Do you still remember Meteor Garden and F4?
Yes, these are the first things which came to my mind about Taiwan. From the drama, the country looks interesting but it has never been in my travel bucketlist until last year I randomly thought a lot about it, browsed lots of information and then finally decided to visit Taiwan. Yes because I'm a rootless wandered LOL.
Yes, these are the first things which came to my mind about Taiwan. From the drama, the country looks interesting but it has never been in my travel bucketlist until last year I randomly thought a lot about it, browsed lots of information and then finally decided to visit Taiwan. Yes because I'm a rootless wandered LOL.
GENERAL INFORMATIONS FOR VISITING TAIWAN
Airplane
As far as I know, there are only 2 airplanes which offer direct flight from Jakarta to Taipei such as Eva Air and China Airlines. The fare starts from IDR 5 Mio. For other options, you may try Cathay Pacific Airlines (transit HKIA) and Singapore Airlines (transit Changi Aiport) for full-service airlines and AirAsia (transit KLIA 2) for budget airline.
Review Eva Air Economy Class
I was so lucky to get Eva Air economy class only less than IDR 3,5 Mio in return! It was such a great deal from Tr*veloka App since Eva Air is certified SKYTRAX 5 stars and ranked World's 6th best airline this year. Let me share the pros and cons based on my experience.
Pro:
- Direct flight (around 5 hours 30 minutes)
- Up to 30 kg baggage size
- On time (if there's no weather issue)
- Wide seating space
- Comfortable seat
- Pillow and blanket are available
- Friendly cabin crew
- Entertaiment is up to date
- Good meals
- Smooth landing
Cons:
- only one flight per day (mostly depart on 14.30 Jakarta time and arrive on 20.45 Taiwan time)
- no USB plug for charging
- no foot rest
- not given eye mask and socks
Overall 4.5/5. It was one of the most comfortable economy class I have ever had and I enjoyed it. If I have a chance to Taiwan again, maybe I will try the premium economy class.
As far as I know, there are only 2 airplanes which offer direct flight from Jakarta to Taipei such as Eva Air and China Airlines. The fare starts from IDR 5 Mio. For other options, you may try Cathay Pacific Airlines (transit HKIA) and Singapore Airlines (transit Changi Aiport) for full-service airlines and AirAsia (transit KLIA 2) for budget airline.
Review Eva Air Economy Class
I was so lucky to get Eva Air economy class only less than IDR 3,5 Mio in return! It was such a great deal from Tr*veloka App since Eva Air is certified SKYTRAX 5 stars and ranked World's 6th best airline this year. Let me share the pros and cons based on my experience.
Pro:
- Direct flight (around 5 hours 30 minutes)
- Up to 30 kg baggage size
- On time (if there's no weather issue)
- Wide seating space
- Comfortable seat
- Pillow and blanket are available
- Friendly cabin crew
- Entertaiment is up to date
- Good meals
- Smooth landing
 |
| Full meals on board Appetizer: Prawn with Macaroni Salad Main Course: Braised beef with onion basil sauce with fried flat rice noodles Dessert: Seasonal Fruits and custard cream layered cake with strawberry sauce |
 |
| Full tummy then ready to sleep (FYI, I brought my own sleeping mask) |
- only one flight per day (mostly depart on 14.30 Jakarta time and arrive on 20.45 Taiwan time)
- no USB plug for charging
- no foot rest
- not given eye mask and socks
Overall 4.5/5. It was one of the most comfortable economy class I have ever had and I enjoyed it. If I have a chance to Taiwan again, maybe I will try the premium economy class.
 |
| Bonus: Beautiful 35,000 feet above sea level sunset which you will get if you ride Eva Air |
Visa
The good news is… It’s free for Indonesian! But only if you are qualifed and as long as the purposes are for tourism, social visit or business trip for maximum 14 days. Other purposes like studying or working still need to apply paid visa.
So, how to apply Taiwan visa for free?
3. Return ticket flights.
4. Proof of accomodation during the trip.
I held Schengen, Japan and Korea tourism visa for the past 10 years so I could apply for free. If you are not qualified but you still want to visit Taiwan for tourism purpose, it costs IDR 650K (single entry) and IDR 1,3 Mio (multiple entry). You can apply online link or directly visit the representative of Taiwan (TETO - Taipei Economics and Trade Office) on Sudirman Jakarta area (link).
So, how to apply Taiwan visa for free?
1. Register on link
2. Hold permanent resident certificates issued by ROC (labor and fishery visas excluded), Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Schengen Agreement signatories, the United Kingdom, or the United States, or the holders of a visa or a resident card from one of these countries that is valid or that expired within 10 years of the date of expected arrival in Taiwan.3. Return ticket flights.
4. Proof of accomodation during the trip.
I held Schengen, Japan and Korea tourism visa for the past 10 years so I could apply for free. If you are not qualified but you still want to visit Taiwan for tourism purpose, it costs IDR 650K (single entry) and IDR 1,3 Mio (multiple entry). You can apply online link or directly visit the representative of Taiwan (TETO - Taipei Economics and Trade Office) on Sudirman Jakarta area (link).
