Summary of My 7D6N Taipei & Taichung, Taiwan (2013) Travelogues & Travel Expenses

Here is the compilation for all the posts relating to my trip to Taiwan back in year 2013 where we cover Taipei & Taichung within 7 days and 6 nights. Plus, by end of this post, I also share on how much I spent throughout my trip.

Day 1: 26th November 2013

From Taoyuan International Airport to Taichung 

How To Get To Taichung from Taoyuan International Airport: 

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.

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.

How To Get To Fengjia Night Market From HSR Taichung Station
If you are travelling with High Speed Rail (HSR), remember to retain the ticket with you cause you can take free shuttle bus 160 towards Overseas Chinese University and stop at Feng Jia University. Alternatively, take taxi which charge roughly around NT$250-350 depending on traffic condition.  



Day 2: 27th November 2013
A Day Trip to Sun Moon Lake From Taichung 
Get to the bus company's ticketing office at Section 1 Shungshi Road. From there, 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.



Day 3: 28th November 2013
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. 

Stay: Sunny Room, Jiufen

Day 4: 29th November 2013
Jiufen (九份), An Old Charming Township
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

Back to Taipei and Stay At Fox House Hostel Taipei


Day 5: 30th November 2013
Beitou
How To Get There: Take MRT heading to Beitou Station. Get off and change train to to Xin Beitou Station.  


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


Day 6: 1st December 2013
Taipei 101
How To Get There: MRT Taipei City Hall Station or MRT Taipei 101 Station


Shilin Night Market
How To Get There: MRT Jiantan Station


Day 7: 2nd December 2013
From Taipei to Taoyuan International Airport 

Up to date, there is no MRT link between Taipei to Taoyuan yet but don't worry as there are few available means of transport to reach TPE from Taipei main city. Just to bear in mind that TPE is situated roughly around 40 minutes away from Taipei. Hence, one is strongly recommend to make a move to the airport at least 4 hours before the departure time. 

1) By Kuo Kang (國光) Bus 

The cheapest option to choose from - for as low as NT$125. The bus depart from Taipei West Station Terminal A in Taipei Main Station. However, the journey to airport takes almost an hour and if you are in hurry or like us whereby our flights were in the early morning, maybe this would not be the suitable option for you as the earliest bus is scheduled to be at 4.30 am. 

2) High Speed Rail
Although it didn't reach the airport directly, this is the fastest method to travel from Taipei Main Station to HSR Taoyuan which takes roughly around 19 to 22 minutes only and a single fare cost NT$160. The earliest train is scheduled to be at 6.30 am. Upon arriving HSR Taoyuan Station, take U-Bus ticket No. 705 directly to TPE (around 15-20 minutes, cost NT$30).

3) By Taxi

Expensive but an ideal option for those who need to catch flight in early morning and most importantly, hassle-free. The taxi fare cost around NT$650 to NT$1,000, depending on the traffic conditions. We opted for this option twice because both of our flights were scheduled in the morning, like I mentioned earlier.



And the following are the details of travel expenses breakdown for two paxes (both Boyfie and I) spent throughout 7 days and 6 nights covering both Taipei and Taichung of Taiwan, but excluding the amount we spent on shopping haul.

PARTICULARS	NOTE	AMOUNT
		NT$	RM
Air Fares KK-Taipei-KK via AirAsia Add: Luggage allowance (20kg) Add: Seat selection Accommodation Taichung Fengjia Minshu (2 nights) Sunny Room Jiufen (1 night) ● Deposit via Paypal ● Balance Fox House Hostel Taipei (3 nights) Transportation HSR Taoyuan to Taichung (NT$380) HSR Taichung to Taipei (NT$765) Taxi, bus, MRT, train Admission Fee Sun Moon Lake Pass (NT$990) Shifen Waterfall (NT$100) Taipei 101 (NT$500) Food & Beverages Food & Beverages Others Shifen Lantern 3G Data Prepaid Sim Card	1 2 3 3	- - -    1,800 1,000 1,600 4,900 - 1,530 2,600          1,980 200 1,000 5,250 200 750	792 150 60 203 110 180 554     84 173 294         224 23 113 592 23 85
		TOTAL:	3,660

(The exchange rate by the time I changed NT$100 = RM11.30)

NOTE:

1. Upfront fee of NT$1,000 is required to pay via Paypal and the balance paid upon check-in.
2. Pre-booking via online and we got to enjoy early bird discount up to 35%
3. If your age between 15-30 years, don't forget to apply Youth Travel card to enjoy special discount for certain tourist spots such as Taipei 101 and Shifen Waterfall.

