Taiwan announced the extension of their VISA Free pass for Philippine-passport holders. That visa-free privilege for the nationals of the Philippines will continue for another year from August 1, 2019, through July 31, 2020.
Because of that news, we booked our plane tickets otherwise we could have visited other visa-free Asian countries first. We stayed in Taiwan for 4 full days visiting Taipei, Chiayi and Taichung. We wanted to include Kaohsiung but because of our limited time, we opted to cut it off from the trip.
Planning wasn't easy because we only have less than one and a half month to prepare. We bought our tickets first week of August and the trip was for the month after - September 5 to 10. A lot of research happened. As much as possible the goal was to prepare everything for a smooth travel.
Here are the preparation we made:
ACCOMMODATION:
We stayed at Fun Taipei at Shilin Market but I highly suggest you to try even a night at a capsul hotel.
**Click the picture to book.
ACCOMMODATION:
Google Maps - My go to app in all my travels. A lot of times I just simply put my current location and the place I wanted to go to..and viola it gives me the instructions to use in going.
Google Translate - Taiwanese can hardly speak and understand English, so asking for help is always a struggle. This app help us translate what we wanted to say in Chinese and vice versa. Also, a lot of signage there are in Chinese but with the help of this app that problem was resolved. You just simply point your camera to the signage and they will translate it for you.
CHECK THE WEATHER:
Always check the weather. This helps us pack the right clothes and shoes to use on the trip.
Spring is from March to May.
Summer is from June to August. It is usually hot and humid.
Autumn is from September to November. The weather is cooler but still warm and sunny,
Winter is from December to February.
PRE-BOOKED TICKETS:
4G WiFi (TW Airport Pick Up) for Taiwan - Php 415 for 4 days ( a max of 4 device to connect on the router)
Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Shifen Shuttle Bus (with Golden Waterfall and Shifen Waterfall) - Php 975 each
3-Day THSR Tourist Pass - Php 3,074 each (This optional only. Recommended if you'll visit Taichung, Chiayi and Kaoshung)
You can use the Klook link below to book. Just type in the name of the deal.
Reminder:
There's a 7eleven in the airport, make sure to buy easy card to be used on their MTRs.
Or if you don't want, you can purchase a single journey pass every time you'll ride their MTR.
These are preparations we made prior to the trip. I hope this can also help you with your trip. Enjoy Taiwan!
Comments