Internet Connection
I rent WiFi portable via Klook (link)
Based on my experience, it didn't work well. No wonder, it only costs less than IDR 25K/day for up to 4 devices (freakinly cheap!). But I suggest you to try another WiFi portable such as WiFi Republic link or Passpod link. I tried them on another countries and it worked well.
Based on my experience, it didn't work well. No wonder, it only costs less than IDR 25K/day for up to 4 devices (freakinly cheap!). But I suggest you to try another WiFi portable such as WiFi Republic link or Passpod link. I tried them on another countries and it worked well.
Transportation
Since Taiwan is developed country, moving one place to another place is easy. They have MRT, subway, HSR Train, Bus and Taxi. But some area which far from the city, you better take Taxi or rent a car.
However, I only got full 4 days to explore the whole country. I choosed to explore Taipei and Taichung. But first, let me talk about Taipei highlights in 2 days.
DAY 1
1. YANGMISHAN NATIONAL PARK
Entrance Fee: free
How to get there:
a. Rent car
If you want to save time, you may rent a car via Own Rides (link).
b. By Taxi
It costs arround NTD 160-200 from Taipei Main Station.
c. By bus
It's a little bit complicated and takes times. You have to transit many times.
First, take Bus No 8 from Taipei Main Station to Jiantan Station.
Second, take Bus S15 from Jiantan Station to Lengshuikeng
Last, walk for about 350m until the gate of Yangmishan National Park. Or simply check your google maps based on your place.
d. Take a day trip tour (link)
 |
| You have to keep walking for about 1km until the park or take paid shuttle bus |
 |
| Maps of Yangmishan National Park |
 |
| Found a street foods while walking to the park
This place is located in the northern Taipei which a little bit far from the downtown. Well there was nothing special about this place unless you visit it on the right time (on Spring or Summer) with the good weather. Because I went there on early March, it was still early for spring time. We wanted to enjoy the cherryblossoms but it weren't fully bloomed and some trees are still on "winter mode". However some other flowers were already beautifully bloomed.
  |
Yangmishan National Park
2. YEHLIU GEOPARK
If you come to Yangmishan, then you should pay a visit to this place. It's also located in Northern Taipei.
Entrance Fee: NTD 80
How to get there:
a. By rent car (link).
b. By Taxi
It costs arround NTD 1,100-1400 from Taipei Main Station or NTD 1,000-1,300 from Yangmishan National Park.
c. By Bus
First, take bus 801/802 from Yangmishan National Park to Keelung.
Second, take bus 862 from Keelung Station to Yehliu Geopark
then walk for about 1,4km.
d. Take a one-day tour (link)
I went there by bus. When I walked to Yehliu, I found an harbour (recently, I just knew the name is Guiho Fishing Harbor). To me, it's instagramable, so we stopped by and click click. LOL.
And finally after long journey from Yangmishan, we finally arrived in Yehliu Geopark! However, we still had to walk less than 1 km until you see the stones.
And... It was worthed it! It was still beautiful eventho' the weather was so bad and will be more mesmerizing if the weather was good.
Anyway, we took taxi to the next destination and the driver randomly showed us a hidden beauty outside Yehliu Geopark. It was look like a desert in stone. Please don't ask me where was it, I had no idea but I guess it wasn't too far from the gate of Yehliu.
Yehliu Geopark
No. 167-1港東路 Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 207
3. JIUFEN
Usually, the travel agents offer one day trip to Yehliu Geopark, Shifen and Jiufen. I also wanted to visit these three places but because of the limited time, I had to skip one place which is Shifen and directly went to Jiufen.
Entrance Fee: Free
How to get there:
a. By rent car (link)
b. By Taxi
We took taxi from Yehliu Geopark and it costs NTD 900 (should be NTD 1,100 but I bargained LOL). From Taipei Main Station, it costs NTD 1,100-1,400.
c. By Bus
First, take bus 862 from Yehliu Geopark back to Ruifang Station
Second, take bus 1062 from Ruifang Station to Jiufen.
d. Take a one-day tour (link)
Jiufen is known for their iconic Amei Tea House which surrounded by beautiful mountains view if you come on the daytime and also fresh air. It is also beautiful on the nightime. Their tea and snacks is pretty expensive but Klook has a special deal to enjoy that tea house in a cheaper way and without queue (link). Oh too bad, I just knew it recently.
Lampion gives warm feeling eventho the weather was pretty cool. Anyway, this place isn't just about that Amei Tea House, but it also offers so many souvenir shops which sell unique and handmade craft. Some of them aren't sold in other place. You should take time to explore them and enjoy.
Beside that, don't forget that Taiwan is famous with their street foods and bobba drink. Oh no, you better empty your tummy first before you get here so you can try this and that.
