Taiwan

The Perfect Itinerary for Kaohsiung and Tainan (2024 Update)

March 11, 2024 by Bino 12 Comments

Kaoshiung and Tainan, the main cities in the southern region of Taiwan, have been getting quite a bit of attention lately thanks to government efforts to promote the region to overseas tourists. The historic heart of the island has seen plenty of new hotels as well as redevelopment of existing tourist infrastructure in recent years.

Being slightly more than a 3-hour high speed train ride from Taipei, it makes sense to spend a couple of days in the southern cities. This is after all where Taiwan’s capital used to be. Those who make the effort to come here are ultimately rewarded with a different side to Taiwanese culture. People tend to speak Minnan (Hokkien) here compared to Mandarin and the tropical climate also means plenty of sunshine as compared to the usually dreary weather up north. If you are thinking of visiting Kaohsiung and Tainan and have no idea where to go, this suggested itinerary can hopefully help you.

Tip: If you are heading to Kaohsiung / Tainan by Taiwan’s high speed rail, check out this current promotion where tickets are cheaper for Non-Taiwanese passengers. Limited time only. Book here

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The Perfect 3-Day Taipei Itinerary (2024 Updated Travel Guide)

October 14, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

Taipei has long been an attractive travel destination for travelers from neighboring countries. While it has never really established itself in the backpackers’ trail, the city attracts plenty of midrange and high-end tourists looking to sample the local street food, shop in the night markets, soak in the hot springs and interact with the highly hospitable locals. Personally, Taipei is a feel-good place. I don’t go there expecting to see some mind-boggling sights. Like Tokyo, I go there time and time again for the wonderful ambiance.

If you are heading down south, also check out this Kaohsiung and Tainan itinerary.

Here is a well-balanced itinerary for Taipei that you can do in 3-days. It offers a fine mix between sights, eating and shopping and also has a few off-the-beaten path attractions thrown in.

Tip: If you are heading down to the other cities, check out this current promotion with Klook where Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets are available on a 20% off basis. Valid for Non-Taiwan residents only. Book your Taiwan HSR tickets here

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Asia’s Emerald Isle

April 7, 2010 by Bino 13 Comments

Taiwan has got to be the most underrated tourist destination in the Far East. Mention the word “Taiwan” and most people would associate it with electronics, heavy industry and China’s “renegade province” rather than as a holiday destination. Rarely do I find it in most travelers’ Asian itineraries. And rarely is it mentioned by travel publications, except for scattered and brief features here and there. It may not have any jaw-dropping monuments or renowned white sand beaches like its other neighbors, but Taiwan offers a unique experience for those who are willing to take a closer look.

I have been to Taiwan 4 times. The longest I’ve stayed was the 6 weeks I spent some 11 years ago when I took a short course in Mandarin. Despite the multiple visits, frequent overcast weather and (slight) language barrier, I never tire of visiting the island. Taiwan is one of those feel-good places that I always feel like checking out once every few years.

For this visit, I decided to try out their farmstay which has been heavily promoted here in Singapore. Since the farm was high up in the mountains, I booked our transport in advance. 7AM was our departure time from Taipei Main Station. It was a 4.5 hour bus ride through some spectacular scenery through Taiwan’s central highlands. We reached Cingjing Farm just before noon, and the sun was shining just as I had hoped.

From the bus stop, it was a 4 kilometer trek to the farm’s main area. By this time, we were already some 1,800 meters above sea level. After 1 kilometer of walking through some steep trails, we gave up. I then decided to put my thumb to work and hitchhike instead. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for someone to actually stop. We reached the sheep grazing grasslands just a few minutes before the sun disappeared into the clouds and a fog came by in its place.

panorama of Cingjing grasslands

The scenery in this area was just spectacular. The grass was greener than I though it would be, and the visibility was still somewhat okay at this point. The mountains are situated just in front of the grasslands’ dramatic terrain, and it made for a great contrast.sheep grazingMost people come to Cingjing Farm to experience a taste of the New Zealand-type of farmstay. It’s a great change of pace, especially for most busy city folk who never get to experience life as such….