As I pursued on exploring various countries and cities, my travels unveiled the beating heart of each metropolis. Amid bustling streets, verdant havens provide solace—a timeless narrative of culture, history, and urban-nature harmony. These are the parks and gardens found in modern and busy cities, providing refuge to the weary. Definitely, these green spaces aren’t …
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Taipei, Taiwan, a bustling metropolis of modernity and innovation, hides a secret oasis high in the verdant hills of Maokong. Zhinan Temple (指南宮), perched majestically amidst the emerald mountains, is a hidden gem that beckons travelers seeking a spiritual retreat and a connection with nature. A few years back, we embarked on a visit to …
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Exploring Southeast Asia always offers a sense of adventure, excitement and familiarity. My travels around the region provides a rich blend of first-time wonders and the ease of returning to enchanting cities. Truly, there are so many interesting things to see and places to explore around Southeast Asia. Stepping into a new destination is awe-inspiring, …
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When you think of Taiwan, your mind may conjure images of bustling Taipei or the scenic landscapes of Jiufen. However, nestled in the heart of this island nation is a city often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts – Taichung. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant art scene, and a penchant for all things colorful, …
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My second trip to Taiwan provided me with the opportunity to Maokong area in the Wenshan District of Taipei. It’s located on top of a mountain, so we had to take the Maokong Gondola to visit the place. Getting there To get to the gondola lift, we had to take the MRT from Ximen Station …
Visiting Taiwan, there are several choices on how to explore Taipei if you have limited time. The most convenient way, but a bit pricey, is to get a private tour. You can also go around Taipei by taxi, but there may be drivers who may not be able to communicate well in English. The cheapest …
My second trip to Taiwan was met with rainy days. Good thing that the sun shone brightly during our visit to the Zhongshe Flower Market or Chungshe Flower Garden. If my first trip to Taiwan brought me around Taipei and to New Taipei City in the north (READ: First-time in Taiwan), my recent trip gave …
If you are looking at the map and wondering where would be a good place for your next travel destination, it’s time you take a closer look at Taipei and put it in your must-visit list. With its urban vibe, colorful history, and surprising nature destinations, there are so many reasons to visit Taipei. I …
When one has a day job and has to take some time off to travel to some foreign destination, the journey is often scheduled near the weekends to make the most of it. That’s what I always do. Several times, I time my trips during the Holy Week when business in the Philippines are mostly …
Of all my Taiwan posts, I think this one on the Taipei street eats would be a lot interesting. Whenever I travel to a new place, I try to taste the local food, not just those in known fine-dining restaurants, but also those served in small eateries and along the streets. Our first few hours …
As soon as the sun was about to set, we rushed via MRT to Taipei 101 to see this popular Taiwan landmark transform from daytime to nighttime. The 508-meter, 101-story structure was the tallest in the world when it was inaugurated in 2004. Its reign ended in 2010 when it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa …
Our first order of business when we got to Taiwan was to see the panda. It’s not everyday that we see it as there are no pandas in the Philippines. I have seen it twice but I wanted to see it again. So off we went to the Taipei Zoo. It was easy to get …
Releasing wishes to the heavens through a sky lantern is a popular tradition in Asia. In fact, it has also slowly becoming a trending group event in the Philippines. In Taiwan, there is a Sky Lantern Festival and even when it is not the season for the festival, locals and tourists alike converge at the …
From the coastal area of Yehliu, Peter drove us upland towards Jiufen, located in a mountainous area of the Ruifang District, New Taipei City. Jiufen is a historic gold-mining town. The gold was said to have been discovered when a railway was being built in the vicinity. Prior to the gold rush, the village was …
There were mushrooms, candles, animals, profiles of a princess and a queen, a shoe, and so much more. These are the rock formations found in Yehliu Geopark, Taiwan. After our trip to Xiaoyoukeng and Qingtiangang of the Yangmingshan National Park, it was sort of a long drive going to Yehliu. I have dozed off to …