For those who will explore Taiwan, for those who are planning to book tours to save time and money. This post is for you. This will show you some tours you can choose from to complete your Itinerary.
But first, I have a question for you my fellow Filipinos.
If we still need a visa to travel to Taiwan, would you still want to visit it?
What are the things you discovered, knew or searched about Taiwan that encouraged you to explore it?
To tell you honestly, I never had any interest visiting Taiwan until the day they announced that Filipinos are eligible to travel the country visa-free.
With my Philippine passport, I'm a sucker for free visa countries. I will grab every opportunity to travel to those countries that don't give me any hassle entering their territories. The struggle of applying for visas is exhausting, and I want to avoid that as much as possible. I have my reasons.
It may be hard for us to have a weak passport, I still love my Philippines passport despite that fact. I swear that I will travel the world with it. Not because I don't have any choice but swear to you (again) I will be proud if I do travel across 7 continents with it…. and I will (sooooon).
I'll continue….
So why travel to Taiwan?
Taiwan surprised me the moment I landed from the plane.
Taiwanese were very polite. Anywhere we went, from street food market to restaurants, people were smiling, and they are always greeting and saying thank you all the time.
Not to mention, their food is so delicious! If I have more time, I will try every restaurant in Taiwan. They have a lot of places to indulge in (like night markets) and according to my friend who is currently living in Taiwan for about two years now (as of my writing). She almost never been to the same restaurant TWICE! To all the foodies reading this, GO TO TAIWAN RIGHT NOW!!
Other than food, you can visit tons of places that offer different things. Taiwan is such a small country, but it offers many wonderful destinations. I really need to go back and max out my 14 days visa-free and spend it exploring Taiwan.
The truth is, Taiwan was so amazing, and I felt that I can do my usual routine there. Like working during weekdays and exploring the country side on weekends. Just learning about Taiwan's culture one day at a time. I imagined myself living in Taiwan and I think I can live there and I'll be happy with that decision.
I think I realized a lot of things in Taiwan. You can read one in this post 'Being Speechless in Taiwan Made Me Realize Something!
Pre-travel Guide
Flights:
Book your flight at least 6 weeks before your departure date to get reasonable rates. If you know the budget airlines in your country, you can book it there directly. Like in Philippines, the cheapest low-cost airline is cebupacificair.com. But if you don't, you can search cheap flights via Skyscanner.
Visa Requirements:
For Filipinos, we are eligible to travel to Taiwan for visa-free access for 14 days (starting November 1, 2017 to July 31, 2019).
- This visa-free initiative is a trial period and will be reviewed for further extension. All you need to bring:
- Passport with remaining validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Return tickets (plane tickets, cruise tickets or tickets to other destinations)
- Accommodation in Taiwan, Tour Package's Details and Itinerary
NOTE: No need to secure a visa or a “Travel Authorization Certificate” or E-visa before traveling to Taiwan.
For others, you can be qualified for visa exemption, visa on arrival, eVisa, or an Online Travel Authorization Certificate. Kindly Visit this ROC Embassies and Missions Abroad for more information.
Accommodations:
Reserve your accommodation ahead of time. You can book in Booking.com without reservation fee. We stayed with a friend in New Taipei City and we saved a lot because of this.
For me the best location to stay will be in Zhongzheng District 中正區. It is at the center of Taipei and the main station is located in the area. Also, there are a lot of tourist spots that you can walk around. Here are some options you can choose:
Book Here:
Transport:
You can explore Taiwan via MRT with single journey tickets or rechargeable IC cards. The best way to get around Taiwan is to avail the Taipei Pass that gives unlimited rides on the MRT and public buses.
To navigate yourself within Taiwan, use Google Maps‘ directions. To have a data internet connection, you can buy a 4G sim card. You can pick up the sim card at Taoyuan International Airport.
Tour and Activities:
If you like to book ahead of time on what activity you would like to do in Taiwan, you can book it in Klook . They have list of tours, activities and even transportation. If you are a planner, you will love this site.
