A day in Taipei: Asia’s hidden gem.
–Jemima Pollitt
Taipei, without a shadow of a doubt, is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever come cross. Situated a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, The Philippines, Japan and even Shanghai, it’s a perfect place to discover if you’re in the Far East. If you’re into a fusion of nature and cities, locals and expats, peace and mania then Taipei really needs to be on your travel itinerary. In just one day, it’s possible to tick off some of the city’s best sights!
Photo credit – Jemima Pollitt
GETTING IN: One of the first things travelers will discover here is that it’s extremely easy to get to Taipei City and to navigate around it. Visas, cash transfers are clearly labeled, cheap and frequent. It’ll cost each person 150 NTD – 200 NTD (5-7 USD) to get a bus or train into the city centre. Taxi’s will cost more at 1200 NTD (39 USD) but they are legitimate, metered and comfortable if you have a lot of baggage.
Once in the city the MRT is regular, clean, safe and in English! It can take you to all of the major tourist attractions for 30 NTD (1 USD) and there’s people at every stop to help you if you’re lost.
10:00 Of course the first stop would have to be Taipei 101; the fourth biggest skyscraper in the world, the biggest Eco-friendly building, the largest sundial on the planet and home to the fastest elevator on the planet! Designed to look like a piece of bamboo, it towers over the capital and lights up in different colors daily. Not only is it a fun stop in itself; taking a tour to the very top and looking down at the tiny houses and massive mountains below, it’s also home to the highest Starbucks in the world and the top designers and fashion labels your money can get you. It’s easy to spend a day among the luxury and vistas.
Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt
14:00 A few stops on the Red Line MRT would take you to Chiang- Kai- Shek Memorial Hall; it’s a national treasure that is often used as a concert hall and an ideal spot for Instagram-lovers to get their travel snaps (like myself!) Completed in 1980, this hall hosted many movements and events that lead to the democracy of Taiwan and has a museum and library dedicated to Chiang-Kai-Shek himself.
Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt
17:00 Your evening would take you a short MRT or taxi journey to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) to watch the sun set and the city light up in the dusk. A mere twenty minute hike up the steps will be tiring but well worth the effort. There’s no better view of this city than from here. Teaming with locals on their daily cardio kick, teenagers being romantic and tourists alike it’s a great place to enjoy a beer and take in this majestic sight. If you go are into Geocaching too there’s one just past the main viewpoint! And if you’re not familiar with the term, download it; it’s the best traveler’s game on the planet!
19:00 After coming back down there’s no better way to reward yourself than with a meander around the local night markets. A small taxi journey to Roahe Night Market in Songshan will have all of your senses excited and your tummy rumbling. I prefer this market over the most famous one; Shilin, as the temple outside the market is awe-inspiring, it’s more local and easier to navigate.
There’s something to suit everyone here and was visited by Hugh Jackman a few weeks ago to try some of the local delicacies! Try the deep-fried mushrooms for a vegetarian favourite, the meat buns and even some foreign delicacies such as French pastries and rotis! There’s even some little arcade games and fortune tellers to keep you entertained in between your snacks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours to fully enjoy this market.
Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt
If you have a shred of energy left feel free to let loose in one of the many KTV venues in city! Complete with all-you-can-eat-buffets, private rooms with toilets, English songs and beers there’s no
better way to finish up a night than belting out tunes to your heart’s content. With a group, expect to pay 600NTD (20USD) each for 3 hours with beers. This can fluctuate on how fancy your room is.
So there you have it; one full day in Taiwan’s capital polished off. There’s literally something for everyone.
If you have more time in Taiwan there are some mind-blowing destinations in store! Take a 2 hour train from Taipei to Hualien and visit the Taroko Gorge; home to a 19km canyon created by seismic activity and river erosion over millions of years. Nowadays it’s a fabulous retreat to enjoy walking, photography the breathtaking land of some of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.
Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt
Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt
The most beautiful beach areas are in the south. Kenting National Park is at the southern tip of the island and boasts beautiful beaches, a great night market and a real holiday vibe!
Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt
With free 90 day visas to most countries, an abundance of shoe-string outings, splurge shopping, great weather, fantastic views and beautiful people, it’s hard to think of a more dazzling and interesting city to swing by.
Cheap flights are easily accessible from:
Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manilla.
And long distance direct from:
Paris, Amsterdam, London, Brisbane, Dubai, Los Angeles, NYC, Rome and more.
Facts:
Capital: Taipei
Currency: NTD (New Taiwan Dollar)
Language: Mandarin (although some people use Taiwanese)
Cars: Right side of the road.
* Give money to people with two hands.
* Cockroaches fly here and are wild.
* The ‘middle finger’ is illegal!
* Tremors and small earthquakes can be common.
