First printed: 3 Dec 2018
Uncover quirky issues to do in Taiwan like exploring a haunted lodge or paragliding — these underrated points of interest can have you screaming “Tai-want!”
Time to see Taiwan from a complete unique approach!
On the floor, a visit to Taiwan appears fairly customary — getting full of avenue meals, and hitting the stylish streets of Taipei. However past the Ximending buzz, we discovered a complete gamut of adventures, starting from the loopy stunning to simply plain loopy. The place else are you able to get your fortune advised by a fowl? Or whizz down a slide right into a heat spa?
Our journey from Taipei to Kaohsiung by Jap Taiwan took us by neon-lit cities, coastal cities, and cultural icons, having fun with unforgettable experiences, mind-blowing sights, and loopy methods to dine. It was laborious to imagine these various experiences have been all in the identical nation!
There’s extra to Taiwan past night time markets, so subsequent time you’re there, why not put down that XL Hen and take a look at these 25 distinctive actions?
Unforgettable Experiences
1) Go to Fortune-Telling Birds at Longshan Temple
Picture credit score: Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan
Relying on whether or not you’re a believer, fortune telling generally is a wacky expertise in itself, however right here’s one thing much more cuckoo.
Tucked in a sales space at Longshan Temple Station’s underground bazaar, you’ll discover the English-speaking Ms Chen and her feathered fortune-tellers, Massive Luck Grasp and Massive Fortune. The white java sparrows are presupposed to have eager psychic instincts and may present steering for the mysterious future.
After intense flittering, the birds will decide your destiny from a set of intricate tarot playing cards, every carrying fortunes based mostly on conventional people tales. Positively an genuine Taiwan expertise to strive for a lark!
Value: Ranges round NT$1,000 to NT$2,000 (~S$43 – ~S$87) based mostly on the quantity and complexity of questions
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM
Methods to get there: Take the MRT to Longshan Temple Station, observe the indicators for the Longshan Temple Exit and head to the Longshan Temple Underground Purchasing Bazaar
*Professional-tip: For probably the most correct studying, come ready together with your time of beginning — the extra particular the timing, the higher!
2) Be careful for Ghosts on the Grand Hyatt Taipei
Picture credit score: Klook
Possibly you must pay extra heed to your fortune, particularly for those who’re braving an evening at one among Asia’s most haunted inns.
The Grand Hyatt Taipei will be the epitome of luxurious, however isn’t recognized for offering night time’s sleep. Hearsay has it that behind the lodge’s stylish, trendy look lies a sordid historical past: a former jail camp the place many have been executed throughout the Japanese Occupation.
It’s all simply rumour, after all, and administration is fast to dismiss any ghoulish gossip, however hey, you’ll be able to solely be certain by experiencing it your self. 🙂
Value: From ~S$363/night time
Methods to get there: Take the MRT to Taipei 101/World Commerce Heart station and stroll 2mins
3) Trip a Glass-Backside Gondola Up the Maokong Mountain
Picture credit score: Klook
Attempt the Taiwanese model of excessive tea with a glass-bottom gondola (cable-car) experience by Maokong, well-known for its charming teahouses alongside the sting of the mountain.
The half-hour experience will take you over lush forest and tea plantations, and gives beautiful views of Taipei metropolis. On the high, sip on high-quality native tea, together with the premium Tie Guan Yin, an Oolong brew. There’s no higher approach to loosen up away from the bustle of the town.
Picture credit score: @leessaalove2 through Instagram
If you happen to discovered the gondola experience somewhat too enjoyable, go for the minibus (NT$15) on the best way down — simply keep in mind to carry on tight!
Value: NT$120/journey (~S$5.20); EasyCard holders entitled to NT$20 (~S$0.80) low cost on weekdays
Opening hours: Gondola service often from 8:30AM – 9PM (Solar – Thu); 8:30AM – 10PM (Fri – Sat). Examine climate situations on the official web site earlier than going
Methods to get there: Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo station, then observe the indicators resulting in the Gondola. It’s three stops to Maokong Station
4) Want on a Lantern at Shifen Previous Road
Getting into Shifen Previous Road seems like stepping right into a romantic film of days previous. The out of doors prepare tracks are lined with quaint outlets, whereas paper lanterns float gently within the sky above.
