Taiwan (2013) Day 4 - 6: Around Taipei City

Date Visited: 29th November to 1st December 2013

To cut the long story short, I decided to consolidate my Taipei travelogues which I went in 2013 into one blogpost, instead of day to day travelogues like I always did. After spending 3 days and 2 nights in Taichung, a day trip to Shifen and an overnight trip in Jiufen, we proceeded to the vibrant and lively of Taipei city, the national capital of Taiwan. 

Here are the list of where we went and what we did in Taipei:

1) Ximending

Also known as "Harajuku of Taipei", Ximending is one of the most happening and bustling shopping district in Wanhua District of Taipei, favourite spot among young adult and young people. Majority of the visitors prefer to stay here cause there are massive variety of interesting and boutique hotels, eclectic restaurants, pubs, cafe and fashion clothing shops surrounding the area. I even decided to stay here when I went back Taiwan for the third time this year. 

#1: Ximending - the pedestrian shopping haven

One thing that attract me to visit Ximending for the second time is mainly for its historic Red House Theater which can be seen right after came out from the MRT Ximen station, Exit 1. Besides being a theater, it also serves as a small museum to showcase the memories of old movies and the history behind Ximending and Red Hous Theater. But the main reason behind I was there is because there are plenty of shops displaying creative and fashionable items and products by the young and talented local artists. This is my favourite place to hunt for vintage items and I went twice eventually throughout my trip. Because we were there on the weekend, we're lucky to visit their weekend bazaar outside the Red House. 

#2: Red House Theater - MRT Ximen Station Exit 1

#3: Creative and fashionable items and products by the young and talented local artists

Ximending is filled with a long list street food and famous dishes - which one of them is Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle. This well-known traditional dish is always crowded with both local and foreign tourists and most of the times, the long queue is unavoidable by every visitors. But it won't take long until our turn to have piping hot bowl of so-called "mee sua" filled with pig intestines and thick gravy. Unfortunately for me, I found it to be so-so only - reason why cause I don't enjoy myself eating intestines at all. Kinda gross, man!

#4: Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle - Taiwanese flour rice noodles filled with pig intestines

Serve in two sizes - Small (NT$50) and large (NT$65)

How To Get To Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle: MRT Ximen Station - Exit 6. From there, walk down to Emei Street which takes about two minutes or less from the station. 

2) Beitou (北投)

Situated in northern district of Taipei city, Beitou is notable for being one of the largest concentrations of hot springs and spas in the world. This is an ideal getaway from the bustle and hustle of big city and soaking yourself in a natural hot spring. One can either make it for a day trip, or even overnight in the countless of hotels and resorts overlooking the Beitou Valley.

#5: Beitou's tourist attractions 

Besides soaking in the natural hot spring, generally there are plenty of things to do and see in Beitou - such as pay a visit at Beitou Hot Springs Museum and Ketagalan Culture Center, catch a glimpse of the beautiful settings of Beitou Public Library, or even hold your breath at Thermal Valley and etc.   

#6: Man Lai Hot Spring Ramen - popular spot for lunch and dinner

Must try: Miso Ramen with braised pork and hot spring eggs 

#7: Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley is the famous landmark sign of Beitou 

Brief info of Thermal Valley:

Admission is free and it opens on every Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Close on every Monday.  

#8: Beitou Public Library is being constructed to be an eco-friendly green building 

How To Get To Beitou: Take MRT heading to Beitou station. Get off and change train to Xin Beitou station. 

3) Tamsui Town 

From Xin Bei Tou, we moved on to Tamsui, a port town situated nearby the riverside. It took almost half an hour by train and by the time we arrived, we managed to witness the beautiful golden sunset. 

#9: Mesmerising golden sunset view in Tamsui town 

Initially our plan is to go the Fisherman's Wharf which requires to ride on the boat to cross over but due to time constraint, we decided to cancel our plan and focus on Tamsui Old Street instead. There are abundant of traditional food stalls and souvenir shops nestled along left and righ of these old streets which we really enjoyed with. Some shops even gave free sampling to the customers and what we got for ourselves here - Taiwanese local snacks and confectioneries such as the popular pineapple cakes, yam cake, sun cake and more. 

