Taiwan is an island country steeped in Chinese traditions, offering a wealth of unique experiences and incredible things to do. From world-class hot springs to stunning scenery, Taiwan is a must-visit destination for travelers.
If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, a day trip outside Taipei is the perfect way to get a taste of Taiwan’s natural beauty. Jiufen and the Yehliu Geopark are two popular options.
Taipei
Traveling to Taiwan is a great experience for anyone looking for an authentic Asian getaway. The city is full of surprises and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of other destinations. The people of Taiwan are welcoming and friendly, making it a fantastic destination for travelers to explore the country.
Before you start planning your trip to Taiwan, it’s important to understand the country’s travel regulations and safety precautions. You’ll need a passport to enter the country, and some nationalities may require a visa. You’ll also need to consider the visa requirements for other countries that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
There are a number of ways to get around Taipei, including by bus, taxi, or train. You can even hire a driver to show you around. However, you will need to know some Chinese in order to speak with your driver.
Most taxi drivers don’t speak English, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Chinese phrases before you arrive in the country. These will help you communicate with your driver and avoid any miscommunications.
You’ll also want to be aware of road safety and traffic laws while driving in Taiwan. During the rainy season, some roads can become impassable because of heavy rain or landslides. If you’re traveling on a motorbike or scooter, be cautious.
In addition, it’s important to be aware of scammers who may try to trick you into providing them with your personal information or transferring money. This can happen by phone, email, or in person.
Fortunately, the crime rate in Taiwan is low, but it’s still best to protect yourself from any potential threats to your safety. You should always be alert, use a reliable GPS system, and keep all your valuables secure at all times.
If you’re travelling with children, you should make sure that they are well-groomed and have proper insurance coverage. There are a number of child-friendly parks and playgrounds throughout the city.
While most of the population speaks English, it’s a good idea to practice some Mandarin during your stay in Taiwan. You will find it easier to make friends and have a more enjoyable time if you can at least understand some of the local language.
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is one of the largest cities in Taiwan, and is a great place to explore if you’re looking for a fun and culturally rich city break. The weather in Kaohsiung is mild year-round, and there’s no shortage of things to do and see.
The best time to visit Kaohsiung is between mid-November and April, which means you’ll be able to avoid the hot and humid summer months. This is also the perfect time to take advantage of the low-cost flights offered by Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, and Scoot.
It’s also the best time to see Taiwan’s incredible underground cave systems, and a cave-hopping tour is one of the most fun ways to spend a few hours in Kaohsiung. The tour will show you Taiwan’s most fascinating caves, including North Peak Chilo Cave and Jingua Cave, and give you a chance to learn about the local ecosystem.
There are a number of fantastic places to explore in Kaohsiung, and many of them are free or inexpensive. Some of the most popular include the Central Park (Zhong Yang Gong Yuan Zhan ), the Dome of Light, and Lotus Lake.
Central Park is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city, with a large pond and walkways lined with palm trees. It’s also home to several museums and galleries, so be sure to make a stop here on your trip to Kaohsiung!
Another fantastic option for a day out in Kaohsiung is to visit Lotus Lake, which is an artificial lake dating back to 1951. The lake is home to several impressive temples and pagodas, and it’s possible to walk around it or cycle from one side to the other.
If you’re traveling to Kaohsiung with a family, there’s also the Lianchitan Children’s Playground on the northeastern shore of the lake, which is a lovely place for kids to run around. The area is very safe, and it’s a great way to spend some time in the sunshine.
The most important thing to remember when traveling in a foreign country is to be mindful of your personal safety. You’ll want to stay safe by using common sense, and if you feel uncomfortable or nervous, it’s always best to seek out a friendly local for help.
Hualien
Hualien is one of the best places to travel to in Taiwan, especially if you’re looking for something unique. Not only does the city boast a rich history and culture, it also offers stunning scenery and an endless array of adventures to explore.
Located along Taiwan’s east coast, Hualien is home to a number of attractions that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. With lush forests, epic hiking trails, glistening lakes, bustling night markets, and much more, it’s no wonder that so many travelers flock to this region each year.
It’s easy to get around the city of Hualien on foot and public transportation is available in a variety of forms. If you’re looking for a more comfortable way to travel, you can rent a scooter or a private car.
You can also take a taxi or an Uber to get around town. You can find these vehicles on the street, or you can use a phone app like Klook or Ibon to book a ride ahead of time.
Another great way to see the sights is by taking a train. The trains run from Taipei to Hualien, and journey times vary between two and four hours. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s often possible to catch a train straight from your hotel.
If you’re a fan of exploring Taiwan’s incredible natural beauty, then Taroko Gorge is a must-visit. This 92,000-hectare national park is the perfect spot to take in awe-inspiring landscapes.
The gorge is made up of countless rock formations, craggy mountains, and deep river valleys. There are a number of hikes to choose from, but you should always plan your itinerary ahead of time as it can be a daunting task to navigate this massive park.
Other highlights include Liyu Lake and Meilun Hill. Both of these attractions are a short drive away from Hualien and offer sweeping views over the ocean and surrounding mountains.
Another must-see in Hualien is the Baqi Observatory, which is a popular tourist stop and boasts spectacular vistas over the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountain ranges. It’s also a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some local cuisine.
Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan and a popular destination for honeymooners and travelers alike. It is surrounded by mountains and is the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of the country. Traveling to this scenic region can be a little challenging, however, and it is important to make sure you do your research.
To get to Sun Moon Lake, you can either fly into Taichung or take a train to the city and transfer to a bus that will drive you directly to the lake. The trip takes around one and a half hours, but you may want to use the train to save some time if you’re traveling with young children or have a lot of luggage.
There are many ways to see Sun Moon Lake, but the most economical way is to take a ferry boat that will transport you from one spot to another. You can buy a boat ticket voucher from the Nantou Bus Pass and show it to any boat company to get unlimited rides for a day. You can also purchase a day pass for 300 TND ($9.80).
When you arrive at Shuishe Pier, hop on a round-the-lake bus and head straight to Wenwu Temple, the oldest and most well-known temple in the area. This is a great place to walk for a while and admire the scenery without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by tourists.
After Wenwu Temple, continue on the bus to Ita Thao Village where you can find a ton of street food for lunch. Alternatively, you can visit Ita Thao Shopping District and shop for souvenirs before taking the bus back to Shuishe.
You can also check out the Cien Pagoda, which was built for Chiang Kai-Shek and has a magnificent view of the lake. This pagoda is a must-see for anyone visiting the area and stands at the top of Shabalan Mountain.
There are many other attractions in the area to visit and explore, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly. You can also try some of the local cuisines and pick up some souvenirs to bring home with you.