Spotted many instagramable corner here. Oh I love Jiufen so much and definitely will be back here in the daytime because I guess it will be more beautiful.
Jiufen Old Street
Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
DAY 2
After the tiring first day in Taipei because of it was raining all day long, the next day in Taipei wasn't that bad. It was also rain but wasn't as harder as the first day.
For the truth is I went to Taichung on the second and third day in Taiwan and back to Taipei on the fourth day but let's say it was my second day in Taipei.
I only went out of the town for awhile then back to explore the downtown.
1. SHIDING THOUSAND ISLAND LAKE
Need to escape from the hustle and bustle of Taipei city? Drive arround 30-40 minutes to the southwest to find this place. Shiding Thousand Island Lake is formed by Feitsui Reservoir and Beshi River. You will able to see 5 crocodile-like islands with many small ones among them when looking down from the mountain trail. It is a very quiet place since motor vehicle is not allowed to go down and too close to the lake because the water is drunk by the locals.
To get there, I only suggest to rent a car. I booked via Own Rides (link) and really satisfied with their service because the driver is very nice.
It is definitely a beautiful place especially in the morning and worth to visit.
 |
| Thank you Own Rides! |
Shiding Thousand Island Lake
223, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Shiding District
2. TAIPEI 101 AND ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN
One day I saw Taiwan travel advertisement and Taipei 101 got my eye. It is used to be the world highest building (from 2004 to 2011) yet I find it different with other skycraper buildings. It designed to resemble a gigantic bamboo stalk and also green concept building. Looks so interesting.
Then I finally had a chance to visit Taiwan, indeed I visit this iconic building. Inside the building is shopping centre (mall), office and also indoor and outdoor observatory area on the 89th floor. The moment I saw it live, I instantly fell in love. I don't know why, I just adore it.
To get a better view of Taipei 101, you can climb the Elephant Mountains. The hiking trail is located arround a kilos away from the building.
 |
| The Hiking Trail of Elephant Mountains. |
 |
| Take the first stop |
 |
| Continue to the next stop |
I kept going up until hundred stairs and finally saw the best view of Taipei 101.
Hello Taipei 101, nice to meet you and see you again!
Taipei 101
No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail
Alley 342, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
3. CHIANG KAI SEK MEMORIAL HALL
A place which reminds me of Korea Gyeongbokgung Place. Similar but totally different history.
This place that was formerly named Formosa which previously owned by the Qing Dynasty, before it became a Japanese colony from 1895 until the end of World War II. As the name, this place was deliberately built to commemorate the President of the Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek who is the successor to Sun Yat Sen, the first president of the Republic of China. Built on an area of more than 25 hectares surrounded by extensive parks, this place holds a long history of Taiwan since the civil war in Mainland China. Taiwan has a long long history.
You will find many pigeons here. Better to brink your own corn kernels if you want to feed them.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
No. 21號, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
4. XIMENDING
An outdoor market in Taipei where you can spend a whole day just to look for... Anything! Everything is there from the mainstream and hypebeast fashion stuffs, Taiwanese street foods, souvenirs, etc. It's easy to reach, less than 500m from Ximen Station. In my eyes, it is like mini Japan Shibuya.
 |
| Whatever the weather is, it is always full of crowds |
 |
| Mainstream and hype brands everywhere |
 |
| 11PM: A shopping place which never sleeps |
Ximending Night Market
No. 127號, Hanzhong Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
5. SHIHLIN MARKET
Another word to remember when talking about Taiwan is Shihlin. To Indonesian people, who doesn't know it? It is one of the most popular Taiwanese street snack in Indonesia. Actually that snack is inspired by the famous night market in Taipei.
Well since it was raining all day long, I didn't get much time to explore in Shihlin Night Market. I only bought Hot Star Chicken (quick review: it is much tastier than Hot Star Indonesia) and tried one of the best boba drink in town (which it was opened recently in Jakarta). I love it too much! Xing Fu Tang bobba is the best so far. I hope Jakarta version is not disappointing.
 |
| Brown Sugar Boba Milk as the signature drink of Xing Fu Tang |
 |
| Best boba ever! Made from brown sugar. |
 |
| Topping brown sugar powder |
 |
| It is burned til melted |
 |
| Taraaaa! Looks too much brown sugar but suprisingly it is not too sweet, tastes right! |
Shihlin Night Market
No. 101號, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
6. HALAL FOOD
Taiwan is also well known for their beef noodle but I gotta be careful since it is not a Moslem country. Fortunately, I found one of the best certified halal beef noodle in town.
Located arround 2km from Taipei 101, it is easy to reach. Better come before lunch time because it was pretty crowded during that time.
I only tried this so I couldn't compare to any other restaurant. Tasty and juicy, I give 4.5/5. Worth to try.
Halal Beef Noodle House
No. 1號, Alley 7, Lane 137, Yanji Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Ah finally I finish writing this! This is the end of my Taipei journal, see you on the next Taiwan journey post. Thank you for reading!
Comments
Post a Comment