Muslim-Pleasant 4D3N Taipei Itinerary — A Solo Traveller’s First Time in Taiwan

Day 0: Arrival and Covid-19 Associated Measures

There isn’t any quarantine interval for Taiwan however incoming travellers are to fill in an arrival card and perform a 7-day self-initiated prevention interval:
– Keep in a lodge room that meets the “one individual per room” requirement
– Keep away from interacting with people at excessive danger of creating Covid-19
– Relaxation at residence upon testing optimistic or experiencing signs

I acquired free ART kits from airport employees upon arrival and was required to check unfavorable on the day of arrival and subsequently each two days earlier than going out throughout the self-initiated prevention interval.

There’s no have to report the outcomes however do take the required precautions within the occasion you check optimistic in order to not go it on to others!

These with out signs can take public transportation and dine in eating places throughout the interval. Masks are nonetheless necessary indoors and on public transport.

Photograph credit score: Klook

Getting from Taoyuan Worldwide Airport to Taipei: Take the Airport MRT Line to Taipei Major Station. It takes an hour to succeed in the station through the Commuter practice and 40 minutes through the Categorical Prepare. Each price NT$160 and might be bought as tickets or tapped via the gantry with the EasyCard.

*Professional-tip: Examine the practice schedule beforehand as Categorical trains arrive at intervals of 15/half-hour.

*Notice: The final practice to Taipei Major Station departs at 11:37PM.

Examine-in to 日野苑 Hinoen Resort

日野苑 Hinoen Resort is inside strolling distance to Taipei Major station, a 15-minute stroll to Ximending Purchasing Avenue, and a 5-minute stroll to some Halal eating places. The lodge additionally provides free self-service laundry and a 24-hour check-in service.

*Professional-tip: There are additionally loads of motels in Taipei that serve Halal meals and are Muslim-friendly with prayer mats, bidets and Qibla path!

日野苑 Hinoen Resort
Value: From S$83
Find out how to get there: From Taipei Major Station, take Exit Z10 (2min stroll, stairs) or Exit Z4 (5min stroll, elevator). If alighting from the Airport Line in Taipei Major Station, take Exit A1-4 (5min stroll, elevator).

Day 1: Taipei Metropolis Centre

Free Historic Strolling Tour

First up on my Taipei itinerary is a Free Historic Strolling tour. This was the right probability to get acquainted with Taipei metropolis via a neighborhood and a chance to make pals — particularly as a solo traveller.

Though the tour is ‘free’, it’s frequent observe to tip your guides based mostly on how happy you’re after the tour.

I initially signed up for the Secret Mountaineering Path in Taipei Suburbs however attributable to unhealthy climate, our information Shih Heng switched it to a historic and cultural tour of Taipei as an alternative.

We began at Longshan Temple and visited most important sights within the outdated city of Taipei Metropolis like Bopiliao Historic Block and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor — each of which had prayer rooms!

Shih Heng was charismatic and would share quirky details like how there was a pillow struggle at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor throughout Worldwide Pillow Battle Day 2016 — an annual international occasion the place contributors in over 100 cities swing pillows at one another in a delegated house.

He additionally took us to his favorite ice cream spot, Yongfu Ice Cream, which served native flavours like Crimson Bean and Guiyuan (longan) — excellent for my Singaporean palette. The ice cream was mild on dairy and had a sherbet-like texture. It had no alcohol or gelatin too!

As there was just one different participant, the entire tour felt like I used to be chilling with pals.

Yongfu Ice Cream
Value: NT$45 for 3 scoops (~S$2)
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Deal with: No. 68, Part 2, Guiyang St, Wanhua District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 108

*Professional-tip: In case your information is cool with it, keep in contact with them so you could have a neighborhood pal to provide suggestions in your subsequent Taipei itinerary.

Secret Mountaineering Path in Taipei Suburbs
Value: Free (however tipping is frequent observe)
Tour timing: 9AM – 12PM
Assembly level: Neihu Station Exit 1 or Longshan Temple Exit 1, relying on the route

Lunch at Uncle Ma’s

After the strolling tour I headed to Uncle Ma’s — a practice cease away from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor MRT.

The star of Uncle Ma’s is the Beef Shao Bing (NT$65), a layered flaky flatbread stuffed with marinated beef slices. The Shao Bing layers had a distinguished Chinese language five-spice flavour — heat and fragrant.

Uncle Ma’s additionally serves most important dishes like soup dumplings (NT$150) with a lightweight and delicate broth, and beef noodles.

