"This was my first time to travel abroad by myself. At first, I was anxious about too many what if’s but it turned out to be fun, exciting and liberating."
I booked tickets in advance via AirAsia.
I booked a hostel in Agoda. I have chosen to stay in Ximending because it’s close to shopping malls and train station.
I bought Taiwan Dollar at NAIA airport.
It’s important to buy an EASY CARD because you will be using it a lot. Download the metro app too.
I met a fellow Filipina who has the same flight schedule with me back and forth. It made it easier for us to roam around before we can check-in to our accommodations.
Day 1
We arrived past midnight and cleared immigration around 1 in the morning. We took a nap at the sleeping area while waiting for the bus that will take us to the city.
Bus from Taoyuan to Taipei Main station
Breakfast. There are homeless people around the station. Maybe because it was rainy.
Photo ops at RED HOUSE theater.
Freshen up. Drop bags to the hotel.
Chang Kai Shek – There was an event when we got there. We waited until it was over so we can take pictures.
Taipei 101 – We had lunch then we looked for the LOVE sculpture outside the mall. You can go up to see the whole city but its not free. You can also reserve seats at Starbucks on the 35th floor which also offers a view of the city.
Checked in at Redhome Hostel and recharged. I stayed in 6bed female room. I felt lucky because I was given a bottom bed next to the window.
Explored Ximen walking street.
Dinner at Modern Toilet Restaurant. I ordered pasta and I didn’t like it, but my friend was able to enjoy her curry.
We watched a light show in front of their Presidential Office Building. It was heartwarming. They thanked everyone for helping Taiwan in different languages. I have seen on the screen “Gumanda ang Taiwan dahil sayo“.
Back to the hotel. Lights off.
Day 2
Free breakfast. Nothing fancy. Its just coffee and bread.
Taipei Zoo – I was so excited because I wanted to see the panda. I saw animals that I have never seen before like koala, camel, peacock and other creatures! I don’t know the name.
I met another solo Filipina. We took the Gondola cable car. We availed the glass cabin and it was so fun! Lunch at 7/11.
We hiked Elephant Mountain afterwards. It was not an easy trail but despite the drizzle it was worth it.
If you are not into hiking but you want a picture of 101 in the background, you may visit Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall instead.
I have been reading about HOT STAR chicken. I had it for dinner. It was cheap but huge. I couldn’t even finish it. I paired it with milk tea.
Before I went to sleep I reserved a seat at PS bubu for lunch on their facebook account. I was a Meteor Garden Fan and it was that place where San chai and Dao Ming Si had their first date. I requested the pink car ofcourse. It was actually a place to eat for pet lovers.
Day 3
I searched google for the directions going to Tianmu. I took a bus for less than an hour I think. I was afraid that I might get lost and kept asking other passengers. Although they cant speak English well, they were approachable and helpful.
Went back to the hotel and relaxed. Although, I stayed in a shared room. I can still have my privacy. It was quiet and peaceful to be away from everyone once in awhile.
What I loved about the hotel is that there are few traditional attire that you can try and take a picture for free. Available in different sizes. I went to the reception area and requested the staff to take a picture of me wearing it for a memory.
I went to the walking street for dinner. I really don’t have a plan to buy anything but because of the pineapple cake free taste I ended up buying a box of it.
Day 4
Breakfast and check-out. Head to the airport.
There are many places to check out in Taipei but the light rain goes on and off at that time and I’m already happy with what I have seen and experienced.
You can do more activity and squeeze your days. Check KLOOK for the packages. Juifen, Shifen, Yangmingshan and others. I booked a free walking tour around the city but since Taipei has a good transportation system, I decided to do it on my own.
So there, that’s what I did with my NTD3000 pocket money.
It was an amazing experience. Taipei is a beautiful city. People are nice and milk tea is the best!
Xie xie.