Book Here:
IN TAIPEI:
Bus Tour around Taipei
If you are not confident navigating yourself around Taipei, you can explore these tourist attractions with Double Decker Bus Tour. One-day ticket and 4-hour ticket are available from 9:10am-9:00pm.
TOUR DETAILS:
- Discover major landmarks in Taipei by exploring from 23 bus stops across two routes
- Visit top attractions such as Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Ximending and many more
- Hop on and off at your preferred attractions along the Taipei sightseeing bus route for maximum flexibility
- Share your travel moments with free WiFi available on the Taipei double decker bus
- Enjoy introductions of attractions with a headset commentary in a choice of languages: English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
- Don't miss out on the famous Ay-Chung Rice Noodles, Braised Pork Rice Bowls, Spicy Hotpot, and more Taiwan goodies!
FOR BOOKING AND MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen and Shifen in One Day
During our trip, we opted to explore our own route. We visited Yehliu Geopark and Tamsui. But if you want to visit these there top attractions in the Northern Part of Taiwan in one day, this tour is a good deal!
TOUR DETAILS:
- Enjoy roundtrip shuttle transfers and plan your own itinerary with the Taipei shuttle bus
- Meet up and depart from Ximen MRT Station, conveniently located in Taipei's main hostel area
- See the northeast coast's fascinating Yehliu Geopark and the famed 'Queen's Head' rock
- Visit the quaint hill village of Jiufen, decorate and set off a glowing lantern at Shifen
OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO AROUND THE AREA:
- You can try the One Day Traditional Chinese Dress Rental in Jiufen for the most special experience in Jiufen!
- You can also check out Skyline Teahouse, Shan Cheng Creation House, Jioufen Teahouse, and Amei Teahouse to experience the traditional Taiwanese tea culture in Jiufen!
- You can buy Yehliu Geopark Admission Ticket online or in the counter once you get there.
FOR BOOKING AND MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
Yangmingshan National Park & Hot Springs Tour
If you want to escape the city and go near the mountains to relax and have some healing spring, this tour might be a good option for you.
TOUR DETAILS:
- Visit beautiful Yangmingshan National Park, nestled amongst mountainous scenery and luscious forests
- Pay a visit to the famed hot spring baths at Tatun containing healing minerals
- Inclusive of comfortable coach transportation, hotel pick up & drop off
- Tour with a company with over 25 years of experience and excellent reputation
FOR BOOKING AND MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
Northeast Coast Scenic Day Tour
Aside from Yehliu Geopark, you can see other rock formations in this area. You can also see a beautiful coastline here.
TOUR DETAILS:
- Visit Sandiao Cape (Cape Santiago) Lighthouse better known as the Eye of Taiwan, where you can take in views of the entire Northeast coast
- Admire the beautiful Coast National Scenic Area
- Fall in love with the breathtaking rock formations along Nanya Coast
- Learn about the sights on your stop with the help of a knowledge tour guide
- Taste the famous Fulong boxed meal that tourists line up for
FOR BOOKING AND MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
IN HUALIEN:
During our visit, we didn't have a chance to visit this side of Taiwan, but if you do, you can book the following tours that I think are worth it!
Taroko Gorge Day Trip
Image from Pixabay
TOUR DETAILS:
- Venture along the Swallows' Grotto Trail for the most dramatic view of the gorge
- Get lunch at Tianxiang and visit the town's iconic red suspension bridge
- Visit the eternal springs at Changchun Shrine, burrowed into the hillside
- Take in the ocean air at Qixingtan and the pebble stone beach or find peace in the tranquil plains of Buluowan tribal village
- Inclusive of comfortable coach transportation including hotel pick up and drop off and optional lunch
FOR BOOKING AND MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
Hsiukuluan River Rafting
TOUR DETAILS:
- Raft downstream and revel in the beautiful countryside and coast
- Choose your preferred raft type: latest self-draining boat or upturned raft
- Have guidance from a and English-speaking professional rafter
- Experience thrills manageable for beginners and exciting for more experienced
- Enjoy a lunchbox meal included in your trip
FOR BOOKING AND MORE DETAILS CLICK HERE
You can find more tours here:
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