馬叔餅舖 Uncle Ma’s/清真風懷舊北京小點 (Halal-certified and Muslim-owned)
Value: From NT$40 – 200 (~S$1.80 – 8.90)
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM (opens 7:30AM on Sat & Solar, closed on Fri)
Deal with: No. 67-2, Linyi St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100
Find out how to get there: Exit 1 at Dongmen Station. Flip left into Linyi road and stroll via the alley of retailers. Uncle Ma’s shall be in your proper.

Learn additionally: Muslim-Pleasant Halal Meals Information in Taipei — All Tried and Examined (coming quickly)

Huashan 1914 Artistic Park

Huashan 1914 Artistic Park is an arts and tradition house housing exhibitions, domestically made objects like miniature rugs and baggage, and performing arts showcases. There are a number of cafes and beverage outlets across the park too.

The park was initially a Japanese sake plant in 1914. It went via a number of transformations — like being re-purposed as Taihoku Vineyard — earlier than lastly settling as a hip play space for creatives. Its preserved and rugged look makes it a preferred spot for pictures.

Huashan 1914 Artistic Park
Opening hours: 24hrs, Retailers are open from 11AM – 9PM
Deal with: No.1, Bade Street Sec.1, Zhong Zhen District, Taipei 100

Peanuts-themed 7-11

Enjoyable reality: Taiwan is second on this planet for having essentially the most comfort shops per capita!

There are comfort shops at each nook — with themed ones like Detective Conan, Hi there Kitty, and Peanuts! So in fact I needed to embody one in my Taipei itinerary.

There are two in Taipei on Shaoxing North Avenue, however head additional as much as the Xingzhong Retailer for a bigger seating space and a wider merchandise choice.

Yow will discover halal-certified and vegetarian-friendly snacks and drinks in most Taiwan comfort shops — like candy Blended Peanut Congee (halal-certified by the Taipei Grand Mosque) and roasted candy potatoes.

*Professional-tip: Use the ‘Halalin‘ app for a fast view of Halal-certified objects in several comfort shops.

7-ELEVEn 紹興門市 (SNOOPY主題商店)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Deal with: Degree 1, No. 37, Shaoxing N St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100

Dinner at Chang’s Beef Noodles Store

The store primarily sells beef noodles however if you happen to’re not too hungry, there are different aspect dishes too. The Scallion Pancake rolled with Beef and Eggs (NT$100) made for a lightweight snack however I opted for no beef (NT$40).

Additionally strive the chilly soy milk AKA Dou Jiang (NT$20) right here because it had a nuttier flavour and felt tastier in comparison with those in Singapore!

Making an attempt Dou Jiang is a should when in Taiwan. Yow will discover it at conventional Taiwanese breakfast locations however most of them serve pork on their menu. Embrace Chang’s Beef Noodles Store’s Dou Jiang in your Taipei itinerary for a assured Halal various.

*Notice: The shop additionally has a prayer nook with prayer mats, however there’s no ablution space.

Chang’s Beef Noodles Store 張家清真黃牛肉麵館 (Halal-certified and Muslim-owned)
Value: From NT$9 – 220 (~S$0.35 – 9.70)
Opening hours: 10AM – 7:30PM (opens 7:30AM on Sat & Solar)
Deal with: No. 21, Yanping S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100 (Exit 6 Ximen Station)

Ximending Strolling Avenue

I ended my night time with a go to to Ximending Strolling Avenue — a one-stop hub for procuring, consuming, and leisure.

There are many native and worldwide manufacturers right here however naturally, I used to be drawn to the acquainted pink and white UNIQLO brand.

UNIQLO Ximen Retailer spans two basements and 4 ranges, with a ‘UNIQLO Ximen Particular’ part on the prime flooring housing unique UT collections and a “design your personal” T-shirt station.

Take your time to discover the totally different ranges as a result of that they had objects that weren’t offered in Singapore — together with flowers and extra heavy-duty outerwear. Nevertheless, I walked out empty-handed as a result of I observed costs have been barely larger than in Singapore at the moment 😔

UNIQLO Ximen Retailer
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM
Deal with: 108, Taiwan, Taipei Metropolis, Wanhua District, Hanzhong St, No.52, B2-4F

Day 2: Day Journey to Tamsui

No Taipei itinerary is full with out a day-trip away from town. Typically neglected, I picked Tamsui for its charming colonial buildings and seaside views.

Attending to Tamsui: Take the Tamsui–Xinyi Line (pink line) and alight on the final cease — Tamsui. It takes about an hour from Taipei Major Station.

*Notice: Trains alternate between stopping at Tamsui and Beitou so if you happen to occur to journey the Beitou-bound practice, merely alight and take the following practice.