Folks flock to this charming city simply outdoors Taipei to expertise this stunning custom: writing their needs on vibrant lanterns and releasing them into the heavens. The railway tracks make the right backdrop, with old-school trains passing by each couple of minutes.
Value: NT$100 – NT$200 (~S$4.30 – ~S$8.70) per lantern
Opening hours: Most stalls open from 8:30AM – 6PM
Methods to get there: From Taipei Predominant Station, take a northbound prepare (besides Keelung-bound trains) to Ruifang Practice Station. Then switch to the Pingxi Line Practice and take the prepare to Shifen Station
5) Get Spirited Away at Jiufen
The previous gold mining city of Jiufen is actually magical — filled with cobblestone pathways, fairly lights, and historic structure. It’s no marvel that the mountainside village grew to become the right inspiration for Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
Wander the winding alleys whereas munching on scrumptious conventional snacks, like Wu Di Wild Boar Sausage and A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll.
Value: Meals costs common round NT$50 (~S$2.20)
Methods to get there: From Taipei Predominant Station, take a northbound prepare (besides Keelung-bound trains) to Ruifang Practice Station. Upon exiting, face the Wellcome Grocery store, flip left and head 200m down Mingdeng Highway. Subsequent to the police station, you’ll see the Native Residents Plaza (區民廣場) bus station. It’s a 15min bus experience through routes 827, 788, or 1062 to Jiufen Previous Road
6) Slide right into a Spa at Artwork Spa Lodge Yilan
Famend for its underground sizzling springs, inns with spas are a dime a dozen within the Jiaoxi township of Yilan. Artwork Spa Lodge, nonetheless, takes issues to a different stage — particularly 5 storeys, with a 360° spiral slide that launches you right into a heat pool.
It’s an truthfully thrilling experience which noticed us returning for seconds, earlier than cooling (heating?) down in the usual, enjoyable sizzling springs. As for the latter, we have been spoilt for alternative with 50 indoor and out of doors springs, and even a sizzling spring tub in every lodge room!
Value: From ~S$164/night time
Opening hours: The recent springs are open day by day from 7:30AM – 10:30PM. Slide operates hourly at 10AM, 2PM, 4PM, 7:30PM, and 9PM
Methods to get there: 4min stroll from Jiaoxi Station
*Professional-tip: Swim-caps are a should to enter the springs, so deliver your personal for those who’d somewhat not buy one (NT$50, ~S$2.20) from reception.
7) Visit Taiwan’s First Whiskey Distillery
Taiwan’s first whisky distillery was a long-held dream of its founder, who believed that Yilan’s spring water and contemporary air can be good for whisky-making. Seems he was proper — Kavalan Whisky Distillery is now internationally-acclaimed and is even topped the ‘World Whiskey Producer of the 12 months‘ for 3 years in a row!
At Kavalan (named for the indigenous title of Yilan county), take a tour of the whisky-making course of, or take pleasure in a whisky-tasting session (NT$800)! Every session entitles you to assert a trio of pre-packed 20ml bottles — there’s no sweeter memento!
To get probably the most out of the day, we advocate taking a Yilan day tour which incorporates the Kavalan Whisky Distillery and different cool actions in Yilan.
As an example, visiting the aesthetically-pleasing Lanyang Museum, The Nationwide Heart for Conventional Arts for old-school craft outlets and a hilarious Zodiac-themed efficiency, and Tangweigou Sizzling Spring Park for a soothing dip.
An entertaining (and free!) zodiac-themed efficiency at The Nationwide Heart for Conventional Arts
Our driver, Ben, was tremendous useful and pleasant — even bringing us to native gems once we advised him we have been craving dessert and lu rou fan (braised pork rice)!
Value: ~S$86.80/pax for a 7hr tour (incl. admission tickets), min 4pax
Choose-up & Drop-off: Taipei Predominant Station
8) Paraglide over Palm Bushes and Paddy Fields
Arms down probably the greatest issues I’ve achieved in my life. There’s no higher feeling than trying on the pure wonders of Taiwan from a fowl’s eye view.
