[OFFICIAL] Taiwan Guide and Taiwan related matters - Part 9

[firsttimebuyer]

Hi everyone, I am travelling to Taipei for the first time this August, from Singapore looking for some feedback on this itinerary that i have planned:

22nd August Thursday, 1.30 pm: reach Taoyuan Intl Airport Terminal 2.
Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT down to Taipei Main Station , alight there and walk my way over to CityInn Hotel Taipei Station Branch II.

I should be able to check in around 3 pm.

After checking in, i will take the train down to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station (國父紀念館),and visit National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall 國父紀念館 until closing time 6 pm.

From there, I will make my way over to Taipei 101 skyscraper, have a quick dinner at the Taipei 101 mall (any food recommendations??), and purchase a ticket (NT$600) to the Taipei 101 Observatory on the 88th and 89th floor. (Is day time or night time better for visiting the Taipei 101 observatory?).

Make my way back to CityInn Hotel Taipei Station Branch II for sleep.

23rd August Friday:

Wake up early, take the train to Shilim MRT station (R16), head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch the R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or bus 255, 304 or 815 to the National Palace museum. I should be finished with the entire museum by 1 pm

Afternoon: Unplanned yet (may head down to the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine).
Evening: Head down to Ximending via Ximen Station of the Taipei Metro.

24th August Saturday:

Start the day at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT station. Take exit 5 to, Liberty Square, Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall,DaXiao and Dazhong Gates, National Concert Hall and National Theater. I am allocating 3 hours to visit all these places.

For lunch, I will try the try pork braised rice at Jin Feng.

In the afternoon, I will make my over to Longshan MRT station, maybe spend an hour to two there, then maybe walk around a bit further. Is there anything I could check out in the surrounding area? After than, I will make my way to Guangzhou Night Market, and ry the snake soup at snake alley, and also visit Huaxi Night Market (both located just west of the temple.)

25th August Sunday:

Take a trip down to Jiufen, basically, i would be just following the instructions in this two blogs:https://www.laughtraveleat.com/asia/taipei-to-jiufen-a-day-trip-in-the-rain/
https://eattravelgreet.com/how-to-easily-get-to-jiufen-from-taipei-main-station/

26th August Monday and 27th August Tuesday: No plans yet; maybe visit Raohe night market.

This is my planned itinerary so far.

If you have any feedback or suggestions on what i should do on the 26th and 27th, please feel free to let me know.

Are there any items on the travel itinerary that is not possible or unrealistic?

In terms of etiquette, what are some do's or don't?

 

[dilphinus]

From there, I will make my way over to Taipei 101 skyscraper, have a quick dinner at the Taipei 101 mall (any food recommendations??), and purchase a ticket (NT$600) to the Taipei 101 Observatory on the 88th and 89th floor. (Is day time or night time better for visiting the Taipei 101 observatory?).

You can try making a reservation for Starbucks at Taipei 101. The minimal charge is NT$200. Time limit is 90 minutes.

23rd August Friday:

Wake up early, take the train to Shilim MRT station (R16), head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch the R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or bus 255, 304 or 815 to the National Palace museum. I should be finished with the entire museum by 1 pm

Afternoon: Unplanned yet (may head down to the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine).
Evening: Head down to Ximending via Ximen Station of the Taipei Metro.

Can consider going to Yangmingshan and/or Bali + Danshui. After which, evening can head to the Shilin Night Market. I don't fancy Shilin Night Market. Suggesting this only cos it's in the vicinity.

 

[BTSonic]

Evening: Head down to Ximending via Ximen Station of the Taipei Metro.

Start the day at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT station. Take exit 5 to, Liberty Square, Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall,DaXiao and Dazhong Gates, National Concert Hall and National Theater. I am allocating 3 hours to visit all these places.

Take a trip down to Jiufen, basically, i would be just following the instructions in this two blogs:https://www.laughtraveleat.com/asia/taipei-to-jiufen-a-day-trip-in-the-rain/
https://eattravelgreet.com/how-to-easily-get-to-jiufen-from-taipei-main-station/

If u r at ximending, try the ah zhong mien xian, my family and i like it, we even went back on the last day to eat one more time b4 flying back to SG.

