WanderMapped

🇹🇼 One Week in Taiwan: A Travel Itinerary for Filipino Travelers

Written by

Antonio Padua

in

Explore the Best of Taipei, Taichung, and Taroko Gorge

Taiwan is a welcoming destination for Filipino travelers—no visa required for stays up to 14 days! Whether you’re in it for the night markets, nature escapes, or cultural heritage, this one-week itinerary hits all the highlights.

🛫 Day 1: Arrival in Taipei – Get Oriented

Suggested Flight: Morning or early afternoon arrival in Taoyuan International Airport

To Do:

  • Buy an EasyCard (transport pass) and SIM card at the airport.
  • Check in to your Taipei hotel.
  • Explore Ximending – Taipei’s youth district full of shops, street food, and energy.
  • Try your first Taiwanese bubble tea!

Recommended Food:

  • Hot Star Large Fried Chicken
  • Ah-Chung Mian Xian (thick vermicelli noodles)

🏛️ Day 2: Taipei Cultural Day

Morning:

  • Visit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
  • Explore Lungshan Temple in Wanhua District

Afternoon:

  • Head to Taipei 101 (optional observatory visit)
  • Shop at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi malls nearby

Evening:

  • Eat your way through Raohe Night Market

🏞️ Day 3: Nature & Views – Northern Taiwan Day Trip

Take a guided tour (or DIY with train/bus) to:

  • Yehliu Geopark (unique rock formations)
  • Jiufen Old Street (inspiration for Spirited Away)
  • Shifen Waterfall + sky lantern release at Shifen Old Street

⏱️ Book a day tour to cover all these spots efficiently.

🚄 Day 4: High-Speed Rail to Taichung

  • Ride the THSR (Taiwan High-Speed Rail) to Taichung (~1 hour)
  • Visit the colorful Rainbow Village
  • Afternoon at Gaomei Wetlands for sunset

Evening:

  • Explore Fengjia Night Market, Taiwan’s largest

📍 Where to Stay: Choose a hotel near Taichung Station or Fengjia area for convenience

🌳 Day 5: Day Trip to Sun Moon Lake

  • Ride a bus or join a day tour to Sun Moon Lake
  • Try the lake cruise, rent a bike, and visit Wenwu Temple
  • Optional: Ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

🍵 Try local Sun Moon Lake black tea

🚆 Day 6: Hualien & Taroko Gorge Adventure

  • Take an early train to Hualien (book tickets in advance)
  • Join a Taroko Gorge tour to see:
    • Eternal Spring Shrine
    • Swallow Grotto
    • Shakadang Trail

🌿 Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan’s most scenic natural wonders.

📌 Stay overnight in Hualien or take an evening train back to Taipei if you prefer.

🎁 Day 7: Taipei Last Hurrah + Souvenir Shopping

  • Visit Dihua Street for traditional shops and snacks
  • Grab souvenirs at Kuang Nan or Eslite Bookstore
  • Relax at Beitou Hot Springs or visit a local café

🛍️ Souvenir Suggestions:

  • Pineapple cakes
  • Oolong tea
  • Face masks (from Taiwanese skincare brands)

✈️ Departure: Fly Back to the Philippines

Take the Airport MRT or pre-book a shuttle transfer to Taoyuan Airport. Most Filipino travelers prefer late afternoon or evening flights back home.

💡 Travel Tips for Filipinos in Taiwan:

  • No visa needed for up to 14 days!
  • Use EasyCard for MRT, buses, and even convenience store purchases
  • Most signs have English, and locals are helpful
  • Bring a jacket! Weather can be chilly, especially from December to March

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