You understand all these loopy nature drone pictures you see in journey movies? That’s what you’ll get, from all angles — insane views of infinite greens, winding blue rivers, and the Taiwanese mountains stretched throughout the horizon.
P.S. Towards the tip of the 15-minute flight, your teacher may ask if you wish to ‘spin’. Don’t hesitate, cling tight, and say YES!
Value: ~S$108.50/pax
Methods to get there: Take the free shuttle supplied by the operator from Wanrong Railway Station to the meetup level.
9) Go River-Trekking
Picture credit score: 溯溪王Riverking Fb
Refresh your self with a dip, splash, and slide alongside Hualien’s crystal streams. The river-trekking journey begins with a fast trek by the forest, earlier than rising to cyan waters so clear, you’ll simply need to get proper in.
Picture credit score: 溯溪王Riverking Fb
And get proper in you’ll — leaping off cliffs and speeding down pure water slides! The water is so cool, clear, and refreshing, you’ll really feel brand-new proper after. We got steaming sizzling bowls of noodle soup once we have been achieved, which have been easy however so scrumptious to slurp whereas waist-deep in water.
We took the 4-hour tour (together with transport), however have been advised that the full-day possibility comes with way more journey, in addition to fairly waterfalls! It additionally features a full camp lunch of veggies and rooster. We’d undoubtedly have opted for that if we had extra time.
*Professional-tip: Try provided that you’re in good bodily situation because the rocks could be tough to traverse when moist. And the excursions have been performed in Chinese language so greatest to have somebody with you that may translate!
Picture credit score: 溯溪王Riverking Fb
After, obtain your images without spending a dime off the Fb web page, so the enjoyable reminiscences don’t get washed away!
Value: NT$1,200/pax (~S$52) for 4hr half-day tour, NT$2,400/pax (~S$104) for 8hr full-day tour
Choose-up & drop-off: Any location in Hualien
10) Cycle Alongside the Pacific Ocean
The coastal metropolis of Taitung is legendary for its bike path, with attractive views of open skies, mountains, and the large Pacific Ocean. The towering blue waves are really a mind-blowing sight.
We rented bikes without spending a dime from Inn by the Village (~S$145/night time), our lodging in Taitung, and went for a straightforward, enjoyable experience. Set the morning apart to go to the sightseeing spots alongside the best way, together with the Railway Artwork Village and Harbin Park.
Methods to get there: Select your bike path right here
11) Pores and skin Diving at Houbihu
Pores and skin-diving a.okay.a snorkelling is one among nature’s greatest out of doors actions — low-effort and nice for rookies (even non-swimmers are welcome!), however extraordinarily rewarding with its various marine scene.
Among the finest locations to skin-dive is Houbihu, Kenting’s coral reef lagoon that’s crystal-clear and exquisite all year long. Admire the gorgeous white seaside as you submerge in emerald waters to see scores of vibrant reef fish and corals.
Value: ~S$13/pax
Meetup level: No. 79-56, Daguang Highway, Daguangli, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County
Thoughts-Blowing Sights
12) Hike Elephant Mountain for a Chicken’s Eye View of Taipei Metropolis
If you happen to’ve been to Taipei earlier than, you’ve in all probability ticked off the essential vacationer must-do: a visit to the highest of Taipei 101. For these in search of one thing distinctive, nonetheless, right here’s one higher: free views of Taipei 101 and the complete metropolis skyline, with train besides!
Take the path up Elephant Mountain — a 20-minute hike with relaxation stops and viewpoints alongside the best way.
Go at sundown to observe the views change from daytime Taipei to a blinding array of lights. Bonus: Taipei 101 lights up within the seven colors of the rainbow for every totally different day of the week!
*Professional-tip: Convey your personal water as there are not any outlets alongside the path.
Opening hours: 24hrs
Methods to get there: Take the MRT to Xiangshan, stroll out through Exit 2, and observe the indicators to the path
13) Spot Dolphins round Turtle Island
On the Turtle Island Tour, you’ll see one of many coolest sights ever: wild dolphins in clear, glowing waters, swimming insanely near your boat. If you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll even spot whales throughout the hotter months!
