Category: Taiwan

  • Gardens and Green Escapes: Nature’s Beauty in 10 Cities

    Gardens and Green Escapes: Nature’s Beauty in 10 Cities

    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.…

  • Zhinan Temple: history and serenity at Taipei’s Lush Hills

    Zhinan Temple: history and serenity at Taipei’s Lush Hills

    Taipei, Taiwan, a bustling metropolis of modernity and innovation, hides a secret oasis high in the verdant hills of Maokong. Perched majestically amidst the emerald mountains is Zhinan Temple (指南宮). It is a hidden gem that beckons travelers seeking a spiritual retreat and a connection with nature. A few years…

  • Southeast Asia: experiencing the first-time thrills and exciting revisits

    Southeast Asia: experiencing the first-time thrills and exciting revisits

    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…

  • Taichung: Taiwan’s Hidden Gem of Culture and Color

    Taichung: Taiwan’s Hidden Gem of Culture and Color

    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…

  • First-time in the Maokong Gondola

    First-time in the Maokong Gondola

    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…

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Around Taipei to Enjoy the Sights

    Hop-On Hop-Off Around Taipei to Enjoy the Sights

    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…

  • First-time in Zhongshe Flower Market: A Garden of Colors

    First-time in Zhongshe Flower Market: A Garden of Colors

    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…

  • 10 Things To Enjoy in Taipei

    10 Things To Enjoy in Taipei

    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…

  • Traveling and Worshiping

    Traveling and Worshiping

    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…

  • Taipei Street Eats: A Journey Through Best Local Food Finds

    Taipei Street Eats: A Journey Through Best Local Food Finds

    Travel has always been about discovery, and for me, one of the best ways to understand a destination is through its food. While famous restaurants and carefully curated dining experiences have their charm, I often find the most memorable flavors in small eateries, neighborhood stalls, and street corners where locals…

  • Taipei 101 at Night and Din Tai Fung: Taiwan’s Iconic Landmark

    Taipei 101 at Night and Din Tai Fung: Taiwan’s Iconic Landmark

    Some cities become even more magical after sunset, and Taipei proved exactly that. As daylight slowly faded, my friends and I hurried aboard the MRT, eager to witness Taipei 101 transform from a towering daytime landmark into a glowing beacon that illuminated the city’s skyline. Although we had seen countless photographs of…

  • Taipei Zoo: A Journey to See Taiwan’s Beloved Giant Pandas

    Taipei Zoo: A Journey to See Taiwan’s Beloved Giant Pandas

    Whenever I visit a new destination, I always look for experiences that I cannot easily find back home. In Taiwan, that mission became crystal clear even before we unpacked our bags—we were going to see the giant pandas. So, our first adventure in Taiwan naturally led us to the famous Taipei…

  • A Magical Sky Lantern Experience in Shifen, Taiwan

    A Magical Sky Lantern Experience in Shifen, Taiwan

    Few travel experiences are as symbolic and unforgettable as watching your hopes and dreams float into the sky. While releasing sky lanterns has become increasingly popular in different parts of Asia—and has even started trending as a group activity in the Philippines—nothing compares to experiencing this tradition where it has…

  • Exploring Jiufen Old Street at Taiwan’s Mountain Village

    Exploring Jiufen Old Street at Taiwan’s Mountain Village

    Some places become even more magical when it rains. Jiufen, perched high on the mountains of New Taipei City, proved exactly that. After spending the morning exploring the fascinating rock formations of Yehliu, our guide, Peter, drove us through winding mountain roads toward one of Taiwan’s most iconic destinations. As…

  • Yehliu Geopark Taiwan: a Gallery of Living Rock Sculptures

    Yehliu Geopark Taiwan: a Gallery of Living Rock Sculptures

    Some places amaze you with towering buildings, while others captivate you with nature’s creativity. For me, Yehliu Geopark in Taiwan was one of those unforgettable destinations where imagination became just as important as sightseeing. Here, nature has spent thousands of years sculpting rocks into fascinating shapes that resemble mushrooms, candles, animals, shoes,…