TAIWAN 2024
Thinking about solo traveling to Taiwan as a Filipina (or just a female traveler in general)? Girl, this is your sign! ✨
Taiwan is one of the easiest, most tourist-friendly places you can explore solo. The trains are smooth and cities are walkable. Most signs come with English translations, so getting around here is a breeze. And if you ever need help? The locals are sweet and often speak English too.
If you’ve been waiting for a little push—this is it. Book that flight, pack that bag, and go chase your main character moment. Taiwan is waiting! 💫
waiting for boarding—flight was at 8am
2-hour nap and then—tadaaa! Hi, Taipei!
Getting to Taipei from Taoyuan Airport was surprisingly easy. You just follow the signs to the Airport Express Line (the violet one). There’s a bit of walking from the arrival area, but I’d take that over an expensive cab—plus, it’s way faster anyway.
The train goes straight to Taipei Main Station, which is the heart of the city. And the ride takes about an hour, which was smooth, clean, and super easy.
Quick tip: if you’re planning to get an EasyCard (MRT card), check out 7-Eleven first! They usually have cuter, more fun card designs to choose from. You can also get one from Klook if you want to have it ready as soon as you land.
In my case, I skipped the EasyCard since I usually prefer using my cards when traveling abroad—but if you want a little souvenir too, then might as well get yourself one.
Ever stepped into a new place and instantly felt the air shift? Taiwan isn’t even that far from the Philippines, but the moment I got here, the air just felt…different. Not in a bad way—just noticeably distinct… like the place has its own rhythm, and the air is the first to greet you with it.
Here I am now, heading to my hotel in Ximending. I should have gone through Ximen Station, which is just one stop away, on a different line, from Taipei Main. But Google Maps said the hotel was only a 15-minute walk from Taipei Main Station.
Yeah… not quite. 😅
I guess it is what it is. Also, I’m still half-asleep, so I’ll treat this as a little warm-up walk to kick off the day.
Staying somewhere far from an MRT is a no-go for me. I’d rather stay in a mid-range place that’s accessible than a fancy hotel in the middle of nowhere. A convenience store nearby and a walkable MRT station could do it. Luckily, I scored with this one—just a short walk from Ximen Station, Exit 6. Pretty cool, considering I booked it the day before my flight—probably my most spontaneous trip ever as a type A traveler. 😅
First walk in Taipei, Taiwan! I ended up resting for a bit—like, 3 hours, haha. One of the many things I love about solo travel is the freedom with time. No strict itinerary, no pressure. I can chill whenever I feel like it.
And so I ended up wandering around Ximending, and look at this Hello Kitty-themed 7-Eleven! Literally everything inside was Hello Kitty-inspired. Such a cutie!
Little street moments around Taipei
Next stop: Taipei 101—for a quick coffee fix.
After warming up at Taipei 101 – Kaffa, I then headed to Raohe Market. It’s a bit far, but again, transportation here is so efficient that everything becomes accessible by train.
And here’s me in a skirt, freezing at 13°C. I must’ve underestimated the weather and totally forgot that I have an islander body. 😅
Wrapped up the day with Ay-Chung Rice Noodles