#10: Tamsui Old Street 

#11: Abundant of food stalls and souvenir shops in Tamshui area 

How To Get To Tamsui Old Street: MRT Tamsui. Exit the station and turn left, from there walk along the waterfront. The trip takes around 40 minutes from Taipei Main Station. 

4) Taipei 101

No introduction is needed for this popular iconic and landmark supertall skyscraper of Taiwan. Talking about Taiwan and majority one would instantly mention about Taipei 101. Designed to resemble the gigantic bamboo stalk, besides serving as a financial center, the base of the building houses multi-level of vibrant shopping mall, restaurants, food court and international high fashion boutique stores. Well of course, my friends and I were here not to shopping but to go up the observatory for the breathtaking panoramic view of Taipei city.  

#12: LOVE signboard that one is not allowed to be inside but I guess the security guard couldn't see me cause of my attire - super red from top to bottom 

Visitors are only allowed up to 86, 87 and 91 floors of the building. What amazed us is the incredibly fastest elevator whereby it took less than a minute from first floor directly up to 86th floor. 

#13: Breathtaking panoramic view of Taipei city


#14: Tuned mass damper to withstands the typhoon winds and earthquake tremors 


#15: Sending postcards from one of the tallest buildings

Admission Fee: NT$50

Opening Hours: 11.00 am to 9.30 pm daily

How To Get To Taipei 101: MRT Taipei City Hall Station or MRT Taipei 101 Station 

Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay, Vietnam (Sneak Peek)

Xin chào Vietnam!

Three years ago, I went Vietnam for the very first time and spent a week in Ho Chi Minh City alone. Although it was my maiden visit but this beautiful yet chaotic country was so fascinating and captivating, tremendously intrigued me to explore more. At that point of time, I always looking forward to visit the rest of Vietnam's cities such Danang, Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi.

Cut the long story short, I was lucky to grab the airfare to Hanoi last year within my limited budget from one of my favourite airlines, none other than AirAsia for as low as RM290 for return flight,. How could I ever resist this? One year passed in the blink of an eye and without realised here we are, landed in Hanoi, the capital city and second biggest city of Vietnam. 

#1: Red Huc Bridge of Hoen Kien Lake  

#2: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater 

Admission Fee: 60,000 dong for normal seat and 100,000 for VIP seat

Schedule: Daily at 3.00 pm, 4.10pm, 5.20 pm, 6.30 pm and 8.00 pm

Initially, our plan was to go Sapa which takes about 9 hours by train but we changed our last minute plan to Ninh Binh, which only took two and half hours by train instead. In Ninh Binh, we're given a choice to visit either Tam Coc or Trang An, and so we decided to choose the latter one which is renowned for boat cave exploration. 

#3: Travel on their local train is what I always want to experience and now I had accomplished it

By Train:
From Hanoi to Ninh Binh: 79,000 dong for airconditioned soft seats and schedule at 6 am, 9 am, 1.10 pm, 7.30 pm, 8.10 pm and 10.00 pm
From Ninh Binh to Hanoi: 68,000 dong for airconditioned soft seats and schedule at 1.06 pm, 2.30 am, 3.21 am, 9.56 am, 1.14 pm and 5.27 pm

The journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes about two and half hours. 

#4: Trang An is also known as "Inland Halong Bay"

Last but not least, Hanoi trip is incomplete without a visit to one of New Seven Natural Wonders of the world, Halong Bay. We even signed up for the two days one night package where we got to experience the amazing and spectacular overnight cruise. Trust me, it's way better than Star Cruises which I experienced early of this year.  

#5: Junk boat along the Halong Bay

#6: Papaya Cruise booked from Agoda. Thanks to Jeff Chuah for recommended this

Of course, every trip of mine couldn't avoid with all these non-stop fun-packed gastronomic delight.

