Travel to Taiwan while it's still VISA-FREE!

Thinking that my birthday is coming up, I found an excuse to write something about my travel experience in Taiwan two years ago (November 2017). 

Here are the reasons why you should go visit Taiwan:

1. Taiwan is near the Philippines + visa free 2. There are many things you can do; I listed places I have been to 3. Night markets everywhere!

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Taiwan is near the Philippines. Approximately 2 hours you can reach Taiwan from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Philippine passport holders are eligible for visa-free entry for stays of up to fourteen (14) days, provided the following conditions are met. And the good news is, visa-free program has been extended till 31 July 2020. Your passport should be valid for at least six months starting from the date of arrival in Taiwan. 

There are many things you can do; I listed places I have been to. I stayed for 7 days and 6 nights in Taipei with some of my closest friends. Here is a throwback story, when I was a teenager, I watched the famous series in Taiwan called “Meteor Garden” dubbed in Filipino year 2000s and it captures the heart of many and became instantly hit to some Filipino viewers. Back then, I never imagined I would have the chance to visit the country.

You may purchase the Taipei Easycard to roam around the city for MRT or Bus system. You can avail via Klook app, in all MRT Stations or in 7-11, Family Mart, and other convenience stores. Some supermarkets also accept the Easycard for payment too.

Here are some places I visited when I was there:

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall • Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan

Yehliu Geopark • Wanli District, New Taipei, Taiwan Jiufen or Jioufen • Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Shi-men Ting / Ximending • Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei 101 Observatory • 110 Xinyi District, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei Cinema Park • No. 19, Kangding Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan

Taichung - Zhongshe flower market • Sanfeng Road, Houli District, Taichung City, Taiwan

Night markets everywhere! Yes, you read that right. Almost in every corner you will find night markets in Taiwan such as Shilin, Raohe and Ningxa. It typically opens as early as 4 o’clock in the afternoon until midnight all days of the week. Monday through Thursday is not the busiest and during the weekends, you will find big crowds. I had an amazing experience and we always go to markets almost every night looking for good food for our dinner. A must try for tourists and travelers. 

What’s with the night market and what are the things you can do, buy there? Every market offers a wide variety of food and shops. In Shilin Night Market, I would describe this as the biggest amongst the rest of the night markets I mentioned. Good and cheap street food, small shops that sells phone accessories and boutiques that sells clothing like dresses and shirts which are affordable. On to the next market is Ningxia night market, one of our favorite places and I remember going there twice since it’s near the hotel we stayed. You’ll see some similarity with other markets like stalls, but this market has more food choices. If you don’t know what to eat, just look around and if you see local lining up- you may consider checking it out. Lastly, Raohe street night market which is the oldest night markets in Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan. Street foods here were pretty much interesting that you can’t find in any other market. Tip for tourists and travelers: bring cash as most all stalls only accept cash.

I will definitely go back as soon! Missing you Taiwan!

Thanks for reading!

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