I mistakenly booked a flight for 3 days and 2 nights to Taipei. Our flight was very late, so that left us with only 2 whole days in Taiwan. So what to do in Taiwan for 2 whole days?
Well, I originally planned to go to Sun Moon Lake (for an exciting scooter adventure!) and go to the nearby town for paragliding, but it's 3-4 hours trip from Taipei. The hotel crew said 2 days are just not enough. :( So, went for Plan B instead, city tour (which I only planned when I was in Taipei!!!). Seriously, I didn't sleep on our first night because of cramming/planning. There were actually arranged bus tours offered in the hotel, but there's just no adventure to it.
Here's our short itinerary:
Day 1
1. Yehliu Geopark
How to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei?
Board a Kuo Kuang bus 1815 at Taipei West Bus Station Terminal A (near Taipei Main Station) bound for “Jin Shan Youth Activity Centre” route. Walk 10mins from the bus stop to Yehliu Geopark. There are no English signs, just follow where the Chinese tourists go. :) The first bus departs at 5:40AM (weekdays) and 6:15AM (weekends). Bus frequency: 15-20 mins. Fare: NT$96; Travel time: 1.5hrs
2. Chiufen Village
How to get to Chiufen Village from Yehliu? (I just researched below. Don't ask.)
- Walk back to Yehliu stop and cross the road, take Keelung bus #790 or #862 or #1262 to Keelung city
- Alight at Keelung
- Transfer to Bus #788 or #1013 to Jiufen
- Alight at Jiufen (7-11 right at the entrance of Jiufen)
How to get there faster and easier?
Take a cab or share a cab with other tourists. :) We paid NTD 150 each (4 peeps in the car)
3. Ximending
How to get from Chiufen Village to Ximending?
Loooong story. Just take a cab. We paid NTD 250 each (we shared the fare with 2 others). NTD 1000 if you hire the cab for yourself.
Day 2
Buy a 1-day train pass for NTD 150. NTD 180 if including both train and bus.
All tourist spots below are reachable by train. Here's the map: MRT stations
1. Longshan Temple - Longshan Temple station (blue line)
2. Bopiliao Old Street - Longshan Temple station (just walk few blocks, there are English signs, don't worry)
3. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall - Chiang Kai-Shek station (red line)
4. Taipei 101 - Taipei City Hall (blue line), took a cab from the station to Taipei 101 because we're tired walking. Fare is just less than a hundred bucks.
5. Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf - Tamsui station (red line), then take the red bus # 26 with "Fisherman's Wharf" sign.
Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf/Lover's Bridge
Make sure to go before sunset. It's a lovely sight. It's one of the most romantic places I've been to.
Taipei 101
World's 2nd tallest building. It's an architectural wonder.
Entrance fee in the observatory is NTD 450
Sending postcard to myself. I like the stamped ones. Yes, I collect them. :)
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
He was a soldier and statesman, head of the Nationalist government in China from 1928 to 1949, and subsequently head of the Chinese Nationalist government in exile.
Chiufen Village
A former gold mining town. The village is next to the mountain and facing the sea. GREAT VIEW!
It's also a night market spot.
Food trip!
Food is not so expensive in Taiwan. SUPER GREAT!
Shaved almonds + sugar, mixed with ice cream and wrapped in lumpia wrapper.
Yehliu
Awesome rock formations. Nature's gift to humanity.
Where to stay in Taipei? Click the link to Chaiin Hotel
How to get Taiwan Visa? Very easy if you have US visa. Just apply online and print a certificate. It's also free! Here's the link https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ctlr?PRO=PRO_Task12Application
Traveling in Taipei is pretty tough because English signs can't be found in some areas (e.g. bus stops). So make sure to research before you go on your own. It's a friendly country, don't hesitate to ask! :)
For sure, I'm going back! I've never thought that Taiwan could be very exciting and full of adventures. Xie-Xie Taiwan for being so good to us!
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