Taiwan in a day

I was able to visit Taipei with my family, Thanks to Taiwan’s relaxed-free tourist policy for Filipinos.  Taiwan government offers a free tour for transit passengers with 7 to 24 hours layover before their next connecting flight but this offer is only to those who came from countries who are eligible for visa-exemption entry. 

We were able to register to their free tour in the afternoon schedule.  Registration was easily done when we arrived at Taoyuan International Airport tourist service centre.  

Taiwan is just nearby Cebu with the same time zone as Philippines.  The Taiwanese people are friendly and most of them speak English too.  It was way easier for us during our 14 hours layover.  The tourist guide was very accommodating and friendly.  It took us more than 45 minutes bus ride and he was able to talk a lot about Taiwan’s history on our way to the first stop. 

The first stop was in Ximending – it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan mainly because it is a vibrant bustling place with massive variety of street foods, shopping haven for shoppers, Taiwan’s authentic restaurants and clubs.  It was founded during the Japanese colonisation era as a recreation district and today it has grown to be a cultural icon with inspiration drawn from the Japanese roots. 

The second stop was of course in their famous landmark supertall skyscraper Taipei 101.  It was then classified as the tallest building in the world when it opened last 2004 until 2010 when The Burj Khalifa in Dubai opened.

Standing in Xinyi district, an area known for its financial services and vibrant shopping malls, Taipei 101 is a beautiful sight like a gigantic bamboo stalk. 

My family enjoyed the tour but we enjoyed the food even more.  We all love to eat and try new dishes.  The famous bubble milk tea in Taiwan is hard to miss.  It is basically found anywhere even in the airport’s food court. 

Bubble Milk tea (with tapioca pearls) is Taiwan’s is a specialty in Taiwan; it is actually invented in Tainan and Taichung, Taiwan in the 1980s.  We had to try one in Xemending as people gathered there in long queues just to have a taste and enjoy the refreshingly milk boba tea. 

Travel is my way of bonding with my children; this is one of the best memories I can offer to them.  It can be tiring most of the time but I discovered that my children are physically and mentally capable far more than I imagined.  They easily embrace adventures and never failed to surprise me. 

Off to our next adventure.

Love,

M xo