TAIWAN VISA-FREE access for Filipinos is extended until July 31, 2022! If you’re planning a trip soon, here’s our Taipei budget travel guide with sample Taipei Taiwan itinerary, hotel and trip recommendations, and other helpful tips!
When people ask me what my favorite destinations are, I have a challenging time responding. To me, a “favorite destination” can imply numerous things. It can imply a place that I completely fell in love with during my visit. but it can also imply a place where I would want to stay for a looong time or maybe for good. There’s no thin line between these two favorites. For example, the most memorable trip I ever had was in the Australian Outback, but I don’t think I would delight in staying a month, much less spending the rest of my life there.
In my library of travel experiences, filed under where-I-want-to-settle is Taiwan. It was a unexpected addition to a very short list previously occupied only by Thailand and Japan. Taiwan was never in my bucket list, but as early as my first day in Taipei, I realized it was a travesty not wanting to see this island. I had been to Taiwan twice because then, and we’re geared to return on two different occasions this year!
Wat is bedekt met deze gids?
Understanding Taipei
Taiwan Visa-Free Requirements
Where to stay in TaipeiTop budget hotels in Taipei
Top Taipei Hostels
Zoek naar meer: Taipei Hotels
Pocket Wifi Rental and data SIM in Taipei
How to get to TaipeiManila to Taipei
Taipei Taoyuan airport to City CenterBy Train/Metro
Met de bus
Taipei ToursTaipei 101
Nationaal Paleis Museum
Taipei City Tour
Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark Tour
Yangmingshan national Park Tour
Jiufen village & The Northeast Coast
Other Day trips from Taipei
FREE places to visit in TaipeiMartyrs’ Shrine
Elephant Mountain
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Dalongdong Bao’an Temple
Shilin night Market
Other attractions to visit:
Sample Taipei Itinerary
More suggestions for the poor Traveler
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen is the best time to visit Taipei?
Is Taipei safe?
What is tipping policy in Taipei?
Where to exchange money in Taipei?
What is the power socket used in Taipei?
Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?
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Understanding Taipei
Taipei City is the capital and the political and economic center of Taiwan. situated near the northern suggestion of the island, it is completely surrounded by new Taipei City. (I know this can be confusing, but these are two separate units.) together with Keelung, Taipei and new Taipei form Taiwan’s largest metropolitan area, which is home to over 7 million people.
For the longest time, tourism was not a major economic chauffeur in Taipei or Taiwan in general. just like the Philippines, Taiwan is on the so-called “wrong side” of the South China Sea. many Asia-bound travelers head for Thailand and then travel by bus or train to other parts of the ASEAN peninsula. Taiwan requires plane tickets, which implies additional budget and effort. but you know what they say, those who go the extra mile get the reward, or something like that. Hahaha. (Is there such a saying? Let’s make it a thing.)
However, tourism has grown considerably over the past several years! Taiwan has been so aggressive in promoting destinations internationally that immigration policies have been unwinded in numerous countries.
Other info you need to know:
Language: Mandarin. standard Chinese and Taiwanese Mandarin are mostly mutually intelligible. but Hakka and Formosan languages are also recognized national languages. street signs are written in Chinese characters with English translations. The metro stops are announced in Mandarin, English, Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka.
Currency: new Taiwan dollar (NT$, TWD). NT$ 100 is around USD 3.25, EUR 2.83, SGD 4.5, PHP 175 (as of September 2018).
Modes of payment: many establishments choose cash payment, but numerous of them also accept credit report card transactions.
Taiwan Visa-Free Requirements
If you’re carrying a Philippine passport, no need for a visa or a travel authorization certificate. You may enter Taiwan VISA-FREE until July 31, 2020, offered that your visit is no longer than 14 days, that you’re going to as a tourist, that you have no criminal record in Taiwan, and that you meet the following requirements.
Passport with at least 6 months validity
A return ticket or onward ticket (to your next destination and a visa for that destination)
A proof of accommodation. It may be hotel booking or host’s contact information or trip arrangements
Sufficient travel funds. This can be in the form of cash, credit report cards, travelers checks, etc.