Is that this actual life? Is that this simply finn-tasy?
Earlier than dolphin-watching, you’ll additionally get to discover the paranormal Turtle Island on a guided strolling tour. It’s named for its form (guess which animal it resembles), with a tail that supposedly curls northwards in summer time and southwards in winter. Do go to from March by Might for those who can, because the island blooms with stunning white lilies.
Do you see it? Picture credit score: Klook
For barely over an hour, wander the 7,000-year-old volcanic island because the information tells fascinating tales in Hokkien and Mandarin. It’s fascinating to see remnants of historical past, just like the island’s solely main college, which was vacated and remodeled right into a army base till as just lately as 2000.
Value: ~S$60.70/pax for a 4.5hr tour
Meet-up level: Wushih Harbour, No. 15-30, Gangkou Rd., Toucheng Township, Yilan County
Methods to get there: Take the prepare to Toucheng Station adopted by a 25min stroll, or get a taxi from the station
14) Admire the Well-known Taroko Gorge
If there’s one factor to place in your Taiwan bucket checklist, it’s this. Also called the Taiwanese Grand Canyon, the gorge is so breathtaking that its native Truku tribe named it ‘Taroko’, that means ‘magnificent and splendid’ of their language.
Gorge-ous.
It’s one of many largest and most breathtaking canyons on this planet, with over 20km of vertical cliffs, some towering over 1000m. Enjoyable reality: At 920km², Taroko Gorge is even larger than Singapore (721.5km²)!
If you happen to’re solely there for the day, one of the simplest ways to get round is by scooter or driving to the highest sights, together with the Everlasting Spring Shrine and Cimu Bridge. In any other case, spend a day or two mountaineering across the space for views like no different!
Entrance payment: Free
Methods to get there: From Hualien Station, take a 30 – 40min automotive or scooter experience. Alternatively, take a 10min experience from Xincheng Station
15) Enter the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
The surreal Dragon and Tiger Pagodas supply an expertise like no different. For good luck, stroll by the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s.
Inside every pagoda, you’ll discover fascinating art work, graphically depicting conventional tales of heaven and hell.
Entrance payment: Free-will donation foundation
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
Methods to get there: Take the MRT to Ecological Park Station, and stroll for round 20mins. Alternatively, take Pink Bus 35 from Zuoying Excessive Pace Practice Station
16) Stand Below the Dome of Gentle at Formosa Station
In Taiwan, using the metro is its personal tradition full with souvenirs, anime mascots, and commemorative stamps.
There’s additionally the Dome of Gentle at Formosa MRT Station, the most important glass art work on this planet created by esteemed Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. The beautiful rainbow kaleidoscope depicts the human life cycle — with Water: The Womb of Life, Earth: Prosperity and Progress, Gentle: The Inventive Spirit, and lastly, Hearth: Destruction and Rebirth.
Value: Free (inside public premises of prepare station)
Present occasions: Gentle reveals at 11AM, 3PM, and 8PM
Methods to get there: Formosa MRT Station
17) Sleep in Your Very Personal Artwork Set up
This boutique Papa Whale Lodge in Kaohsiung guarantees a distinct expertise every time. Each room comes with a singular theme and magnificence, starting from the creative to the really wacky.
We tried two of the rooms — one which felt like we had stepped into a comic book ebook, and the opposite with big braille-like messages working over the partitions and ceiling.
The keep additionally comes with a hearty breakfast of fruit, french toast, salad, and sausage.
Value: From ~S$50.90/night time
Handle: No. 328號, Minsheng 1st Highway, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung Metropolis, Taiwan 800
18) Catch One of many Most Lovely Sunsets within the World
Guanshan Sundown Lookout Level.
Nestled in Kenting Nationwide Park, Guanshan Hill seems to be unassuming within the daytime. Come sundown nonetheless, the sky grows ablaze with mild and color, remodeling from hues of sensible orange to spectacular purples and pinks.
