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. 

Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市) of Taichung, Taiwan

Date Visited: 21st December 2010 
26th & 27th November 2013

11th March 2015

#1: Splendid and bustling Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)

Once is never enough. And this applies to Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市) in Taichung County which I went five years ago. With only an hour given by the organised travel agent to explore and venture this splendid and bustling night market, it was indeed short and rush visit. Couldn't enjoy as much as I want, hence I decided to go again for the second time. Turned out, I went back again for third times this year. Third time to Taiwan, third time to Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市). 

Night market in Taiwan is not mainly about shopping clothing, shoes, accessories and so on but what attract visitors to here is ultimately for street food hunting. Claimed to be the largest night market in Taiwan, there are wide selections of food and local snacks to enjoy in Fengjia Night Market. Most of the vendors start their business as early as 5 pm to as late as 1 am. Therefore when come to choosing where to stay in Taichung, I would prefer to stay nearby this market instead of nearby Taichung Railway Station.   

One thing about me when comes to travelling is I rarely have a list of what and where to eat. I just eat whatever it's cheap, hygiene and most importantly, it suits my taste. So most of the photos below are what Boyfie and I managed to try:

#2: The notable Bear Paw Bun. Taichung is where it's originated from. Worth to try 

#3: Naughty shape of waffle ice-cream. No, I didn't have this cause it's really awkward walking around with this 

#4: Huge scallops from Scallop Q stall. I know this is available in KL but not for KK yet. Thus, it worth for us to try here. There are like more than 10 flavours you can choose from. 

#5: Soft ice-cream - Second time I had in here

#6: Joined the long queue for this Fried Noodle Bun but it seems so-so. Probably it's best to eat while still hot.

#7: Prince Cheese Potato with topped with bacon, ham and corn. It's so sinful but satisfied my tummy to the fullest. Must try!

#8: Spicy Korean Fried Chicken - Another great bite but it would be better if boneless

#9: It's really huge and crowded especially on weekend

So, anyone of you been to this night market before? If yes, share with me what other kind of food must try in case I'm going back again for the forth time. 

From Taichung Station to Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)

There are few available mode of transportation to reach this biggest night market in Taichung but we chosen to take taxi which charge roughly around NT$250-350 depending on the meter. 

Alternatively, you can take free shuttle bus 160 towards Overseas Chinese University and stop at Feng Jia University if you are travelling with HSR train. Therefore, remember to keep the HSR train tickets for this exclusive privilege.  

Taiwan (2013) Day 1: From Taoyuan International Airport To Taichung

Date Visited: 26th November 2013

Five years ago, my family and I joined travel agent for our very first trip to Taiwan and honestly to say, it was awfully bad experience. It was last minute decision and plus, planning to travel independently may seems to be a little difficult for me cause there were not many travelogues relating to Taiwan back then. Therefore, I always looking forward to plan another trip to Taiwan and travel independently instead of following travel agent. And three years later, my mission has been accomplished with Boyfie and his best friend tagged along for this trip.

So far, there are only two airlines serve direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei, Taiwan; Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. Of course in terms of cost saving, we chosen AirAsia for this trip. 

#1: Aerial view from my favorite window seat

We booked the earliest flight at 7.10 am and three hours 15 minutes later, finally we reach Taoyuan International Airport. It's the main getaway to Taipei and Northern Taiwan. From Taoyuan, it takes roughly an hour to reach Taipei and accessible by wide variety of public transportation.

#2: 你好 Taiwan! I'm back again to this sweet potato shaped country and also the homeland of Asus & HTC after three years. 

In case your age is between 15-30 years old, go and apply Youth Travel card once came out from the arrival hall. The application is free of charge and all you need to do is show the valid identification, such as passport or even driving license. The benefit of getting this is whereby you enjoy the discounts and special gifts from certain popular tourist spots such as Taipei 101 and Shifen Waterfall, transport fee, accommodation fee, delicacy expense and shopping.

#3: Youth Travel card for those age between 15-30 years old

We decided go Taichung first instead of Taipei which we will be back by end of this trip.

There are two options available to travel from Taoyuan International Airport to Taichung:
1) Long distance bus - From as low as NT$240, this is the cheapest option but it takes 2 hours. From the airport, take either KuoKuang Bus 1860 or UBus 1623 and it will stop at Taichung Railway Station.
2) High Speed Railway (HSR) train - Fast as it takes less than 40 minutes but pricey which can cost up to NT$590 per ride.

We opted for the second option cause I love to experience on high speed railway train. Initially I thought it will be difficult for me to reserve HSR train via online but the reality, it wasn't. Through the online booking, you can get an early bird discount up to 35% from the normal ticket fare. Normally this online booking is available up to 28 days from the departure date. Credit card is required for the pre-booking and charge in New Taiwan dollars.

Website: www.thsrc.com.tw/irs.html

#4: Example of booking HSR train via online booking 

From Taoyuan International Airport to HSR Taoyuan Station

Right after getting out from the arrival hall, follow the signboard "Bus to High Speed Rail" and proceed to U-Bus counter to purchase ticket No. 705 which cost NT$30. Hop on the bus and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes to HSR Taoyuan Station. So in case you purchase HSR ticket in advanced via online booking, remember to plan your time properly or else in the case you miss the train time, you have to pay another additional charges.