Where to stay in Taipei
Hmmmm. The thing with Taipei is that it’s so convenient to get around and daily commute doesn’t go as crazy as Tokyo (or Manila). Their MRT system isn’t complicated at all. many traveler spots are located along theRed (2) and green (3) lines so when it concerns choosing accommodations, as long as you’re staying somewhere near a red or green station, you’re good!
In particular, the Ximending area is an ideal place to stay because of its energy and high concentration of budget dining and lodging options, especially those catering to backpackers. numerous trips also start and end here. It also has its own MRT station, Ximen Station.
In addition, the areas surrounding the following MRT stations are great options:
Taipei main Station. main MRT and bus terminal, so transportation won’t be a problem especially if your flight is set to arrive past midnight. There are also malls around.
ZhongXiao Fuxing Station. also a big station, where Lines 1 and 5 connect.
Taipower building station. Near Shida night Market.
Top budget hotels in Taipei
If you have limited budget for accommodations, here are the top budget hotels according to Agoda users.
Cho Hotel, Taipei. image offered by Agoda.
Apartment 10F. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Meander 1948. check rates & Availability!
Bouti City capsule Inn. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
miniinn. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Via hotel Taipei Station. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Click hotel – Taipei main station branch. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
HATAGO+ HOTEL. check rates & Availability.
Cho Hotel. check rates & Availability
Top Taipei Hostels
Star Hostel Taipei main Station. photo offered by Agoda.
Taipei Sunny Hostel. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Star Hostel Taipei main Station. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Taiwan youth Hostel & capsule Hotel. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Flip Flop Hostel – Garden. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Ximen Wow Hostel. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Meander Taipei Hostel. Controleer tarieven en beschikbaarheid!
Zoek naar meer: Taipei Hotels
Pocket Wifi Rental and data SIM in Taipei
You can make your life simpler during your trip by staying connected to the Internet. You have two options: rent a pocket wifi or purchase a local data SIM.
Pocket Wifi Rental is much more convenient because you just need to connect to the device, which can accommodate up to 5 devices at once. Klook’s wifi rental service also offers limitless 4G data with no decelaration to 3G. You can pick it up at Taipei Taoyuan Airport. The number of available units so reserve one as soon as you can.
You can also purchase a Welldone 4G SIM Card that will give you limitless data without worrying about roaming costs. Each sim also allows limitless incoming calls. It also includes calling credit reports (NT$300 credit report for 5 days, NT$150 credit report for 7 days, NT$100 credit report for 10 days). If you purchase online, you can pick it up at the airpot when you arrive.
✅ RESERVE A POCKET WIFI HERE
✅ RESERVE A 4G SIM CARD HERE
How to get to Taipei
The Taiwan Taoyuan international airport (TPE) is the primary gateway to the island and the 11th busiest airport in the world. It is also hub of China Airlines and EVA Air.
Manila to Taipei
If you’re coming from Manila, AirAsia provides the most affordable year-round ticket, in some cases as low as USD33 for a seat. other airlines don’t even come close. (In case you’re wondering: This post is NOT sponsored by AirAsia. price comparison sites just reveal they offer the lowest fares.)
Manila-Taipei flight scan (Skyscanner for October travel)
If you’re coming from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, AirAsia shares the budget crown with Scoot and JetStar. However, some flights require transfers in another ASEAN city.
Taipei Taoyuan airport to City Center
Located in Taoyuan County, Taoyuan airport is less than an hour away from Taipei City. The two efficient modes of transportation are the Taoyuan airport MRT and the bus. (Taxis are available too, but they’re expensive so let’s pretend they don’t exist. Haha.)
By Train/Metro
Both Terminals 1 and 2 have their own station: A12 station for terminal 1 and A13 for terminal 2.
Operating hours: 6am to 11pm
Travel time: 37 minutes (if Express)
Fare: NT$160
Met de bus
Several bus companies ply various routes from the airport. If you have chose where to stay, you may ask the hotel/hostel staff in advancement what bus number you ought to take. For much more info, check out: Taoyuan airport Bus Info
To book a ticket, go to the Bus Counters near the Arrival section of the terminal. You’ll find it easily. There are a lot of bus signs around the airport. Fare varies depending on bus company, but it’s within the NT$125-145 range.
However, the Taoyuan MRT and many of the buses do NOT operate 24 hours a day. Last trip of these carriers are typically between 11pm and 1am.