It’s a day by day sight which has earned Guanshan a spot on CNN’s 12 Very good Sundown Spots Round The World, providing unobstructed views of the Hengchun Peninsula, fishing villages, and the beautiful coast of Kenting Nationwide Park’s South Bay.
It is a particular must-go — nonetheless the one time I’ve ever seen a purple sundown, and hands-down the prettiest!
*Professional-tip: Guanshan’s sundown is beautiful year-round, however locals say it’s particularly spectacular within the months of June to October.
Entrance payment: NT$60/pax (~S$2.60)
Handle: No. 17-1, Binlang Highway, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan 946
19) Stare upon Fo Guang Shan’s Massive Buddha
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Taiwan’s largest Buddhist compound is actually a sight to behold, with 480 golden Buddha statues, together with an superior seated Buddha at a towering 108m-high.
Even for those who’re not Buddhist, it’s an excellent place to spend a day studying about its charming founder, Grasp Hsingyun, and his philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism, which inspires folks to unfold love and peace on this life.
There’s additionally a formidable (and free) 15-minute film concerning the lifetime of Sakyamuni Buddha. Belief me, it’s extra entertaining than it sounds — plus it’s in 4D!
Entrance payment: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM, closed on Tuesdays (‘Lifetime of the Buddha’ present timings each half an hour from 10AM to 12:30PM)
Methods to get there: Driving from Kaohsiung metropolis to Fo Guang Shan takes about 20mins. The Harvard Specific Bus (NT$70/pax) that shuttles to-fro Kaohsiung HSR station and Fo Guang Shan takes 45mins. We advocate taxis, which make the identical journey at half the time for NT$100/pax. It’s possible you’ll contact Mr. Huang at +886933307574 for taxi companies round Kaohsiung and Fo Guang Shan
Loopy Meals & Drinks
20) Eat out of a Rest room Bowl at Trendy Rest room Restaurant
If you happen to thought smelly tofu was unhealthy, you haven’t tried sloppy turd-shaped meatballs. The second you step into Taipei’s Trendy Rest room Restaurant, you’ll be graphically reminded of the place (and the way) your meals goes to finish up. The self-described ‘scatological fantasyland’ serves alarmingly life like dishes which can be truthfully fairly disgusting.
Sat comfortably on our bathroom bowl seats, we feasted on Trendy Rest room Poop Meatballs (NT$260) and Rest room No.2 (NT$160), an overflowing diarrhoea-mess of ice shavings, soft-serve, jelly, and biscuits — all in a shitty shade of poo-brown.
Even the drinks are gross. Our Bleeding Hemorrhoid Strawberry Milk and Taiwanese Urine Beer (NT$200) got here in a medical urine assortment container, with a urinal possibility additionally out there.
Value: Mains from NT$260 (~S$11.30), and drinks from NT$110 (~S$4.80)
Opening hours: 12PM – 9:30PM (Mon – Fri), 11:30AM – 10PM (Weekends). Final order 1hr earlier than closing
Handle: 2F, No 7, Ln 50, Xining S. Rd., Taipei Metropolis (Taipei outlet)
21) Have Meals with Wheels on the Loopy Cart Café
At Loopy Cart Café, whiz round after feasting on basic café fare. The tracks begin indoors and wind outdoors the constructing, and are full with looping platforms and steep slopes. Even going at 20km/h, it was fairly thrilling as we tried to float, and ended up spinning round uncontrollably. Option to battle off a meals coma!
Value: NT$650 (~S$28), (NT$500 goes towards the go-cart). NT$300 (~S$13) minimal order with out the go-cart
Opening hours: 12PM – 9PM (Wed – Solar), closed on Mon and Tue
Handle: No. 360, Part 8, Civic Blvd, Nangang District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 115
22) Seize a Cuppa on the Highest Starbucks within the World
Degree up your caffeine buzz with a cuppa at Taipei 101’s Starbucks — the best on this planet!
As soon as a well-kept secret, this scenic Starbucks is now successful amongst locals and vacationers alike, so that you’ll must make a reservation not less than a day upfront (by cellphone +886 2 8101 0701). Like an unique membership, this Starbucks additionally comes with its personal algorithm, together with a minimal spend per buyer, a 90-minute time restrict, and a strict costume code of no slippers or shorts.
