8 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Taiwan

TAIWAN

Popularly known as the “heart of Asia” is an island located in southeast Asia off the coast of China, is officially known as Republic of China, separated from the mainland by the Taiwan strait.

Here are the 8 reasons why you should include Taiwan in your next travel destination based on my travel experience last December 2018.

1. Visa-free policy

According to Taiwan Economic Cultural Office (TECO) , Starting November 1, 2017 Philippine nationals are eligible to travel to the Republic of China (Taiwan) completely visa-free for 14 days. This visa-free shall undergo a 9- month trial period until July 31, 2018. TECO in the Philippines have announced that the trial period will continue until July 31, 2019, and will be reviewed for further extention.

2. Short distance travel

Taiwan’s neighbor countries are People’s Republic of China to the west, Japan to the northeast and the Philippines to the south. Our flight from Manila International Airport via Eva Airways is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to Tayoan Aitport. The distance of Philippines to Taiwan is 1205 kilomemeters.

3. Budget-friendly

Taiwan is a gateway to Asia that is why there are quite a lot number of cheap flights available. Hotels, hostels and Inns are very affordable. Even transportation and food are very much affordable too. We stayed at Walker hotel that I booked at booking.com for 3 nights in a standard double bed room good for three that cost only 3,834 NT$

4. Food

If you love authentic Chinese food, you can find it here. We tried every food as much as we could during our stay. By the way, we never missed out milk tea here. Coco milk tea is famous here. These are really must try when you visit Taiwan

Shao long bao

Spicy duck blood and intestines

Pork pie

Mango shaved ice

5. Friendliest and most welcoming people in Asia

Survey says Taiwanese are one if the friendliest people in Asia. Source: Forbes. Com Yes, that’s very true. Locals here are very friendy. We met lolo (grandfather), A Taiwan national who is an employer of my friend. He welcomes us by bringing us in a buffet restaurant. He is very warm and pleasant to talk to.

6. Iconic landmarks

Taipei 101 is one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers and well known landmark of Taiwan.

Another landmark is the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is one of the most important monument in Taiwan. It is built to comemorate the life of the former president of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai Shek in 1976. It was officially opened in 1980.

Pingxi is known as a place in Asia to set off a sky lantern along the railway.

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is a scenic spot at the western part of Tamsui District, New Taipei City.

7. Easy to get around

Taiwan has a very reliable and affordable transport system. The Taipei MRT Rapid Transit Subway is well integrated with other trasit system in Taipei including high speed rail, standard train services, express trains to the airport, and city and tour buses, which make tourist destinations accessible.

Buying an easy card or an MRT access pass will make your everyday trip/transfers easy. Easy card can be bought at any convenience store or at the MRT at 100 NT$ (card only) top it up to add value to the card. The access pass on the other hand can be bought at the MRT information center for single entry, unlimited ride for 24, 48 or 72 hours pass. We puchased both easy card, topped up with 400 NT$ and 72 hours pass that costs 380 NT$. Why? Because it is much cheaper to use access pass since will be using MRT too often in going around Taipei. The access pass is not acceptable on transit outside Taipei, bus rides, and gondolas this is why we need an easy card.

8. Totally beautiful

Besides food and shopping, Shiufen and Jiufen in Taiwan is also a potential tourist destination for nature lovers.

Our 3 days in Taiwan was not enough to fully enjoy the country but still thankful that we visited this awesome country.

Thank you for reading!

God bless!

Aris and Sally🇵🇭