Discover Historic Websites

Tamsui is a time capsule of preserved buildings from Taiwan’s time as a Spanish Colony all the way in which to Japanese rule. There are lots of vacationer spots right here so it’s greatest to plan your route effectively.

Coincidentally, I ran into Martin (a participant from the strolling tour) on the plaza. It completely wasn’t a part of my solo Taipei itinerary however I’m glad I had a pal to discover the city with.

We began from Tamsui MRT Park and labored via the sights as much as Lover’s Bridge on foot — the total route took us about 3 hours. I loved the surroundings and slicing via alleyways throughout the stroll.

It was fairly a trek to get to the grounds of Fort San Domingo and the Former British Consulate Residence.

Initially constructed by the Spanish Empire, Fort San Domingo has been rebuilt and repaired a number of occasions by the Dutch, the Qing Authorities, and the British. The 2 buildings show furnishings, home equipment, and clothes from that point however be sure to take a look at the second flooring for an aerial view of the grounds!

Fort San Domingo
Entrance price: S$3.55 through Klook
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5PM (closes 6PM on Sat and Solar)
Deal with: 251, Taiwan, New Taipei Metropolis, Tamsui District, No. 1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Street

One other underrated web site close to Fort San Domingo is Aletheia College — one of many oldest establishments of upper training in Taiwan, with a campus that includes gothic and baroque structure!

The final leg of the route was a 30-minute stroll to Fisherman’s Wharf and Lover’s Bridge. It’s a straight route by the principle highway however I’ll be frank — it’s a protracted stroll. Nevertheless, the clear and uninterrupted view of Tamsui River and Mount Guanyin taken from this bridge was value it.

That’s Martin from the strolling tour!

*Professional-tip: To save lots of time in your Taipei itinerary — and your legs, take a taxi or an Uber from Tamsui Customized’s Wharf (close to Fort San Domingo) to get to Fisherman’s Wharf/Lover’s Bridge in 10 minutes. You too can take a ferry on weekends from Tamsui Ferry Wharf (close to Tamsui MRT) to Fisherman’s Wharf if you wish to head straight to Lover’s Bridge.

Lunch at Kedai Bakso Ma’e

For lunch, I ended by Kedai Bakso Ma’e close to the riverfront. The store primarily serves Bakso (meatball soup with noodles) and Indonesian snacks. I wasn’t feeling too peckish so I went for a Bakwan AKA fried vegetable fritter (NT$10).

The proprietor, who was an Indonesian-Muslim girl, was form to ship me off with a free Chendol drink (coconut milk and palm sugar drink with inexperienced rice flour jelly) — simply what I wanted to sort out the second half of the nice and cozy day.

*Notice: The store has a prayer nook and a washroom with a bidet.

One other Halal possibility in Tamsui is Halal Moon Curry Home 穆屋咖哩.

Kedai Bakso Ma’e
Value: NT$10 – 250 (~S$0.45 – 11.10)
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM (opens 8:30AM on weekends, closed on Mon)
Deal with: 251 M (Lantai 1) 0, No. 8 Jalur 56, Jalan P Gongzhi, Caodongli, Tamsui District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 251

Gongming Avenue

Gongming Avenue is a pedestrian highway lined with native outlets and snack sellers. I used to be stunned on the number of Muslim-friendly choices right here with no meat, lard, or alcohol like wheel desserts and roasted corn.

Whereas strolling alongside the road, I used to be intrigued by the fried candy snacks at this stall.

The seller assured me that it was durian and stated “You, Muslim okay 👍“. The fried durian-yam fritter (NT$40/piece) had a tough texture however a creamy inside. The yam’s pure sweetness helped to steadiness the durian’s lack thereof.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for souvenirs, there’s an enormous number of snacks at 滬尾街商號 HU WEI JIE（手信店). Yow will discover varied manufacturers of Made in Taiwan snacks like pineapple cake, jellies, and mochi — all Halal-certified.

A lot of the Halal-certified objects on this retailer are by the model Yuki & Love however all the time examine for the Halal signal as not all objects by the model are licensed. You too can look out for ‘Ovo-Vegetarian’ tags, however buy at your personal discretion as these might not be ready in accordance with Islamic dietary legal guidelines.

HU WEI JIE 滬尾街商號（手信店)
Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM
Deal with: No. 9, Gongming St, Tamsui District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 251

Dinner at Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Home

After a protracted day of strolling, I made my option to Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Home — proper subsequent to Chang’s Beef Noodle and the one different Halal place close to my lodging.

