Free Sample Taiwan Itinerary for Pinoys 2024 (5D/4N)
Taiwan is the closest country outside the Philippines. And the closer, the more accessible and cheaper flight tickets are! No wonder this little island country has been popular with Filipinos in recent years. With its vibrant night markets, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, this is a fantastic destination for travelers looking for an overseas getaway. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo journey, this free sample Taiwan itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to the country in 2024.
(note: this blog article is not sponsored)
Day 1: Arrival, National Palace Museum, and Shilin Night Market
Morning:
- Arrival: Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
- Transfer to Taipei: Take the MRT from the airport to Taipei Main Station. Store your baggage in a station locker for convenience. The rate is around 60NTD-100NTD per 3 hours.
Late Morning:
- Explore Zhongzheng District: Start your day by exploring Zhongzheng District. Visit the Metro Gift Shop for souvenirs and stroll through Accessories Street for some unique finds.
Afternoon:
- Check-in at Hotel: Head to your hotel and check-in at 2 or 3 PM. Drop off your belongings and freshen up from a long trip.
- National Taiwan Museum: After checking in, ride the MRT to the National Taiwan Museum. Spend some time exploring the museum’s exhibits and join a guided tour around the area.
Evening:
- Dinner at Shilin Night Market: At 6:00 PM, make your way to Shilin Night Market by taking the train from the National Palace Museum. Sample a variety of local street foods and enjoy the vibrant night market atmosphere around Shilin.
- Return to Hostel: Around 8:00 PM, ride the train back to your hostel and rest.
Day 2: North Coast Full-Day Tour
Guided Activity/Tour: Embark on a day tour covering Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall. You can choose tours by Klook or KKday (note that tours should be scheduled ahead to book your slot).
- 8:00/9:30 AM: Meet at Taipei Main Station 1F (East Gate 3) for your tour and meet other tourists.
- Yehliu Geopark (1 hour 10 minutes): Marvel at the unique geological formations and the seaside air. Note that you need to buy a voucher or entrance ticket to the park as it’s usually excluded from the tour.
- Golden Waterfall and Yinyang Sea (20 minutes): You’ll stop by these destinations as your bus heads to Jiufen. For free!
- Jiufen (2 hours): Explore this charming old district, enjoy local snacks for lunch at various stalls, and shop for souvenirs. (Also grab some free sample snacks! They are everywhere).
- Shifen Waterfall (50 minutes): Visit the majestic Shifen Waterfall. Trail down to the base deck observatory to have a good look of the waterfalls.
- Shifen Old Street (1 hour): Experience the tradition of flying sky lanterns and there are also stalls to browse along the way.
- 6:30 PM: Return to Taipei Main Station 1F. Head back to your hotel to relax.
Day 3: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei Zoo, and Maokong Gondola
Morning:
- Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall: Depart from Taipei Main Station to visit this iconic landmark and explore the grand structure and its surrounding gardens.
Afternoon:
- Taipei Zoo: Travel from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall to MRT Taipei Zoo Station. Visit the zoo and don’t miss the Panda Conservatory!
- Maokong Gondola: After the zoo, ride the Maokong Gondola for stunning views of Taipei and the surrounding mountains.
Evening:
- Return to Hotel: Take the MRT back to your hotel. Enjoy a good rest.
Day 4: Taichung Tour
Taichung is known for its beautiful natural scenery. Here are two options you can choose to spend your day with:
Option 1: Classic Attractions & Gaomei Wetlands One-Day Tour
- Highlights: Rainbow Village, Zhongshe Flower Market, Gaomei Wetlands, Miyahara.
- Duration: 10 hours.
- Departure: From Taipei Main Station 1F (East Gate 3).
- Price: 2,531PHP (Klook tour).
Option 2: Taichung Wuling Farm Day Tour
- Highlights: Experience the beauty of Wuling Farm, which is ideal during spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for orange foliage.
- Duration: Full day.
- Departure: From Taipei Main Station 1F (East Gate 3).
- Price: 2,632PHP (Klook tour).
Evening:
- Return to Taipei: After your tour, return to Taipei for the night. If you still have the energy, you may browse and visit another night market!
Day 5: City Tour
Morning:
- Taipei 101: Check out of your hotel (early checkout) and store your baggage at the station. Visit Taipei 101. Get Klook ticket to have access to the 89th floor up to 101st floor observatory. There are also a lot of food shops down the ground level to eat lunch.
- Hike to Elephant Mountain: Hike for 20 minutes to Elephant Mountain for the best panoramic view of Taipei 101 and the city.
Afternoon:
- Return to Airport: Head back to Taoyuan International Airport for your return flight. Please ensure you have enough time for travel and airport check-in.
Additional Tips for Your Taiwan Adventure
- Travel Documents: Make sure your passport is valid and check visa requirements. Many Filipinos can enter Taiwan visa-free for short stays.
- Currency: Use New Taiwan Dollars (NTD). ATMs and currency exchange services are widely available. As for me, I used Gotyme Bank to withdraw from ATMs in the station, airport, and even 7/11.
- Language: Mandarin is the primary language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, but knowing a few phrases in Mandarin can be helpful but not necessary.
- Weather: In Taiwan, summer is generally warm and can be humid. Pack light, breathable clothing (Taiwanese people usually wear oversized shirts) and be prepared for occasional rain with an umbrella. Also, check the Windy app to see the weather forecast!
- Walk Walk Walk: Before going to Taiwan, make sure your body is conditioned to walk long distances. Taxis can be really expensive, and apart from trains and buses, you only navigate through the destinations by foot. So do cardio exercises before the trip and make sure you have Google Maps installed in your phone.
- Pocket Wifi: We rented a pocket wifi through Klook which we redeemed on their station at the arrival halls of Taoyuan Airport. It’s very convenient, affordable (173 php/day), unlimited, and strong internet connection anywhere! Click here to book ahead.
Enjoy your trip to Taiwan! With this itinerary, you’re set to experience the best of Taipei and beyond, creating memories that will last a lifetime, and a little stamp on your passport. Safe travels to you!
