Taiwanderful

TAIWANDERFUL
-ryandgreat, tokyo, japan

you've heard this already, our ph passport can now enjoy visa-free to taiwan 

supposed starting this june, but was moved to september this year according to taipei economic and cultural office!

although ph passport with japan, korea, schengen and us visa can obtain free visa to taiwan by securing a certificate of entry

i've been to taiwan for three times already!

and my first taiwan journey held special place in my heart

i've presented complete requirements and was only asked few questions during my visa application at the rcbc building in makati city

visa processing, at that time, was quite tedious and expensive (as compare to obataining visa for mainland, china)

visa costs P2,500.00 for a single entry valid for three months! while mainland, china visa costs P1,400.00

it was my third out-of-the-country journey and my first one using my 2011 brown passport

the purpose of my first trip was quite unusual, i stated that i'll be attending a doraemon expo, on its last day in taichung, taiwan

where i actually spent that whole day on that expo, that i will not discuss here further

and true to my word, that first trip to taiwan was all about doraemon in taichung city,

Taiwan High Speed Rail Station
in Taichung

Taichung Trade Center

Taiwan High Speed Rain in Taipei

except for that first bullet train ride experience! and that's the highlight of my trip!

the t-h-s-r or the taiwan high speed rail that's so incredible!

i was not able to explore and see any in particular during that time, and there were no train or subway yet at the airport

from taoyuan airport i went straight to taichung city by a 2 to 3 hours bus ride

fast forward 2015 and then last march, i revisited taiwan!

it has always been on my list that i have to revisit taiwan and explore taipei and to discover some more places

 the arrival walkway of Taiwan International Airport

Youbike, Daan Park in Taipei

Chiang Kai-Shek

Longhsan Temple

 at the Chiang Kai-Shek

 Taipei 101 Observatory

taiwan is closely associated to manufacturing giants that are well-known producers of electronic supplies in the world

and op cors the phenomenal tv series meteor garden of the boyband f4!

and yes, it's not a popular tourist destination compared to hong kong and korea but there are lotsa interesting things to do in taipei or in some parts of it

the mix of grit and charm of this country and the entire experience is incomparable!

i was able to immerse myself in the local culture of taipei's bike-prenly lifestyle

there are bike paths and exclusive bike lane along the highways of taipei that makes room on the road for cyclists for leisure and work cycling

as well as a bike rack network that are interconnected just like a parking system

a bike sharing program that's widely known as youbike, is a rental service for everyone for as low as 20NT  or for only P40.00

i do cycling regularly and this biking on taipei was one-of-a-kind travel activity!

Youbike at Daan Park, Taipei

Youbike at World Trade Center in Taipei

Taipei 101 in Taipei

 the Elephant Mountain in Taipei

the Longshan Temple in Taipei

the Shilin Market in Taipei

Ximending shopping district

entrance gate of Chiang Kai-Shek 

and now here comes what to see in taipei!
chaing kai-shek memorial
taipei 101
ximending crossing
shilin market
longshan temple

i'm listing five popular tourist destinations, i recently posted this on my instagram account  during my last visit in taipei last march

a well-known tourist spot in taipei, the chiang kai-shek memorial, one of the most iconic structure

and home to taipei's symbol of architectural shrines and temple in a huge park 

the entire shrine is a tribute to general and its prominent leaders, and there are soldiers that marching around!

best of all, admission is free! and the main entrance is loacted near the subway exit!

another tourist destination is the iconic taipei 101 building!, the tallest high-rise building in the region

a bamboo tree-like building that looks elegant from afar

it has a viewing deck and an indoor observatory with a sweeping view of the city at night

to the hipsters and shoppers! there are two popular shopping and fashion district in taipei!

a walk down the various lively markets of this region, a popular shopping district, ximending!

that's looks similar to tokyo's shinjuku and shibuya district and or in meongdong of seoul

on this street are fashionable shopping complex with various international shosps and designer boutiques

the popular market is the shilin market, the best night market, street food is at its finest! and cheapest!

there are food stalls side-by-side that sell local teas, desserts, oysters, exotic food

and oh, you have to try their deep fried breaded chiekcen fillet, the most popular chicken chops in town! i posted one on my ig story!

Ximending crossing

on top of Elephant Mountain!

there were lotsa temples side-by-side and since the vast majority of local practice buddhism and taoisim

paid visit to longshan temple and offered incense for the gods as well as to make a wish and ask for fortune!

and there are other seemingly interesting place to visit in taipei, like tea houses and some outrageous coffee shops!

and other activities nearby taipei like the sky lantern that i have not tried yet and other scenic natures spot for nature lovers!

indeed, taipei for me is the most inexpensive getaway! in less than 2 hours to the north away from manila and the airfare is really cheap!

i wish that this serves you on your plans to visit taipei in the future especially that visa-free to this progressive country is coming!