2 years ago when i visited Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, they were renovating the main building, so didnt go in, let me know whether the renovation is done after u visited, dont mind going one more time this nov. Thanks.

R u going yilan? If u do, must visit the black sand (Wai'ao Beach 外澳海灘), the beach is really filled with black sand, smthg special. I like the place, they have a cafe at the beach, u can have ur afternoon tea there, but food is not fantastic. i suggest u leave early if u r taking public transport, it is a long walk back to the bus-stop, and after 5pm or so, there is no bus going there, u have to take a long walk out to the main road to catch public bus.

If u intend to go to starbuck at Taipei 101, must book early, it is best u book way in advance, coz the starbuck nbr is difficult to get thru, even if u get thru, no guarantee that u will get a seat on the dates that u want, always fully booked.

Jiu Fen, actually i wont suggest going, it is very crowded, u can hardly move in the crowd, and if it rains, even worse, we didnt enjoy our trip there. i dont mind going shi fen, it is crowded also, but not as bad as jiu fen, at least u get to enjoy the atmosphere. Try the ice cream popiah, it is nice

 

[BTSonic]

Can do.
I think if you can do alishan, then cingjing then taroko then yilan lor.

I recommend THE TAICHUNG DRIVER from fb.
He has a link here as well.

Can the driver pick 9 people up at Taoyuan airport and travel to Alishan? Can i have the link of your driver? Thanks.

 

[calkel20]

Can the driver pick 9 people up at Taoyuan airport and travel to Alishan? Can i have the link of your driver? Thanks.

Happy planning.

 

[BTSonic]

Happy planning.

I received your link. Thanks.

 

[BTSonic]

Any suggestions on where to stay and what to eat in Alishan? Thanks.

 

[firsttimebuyer]

You can try making a reservation for Starbucks at Taipei 101. The minimal charge is NT$200. Time limit is 90 minutes.



Can consider going to Yangmingshan and/or Bali + Danshui. After which, evening can head to the Shilin Night Market. I don't fancy Shilin Night Market. Suggesting this only cos it's in the vicinity.

Thank you!
I think I will do Bali + Danshui on the 26th August Monday.

As for Yangmingshan, I don't know, it seemed kind of far away. Did you went last time and how did you get there?

 

[calkel20]

Thank you!
I think I will do Bali + Danshui on the 26th August Monday.

As for Yangmingshan, I don't know, it seemed kind of far away. Did you went last time and how did you get there?

八里is opposite tamsui or danshui.
So a whole afternoon can be spent at danshui street plus a boatcride to fisherman’s wharf.
I will prefer to be at wharf are 4-6 for sunset and a drink.
Then back to danshui towards jiantan for shilin night market to round off the night.

 

[calkel20]

Any suggestions on where to stay and what to eat in Alishan? Thanks.

Eat ah?
I think any stalls will do fine.
Stay wise, usually or most will stay at the main area near the top, where the main train station is.
So that morning, can just pop over to train station for the ride for sunrise at 祝山。

 

[BTSonic]

Eat ah?
I think any stalls will do fine.
Stay wise, usually or most will stay at the main area near the top, where the main train station is.
So that morning, can just pop over to train station for the ride for sunrise at 祝山。

Thanks for the suggestion. Have u tried farmstay in Taiwan b4, if u do, which one have u tried?

 

[calkel20]

Thanks for the suggestion. Have u tried farmstay in Taiwan b4, if u do, which one have u tried?

Either you can try flying cow ranch or cingjing.
Personally i think flying cow is a good option.
Loads of activities in house.

If kids too young, leo's village may not be suitable.

 

[BTSonic]

Either you can try flying cow ranch or cingjing.
Personally i think flying cow is a good option.
Loads of activities in house.

If kids too young, leo's village may not be suitable.

My kids are all at least 12 yo. So i guess leofoo villae shld be ok, but quite expensive per nite.

I chk out flying cow ranch, its interesting. i search the web and found the accommodation in agoda and booking.com, but all sold out in Nov and Dec!!
I went to their website, Dec all rooms sold out for quad standard! So i guess must plan in advance for the farm stay!

My colleague went cingjing b4, he said nothing much there.

 

[BTSonic]

Anyone can advise which route is better?