#7: Banh Mi (the best baguette I ever had), Pho, fresh spring roll and legendary egg coffee 

Summary of My 6D5N Trip

Day 1: klia2 to Hanoi 

Day 2: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by train (US$12 for a single trip but it is advisable to purchase directly from train station as only charge 79,000 dong)

Day 3: Ninh Binh back to Hanoi (68,000 dong for one trip by train)

Day 4: Halong Bay cruise

Day 5: Back to Hanoi around 4.30 pm

Day 6: Goodbye Hanoi 

The exchange rate: US$1 = RM4.358 and 5,000 dong for RM1

We may not cover as many places as we want but still, travel independently is definitely way more fun than joining the organised tour operators. 

Taiwan (2013) Day 4: Jiufen (九份), An Old Charming Township

Date Visited: 29th November 2013

Located not far away from Taipei, Jiufen (九份) is no longer a strange name for most of the visitors. Once a prosperous gold mining town, now it has becomes one of the most favourite destination to visit in Taiwan. Jiufen radiates its own rustic charm and deserves for another remarkable visit. I went before but the trip was short, fast, rush and hurry - that's the downside of joining organised tour group. 

For this time around, I decided to stay overnight at one of Jiufen's bed and breakfast - Sunny Room. Check my previous post on Minshu (民宿)  I Stayed in Taiwan. 

#1: The theme of our room - Dark Chocolate 

#2: Unique designed bathroom 

#3: Free breakfast prepared by the host 

This bed and breakfast was absolutely fanstastic and amazing with all the bedrooms overlooking the lush green mountains and deep blue sea. The room was spacious and beautifully decorated but unfortunately, it is not located in the heart of Jiufen Old Street. It required to walk up and down of the countless staircases and extra caution needed at night due to minimal lighting.  

Since I missed quite a few things from my maiden visit, we went and wandered around this old charming town once we done with the breakfast. Jiufen is built on the mountainous area, hence there are plenty of cobblestone staircases to walk through. 

#4: Jiufen Old Street

#5: One of the things to see in Jiufen - This dark green colour Amei Teahouse used as a model for Ghibli's Spirited Away animated film

Besides the main old street, there are numerous small alleys and lanes boast with wide variety of souvenir shops, restaurants, cafe and tea houses. Food wise, there are few on the list that one should at least try when comes to Jiufen.  

1) Grandma Lai's Yuyuan (賴阿婆芋圓)

We actually didn't have any map with us but we were attracted for the drenched long queue instead. For a bowl of NT$40, each is served with the mixed of fresh handmade taro balls, sweet potato balls and green tea balls either in hot or cold serving.

2) A-Jou Peanut Ice Cream Roll

One is never enough. I had before but it's hard for me to resist this for the second time. Two scoops of taro ice-cream served on shaved peanut candy and celery wrapped in traditional spring roll has instantly became of one of my favourite food in Taiwan. 

3) Traditional Fish Balls 


I'm not sure which stall serve the best but this is one of food should try in Jiufen as I saw most of the stalls were almost fully occupied by visitors.

4) Grilled Sea Snails

Besides the above, one can consider to try for the Hakka Glutinous Rice Cake, wild board sausages and more. It's like non-stop food adventures all-day long in Jiufen. 

Cute natives and tribes fridge magnets - Each cost NT$50

How To Get To Jiufen (九份)
By Train

From Taipei Train Station, take the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) to purchase northbound train ticket to Ruifang Station (瑞芳) for NT$49 each way. After exit Ruifang Station, across the road and board on the Keelung Transit bus towards Jiufen and Jinguashi. 

By Bus

From MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing, Exit 1 and board on the Keelung bus route 1062 to Jinguashi, alight at Jiufen. 

Taiwan (2013) Day 3: To Shifen (十分) From Taichung

Date Visited: 28th November 2013

After spending three days two nights in Taichung, it's time to say goodbye and move forward to another destination, Shifen (十分) in Pingxi District. From Fengjia Business District, we took taxi to HSR Taichung Station and from there onwards, we took HSR train back to Taipei. Because we purchased the ticket directly from the counter instead of pre-booking, thus we unable to enjoy the early bird discount. The normal fare for a trip cost NT$765 and it takes less than an hour to reach Taipei station. 

