merchandise that attract locals and foreigners alike.
The night market consists of two major elements: general merchandise and local cuisine. Along the western edge of the market is the Shilin Night Market Food Court (士林夜市B1美食區), an underground food paradise.
DAY 4:
Longshan Temple 龍山寺
Bopiliao Historical Block 剝皮寮
Taipei Prefecture Capital Auxiliary South Gate (Congxi Gate) 重熙門/小南門
Taiwan High Court Civil Appeal Building 臺灣高等法院民事庭大廈
Presidential Office Building 中華民國總統府
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 中正紀念堂
National Concert Hall 國家音樂廳
National Theater 國家戲劇院
Arch of the Liberty Square 自由廣場牌樓
Huashan 1914 Creative Park 華山1914
Elephant Mountain 象山
Taipei 101 Observatory 台北101觀景台
08:00 – Wake up then breakfast at hotel then prep
10:20 – Ride bus to Longshan temple (use Easycard) then walk towards Bopiliao
10:50 – Bopiliao Historical Block
11:00 – Taipei Prefecture Capital Auxiliary South Gate (Congxi Gate)
11:10 – Taiwan High Court Civil Appeal Building
11:15 – Presidential Office Building
11:40 – Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (watch changing of guards at 12pm)
12:35 – National Concert Hall
12:45 – National Theater Hall
13:00 – Arch of the Liberty Square
13:15 – Subway CKS Station to Dongmen (Cute picture NTD50)
13:35 – King Mango Shaved Ice at Yongkang Street (NTD100) then walk
14:30 – ETA Huashan 1914 Creative Park
14:45 – Ride bus to nearest bus stop to Elephant Mountain Trail Jumpoff
15:15 – Start of hike
15:45 – Arrived at Six Giant Rocks for Taipei City View
16:25 – Arrived at street level then walk to main road
16:40 – Chill at Chatime Songren Road (MTD45 Taiwan Alishan Jinshyuan Tea) then walk
17:35 – Arrived at Taipei 101 then go to 5th floor for Observatory tickets (Purchased via KLOOK at PHP903) NTD481
20:30 – Back to Ximending (NTD40 Easycard load and NTD150 KFC Dinner)
22:30 – Food shopping at Wellcome Supermarket Kunming Street (*NTD701) Refmagnets (*NTD300 for 4 pieces)
23:30 – Taxi from hotel to Kuo Kuang Bus Taipei Main Station (NTD50). Bus fare NTD130 using Easycard.
The most well known temple in Taiwan, the Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian as a gathering place for Chinese settlers. Located in the old village part of Taipei, Wanhua District, this temple has stood the test of time and lasted through several natural disasters and wars.
Located one block to the east from Longshan temple, this historic walking street has Qing Dynasty architecture and a museum. At its peak during the late Qing Dynasty period (late 1800s), Bopiliao was one of the busiest and most prosperous commercial areas in Taipei, home to various merchants and was one of the major areas for the coal trade.
(Congxi Gate 重熙門) or Little South Gate 小南門
It was formerly an important road leading to Banqiao district and Zhonghe district. It is said that the reason for another gate in the south was due to the wealthy Lin Family of Banqiao, who donated funds for its construction to Taipei Prefecture in order to avoid Quanzhouese-dominated Mongjia.
An imposing building with the Taiwan’s goverment district of Zhongzheng
Originally built to serve as the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in Taiwan. During World War II, the building sustained damage from Allied forces, and was restored after the war to serve as the office of the Governor-General of Taiwan province and military affairs office, and following the Chinese Civil War, the building began to serve as the Presidential Office Building of the Kuomintang leadership in Taipei.
The most prominent historical landmark in Taiwan, it was erected in honor and memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of the Republic of China, and was opened in 1980 as part of a national park and gathering area.The octagon-shaped white building rises 76 meters and is covered with blue tiles and red accents, echoing the flag of the Republic of China. The eight sides represent the Chinese cultural symbolism of the number eight which is traditionally associated with fortune and wealth. The two sets of 89 steps represent Chiang’s age of death.
Originally built as a winery, the complex has been transformed into a multipurpose park and creative space for Taipei’s youthful art scene, and is home to multiple exhibitions and shows. There are simlutaneous exhibits in the area, cute boutiques, food cafes, cinema, etc.
If Seoul has Namsan and Hong Kong has Victoria Peak, then taipei has Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) that will reward you the best view of the city. Also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail and Xiangshan (象山), the hiking trail is located close to the Xinyi Shopping District and Taipei 101. The hike takes a total of around 15-20 minutes to the top. Just take the left of the fork to get to the landing area, with viewing deck and restroom facilities.
The tallest green building in the world spanning 101 stories above the ground at 508 meters, with record-breaking fastest elevators traveling 60.6 km/h, lifting visitors to the observation deck at the top in only 37 seconds.
At 91F, the outdoor observatory is accessible by stairs from the 89TH floor. From the outside,you can see the spire at the 508 metre high apex. 91F is only open on days with favorable weather conditions.
DAY 5: NTD110
04:00 – ETD Taoyuan Airport to Manila (Bought using Taiwanese coins: NTD30 Lemon soda and NTD80 Mango Parfait)
06:25 – ETA NAIA Terminal 3
As a group of 4 pax, we purchased only 20kg check-in baggage for flight back to Manila at PHP970 (PHP242.5 per person) to save us from excess as we shopped at little for more souvenirs.
ACTUAL EXPENSES (excluding airfare, check-in baggage and *souvenirs/pasalubong)
D1 968.09
D2 3910.5
D3 1774.5
D4 916
D5 110
TOTAL 7679.09 (1NTD = PHP1.88) PHP14436.69
For most, Taiwan is like China with a twist of Japan (because of discipline and good people) but on an affordable side (in terms of commodities, transportation, etc). If you’ll be spending time travelling only within Taipei and suburbs, you will need only PHP10,000 or less for pocket money. You can save more on food (buy at night markets) and transportation (via Easycard and KLOOK) and accommodation (Traveloka), especially if you’re in a group. It has one of the most efficient transportation systems n the world (cleanliness, on-time buses, etc)! May this post help you in planning your next Taiwan adventure. Xie Xie 謝謝!
Ben Goes Where 
With thanks! Valuable information!
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