Taiwan – Five Reasons to Visit
Five Reasons to Visit Taiwan
- Taiwanese are nice and helpful even though English doesn’t come fluently.
- The landscape invigorates.
- Taiwan is a foodie’s haven, especially with the night markets.
- Getting around is easy.
- It’s clean, secure and safe.
1. The Taiwanese are so Nice
If there’s one thing that made Taiwan stand out and surprised me, it’s the people.
In Taipei, the waiter for our brunch asked us about our trip to Taiwan and recommended places for us to see.
At Jehjiu, the owner of a waffle station served us his “best coffee”. When we came back the following day, he was so delighted he gave us a free milk tea with Bailey’s. “For free for you..” he said, saying it’s their speciality while he showed his bottle of Bailey’s.
A young man noticed me looking for our Ruifang bound train in Taipei Main Station so he offered detailed instructions where to go.
Alighting from the train station at Dulio, a man noticed us lugging our belongings and pointed out to us where the elevators is. Not long after, an old lady did the same.
When our cabbie from Yunlin dropped us at the airport, she gleefully not only said thank you, she gave me a hug and said “I love you!” with that high-pitched happy tone.
Despite the language barrier, and difficulty with English, Taiwanese certainly impressed me with their graciousness.
2. The Landscape is Invigorating
Taiwan landscape is not one of those places that overwhelm, it charms and entices you to explore further. I think it’s one of the most underrated places to visit in Asia.
There’s a lot to fit in and visit in only a few days so I had to prioritize.
Day one, we focused on only three spots in Taipei.
Taipei’s National Palace Museum gives a taste of Taiwan’s history and culture. I’m sure, Chiang Kai Shek residence would have been the same except that we missed it.
Completing the visit to the city is a dip into their numerous hot springs and the most accessible and popular is the Bitou public baths.
Days two and three, we spent in New Taipei City at Jiufen and the North Coast of Taiwan.
The northern coast reinvigorates the spirit. I was expecting cold whipping winds but instead was welcomed by a pleasant breeze and mild weather.
Yehliu Geopark’s and Nanya’s colourful and unique rock formations are must-sees.
Bitou trail walk on rolling hills with sea views is worth taking a half-day trip for.
Long Dong would have been great for hiking or basic rock climbing but we didn’t have more time.
Day four and five, we went down south. Although there was plenty to see, we were there to visit family in Doulio. We chose to focus on sun Moon Lake with an overnight stay. It was a full moon so we had a great view of the lake lit by the moonrise.
3. The Food and Night Markets will Spoil you
Taiwan spoils you for choice, from the sweet to the savoury.
Taiwanese food caters to the adventurous palate as much as to the simpler ones, from the sweet tooth to the health-conscious, from meat lovers to vegetarians.
Street food abounds in night markets, from stinky tofu, noodles, dumplings, fresh fruits, vegetables and meat and all other food I don’t know the names for.
Tea lovers — including milk tea and bubble tea — will be in heaven with the vast options available.
4. Getting Around is Easy
Transportation infrastructure in Taiwan reflects a developed country with good planning with their public services It’s easy to get around with an Easy Card which can be used for trains and buses, both local and regional. From the airport, there’s a high-speed train or MRT that goes straight to downtown Taipei Main Station.
Getting to Yunlin from Taipei was frustrating as the high-speed train which only takes 90 minutes were all booked out, the same for the slower 2-hour express trains. Our only option left was a continuous local train ride, which took 5 hours.
5. It’s Secure, Safe and Clean
From the airport, public transport, even toilets — everything’s clean!
Walking around late at night, it never felt dangerous. Even without knowing that the crime rate is low, you would feel a general sense of safety. People are just not aggressive. There’s a security camera everywhere.
Maybe, it’s also because of the branding of public signages: most of them are cartoonish in a childlike kind of way. You feel like you’re in kindergarten and everything’s cute, in a positive kind of way.
Important Note:
Geopolitics is Sensitive Topic and Elections was Tame
Incidentally, we came right into the national elections of the country, January 11. It was a relatively low-key affair. There were four candidates, and the top two parties were distinct from each other based on their position in relation to China.
The current President won the elections for another term. She encourages liberal ideas and independence from China The close second was a supporter of closer ties to China.
