This blog is part of my Taiwan It That Way Series 2018.
When I first stepped foot on Taiwan’s land, I don’t know if it was a spark, a pull, or something else entirely—but I felt it. That quiet, familiar feeling like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Not just a place I visited, but a place that felt like home.

📅 Trip Dates: June 30–July 3, 2018

✈️ A Whim, a Flight, and a Passport Stamp

In 2018, two of my close friends invited me to join their trip to Taiwan—and without overthinking, I said yes. I booked my ticket on a whim and somehow ended up on the same flight as them. The idea of visiting a new country sparked something in me—an excitement I hadn’t felt in a while.

To be honest, Taiwan had flown under my radar. It wasn’t on my top 10 list. All I knew was… F4, Meteor Garden, and Jerry Yan.

A new stamp, a familiar nostalgia, and a country waiting to be explored.

🛬 Welcome to Taiwan!

We landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport around 11 AM via AirAsia. Immigration was a breeze. After claiming our baggage, we hopped on the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station for NT$160. This was my first time riding an airport train!

The ride was smooth and scenic, with CCTV, luggage racks, and free WiFi onboard. From Taipei Main Station, we took a quick taxi ride (NT$80) to our accommodation on Hengyang Road.

We were buzzing with excitement—bags down, hearts full, and the city waiting to greet us.

🏙️ Ni Hao, Taipei!

Taipei surprised me from the get-go. It’s a city where modern life dances with tradition—skyscrapers beside temples, youth districts beside historical relics.

In Zhongzheng District, that fusion of old and new came alive. The city felt dynamic but not overwhelming, energized but also deeply respectful of its past.

I didn’t expect Taiwan to make me feel this much. But the moment I stepped onto its streets, it wasn’t just travel—it was a Meteor Garden flashback. It was Daoming Si. It was Shancai. It was me, sixteen again, singing along to F4 songs with zero Mandarin but full emotion.” 🎧💕

💤 SleepBox Hostel: Our Taipei Home Base

The staff at The SleepBox Hostel welcomed us with a smile and let us store our bags before the 4 PM check-in. It was budget-friendly, neat, and super accessible.

Highlights:

• 🛏️ Capsule & dorm-style rooms with private options
• 🧳 Luggage storage area
• 🧼 Clean shared bathrooms
• 🧑‍🍳 Shared kitchen and cozy lounge
• 📍 Short walk to Ximen MRT Station (Blue/Green Line) and Ximending Youth District

It was the perfect base for exploring Taipei—convenient, comfortable, and surrounded by bubble tea and snacks.

🍲 Ximending and the Rainy Surprise

Our search for food brought us to Ximending, a vibrant district pulsing with life. Think: cafes, fashion stores, street art, bubble tea, and crowds that don’t sleep.

We found a small local restaurant (no English name) just as the skies opened up with a summer downpour. We dashed inside, soaked but smiling.

The scent of Taiwanese dishes, the warmth of the staff, and the cozy corner made it the perfect first meal in Taiwan.

🏮 A Temple in the City: Tianhou Mazu Temple

Tucked between the bustle of Wanhua’s streets is Tianhou Temple, dedicated to Mazu, the sea goddess. It’s a peaceful space to reflect, send a quiet prayer, or simply soak in centuries of culture.

Temples always call to me—not just for their history or beauty, but for the sense of peace I find there.

A visit here felt grounding, especially after the travel rush and sudden rain.

🇹🇼 Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Later that day, we explored the iconic Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. It’s more than a monument—it’s a cultural space with live performances, exhibitions, and stunning gardens.

Highlights:

• 🎖️ Changing of the Guards (every hour)
• 🎨 Art galleries and open plaza
• 🌳 Liberty Square for photo ops and people-watching

🚇 Nearest MRT: Chiang Kai-Shek Station (Exit 5, Green Line)

🏢 First Glimpse of Taipei 101

Seeing Taipei 101 for the first time was unforgettable. Towering and sleek, it felt like a symbol of Taiwan’s ambition. The inside mall has luxury shops and food stalls, but the real treat is the 89th-floor observation deck.

Standing beneath it, I felt like the trip had truly begun. Taipei was already winning me over.

☕ Seven9 Brunch Coffee + Taipei Arena Stop

We dropped by Taipei Arena to visit my friend’s relative, Mailyn Angara—a fellow Filipina now living in Taiwan. She runs Seven9 Brunch Coffee, a cozy spot with great food near the arena.

We caught up over brunch, and she shared her life as a Pinay in Taiwan. Her local tips and warm presence gave the trip a personal touch I’ll never forget.

Her stories gave me a new lens through which to see Taipei—not just as a tourist, but as someone who could belong here.

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🏨 Wind Down at the Accommodation

By nightfall, we made our way back to Taipei Main Station by bus and walked to our accommodation. The city lights glowed, and even though my feet ached, my heart felt full.

Tomorrow, we’d be heading out on a pre-booked tour to explore outside the city. Day 1 had already given me more than I expected—and Taipei wasn’t done yet.

A Taiwan passport stamp is already a win—and not just because it’s a new mark in my travel journal, but because it means I said yes to the spontaneous, stepped into the unknown, and came home with more than just souvenirs. 💌✈️🇹🇼

Honestly, even that one stamp carries so much:

• F4 flashbacks and Meteor Garden nostalgia 🌸
• That first-ever airport MRT ride 🚆
• The Ximending rain-soaked lunch 🍲☔
• And that sweet realization: “Taiwan, I never expected to love you this much.” 🥹