The Braised Ribs Noodles (NT$200) had a beautiful QQ texture and was generously portioned with plenty of meat! You too can select different carbs like vermicelli and bread to have in your soup as an alternative of noodles.

Halal Yellow Beef Noodle Home (清真黃牛肉麵館)
Value: From NT$9 – 230 (~S$0.35 – 10.20)
Opening hours: 11AM – 7.30PM
Deal with: No. 23, Yanping S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 100

Day 3: Jap Taipei

Taipei Grand Mosque

If you happen to’re right here on a Friday, I extremely counsel making a cease at Da’an Park Station to go to the most important and oldest mosque in Taiwan — Taipei Grand Mosque.

Enjoyable reality: Da’an Park Station is a World Gold Winner in Public Infrastructure for the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Awards 2015 for its distinctive structure, so drop by for a fast photoshoot earlier than heading to the mosque!

I assumed most congregants could be immigrants however there was a sizeable variety of Chinese language/Taiwanese mosque-goers too. Performing Friday prayers for females just isn’t the norm in Singapore — nor an obligation on the whole — so I used to be stunned to see many feminine congregants that day!

Although the Friday sermon was performed in Mandarin, it was comforting to know as a solo traveller that I had a neighborhood wherever I used to be on this planet.

One more reason why I got here to Taipei Grand Mosque was for the Friday meals gross sales.

Halal meals and snacks from totally different cuisines have been accessible, however my eye was on the Taiwanese choices — specifically dumplings, braised tofu, and pastries.

Halal frozen meat was additionally offered out of a truck after Friday prayers — if you happen to’re somebody who cooks on trip.

Taipei Grand Mosque
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM (meals gross sales on Fri earlier than Zohor prayers)
Deal with: No. 6, Part 2, Xinsheng S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 10650
Find out how to get there: Take Exit 5 at Da’an Park Station (Crimson Line, R06) and stroll quarter-hour via Da’an Park in direction of Xinsheng South Street.

The climate was completely cool that day so I headed again to Da’an Park for a lil’ park bench lunch. It was serene however be careful for birds as they began to encompass me as I took the primary few bites of my braised tofu.

*Professional-tip: Pack your personal utensils as none got once I bought meals from the mosque.

Hike up Elephant Mountain

What’s a Taipei itinerary with out a view of the well-known Taipei 101 skyline? Among the best vantage factors is from Elephant Mountain, only a 10-minute practice journey away from Da’an Park Station.

The Elephant Mountain Mountaineering Path (象山登山步道) is a brief, easy, and manageable hike for a non-hiker like me. It’s a preferred hike with a good bit of individuals climbing so it’s protected to do solo.

The steps have been just a little steep in sure areas and my quick legs struggled, however I persevered and in the end made it to the viewing platforms in about 15 to twenty minutes!

Sadly, Xiangshan Peak was underneath development however there are nonetheless a number of areas to cease for pictures.

Apart from the viewing and images platforms scattered alongside the way in which to the highest, an iconic picture spot is at Six Large Rocks (六巨石). Climb up the rock that towers over the height for distinctive views and epic pictures.

*Professional-tip: The mountain can get crowded so come not less than an hour earlier earlier than sundown to safe a great picture spot.

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Deal with: No. 31, Alley 401, Lane 150, Part 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 110
Find out how to get there: Take the Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Crimson Line) to Xiangshan Station. Take Exit 2, comply with the indicators and stroll 20 minutes in direction of Xiangshan Park Trailhead

Dinner at Halal Chinese language Beef Noodle Restaurant (清真中國牛肉麵食館)

Feeling hungry after the hike, I dropped by Halal Chinese language Beef Noodle Restaurant for dinner. I simply couldn’t go away this licensed Muslim Pleasant MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Restaurant out of my Tapei itinerary!

I ordered the braised beef noodle with tendon (NT$230) — a ‘chef’s suggestion’ on their menu. The dish had mushy tendons, paired with a deliciously beefy and barely natural broth.

Halal Chinese language Beef Noodle Restaurant (清真中國牛肉麵食館)
Value: From NT$150 – 265 (~S$6.70 – 11.70)
Opening hours: 11AM – 9:30PM (closes 10PM on Fri and Sat)
Deal with: B2, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place A8, No. 12, Songgao Street, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis and Da’an (flagship retailer)

Bonus: Eslite Xinyi Retailer

You probably have time, discover the Eslite Xinyi Retailer — a division retailer housing Taiwan’s greatest bookstore chain. In addition to books, the six-story excessive retailer additionally has a music part, a meals mart, stationaries, and so on.

