Taiwan It That Way | Discovering Taiwan's Hidden Gems

This blog is part of my Taiwan It That Way Series 2018.
When I first set foot on Taiwan’s land, I didn’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.

Liberty Square Arch in Taipei, Taiwan, with five arched gateways, ornate roof structures, and Chinese characters for Liberty Square, silhouetted against the sunset with people walking. — As the sun set behind Liberty Square Arch, its silhouette felt eternal—history framed in stone, people moving through freedom’s gateway.

🛬 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.

Modern airport terminal in Taiwan with wave‑like ceiling panels, reflective floor, travelers with luggage, and digital flight information displays. — The airport’s ceiling rippled like waves above—light, space, and movement guiding travelers through Taiwan’s gateway.

🏙️ 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.

Cable‑stayed bridge in Taipei, Taiwan, with a central pylon, diagonal cables, a wide river, green fields, and urban buildings under a partly cloudy sky. — The bridge rose like a harp over the river—cables strung in rhythm, connecting Taipei’s skyline with open fields.

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.” 🎧💕

Taipei street corner at night with a multi‑story building covered in neon signs, McDonald’s open 24 hours, Smile Inn hotel, Sushiro sushi chain, and pedestrians with scooters. — Taipei’s corner pulsed with light—global brands and local signs stacked high, a city alive with movement and color.

💤 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.

SleepBox lounge in Taipei with orange and white walls, a city skyline mural, black leather sofas with colorful cushions, a staircase, a vending machine, a dartboard, and warm lighting. — In SleepBox’s lounge, Taipei’s skyline stretched across the mural—a space of color, comfort, and playful rhythm between journeys.
Photo credit: Sleepbox | Taiwan 2018

🍲 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.

Ximending pedestrian district in Taipei, Taiwan, with crowds walking past shops, signage including THE FACE SHOP and THE CONNECT, tall buildings, and a colorful urban atmosphere. — Ximending pulsed with energy—shops, signs, and crowds weaving together the rhythm of Taipei’s youth culture.

🏮 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.

Taipei Tianhou Temple interior with ornate golden carvings, statues, prayer stick towers, floral offerings, and illuminated red lanterns hanging above worshippers. — Lanterns glowed above the altar at Taipei Tianhou Temple—history, devotion, and light woven into the city’s heart.

🇹🇼 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)

Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan, with white marble walls, a blue octagonal roof, red ornaments, a grand staircase, a landscaped plaza, and visitors walking. — Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall stood serene — white stone rising into blue rooflines, a plaza of history and reflection.

🏢 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.

Collage of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan showing a dramatic upward view of tiered green glass architecture, an entrance with visitors, observatory signage, and an info panel with building details. — Taipei 101 rose into the clouds—a tower of glass and steel, its observatory guiding visitors to the city’s heights.

☕ 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.

Exterior of seven9 Brunch Coffee in Taipei with a bright red sign, Chinese characters, pink walls, glass double doors, and a tiled walkway. — Seven9 Brunch Coffee welcomed us with color—a red sign, pink walls, and a promise of cozy mornings in Taipei.

Taiwan breakfast menu with bilingual Chinese and English text showing French toast sandwich, club sandwich, bagels, tuna burger, soup, salad, scrambled eggs, and prices in New Taiwan Dollars. — Choices stretched across the menu—French toast, bagels, and tuna burgers, each priced in Taiwan’s rhythm of everyday mornings.

A restaurant menu featuring various dishes: Chicken breast with poached eggs, butter toast brunch, bagel brunch, French toast, smoked chicken salad, fruit yogurt salad, and waffles with pudding or maple syrup. Prices range from 100 to 160 NT. — Whether you’re a fan of savory smoked chicken or have a sweet tooth for fruit pudding waffles, our all-day menu has a seat at the table for you. Breakfast is a state of mind—why limit it to the morning? ☕️🥞

🏨 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 restaurant menu showing three main dishes: Roasted Chicken (180元), Grilled Pork Steak (220元), and Steamed Fish (180元). Each meal includes rice and a side salad. A banner at the bottom offers a 50% discount on drinks with every meal. — Looking for a satisfying lunch or dinner? 🍽️ Whether you’re craving our crispy Roasted Chicken, succulent Grilled Pork Steak, or a light Steamed Fish, we’ve got your cravings covered. Plus, enjoy 50% off any drink with your meal! It’s the perfect midday fuel-up or evening wind-down.

A menu featuring various sandwiches: Teriyaki Beef Sub, Ham and Bacon Sub, Tuna Sub, Vegetable Sub, Hot Dog, Grains Burger, Bacon and Egg Croissant, Cheddar Cheese Chicken Sandwich, Smoked Pork Loin Sandwich, and Mentaiko Sauce Sandwich. Prices are 80元 and 110元. — Looking for a quick bite that doesn’t skimp on flavor? 🥪 From our savory Teriyaki Beef Sub to the buttery Bacon & Egg Croissant, we’ve got the perfect handheld for your busy day. Grab one to go or stay a while! ✨

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.” 🥹

Taiwan It That Way: When Taiwan Took Me by Surprise

✈️ A Whim, a Flight, and a Passport Stamp

🛬 Welcome to Taiwan!