Our Trip

Our Taiwan travel experience began in the energetic soul of Taipei. After a swift journey on the MRT Airport Express, we settled into the Midtown Richardson and immediately stepped into the neon-lit rhythm of Ximending. Exploring the historic Red House and the bustling street food stalls provided a spirited introduction to this captivating capital.

We dedicated our third day to the city’s spiritual and architectural icons. From the serene, incense-scented halls of Longshan Temple to the grand Changing of the Guard at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the morning was a masterclass in Taiwanese heritage. We concluded the afternoon with a refined coffee at Simple Kaffa, perched on the 88th floor of the majestic Taipei 101.

Journeying to the misty mountains, we marvelled at the unique, oxidised beauty of the Golden Waterfall before climbing to the historic slopes of Jiufen. As evening descended, the narrow alleyways transformed into a magical scene of glowing red lanterns. Savouring tea at the iconic A-Mei Tea House felt like stepping into a living storybook.

Arriving in Hualien via the fast Puyuma Express, we embraced a slower pace. While the elements kept us from the gorge, we found sanctuary at the cycle-themed Kadda Hotel. The evening was spent at the Dongdamen Night Market, where we savoured an array of local snacks amidst the sea-salted air of the coast.

A ferry from Fugang Harbour carried us to the emerald shores of Green Island. This volcanic paradise offered a moment of profound tranquillity as we checked into the quirky Tube 18 Resort. The peaceful atmosphere provided the perfect start to our island adventure, away from the rhythmic hum of the mainland.

Returning to the mainland after a restorative morning, we settled into the Formosan Naruwan Hotel in Taitung. We spent the afternoon exploring the local area on foot, eventually discovering a wonderful local restaurant where the authentic Taiwanese flavours provided a delicious conclusion to our coastal stay.

We travelled south to the sun-drenched shores of Kenting, where we settled into the unique, Moroccan-inspired architecture of the Amanda Hotel. Our days were spent between the soft sands of the national park and the vibrant, rhythmic energy of the Kenting Night Market. The lush topography and turquoise waters provided a perfect mid-trip sanctuary for both relaxation and coastal exploration.

Tainan, the island’s oldest city, greeted us with its historic Chihkan Tower and a tapestry of intricate temples. The highlight was the ethereal Anping Tree House, where nature has reclaimed an old warehouse in a stunning display of banyan roots. Every street in this cultural hub tells a story of the island’s enduring heritage.

We sought the misty serenity of Sun Moon Lake, embarking on a 30-kilometre cycling circuit to fully immerse ourselves in the landscape. Pedalling clockwise past the Ci’en Pagoda and Wenwu Temple, we shared the path with wild monkeys and marvelled at the glassy, emerald waters that make this region a national treasure.

A scenic bus journey ascended into the clouds of Alishan, where we stayed at the Dafong Hotel. Rising at 5:00 am, we boarded the historic Alishan Forest Railway to witness the sunrise from the Zhushan viewing deck. Though the sea of clouds remained elusive, the light filtering through the ancient giant trees and the stillness of the Sister Ponds created a moment of pure, mountain magic.

We said goodbye to the heights by riding the historic narrow-gauge forest railway down to Chiayi. The rhythmic click of the tracks through the dense canopy offered a nostalgic perspective on the island’s landscape before we transitioned into the vibrant, modern energy of Taichung.

Taichung charmed us with its whimsical spirit, from the vivid murals of Rainbow Village to the castle-like opulence of the Miyahara shop. We spent our afternoons wandering the Calligraphy Greenway and the botanical gardens, eventually concluding our stay amidst the lively stalls of the Yizhong Street Night Market.

We boarded the high-speed train, which whisked us back to Taipei with legendary precision. Returning to the capital gave us a few final days to savour the city’s atmosphere, allowing us to revisit our favourite districts and reflect on the incredible diversity of the island’s terrain.

Our final days were dedicated to the city’s treasures. A dramatic, rainy hike up Elephant Mountain rewarded us with a misty, atmospheric view of Taipei 101, while the National Palace Museum offered a quiet immersion into imperial history. From the Songshan Cultural Park to the famous Jadeite Cabbage, it was a profound conclusion to our journey.

As we departed for the airport, we carried with us 22 days of unforgettable memories. From the neon-lit cities to the silent, ancient forests that define this extraordinary island, our voyage had come to a close. We flew home certain that Taiwan’s beauty and hospitality had captured our hearts forever.