Head to the department positioned within the Xinyi District — aptly known as the Manhattan of Taipei. This high-end and opulent sister of Ximending Strolling Avenue is residence to Taipei 101 so pay it a go to for a bougie Taipei itinerary.

Eslite Xinyi Retailer
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM (closes 11PM on Fri and Sat)
Deal with: No. 11, Songgao Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 110 (5-minute stroll from Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place)

Raohe Night time Market

Raohe Night time Market is without doubt one of the bigger and extra standard night time markets in Taipei with comparatively cheaper meals in comparison with Shilin Night time Market! The market’s straightforward to navigate because it’s a singular road lined with native and conventional meals.

Whereas there have been loads of seafood and Vegetarian-friendly choices, most carts promote meat as effectively so the probabilities of cross-contamination with pork or non-permissible elements have been excessive.

To be protected, I caught to candy objects and solely bought candy potato balls in the long run. Most historically made pastries comprise lard so it’s greatest to double-check with the distributors!

*Professional-tip: Put together a listing of Chinese language phrases (I had it set on my cellphone lock display screen!) to point out distributors when asking about meals elements.

Raohe Night time Market
Opening hours: 5PM – 11PM
Deal with: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 105

Day 4: Flight House with Halal Souvenirs

Brunch at Chang’s Beef Noodles

I had a while earlier than my late afternoon flight again residence so I had brunch again at Chang’s Beef Noodles. The proprietor recognised me from my earlier go to and fortunately stated, “Eh! Assalamualaikum!” — so candy 😭!

This time I had their beef pot stickers (NT$8/piece) and heat soy milk — which was nonetheless fairly good however I feel it’s tastiest when chilly.

Halal Snacks at Taoyuan Worldwide Airport

Photograph credit score: Hsin Tung Yang

After arriving on the airport through the Commuter Prepare, I dropped off my baggage and headed straight to the reward outlets.

*Professional-tip: Trip the Airport MRT hands-free by checking in your baggage at A1 Taipei Major Station. Examine the official web site for the airways providing this service.

Photograph credit score: Taoyuan Worldwide Airport

Head to degree three proper earlier than immigration for the most important number of Made in Taiwan Halal-certified snacks. Look out for the devoted Halal shelf with each Halal-certified and Ovo-vegetarian licensed snacks — my haul of the day was mochi, candy potato desserts, and dried shredded squid!

*Notice: The airport additionally has a multi-faith prayer room close to gate B1.

Planning a Taipei itinerary as a solo Muslim traveller

Pre-trip planning

Earlier than any journey, I all the time attempt to attain out to locals for on-the-ground data. Apart from chatting with Shih Heng through GuruWalk (free strolling tour platform), I joined Fb teams to assist plan my Taipei itinerary.

For correct climate expectations and mountaineering suggestions, I reached out to Foreigners in Taipei to get first-hand information from people dwelling in Taipei. My unique Taipei itinerary included a hike in Yangmingshan however group members suggested towards it attributable to unhealthy climate that the storm introduced in.

I used to be additionally eager about making an attempt genuine Taiwanese meals however was cautious of sure locations. I reached out to Pals of Taipei Grand Masjid for suggestions and a bunch member outfitted me with all of the apps and web sites to search out Halal meals.

One app I discovered notably helpful was Halalin. I used it when on the lookout for Halal snacks in comfort shops. The app additionally has a Halal card itemizing issues to not be consumed by Muslims which might be confirmed to distributors because it’s in Chinese language.

Submit-trip suggestions

As a Muslim and new feminine solo traveller, I’m pleased to report that being left to my very own gadgets in Taiwan was among the finest experiences I’ve ever had. There are just a few stuff you expertise solely whenever you’re alone like making pals and receiving assist from form souls.

Listed below are some suggestions for any first-time solo traveller:
1) Spend money on a cellphone tripod — Each single picture featured was taken by me with the assistance of the tripod. You may solely rely on your self in your greatest angles.
2) Don’t be afraid to ask for assist — More often than not, individuals are very keen to assist when requested. Attain out when it’s essential.
3) Go jer, don’t scared — Say sure and be open to something that pops up throughout your journey however belief your intestine and train warning when one thing doesn’t really feel proper.

If you happen to nonetheless want extra convincing to go to Taiwan, take a look at our different guides:
– 4D3N Taipei Itinerary: Insider information to exploring Taipei and its outskirts like a neighborhood
– 8D Jap Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Finest Adventures (Taipei, Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)
– 25 Distinctive Issues To Do In Taiwan In addition to Visiting Night time Markets

What was your first solo journey like? Tell us within the feedback beneath!

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