#1: Breakfast at our favourite 24 hours convenience store, none other than 7-Eleven

Summary of How To Get To Shifen From Taichung

1. Take HSR from HSR Taichung Station to Taipei Station (Normal fare NT$765; less than an hour journey)

2. Upon reaching Taipei station, make way to Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) to purchase  northbound train ticket to Ruifang Station (瑞芳) for NT$49 each.

3. Then from Ruifang Station, purchase One Day Pass at NT$54 for unlimited rides along the Pingxi Branch Line or a single trip at NT$20. 

Pingxi Railway Route: Sandiaoling >>> Dahua >>> Shifen >>> Wanggu >>> Lingjiao >>> Pingxi >>> Jingtong. 

#2: Shifen Station 

Shifen is a quaint little town but rich in both culture and history. Besides being well-known for lighting up the sky lanterns, this old street is manicured with souvenir shops, grocery stores and restaurant on the both sides of the railway. It's my first ever trip here and I glad to make this trip far along together with my Boyfie to enjoy its nostalgic and relaxing ambiance. By travel independently, definitely both of us able to enjoy all these precious moment without any rush and hurry. 

So basically what did Boyfie and I do in Shifen  (十分) ?

1) Shifen Waterfall 

From Shifen Old Street, both of us walked for 15-20 minutes to Taiwan's broadest waterfall, Shifen Waterfall. It took us more than an hour for this visit, hence it is advisable to plan your trip well and check-out the next boarding train from the platform. 

Admission Fee: NT$100 for adult 

#3: Shifen Scenic Area

#4: The waterfall behind me

#5: The magnificent Shifen Waterfall with a total height of 20 meters and 40 meters in width

2) Walking on the railway track

It's illegal to walk on the railway track but not here along the Pingxi Railway Branch as the train only operates every hour. Therefore, grab this chance, ready your camera and take as many shots as you want. 

#6: Walking on the railway track 

#7: Random bridge we stumbled upon and I love this photo

3) Writing our wishing lists on the sky lantern and set into the sky 

Regardless whichever stores, these huge lanterns are selling at the standard cost; NT$150 for two colours and NT$250 for four different colours. Each colour symbolise different meaning; pink represents love and relationship, yellow represents study, white represents health and so on. Once we done with writing down our wishlists (I guess I was the only one writing in English), the seller helped us to lighten up the sky lantern and released up into the sky. Is it our wishes come true? Maybe some of you may not believe this but both Boyfie and I passed our professional paper with flying colours. 

#8: Write the wishlists and release it into the sky. The higher, the better

#9: Grab some of these cute miniature sky lanterns for souvenirs

4) Experience Jingan Suspension Bridge

Located right behind the Shifen Station, this famous Jingan Suspension Bridge connects Shifen and Nanshan Village. One fun fact about Nanshan Village is most of the houses include windows, doors and exterior walls are painted in blue colour. 

#10: Embrace yourself walking throught Jingan Suspension Bridge 

5) Enjoy the local snacks 

Although we couldn't found any restaurants to settle down for our dinner, we glad that these local snacks managed to satisfy our taste buds. It's not only cheap but scrumptious and delicious, especially the crispy and huge fried squids. I never been a fan of seafood but for this, I went back and bought for second time. 

#11: Cheap and delicious street food in Shifen 

My OOTD:
Blue bowler hat from Kyoto, Japan (RM9)
Red winter coat from Fengjia Night Market (RM90)
Pink sweater from Fengjia Night Market (RM20)
Blue jean from Uniqlo, Japan (RM30)

We spent almost three hours wandering around Shifen Old Street and I think this is the best ideal of time to enjoy all the above things we experienced through. From Shifen Station, we took train back and alighted at Ruifang Station. Instead of taking bus, we grab a taxi to Jiufen as we chosen to overnight there earlier. One single trip cost NT180. So, my next post is about Jiufen, once a prosperous gold mining town. 

