✧ Series Note – Taiwandering 2019 ✧
A third visit, a shared adventure—full of inspiration and discovery.
Thank you for reading and supporting my stories. ✨🇹🇼
📅 Travel Dates: November 1–4, 2019

When I left Taiwan in February 2019, I promised I’d return soon. So when my friend and I started planning our next trip, Taiwan quickly became our top pick—a place that felt both exciting and familiar.

Fast forward…

We landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport around 1 AM on a cool November night after a short two-hour flight from Manila via Cebu Pacific Air. The crisp air felt like an early Christmas welcome, and the city’s energy reminded me exactly why I love this place.

After clearing immigration, we grabbed our luggage and exchanged pesos for NT dollars. We then boarded the Kuo Kuang Bus to Taipei Main Station (NT$140 as of November 2019), a smooth ride that took about an hour.

It was past 3 AM when we reached Taipei Main. We checked into NeoSoho Hostel, a cozy spot perfect for backpackers—equipped with a shared kitchen, free WiFi, and conveniently located near restaurants and shops.

By 7:30 AM, we were up again, ready to start our day tour. After a quick freshen-up, we headed to Taipei Main Station to meet our tour group. We grabbed coffee and bread at 7-Eleven—breakfast on the go.

🪨 Stop 1: Yehliu Geopark: Nature’s Sculpture Garden

Our first stop: Yehliu Geopark, famous for its surreal rock formations shaped by sea and wind. Each natural sculpture was more captivating than the last. We wandered through Queen’s Head Rock and other iconic formations, all part of a landscape that felt almost otherworldly.

🎟️ Entrance fee: NT$80 (via our guide)

This natural wonderland never disappoints. Bizarre rock formations—weather-sculpted and utterly breathtaking—make Yehliu feel like an outdoor museum curated by the sea. Each formation was stranger and more captivating than the last. Admission: NT$80 via our guide.

🌸 Stop 2: Jiufen Old Street: Nostalgia in Every Corner

Next, we made our way to Jiufen, a quaint mountain town that blends history, food, and anime magic. Often linked to Spirited Away, the narrow alleyways were filled with souvenir shops, tea houses, and snack stalls.

We stopped for Xiao Long Bao (NT$230) and a bowl of pork-topped rice (NT$70)—steamed to perfection, flavorful, and deeply comforting. After lunch, we explored more of Jiufen’s charm, with ocean views peeking through its winding streets.

Nestled in the hills of Ruifang District, Jiufen has that magical pull—part nostalgia, part anime dreamland. Its winding alleys, inspired by “Spirited Away” and “Totoro,” overflow with charming shops and cinematic charm. Once a gold mining town, Jiufen is now a cultural mosaic.

🎈 Stop 3: Shifen Old Street: Wishes in the Sky

Sky lantern time! Standing on the Pingxi Line tracks, we scrawled our wishes across colored paper before releasing them into the heavens. It’s one of those Taiwan travel moments you never forget.

🎈 Lantern price: NT$200 (multicolor) or NT$100 (single color)
💭 My wish? More money and good health for more travels! Haha!

We also tried a local treat introduced by our guide—ice cream wrapped in shaved peanut candy and herbs. Sweet, refreshing, and uniquely Taiwanese

For NT$200 (multi-colored) or NT$100 (single-colored), it’s one of those simple yet symbolic joys. Shifen was buzzing that afternoon—lanterns floating, laughter echoing, and street vendors tempting us with peanut ice cream wrapped in herbs and crepes. Unexpected and delightful.

🌈 Final Stop: Shifen Waterfalls: A Rainbow Farewell

Before heading back, we made a brief stop at Shifen Waterfalls, also known as Rainbow Pond. With sunlight streaming through the mist, the falls sparkled with soft rainbows—nature’s final flourish for the day. The mist caught the sunlight just right, creating a soft rainbow that felt like a farewell hug from nature.

🍜 Back to Taipei: Night Markets & City Vibes

Back in the city, we headed straight for food at Taipei Main Station—hot noodles to warm us after a full, chilly day. The station buzzed with life, a constant rhythm of travelers and locals alike.

🍢 Night Market Finale: Shilin

Later, we took the MRT to Shilin Night Market, one of the biggest in Taipei. From Hot Star Fried Chicken to bargain shopping, it offered everything in one place—snacks, souvenirs, and an atmosphere alive with the sounds and smells of Taiwan.

Taipei’s beloved Shilin Night Market never sleeps. Near Jiantan MRT, it’s packed with food stalls, shops, and people craving Hot Star Fried Chicken after long workdays.

Ximending is 💙

We indulged in snacks, sifted through trendy finds, and soaked in local energy. Then we MRT-ed our way to Ximending—Taipei’s edgy, vibrant district. Street performers, lights, and shops created a whirlwind of sights and sounds. It was the perfect last chapter before we returned to our hostel, tired but happy, already dreaming of the days ahead.

From Jiantan Station (Red Line), we took the MRT to Zhongshan Station and then interchanged at the Green Line until we reached Ximen Station. Ximending was a sensory explosion: shops, street performances, and the buzzing heart of Taipei’s youth culture.

We ended our long, amazing day with full hearts (and full bellies), ready for more Taiwan adventures the next day.

💡 Final Thoughts

This day trip—though packed—never felt rushed. From nature’s sculpted rocks to skyward wishes, every stop was a layered memory. Taiwan just knows how to blend magic, warmth, and adventure all in one breath.