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
WanderMapped 