Frankly speaking, I'm not sure whether RM1,830 for a pax is fairly cheap or not but initially, my budget for accommodation is RM100 per night and as for food and drinks, I locate the budget between RM80-100 per day but it seems like I managed to spend lesser that I planned. But the only one thing I never expected is the transportation fares in Taiwan could be slightly price than I thought. As I was travelled with Boyfie's friend, he preferred to take taxi more than bus and train. Plus by the end of our trip, the taxi fare cost NT$1,000 (roughly around RM113) from our minshu in Taipei city to Taoyuan. 

I found out an interesting post to share with my blog readers - How Can Malaysians Travel to Taiwan for 7 Days With Only RM1,800?

Taiwan (2013) Day 7: From Taipei to Taoyuan & My Taiwan Loots V.2

Our flight back to hometown was 9.50 am, which mean we have to be in the airport by 8 am, at least to avoid all those unforeseeable circumstances - long queues at the counter, clear immigration and security checkpoints. 

How To Get To Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) from Taipei City

Up to date, there is no MRT link between Taipei to Taoyuan yet but don't worry as there are few available means of transport to reach TPE from Taipei main city. Just to bear in mind that TPE is situated roughly around 40 minutes away from Taipei. Hence, one is strongly recommend to make a move to the airport at least 4 hours before the departure time. 

1) By Kuo Kang (國光) Bus 

The cheapest option to choose from - for as low as NT$125. The bus depart from Taipei West Station Terminal A in Taipei Main Station. However, the journey to airport takes almost an hour and if you are in hurry or like us whereby our flights were in the early morning, maybe this would not be the suitable option for you as the earliest bus is scheduled to be at 4.30 am. 

2) High Speed Rail
Although it didn't reach the airport directly, this is the fastest method to travel from Taipei Main Station to HSR Taoyuan which takes roughly around 19 to 22 minutes only and a single fare cost NT$160. The earliest train is scheduled to be at 6.30 am. Upon arriving HSR Taoyuan Station, take U-Bus ticket No. 705 directly to TPE (around 15-20 minutes, cost NT$30).

3) By Taxi

Expensive but an ideal option for those who need to catch flight in early morning and most importantly, hassle-free. The taxi fare cost around NT$650 to NT$1,000, depending on the traffic conditions. We opted for this option twice because both of our flights were scheduled in the morning, like I mentioned earlier.

#1: Christmas tree between 2010 and 2013

#2: Eva Air Hello Kitty kiosk 

I personally think Taoyuan International Airport is one of the most creative airports I ever visited. Look at the waiting lounge, they're so interesting and fascinating and each of them is decorated with different themes, such as E-library, Skyline and more. 

#3: Waiting lounges with different unique themes

#4: Hello Kitty is like everywhere in the airport 

Taiwan is an epic shopping destination and offers a great shopping experience. With numerous of night markets, which sell everything ranging from delicious local snacks to quality clothes, accessories and souvenirs, this is where I literally find anything I need in Taiwan at affordable prices with excellent quality. Below are my shopping loots from Taiwan:

#5: My shopping loots 

#6: Winter wear which mostly I bought from Fengjia Night Market, Taichung

#7: Can't help myself from buying all these fukurou (owls) 

#8: Waterproof bag

#9: Luggage tags - Got them from Fengjia Night Market, Jiufen Old Street & Red House Ximending

#10: Handphone casing from Fengjia Night Market, Taichung

#11: Facial masks from main drugstore chains - Cosmed and Watsons

#12: Socks and masks from various night market 

#13: Adventure time pencil box for my brothers - They love this cartoon 

#14: Camera straps from Red House Theater, Ximending 

#15: Pineapple cakes from Tamshui Old Street 

#16: My favourite unhealthy snacks - Pocky with so many flavours which can be found in Malaysia

One luggage bag is certainly not enough and by end of the trip, I had to buy a huge woven shopping bag to store all my clothes whereas my luggage was used to store all my souvenirs. This is what they define as guilty and sinful pleasures. 

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.