If your flight is scheduled to arrive outside these hours, your only choice is Bus 1819, operated by Kuo-Kuang motor Transport. Bus 1819 terminates at Taipei main Station. From here, you may take a taxi to your hotel.
Travel Time: 55 minutes
Fare: NT$125
Taipei Tours
Taipei 101
Traditional Chinese: 台北101觀景台
Simplified Chinese: 台北101观景台
Nearest MRT Station: Taipei 101 station (Red Line 2)
Operating Hours: daily 9am-10pm
Entrance Fee: NT$600
You can get a bit of a discount and skip the lines if you book in advancement with Klook.
✅ RESERVE discounted TICKETS HERE
Nationaal Paleis Museum
Traditional: 國立故宮博物院
Simplified: 国立故宫博物院
Nearest MRT Station: Shilin station (Red Line – 2), then take Bus R30 (NT$15)
Hours Open: daily 8:30am-6:30pm
Entrance Fee: NT$350
You can skip lines if you book with Klook!
✅ get A SKIP-THE-LINE TICKET HERE!
Taipei City Tour
Afbeelding aangeboden door Klook
Taipei’s map is dotted with historic shrines and other interesting sites. hier zijn er een paar:
Taipei 101
Nationaal Paleis Museum
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Martyrs’ Shrine
There are numerous ways to do this: DIY-style, by double-decker bus, and by guided tour.
DIY Tour. many of the essential attractions are located near an MRT station so it won’t be that hard. If you want to explore Taipei City on your own, check out the places to visit section below. I indicated the nearest stations, admission fees, opening hours, and even the Chinese translations.
By Double-Decker Bus. It stops at many major landmarks in Taipei. This is great if you’re traveling with kids or seniors because it’s much more convenient. The double-decker bus also provides totally free wifi and headset commentary so you won’t need a guide for the most part.
By Guided Tour. best option if you want better understanding of and insights into each sight because you will have a trip guide. many guided trips take half-a-day.
✅ RESERVE A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS TICKET HERE!
✅ book A GUIDED trip HERE!
Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Geopark Tour
This is one of the best-selling trips on Klook. This is NOT a guided trip but a shuttle bus service that will follow a full day Taipei schedule and will take you to some of the best day trip destinations from Taipei including the following:
Yehliu Geopark
Ying Yang Sea
13 Layer Remains
Golden Waterfall
Jiufen
Shifen
The meeting point is at Ximen station (often at GaKuDen Bakery near exit 4, but confirm before the trip to be sure).
✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE!
Yangmingshan national Park Tour
Traditional: 陽明山
Simplified: 阳明山
How to get there: From Jiantan station (Red Line 2), take the City Bus R5 or small bus S15 or S17 to Yangmingshan station. Fare: NT$15
Toegangskosten: gratis
If you’re after convenience, you can book a trip online. The trip typically includes trainer transportation with hotel pickup and drop off. The trip also includes a visit to the hot springs!
✅ book THIS TOUR
Jiufen village & The Northeast Coast
This trip will allow you to explore the following sites. trainer transportation and hotel pickup are included in the package:
Jiufen Town, well-known for its distinct teahouse culture
Pitou Cape and its caves and sea cliffs
Rock formations at Nanya
✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE
Other Day trips from Taipei
You might also want to consider a day trip of any of these destinations:
Wulai Atayal Aboriginal village and hot Springs 烏來
How to get there: Make your way to Xindian station (Green Line 3), walk to Bus stop B along Beiyi Road, and take Bus route 849 going to Wulai. get off the last station. Fare: NT$15
Beitou hot Springs (Xinbeitou) 北投溫泉
How to get there: From Beitou station (Red Line 2), transfer to a train bound for Xinbeitou.
Fulong beach 福隆
How to get There: Make your way to Taipei main Station, Nangang station (MRT Blue Line 5), or Songshan station (MRT green Line 3). Then, board a train to Fulong Station.
FREE places to visit in Taipei
Here are some of the top places to visit in Taipei. I have also included translations so you could easily show this to a local in case you get lost, the operating hours, the nearest MRT stations, and the admission fees. but as you will see, many attractions in Taipei can be delighted in for FREE.
Martyrs’ Shrine
Traditional: 國民革命忠烈祠
Simplified: 国民革命忠烈祠
How to get there: From Jiantan station (Red Line