#5: Bus to High Speed Rail sign

#6: Purchase U-Bus ticket bus No. 705 for NT$30 to HSR Taoyuan Station

In HSR Taoyuan Station, we queued at the HSR ticket counter for the exchange of HSR train ticket. All the passport are required for validation purposes and seats will be assigned.

#7: Our HSR train ticket from Taoyuan to Taichung


#8: HSR train resembles exactly like Japan's bullet train - So fast, quiet and comfort.

Brief info about Taiwan High Speed Railway (HSR) Train:

1. Each train is divided into two distinctive classes; Business & Standard Class.
2. The seats configuration for Standard Class is 3-2.
3. Food is allowed and there are also bento and beverages selling inside the train. So cool!

From Taichung Station to Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市)

In Taichung, I personally think it's best to stay either nearby Taichung Station or in the case you love night market like me, then I would recommend to stay nearby Fengjia Night Market. There are few available mode of transportation to reach this biggest night market in Taichung but we chosen to take taxi which charge roughly around NT$250-350 depending on the meter. 

Alternatively, you can take free shuttle bus 160 towards Overseas Chinese University and stop at Feng Jia University if you are travelling with HSR train. Therefore, remember to keep the HSR train tickets for this exclusive privilege.  

#9: Forget about staying in conventional hotel and experience like a local by staying in Taiwan minshu. My Blog on: Minshu I Stayed in Taiwan

I think I should stop here for now and continue with my favourite night market, Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市) on the next post. So stay tune for yummylicious photo!

My 2013 Year End Trip: Taiwan 台湾 (Sneak Peek)

I'd been to Taiwan before back in year 2010 but nothing beat the feelings of travel by our own or so-called DIY travel compare to travel with tour agency. Plus, another reason I choose to back Taiwan was because this is my birthday treat for my very best friend aka my Boyfie since he never been to Taiwan before. Besides both of us, Boyfie's best friend also tagged along for this trip and many unexpected surprised and shocking adventures happened along the way but for sure by the end of this trip, three of us indeed had a great time in Taiwan. "Whatever happened in Taiwan, stay in Taiwan!"

#1: 你好 Taiwan! I'm back again to this sweet potato shaped country and also the homeland of Asus & HTC after three years. 

#2: We started off our trip by taking high speed train to Taichung and the train resembles exactly like the Japan's bullet train - fast, quiet and comfort. Taiwan makes me miss Japan so much!

So far, I know there are three options to go Taichung from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport but we choose the fastest option which was taking the high speed train cause like Hilda Milda said, every minute is valuable.

#3: A visit to Taiwan is incomplete without visiting their night market and one of my favourite markets would be Fengjia Night Market in Taichung. We spend two nights in this market alone where for the first night, we spend more than 6 hours and by the second night, we wandered until midnight. Sounds so crazy, right?


#4: Sun Moon Lake for the second time and this time, took the ropeway to enjoy the whole scenic view.


#5: Went Shifen 十分 for the very first time just for this waterfall. Really worth it eventhough we walked more than 30 minutes just for the sake of this.

#6: Besides the waterfall, done the things I wanna do in Shifen 十分 - like walking on the railway as well as write wishes and release the lantern. Another mission accomplished!


#7: Been Jiufen 九份 but still love to return there just to search for this tea house which used as a model for Ghibli's Spirited Away animated film. No surprised to see so many Japanese tourists there for the same reason.


#8: The Red House Theater in Xi Men Ding - where you can find creative and fashionable ideas and products by the young and talented artists. My favourite place to hunt for vintage items and I went twice throughout my trip there.


#9: One of the recommended places to go in Taipei would be Beitou which is well-known to be one of the largest concentrations of hot springs and spas in the world. Apart for that, Beitou Public Library
is also notable as being constructed to be an eco-friendly green building.


#10: Damnshui, a port town to the northwest of Taipei for its mesmerising golden sunset view. 

#11: And for the final day, the birthday boy said wanna go up to this world famous skyscraper which also to be known as Taipei's well-known landmark, Taipei 101.

So, basically you can see that we skipped most of those historical places like museums, memorial halls, temples and so on cause we can spend roughly more than 5 hours in one particular place. Plus, I went most of them before during my maiden visit and thus, no point for me to do another visit, right?

#12: Last but not least, as for our accommodation, we stayed in guesthouse or hostel, which commonly known as minsu in Taiwan. Minsu is very popular in Taiwan and you must try to stay there at least once. It's cheaper, clean, convenient and even the room space is much more bigger if compare to the hotel - My Blog on: Minsu I Stayed in Taiwan

And with this, Taiwan wrapped up as my 10th and final trip for this year alone, unless out of of expectation, I have another trip to come...

"Travel to the places you really wanna go and see, not to follow other people footsteps. It's your trips anyway, you're travel for yourself, not for other people!"