Taiwannabe With You: The Comeback Trip 2024 – Part 1
A 3-day return to the island that once sparked a thousand dreams.
📅 Travel Dates: May 11–13, 2024
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Hello Again, Taiwan: Returning to Taipei
Hello again, Taiwan. I’m back in my second home.
I never imagined that a quick backpacking Taiwan trip would happen this year. It was short—just three days—but it was exactly the escape I needed.
I craved something spontaneous. Something raw and real. Just me, my backpack, and Taiwan.
This trip was a simple escape from my busy work life. It wasn’t luxury travel—it was a shoestring journey, the kind I used to take before life became too busy. The essentials were simple: a flight, a place to stay, a SIM card, and a curious heart.
This spontaneous three-day escape was unplanned, unfiltered, and exactly what I needed—a break from the grind, a shoestring adventure, and a reunion with a place that never really left me.
✈️ The Journey Begins: Flying from Manila to Taipei
I booked an early 6:00 AM flight via Royal Air, one of the newest budget airlines serving the Manila–Taipei route at the time (May 2024). It was my first time flying with them—and I was pleasantly surprised. The flight was smooth, and the entire process felt hassle-free.
That was it. No complicated planning. No packed itinerary. Just vibes.
✈️ Day 1: Arrival in Taiwan via Taoyuan International Airport
Landing at Taoyuan International Airport was quick and easy. Immigration was a breeze.
I picked up my SIM card, grabbed a quick coffee at the airport food court, and headed straight to the Taoyuan Airport MRT for the ride to Taipei Main Station.
Here’s a small travel hack: I still had my old MRT card from my previous trips—so there was no need to buy a new one. It’s always satisfying to save a few dollars whenever you can.
Since I’ve visited Taiwan multiple times, navigating the city felt almost like second nature. Taipei’s public transportation system is efficient, easy to understand, and incredibly tourist-friendly. Having that familiarity makes exploring the city even more enjoyable.
Exhausted from the early flight, I checked in at my accommodation near the station. After a short rest, I knew where my feet wanted to take me next.
🌃 Night Walk in Ximending: Taipei’s Famous Shopping District
Of course—I went to Ximending.
This iconic pedestrian area is Taipei’s version of Shibuya or Myeongdong. It was alive with energy: crowds moving through neon-lit streets, street performers drawing cheers, vendors frying up local snacks, and endless fashion stalls waiting to be browsed.
It felt so nostalgic to be here again. The place hadn’t changed much—but the feeling hit differently. I wasn’t just a tourist this time. I was home again, even if briefly.
🟥 The Red House: A Glimpse of Art and History
Just a few steps from Ximending stands The Red House, one of Taipei’s most recognizable heritage buildings.
Built in 1908, this octagonal red-brick structure has transformed over the years into a vibrant creative and cultural space. Today, it houses independent shops, art markets, and a theater venue that regularly hosts performances and cultural events.
Beyond its architecture and history, The Red House is also a proud symbol of Taipei’s LGBTQ+ community and artistic spirit.
I didn’t have time to explore it deeply during this visit, but simply seeing it again brought back memories—and the same admiration I’ve always felt for this unique corner of Taipei.
🛏️ Ending the Day with Gratitude
After my evening stroll in Ximending, I returned to my accommodation with tired feet and a full heart.
This trip wasn’t just another visit. It was a rekindling. A soft reset. And the best part? This was only the beginning.
When I first stepped onto Taiwanese soil in 2018, I didn’t fully understand what I felt. Maybe it was a spark, a pull, or maybe something deeper.
But there was this quiet sense of familiarity—as if I had arrived somewhere I already belonged.
Taiwan wasn’t just another place on the map. It felt like home.