I intend to spend my 8 days in Taiwan visiting these places

1. Alishan (1N stay)
2. Flying cow ranch (if i can book the accommdation) (1N stay)
3. Taroko park (1 N stay in hualian)
4. 3 days in Taipei

Route 1
Taoyuan airport -> Alishan -> Flying cow ranch -> Taroko park -> one more place?? -> Taipei

Route 2
Taoyuan airport -> Hualian (1 N stay incl going to Taroko park) -> Alishan
-> Flying cow ranch -> Taipei

Which route is better? Any other places worth visiting and can slot in the route?
My group has 2 elderly and 4 kids 12-15 yo. Is this too hectic for the elderly?
Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[dilphinus]

Anyone can advise which route is better?

I intend to spend my 8 days in Taiwan visiting these places

1. Alishan (1N stay)
2. Flying cow ranch (if i can book the accommdation) (1N stay)
3. Taroko park (1 N stay in hualian)
4. 3 days in Taipei

Route 1
Taoyuan airport -> Alishan -> Flying cow ranch -> Taroko park -> one more place?? -> Taipei

Route 2
Taoyuan airport -> Hualian (1 N stay incl going to Taroko park) -> Alishan
-> Flying cow ranch -> Taipei

Which route is better? Any other places worth visiting and can slot in the route?
My group has 2 elderly and 4 kids 12-15 yo. Is this too hectic for the elderly?
Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Skip Taroko Gorge if your elderly cannot walk.

You should hire a driver, day trip from Taipei, Yehliu - Keelung - Shifen - Jiufen.

 

[BTSonic]

Skip Taroko Gorge if your elderly cannot walk.

You should hire a driver, day trip from Taipei, Yehliu - Keelung - Shifen - Jiufen.

Both elderly can walk. They traveled with us to taiwan and hong kong during the last 2 yrs.

We have been to Shifen and Jiufen during our last trip. And Alishan is one of the place we would like to go this time, but it is quite inconvenient to travel there fr the airport, so hire a driver would most probably be the best option.

I m trying to plan my upcoming trip now, would like to have a rough plan b4 sourcing for a driver to drive us around, hence asking for advice now.

 

[dilphinus]

Both elderly can walk. They traveled with us to taiwan and hong kong during the last 2 yrs.

We have been to Shifen and Jiufen during our last trip. And Alishan is one of the place we would like to go this time, but it is quite inconvenient to travel there fr the airport, so hire a driver would most probably be the best option.

I m trying to plan my upcoming trip now, would like to have a rough plan b4 sourcing for a driver to drive us around, hence asking for advice now.

Stay 2 nights at Chiayi and go to Alishan as a day trip.

I hope you have done your research on Taroko Gorge. There's a lot of trails sort of walking, not going holiday kind of walking.

 

[BTSonic]

Stay 2 nights at Chiayi and go to Alishan as a day trip.

I hope you have done your research on Taroko Gorge. There's a lot of trails sort of walking, not going holiday kind of walking.

Thanks for your suggestion. To tell the truth, havent researched on Taroko Gorge yet, except seeing all the nice pic my colleague sent me, he went there last yr with his parent and young kids, and they engaged a driver to go there, so i thot my team shld be able to do it also, coz our kids are bigger and both elderly can walk.

Will do some research on Chiayi also.

Thanks

 

[calkel20]

My kids are all at least 12 yo. So i guess leofoo villae shld be ok, but quite expensive per nite.

I chk out flying cow ranch, its interesting. i search the web and found the accommodation in agoda and booking.com, but all sold out in Nov and Dec!!
I went to their website, Dec all rooms sold out for quad standard! So i guess must plan in advance for the farm stay!

My colleague went cingjing b4, he said nothing much there.

Will not want to stay leo's. So expensive.
Cingjing is good, can catch sunrise at hehuanshan.
I doubt they are really full, or maybe you need to make a call to them.

 

[calkel20]

Thanks for your suggestion. To tell the truth, havent researched on Taroko Gorge yet, except seeing all the nice pic my colleague sent me, he went there last yr with his parent and young kids, and they engaged a driver to go there, so i thot my team shld be able to do it also, coz our kids are bigger and both elderly can walk.

Will do some research on Chiayi also.

Thanks

Her suggestion is to stay a night, next day to alishan for a day trip and back to chiayi though.
But will you be wanting to catch sunrise at alishan?