Before anything else, this article is dedicated to my unexpected trip to Taiwan. Several hugots (a slang word for deep emotions) will be mentioned throughout this post as this personal journey was created for me to unwind and to rest my heart from heartbreak. So without further ado, let me welcome you to the country that I truly love next to Paris: Taiwan!

Filipinos aren’t required to obtain a visa to enter Taiwan. So I grabbed the opportunity to book a flight to the country and never regretted my decision. I didn’t plan on taking any tours (like how I didn’t plan to fall for you!) and went there without actually checking things, which included exchanging Dirhams (UAE currency) to Taiwanese Dollar. I only brought Dirhams with me. I just found myself getting stuck at the airport because not a single currency exchange center wanted to accept my cash. I didn’t know how to get to my hotel. So I opted to buy train tickets, but even the cashiers at the station wouldn’t accept my credit and debit cards as they had a cash-only policy. I know it was my fault, so don’t be like me. Exchange your money in advance or before leaving the airport.

I was supposed to check-in at my hotel before 6 PM. But I arrived at 5 PM at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. It was getting late, and I found myself at the train station at 8 PM, still contemplating my decisions. I just started asking myself if I should start walking to my hotel or Kaliwali (nevermind in Arabic)! On a serious note, I didn’t feel any panic. I had in me a didn’t-care-attitude, as getting worked up on my situation won’t help. Then again, those who were panicking for me were all in Dubai. But really, thank you to those who helped me by sending money so that I can get cash. My embarrassment level just went up to level 1000! Well, the good thing about this was that I realized that people were willing to help me on my worst days, not like some people who just left me hung out to dry.

Thankfully, I arrived safely at the SleepBox Hotel, which was near the Taipei main station (best location when going around the city by metro). It’s a cozy hostel for backpackers. I loved the ambiance and the area where it’s settled as it was surrounded by cool stores and hip restaurants. In front of it were shops like 7-Eleven, Subway, and Starbucks.

FIRST DAY IN TAIWAN

It was still early in the day, so I had breakfast at a nearby Family Mart, a convenience store that is prominent in the streets of Taipei. They sell good, ready-to-eat Taiwanese food. Soon after, I proceeded to Taipei’s main station to look for the designated stop for the Klook bus tour. I booked their Hop-on, Hop-off city tour for my first day since I didn’t have anything planned. This provided a way for me to explore the town with less hassle, which I loved.

First Stop: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall 

This hall was made as a monument to General Chiang Kai Shek, the former President of the Republic of China. It was opened in 1980 as part of a national park and as a gathering area.

Address: No. 21號, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 (open until 6 PM)

TIP: There are two or three Instagram-worthy coffee shops and reading areas around the memorial hall. I even went to one and got featured on their page! Check out their Facebook page: Theatre Cafe Taipei.

Second Stop: Taipei 101

The iconic Taipei 101, formerly known as Taipei World Financial Center, was designed as a symbol of technology’s evolution fused with Asian tradition. It was the tallest building in the world (from 2004 – 2010) until it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Address: Xinyi Special District, Xinyi District; Taipei, Taiwan

Third Stop: Shilin Night Market

I realized that it was already night time. So I went to my next stop, which was the Shilin Night Market, and had my dinner there. This marketplace is the biggest of its kind in Taipei.

Address: No. 101號, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 (open until midnight).

SECOND DAY IN TAIWAN

First Stop: Taipei National Palace Museum

I woke up late and had no plans on going anywhere specific, so I just opted to go for another historical tour and ended up visiting the Taipei National Palace Museum. The feeling of being in this mountainous area was so surreal. Just imagine a museum that’s located at the top of a mountain. My heart rejoiced. I shouted at the top saying, “I’m going to be happy and better than before!” 

Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 (open until 6:30 PM)

Second Stop: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall

The structure is a memorial to the founder of modern China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. It was built in 1972 as a tribute to the founder of the Republic of China.

Address: No. 505 號, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110 (open until 6 PM)

Third Stop: The Red House Theater

The Red House Theater was built in 1908 by the Japanese. Its western-style building and its surrounding square, which is located at Ximending, is home to Taipei’s creative and culture industry. It now hosts exhibitions and performances daily. Named after red bricks (the material from which it is made of), the structure now houses a modern mini-museum and a selection of unique stores.

Address: No. 10, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 (open until 9:30 PM)

My third day was also my “Happy Go Lucky” day tour. It was when I enjoyed walking and roaming around the areas that weren’t included in any of my itineraries. I experienced, firsthand, how simple and quiet life was in Taiwan. I may not have gone to all the other places in the city. But spending the past few days here has made my heart feel at ease, which was something new for my solo travel. It was the plot twist of my journey. 

This was the first time, in my entire life, that I tried being friendly with the locals. I love traveling, but I prefer being alone. However, entertaining people or an individual for a nice dinner didn’t seem like a bad idea at all. It even encourages you to know more people along the way.

I didn’t want to go yet, but that short trip to Taiwan made me want to come back right away as there’s a lot more to explore and to learn. For now, To-siā Taiwan! Thank you for the awesome experience.