Taipei Favorites

Favorite thing: 0800-011-765
0800-toll-free

The 24-Hour Toll-Free Travel Hotline is available Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Ask any queries, from how to use the public transportation, finding a lost passport, and getting medical help to finding the right hotel or the best tour advice.

Favorite thing: While there are Filipinos around the world, there seem to be more in Taipei than anywhere else. This is great for a traveler like me, because that means many bars and restaurants have English-speaking Filipinos to make me feel at home.
Apparently, Taiwan will allow anyone with Chinese heritage to have citizenship, and many Filipinos qualify. Since the pay is generally higher in Taiwan, many will take advantage of this to make a living in Taipei -- often sending money home to family left behind. The life of these economic migrants is often arduous, but most of the people I've met take it with good cheer.

Favorite thing: Tired after trekking up the mountains or walking around too much?

Go loosen your muscles at a massage palour. These shops can be found in many locations in Taipei.

You can choose to have a full body massage or just foot reflexology.

Favorite thing: 1. International visitors can get free admission to the National Palace Museum.

2. Visitors transiting at Chiang Kai-Sek International Airport can take part in a free half day tour of Taipei, including CKS Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, and Martyr's Shrine.. Buses leave daily from Terminal 2 at 7.30am and 1pm, and from Terminal 1 at 7.45am and 1.20pm.

3. Visitors attending international conference or exhibitions can take part in a free one-day tour. Conference/exhibition organizers must apply in advance for participation in order to be eligible.

Favorite thing: It was unexpected to see animals in this dirty water... But really these are 3 real turtles!
We also had a closer look at the shore and what did we see? Thousands of crabs fighting over their territory and waiving with their scissors! It was great fun to look at them!

Fondest memory: This wasn't a fond memory but it was indeed memorable. On my last trip to Taiwan I had booked a hotel limo to pick me up at the airport. On leaving the airport terminal and heading out to the main roads, the car was pulled over by police. A rifle was directed at the driver and he was directed to get out of the car. While they were checking his papers, another police officer beckoned to me (with rifle 'slightly' averted) to get out of the car. No checks were done of my passport etc and as soon as they were satisfied with the driver, we were allowed to get back in the car and proceed. I believe it was just a routine check. I couldn't ask my driver as he didn't speak English. Just a little bit of excitement to start my trip off.

Fondest memory: I found just wandering around the streets with a map in hand fascinating. It beat trying to communicate with taxi drivers and I got to see a lot more of the day to day things. I loved all the temples scattered around Taipei. The local people do not mind you going in and taking photos. Through the back streets you can see some amazing things and the people themselves were fascinating.

Favorite thing: When hunting the spicy girls... (la-la-mei) or some western food, look no further than Hsimending, which is the section of Taipei where the young and trendy tend to congregage.

Located one subway stop away from the main Taipei train station on the Panchiao line....