[Credit To: Guide To Taipei, Travelking] 

Taiwan (2013) Day 2: Travel from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake (日月潭)

Date Visited: 27th November 2013

Rise and shine from Taichung. Cause we stayed in cheap minshu with no breakfast provided, thus we went and looked in the immediate vicinity. There were only few food stalls available and majority occupied by the young students seeing that Fengjia University is just somewhere around the corner. We joined them by having quick and light meals such as sandwiches and milk tea before started to kick off the day. 

What To Do in Taichung?

Generally, there are plenty of things to do and see in Taichung. You can engage a local driver for a day tour with a standard charge of NT$3,000 (approx. to RM400) for a maximum of 4 people per vehicle. Most recommended places to visit are:

• Lavender Cottage (Admission Fee: NT$200)
• Rainbow Village 
• Carton King Creativity Park (Admission Fee: NT$200)
• Swiss Garden (Admission Fee: NT$120)
• Cingjing Farm

But then, we decided not to engage any local driver but travel by our own instead for a day trip to Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County. Sun Moon Lake is largest lake in Taiwan and became one of the most popular tourist attractions among both local and foreign visitors. The journey from Taichung Train Station to Sun Moon Lakes takes about two hours by taking Nan Tou Bus. Hence, plan your journey earlier.

#1: Taichung Railway Station from far away 

From Fengjia Business District of where we were staying, we took public bus to Taichung Railway Station. Honestly to say, I couldn't remember which bus I took cause I literally couldn't read any Chinese words. So with the help of Boyfie and his friend asking the local, we took the right bus and thanks to the the friendly bus driver too, for showing us the way to the station. Just when I thought we could purchase the Sun Moon Lake Day pass from the railway itself, they said we have to walk for another 10-15 minutes to the bus company's ticketing office. Only then to find out that the pass can be bought at HSR Taichung Station, not Taichung Railway station. There's a different, you see.  

#2: The bus company's ticketing office located at Section 1 Shungshi Road 

We bought the Sun Moon Lake Pass of NT$990 which include the return shuttle service, boat trip, ropeway round trip and entrance to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Check out for more about Sun Moon Lake Pass here. 

Sun Moon Lake Shuttle Bus Timetable - here.

#3: After almost two hours of bus ride, we dropped of at Shuishe Visitor Center

#4: Luggage tags, fridge magnets, wooden postcards and fun stamping are available inside the Shuishe Visitor Center. 

#5: Using the Sun Moon Lake Day Pass, we took the boat ride to across to Ita Thao Pier 

#6: Enchanting red colour boat 

#7: Right after we arrived Ita Thao Lakeside, follow the signboard to the Ropeway Station  

#8: Ropeway or commonly known as Cable Car

#9: Right on time for performance at Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village

Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village is one spot whereby you can observe the Taiwanese traditional tribal lifestyle and aboriginal traditions. It's not only serve as a culture village but it is also an amusement park. As we arrived late, we can only enjoyed ourselves in the culture village. 

#10: Some part of the aboriginal heritage and lifestyles of Taiwan's nine main tribes 

#11: Indian Totem Poles

It's getting late and we agreed to make a move. From Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, we took the ropeway back to Ita Thao Pier. But before we took the boat ride return to Shiushe Visitor Center, I stumbled upon plenty of shops selling fukurou. Fukurou means owl in Japanese and I heart them so much. I even bought few back for home decoration. 

#12: Fukurou in Japan means luck and good fortune 

#13: And more fukuruo

#14: Act silly once in a while 

It took us almost a whole day to travel back and forth between Taichung and Sun Moon Lake. We were indeed tiring and exhausting but our day didn't stop there cause we made another second visit to our favourite market, Fengjia Night Market right after we got back from Sun Moon Lake. Frankly speaking, spending 3D2N in Taichung is completely insufficient.

Or perhaps, you could also plan your trip for a visit to this Wen Wu Temple, the biggest temple on the northern side of the lake.