Traveling
is one of the most sought leisure nowadays that entails, of course, a big cut
on your savings. But traveling on a budget is definitely a home run. If Taiwan
is in your bucket list particularly its capital, Taiwan, below are the useful tips to
consider on this journey:
- Check for low airfares
- Book your Accommodation (this is part of the details that will be asked for visa processing). Definitely recommends Beimen Wow Poshtel that includes DIY breakfast and even though it is a dormitory-type, it has enclosed bed provisions for privacy. But you need to wash all the things you used as they do not have a dishwasher here. (around Php2,000.00 for 3 days) https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Hotel_Review-g293913-d10541961-Reviews-Beimen_Wow_Poshtel-Taipei.html
- Apply for an e-visa - (around Php2,100.00): https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw/BOCA_MRVWeb/subroot/MRVWeb0_disclaimer.jsp
- Joint Ticket (Taipei Metro and Taoyuan Metro) around Php600.00 for the 72 hour pass – this will bring you out of airport to Taipei and back to airport (unlimited pass for Taipei Metro and 2-way pass for Taoyuan Metro)
Once you have reached your hotel and secured your bags, you're ready to explore the place even without itineraries just your Taipei Metro, money, and cameras to roam around.
But first, you may want to visit the Filipino store (Won-Won Building) and exchange your money with very good rates. Just show this card to the taxi driver and he will take you to this place (do not worry as many Filipinos flock here and just ask:
Not only they provide good exchange rates, but also original coach bags, and other "pasalubong" (souvenir) [is the Filipino tradition of travelers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home] to choose from.
Do not forget to drop by St. Christopher's Church, walking distance from the Filipino store building, with mass schedules of 9:00 a.m, 10:00 a.m., and 12 n.n. The mass is officiated in English, but I love it when the choir sing Tagalog songs :)
National Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a national monument, landmark and tourist attraction erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. You may alight at C.K.S. Memorial Hall Station.
Must try in Taipei:
1. Milk Tea by 50 Lan : same as Koi Cafe of Singapore (around Php102.00)
2. Chicken and Squid (220 TWD around Php374.00) Number 1 street Food in Taiwan, best with milk tea. This may be found near VieShow across Taipei 101. You may alight at Taipei 101/ World Trade Center Station.
3. Dr. Stinky Claypot (shabu-shabu) delicious and fresh meat, vegetables, and seafood (120-160 TWN around Php272) including unlimited rice, juice, and yogurt ice cream. This place is near "Won-Won or St. Christopher's Church.
Best Pasalubong to bring home:
2. Pineapple Suncake (116.67 TWD around Php150.00)
Melts in your mouth snack that will surely satisfy your cravings on sweets. You may also buy this at Shilin Night Market. You may alight at Shilin MRT Station and walk through to market.
Getting around:
- MRT: The mass transit is very efficient, thus roaming around with your Taipei Pass is definitely the best option going to different places.
- Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus - Hop On, Hop Off: try to book the tourist bus to roam around the tourist spot. This is ideal if you just wanna sit and enjoy the view by not alighting prior exploring it after a round-trip tour :)
- Taxi: The taxi drivers were kind, but be sure to have a handy calling card with Chinese character of where you are headed for them to alight you at the right destination.
Budget-Friendly Travel:
Believe it or not, this travel does not cost me beyond Php15,000.00 as detailed below:
- Airfare: 3,807.85
- E-visa: Php 2,100.00
- Philippine Travel Tax: Php1,620
- Accommodation with breakfast: Php 2,307.84
- Food, Taipei Fare, Souvenirs: Php 4,536.81
Traveling is not really that expensive, if you know how to plan ahead and to meet with friends to cover your day tour and meal as well :)
Enjoy :)
#enjoytravel
#seenewplaces
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