If there is a Country that can still be considered underrated in Asia, then it has to be Taiwan. I went in without any expectations, and I was truly blown away. And I’ve been recommending a visit to this country to everyone since then. 

I’m not a fan of cities, so I spent most of the 10 days exploring what Taiwan has to offer, beyond Taipei. 

Trip Details:

Places Covered: Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Kenting, Taitung, Hualien

Cost: INR 60,000 (excluding flight tickets)

Miscellaneous – 6%
Food – 21%
Stays- 40%
Transportation – 21%
Visa – 12%

Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan with an Indian passport?

Yes, Indian passport holders need a Visa to travel to Taiwan. There are 2 ways to get a visa for Taiwan: e-Visa and Sticker Visa.

How many days should I spend in Taiwan?

Many travellers spend 3-5 days in Taiwan. But, I’d suggest that you give a little more time to this beautiful island country. A minimum of 10 days would be sufficient to explore everything that this country has to offer.

How do I travel within Taiwan?

Public transport is excellent in Taiwan. I relied on their bus and train services for my entire trip and I am so glad that I did. They were clean, convenient and on-time. Since, the island is pretty small, the commute times are reasonable as well, so you don’t really have to worry about that. 

What is the currency of Taiwan? And how do I make payments?

The currency used in Taiwan is New Taiwan dollar which is equal to 2.64 INR at the time of publishing this blog. Cards are accepted in most places in Taiwan. However, you will need cash for street shopping and restaurants. You can withdraw directly from the ATMs using your forex free debit card like the ones from Fi or Niyo.

Should I get a Taiwanese sim card? How much does it cost?

An e-sim from Matrix or Airalo provider will be your best bet since Sim cards are generally expensive in Taiwan. Since I was travelling with my husband who is working in Taiwan, I could just rely on his phone for the internet and not buy a new sim.

Is Taiwan a safe country to travel to?

Yes, Taiwan is a very safe country to travel to. It ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, because of its low crime rates, excellent public infrastructure, and friendly locals. However, Taiwan is prone to typhoons and earthquakes, so it is important to check weather updates and plan your travel in the non-typhoon season. 

When is the best time to travel to Taiwan?

Absolutely avoid the typhoon season which is from July to September. In general, October-November or March-May would be great to visit with less crowds and pleasant weather.

If you want to experience the Festivals in Taiwan – 

• Lunar New Year (January/February) for cultural immersion
• Lantern Festival (late February/early March) for stunning light displays
• Dragon Boat Festival (May/June) for vibrant traditions

And now finally, the 10 day itinerary that I would recommend

Day 1: Exploring Northern Taiwan

You will mostly land in Taipei and for most people Taipei serves as a good base to explore most of the Country on day trips. However, I’d suggest venturing beyond and actually staying in some of the most picturesque towns and villages. While I couldn’t visit the places that I am recommending for the first day, you definitely should, since I have heard so much about these places from people who have been here.

• Jiufen: Famous for its nostalgic ambiance, the narrow streets in this town are lined with traditional tea houses and boutiques. Make sure to spend enough time here since the town is lit up in the evenings with charming lanterns giving the old-world architecture of this town a whole other vibe. P.S Don’t miss the beautiful A-Mei Tea House.
• Shifen: Known for its sky lanterns, Shifen’s Old Street is a bustling area where visitors write their wishes on colorful lanterns and release them into the sky. The experience is deeply rooted in local tradition and is also very instagrammable. The nearby Shifen Waterfall, often called Taiwan’s Niagara Falls, is also worth visiting.
• Yehliu Geopark: This geological wonder is famous for its unique rock formations sculpted by natural erosion. The most iconic is the Queen’s Head, a rock formation resembling a queen’s profile.