Situated on Degree 35 of Taipei 101, it’s a less expensive approach to catch the view with out shelling out for observatory tickets — plus, after all, bragging rights!
Value: Minimal spend of NT$200 (~S$8.70) for not less than one pastry and drink
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 6:30PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 6PM (Sat – Solar)
Methods to get there: Take the MTR to Taipei 101 Station and search for Door 7
23) Munch on a Penis-Formed Cake
Can you actually say you’ve visited Taiwan for those who’ve by no means posed with one among these?
This icocknic Taiwanese snack comes as a pineapple cake with PG13 fillings: honey-melon, blueberry, raspberry, or sesame and peanut (NT$300 per set). Every is coated in a distinct color, however there’s no hiding what they’re meant to resemble.
Not the same old Taiwanese sausage.
If you happen to’re large on realism, there’s additionally a chocolate cake model filled with chocolate filling (NT$320) in a skin-tone shade of brown!
Value: From NT$300 (~S$13) for 2pcs
Opening hours: 10AM – 12AM
Methods to get there: Stroll alongside Ximending Road — the store is reverse the massive MASA claw machine arcade.
24) Omakase at 4-Era Farmer
If you happen to’ve ever visited Taiwan, you’ll be accustomed to their wonderful hospitality. Expertise this firsthand on the homely 4-Era Farmer, an omakase-style household restaurant, tucked within the peaceable countryside of Hualien. At simply NT$300/pax, you’ll take pleasure in a feast freshly ready with no matter’s within the kitchen.
This implies it’s your luck what sort of dishes you get, however based mostly on our go to there, I can safely say the standard (and amount) of dishes surpassed approach past my expectations.
The meals stored on coming: alfalfa sprout & lobster salad, fried fish with Roselle, braised pork knuckles, omelette with dried radish, lengthy bean soup, kumquat tea, and rice. So scrumptious, and ready with a lot coronary heart.
Value: NT$300 (~S$13)
Opening hours: 11AM – 2PM (Lunch), 5PM – 8PM (Dinner)
Handle: No. 1, Dazhong Highway, Fenglin Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 975
25) River-Shrimping in a Stream
Picture credit score: 溯溪王Riverking Fb
When the solar has set, go wandering knees-deep within the cool stream and have a go at river-shrimping. It’s an thrilling expertise that’s not as straightforward because it sounds — the shrimp are extraordinarily tough to identify, and are fast to slide away!
Picture credit score: 溯溪王Riverking Fb
Moist boots on our ft, nets in our fingers, we spent 40 minutes attempting to identify traces of vibrant purplish orbs (the shrimps’ eyes reflecting beneath headlamps), getting ridiculously excited every time we did.
On the finish of the session, head again for a scrumptious sizzling meal of soup, barbecued meat, and bamboo rice. Positively a welcome shock, since we thought we’d solely be consuming our measly catch — the truth is, the shrimp we caught have been returned to the stream.
*Professional-tip: The tour we took was performed solely in Mandarin, so greatest to have somebody in your group who’s in a position to translate if needed!
Value: ~S$43.40/pax
Time slot: 7PM
Handle: No. 215, Part 2, Zhonghua Highway, Shoufeng Township, Hualien County (In entrance of 7-Eleven)
Win Journey Vouchers to Spend in Taiwan!
After experiencing out of doors adventures to uncovering distinctive experiences in Taiwan, we’re undoubtedly coming again for extra!
Fortunate for us (and all of you), Taiwan Tourism Bureau is gifting away journey vouchers price NT$5,000 (~S$218) to 500,000 vacationers! The giveaway will run for 3 years ranging from 1 Might 2023 — 250,000 vouchers will probably be given out in 2023, 150,000 in 2024, and 100,000 in 2025!
Select to make use of your journey vouchers in one among two methods, a stored-value smartcard to make use of at taking part shops and points of interest or within the type of lodging vouchers for taking part inns.
Bear in mind to register between one to seven days earlier than your arrival date in Taiwan for an opportunity to win!
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