Day 2: Experiencing Taipei’s charm

• Beitou Hot Springs – We started our day at the famous Beitou Hot Springs. Known for its therapeutic waters, the area features various public baths and resorts. We did not expect this area to be as beautiful as it was. If you have time you could visit the Beitou Hot Springs Museum to learn about the history of the area before soaking in one of the many hot spring. There are both public and private pools, and you could choose one, depending on your budget.
• Longshan Temple – This is one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples, built in 1738. It’s a place where locals come to pray for health, love, and good fortune. When I visited, the scent of incense filled the air, and people were quietly making their wishes. Watching the rituals and feeling the peaceful energy made it a really special experience.
• Taipei 101 and Night Market- As the sun set we made our way to Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan. While we just chose to view it from outside, you could take the high-speed elevator to the observatory for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Later, we headed to the Shilin Night Market, a bustling hub of food stalls, shops, and entertainment. We tried some local delicacies like stinky tofu,  bubble tea, and scallion pancakes. We absolutely loved the Boba tea and the pancakes.
  
  You can also visit other places like National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Maokong Gondola, Ximending market if you have another day.

Day 3: Journey to Sun Moon Lake

The next morning, we boarded  a High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Taichung and then took a bus to Sun Moon Lake, which is a little town known for its scenic beauty. After reaching Sun Moon lake, we checked into our beautiful hotel, rented a scooter to drive around the little town. Most places in Taiwan will ask you for an IDP, to rent a vehicle.

• Wen-Wu Temple: Located on the northern shore of Sun Moon Lake, Wen-Wu Temple is dedicated to Confucius, the God of War, and the God of Literature. The temple’s intricate architecture and vibrant colors, set against the beautiful backdrop of the lake, make it a culturally significant site for people in Taiwan. The vibes and views here are both very peaceful.
• Ci-en Pagoda: Next we visited this seven-story pagoda that offers panoramic views of Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains. The climb to the top rewards you with breathtaking views, on a good day. Although when we visited the pagoda, the views were covered in thick fog. But the drive on our scooter up to this place was definitely worth it through the winding roads and lake view.
• Sun Moon Lake Boat Tour: If you have more time you can take a leisurely boat tour around the lake, or rent a cycle and cycle around the lake on those beautiful cycling tracks, which are known to be one of the best cycling tracks in the world.

Day 4: Exploring Alishan

This was the day I was most excited about. We left early in the morning by a bus to Alishan, a mountain range known for its forests, sunrise views, and a beautiful forest railway. It was our favorite place in the country.

Pro Tip: Do retain your bus ticket and get a discount on the entrance to the Alishan Forest area.

• Alishan Forest Recreation Area: This area is famous for its ancient trees, scenic walking trails, and beautiful weather. Walking through the forest made me feel like I was in a movie. The Sister Ponds and Giant Tree Trail were my favourite parts of the forest.
• The Sacred Tree Trail: This trail took us up to see some of the oldest trees in the Alishan area. There is also a Shenmu or Sacred Tree Train Station, which is a must visit. The little red train passing through the station, feels so much like Hogwarts Express

Day 5: The Famous Alishan Sunrise

• Sunrise at Chushan: If you are staying overnight in Alishan, this one is a must. Book the train ticket a day in the advance from the station and check with your hotel for the train departure time the next morning.  Our hotel woke us up with an alarm, as we boarded an early morning train to Chushan, which is known for its spectacular sunrise views. The train ride itself was an adventure, passing through dense forests and picturesque landscapes. While we did not get to see the famous sunrise in all its glory, because of bad weather, the early morning air did make me happy anyway.

After checking out, we left for Kenting. We took a bus to Chiayi, then a train to Kaohsiung, and finally a bus to Kenting. Once we checked into our room, and rested a bit, we left to enjoy a relaxing evening at Nanwan Beach (South Bay), known for its clear waters and golden sands. The calm evening was perfect for unwinding after a long day of travel.

Day 6: Discovering Kenting National Park

Kenting National Park, located at the southern tip of Taiwan, is famous for its vibrant marine life and stunning beaches. We had one full day here, and visited the following places.

• Sail Rock: This iconic natural formation stands proudly along the coast, resembling a ship’s sail caught in the wind. It’s a popular spot for photography, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and coastline. 
• Southernmost Point of Taiwan: Next we drove to this landmark, marking the southern tip of the island. It offers panoramic coastal views, and the dramatic feeling of standing at the edge of Taiwan made it a must visit destination.
• Longpan Park: This was the place with the best views of the coast line. Longpan Park is an ideal place for a picnic or long walk. The park features unique geological formations and provides excellent viewing points for watching the waves crash against the cliffs.
• Baisha Beach: Since it was really hot when we went, we took an afternoon nap and left for Baisha beach in the evening at around 4 PM. With its soft white sand and clear blue waters, Baisha Beach is a paradise for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. The calm waves make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and I had the best time here, testing my newly acquired floating skills. This beautiful beach is also one of the filming locations for “Life of Pi”.

Day 7: From Kenting to Taitung

Next morning we took a bus to Fangliao and then a train to reach Taitung. The train to Taitung, was one of the most scenic train routes we have seen, with the ocean and white sand beaches on one side. Do take a seat on the right side, to enjoy the stunning views. In Taitung, we rented a scooter, checked into the hotel and then left to explore the area. On the first day here we rode to Chishang, through lush rice paddies. 

Brown Boulevard – Then we headed towards Brown Boulevard, where one can rent bicycles, and cycle through the scenic rice fields, and stop at the famous Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree for a quick picture. This spot became famous after a famous Eva air advertisement was shot here. So, being a marketeer, it was definitely on my must visit list. We loved walking around the fields, while enjoying the absolutely beautiful views around us.

Day 8: Exploring Taitung’s Natural Beauty

Next day we decided to take it slow and visited the spots in and around Taitung.

• White Beach: This is a beach known for its powdery white sand and clear blue waters. It’s a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the serene beach environment. The beach was almost empty, and it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves.
• Dulan: Then we drove around looking for the vibrant town of Dulan,  which has a bohemian atmosphere, and is known for its artistic community and cultural events. We explored local cafes here, and had our lunch at a beautiful place overlooking the sea.
• Taitung Park: In the evening we left to take a stroll around Taitung and found this place. A large park with beautiful green spaces, a lake, and walking trails. It was perfect to unwind here after so many days of continuous travel.

Day 9: From Taitung to Hualien

Now, we were onto the last leg of our trip. We took a train to Hualien and then rented a scooter to explore the region. On the first day keep we kept it slightly relaxed, checked into the hotel and visited:

Qixingtan Beach: Known for its unique black pebbles and stunning ocean views. The beach is a peaceful spot, but while we were here it did rain, so it was hard for us to do much. You could explore the surrounding areas, enjoying the local scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Hualien offers a slower pace compared to Taipei and is a great place to unwind. We found a nice Indian restaurant and treated ourselves to some good Indian food, and made up for the weather.

Day 10: End the trip with Taroko Gorge

On the final day of the trip we explored Taroko Gorge, which is one of Taiwan’s most famous natural attractions. There are many one day tour buses that arrive here from Taipei, so ensure you try to reach before them to avoid the crowds.

• Eternal Spring Shrine: First stop was this beautiful shrine that is perched against a cliff and is dedicated to the memory of workers who died during the construction of the Central Cross-Island Highway. The setting offers stunning views and a very calm atmosphere. 
• Xiangde Temple – Next we visited this beautiful temple which is surrounded by mountains and looks like 9 lotuses. We did spend some time here, and embraced the stillness.

While we did not have enough time to go on hikes this day, you can find below some of the most recommended hikes in Taroko.

• Swallow Grotto: This trail is known for its dramatic cliffs and unique rock formations. It provided spectacular views of the gorge and the Liwu River below.
• Baiyang Waterfall Trail: A scenic hike leading to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is known for its lush vegetation and offers a refreshing walk.
• Shakadang Trail: A serene trail along a crystal-clear river, ideal for a leisurely walk amidst nature. The trail provides glimpses of the river’s vibrant blue waters and the lush forest.

Our 10-day journey through Taiwan was an unforgettable experience filled with diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and incredible memories. From the bustling streets of Taipei and the tranquil beauty of Sun Moon Lake to the stunning natural wonders of Taroko Gorge, Taiwan offers something for every traveler.

We hope this detailed itinerary inspires your own Taiwanese adventure. Safe travels and happy exploring!