AN EXCITING TRIP TO BALER

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 01

Ditumabo Falls

Balete Park

Hanging Bridge

Ermita Hill

Sabang Beach

Day 02

Quezon Memorial Park

Museo de Baler

Baler Park

Baler Church

Aurora Aragon Quezon

Pasalubong Center

Ditumabo Falls

Be mesmerized with the crystal-clear water as it flows among the boulders and rocks downstreams. It is 140 feet high surrounded by rugged mossy cliffs, shrubs, and vines making it a perfect place for picnics and nature tripping.

This attraction can be found in the province of San Luis. In fact, it takes roughly half an hour on foot to reach the site from the jump start area; on the other hand, for some it may be longer depending on your pace. Expect that the water is terribly cold, so it’s advisable to wear rashguard with long sleeves which may somehow make you warm after dipping.

Reminders:

* Do not wear any jewelries or accessories you think you don’t need during the visit.

* You can just leave your extra clothes in the car. There is a changing room or shower room near the parking area.

* You may bring your camera or mobile phones to capture this natural attraction. Just make sure that it’s properly protected or covered.

Balete Park

Balete Park was built as it preserves one of Asia’s most gigantic Balete tree also known as Millennial tree. Yeah, you heard it right. It is, in fact, 500 years old which stands as tall as 60 meters or like a 3-story house. The diameter of its trunk is approximately 6 meters which needs 60 people in order to embrace the entire tree. Fortunately, tourists can climb up among the sturdy vines up to 3 meters high to have a nicer camera shot.

According to the legend, many believe that Balete trees home mythical creatures such as gnomes, tikbalang (half human, half horse), white lady, kapre, and many more. Thus, whoever tries to distract or cut the tree, will face his misfortune with no known cause. Also, people are advised to pay respect on them by whispering and asking for permission before climbing up or entering the hollow part of this tree.

Apart from this huge attraction at the park, you can buy pasalubong here particularly the rice cake or ‘suman’ in Tagalog, specially-made here because of its organic brown rice.

Hanging Bridge

This bridge is located not too far from Zabali Road. It is made of steel cables and wooden flatporm spanning to a approximately 200 meters in length over the green moss Tibag-Sabang River in Baler. The river flows out to Baler Bay, south of Sabang Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

Ermita Hill

Ermita Hill is a 2-hectare plateau overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is believed that this elevated area used to be the refuge and temporary resettlement of more or less 6 families who only survived from a tsunami occurred in 1735. Later on, some pirates rummage the entire town and captured more than 400 villagers.

Tip:

* Visit some small cottages nestled by the cliff to have a panoramic view of Sabang Beach and the ocean.

* You may as well purchase your pasalubong here.

Sabang Beach

This place is a long shoreline of grey fine sand, a very famous spot for surfing and other water activities. It is highly condensed with variety of accommodation from inexpensive lodging inns to 3-4 stars hotels and resorts, sprawling bars and restaurants with their own attractions when dusk begins. Some of these quite amusing gimmicks include bands who can perform different genres of music.

Quezon Memorial Park

The park was made to commemorate the President Manuel L. Quezon. It has some attractions that you should not miss including a steel statue of the late president, a replica of the nipa hut where he was born, and a museum.

Museo de Baler

Aurora Aragon Quezon is the wife of the former Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon and the museum houses her family’s several important memorabilias and town’s cultural heritage. Everybody will surely enjoy this place because it’s fully-airconditioned.

Baler Park

A few feet from Quezon Memorial Park is Baler Park where most travelers/tourists came by and take some photos with the iconic huge signage and its 4 pillars behind it representing the 400-year momentous history of the province.

Reminder:

* To make the flow of the people more organized, please do cooperate to queue properly. There’s nothing wrong in showing a fraction of your discipline as the locals manage the people to line up to avoid the traffic on the road.

* You may give some tips to the locals as they assist you on taking better photos.  

Baler Church

This church had become the shelter of the 33 surviving Spanish soldiers for a year even though the Philippine Independence was already declared.  Finally, it was on June 2, 1899 when they marched out of the church and headed to Manila, ending the so-called Siege Baler. President Emilio Aguinaldo treated these survivors as friends instead of being prisoners.

Dona Aurora Aragon Quezon House

A few feet from Baler Church is a small nipa hut, the birth place of the late Dona Aurora Aragon-Quezon. She is the wife of President Manuel Quezon.

Tip:

Keep your ticket from Museo De Baler to have a free admission on this site.

Pasalubong Center
Your visit to any tourist destinations here in the Philippines won't be complete without visiting the local Pasalubong Center. The Pasalubong Center here in Baler is somewhat small compared to other provinces. The products sold outside are a bit cheaper than the ones inside the center.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DOG BITE

What you should do after a dog bite

Having a pet at home is not actually a problem. However, being bitten by either a cat or dog is somewhat traumatizing. Well, if you experience this unfortunate circumstance, the first thing you should do, might it be a simple scratch or small wound, is to wash it using clean water and soap for 10 minutes. After that, clean it with the antiseptic or alcohol. Also, you may use cotton with Povidone Iodine (Betadine) or sterile gauze to stop the bleeding. Then visit the nearest clinic or hospital, or animal bite center to report this incident. Only medical professional knows how to treat and prescribe medicine to people who experience animal bites. Thus, putting other things may aggravate the injury. 

Unfortunately, most privately-owned hospitals both Out-Patient Department (OPD) and emergency room (ER) are very costly. Imagine, anti-rabies and anti-tetanus vaccines range from a total of ten to twelve thousand pesos, not including the booster that must be taken 2 times after the initial injection. Each booster may cost from 2,000 to 2,500 pesos. Isn’t it more upsetting to see your hospital bill from an incident that you didn’t make.

Actually, I didn’t seek any medical attention from a private hospital or clinic after I had my first dog bite. And before I went to any medical institution, I asked advice from my friends who had the same experience as mine. And for those who have high anxiety like me because of that pricey vaccine, don’t lose hope. There is a way to avail this treatment without spending much. I was so glad to know that there is an institute that offers anti-rabies vaccine absolutely free and that is Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Experts say that you must receive your anti-rabies vaccine from the first day until the 12^th to 14^th day after the bite to avoid the lethal effects of spreading the virus in your body. Remember to observe the dog if there is unusual behaviour after the incident. And if you think there is, you have to report this to the doctor immediately for further observation.

Myths of Animal Bite’s Remedy

Here are the common mistakes that most people do after the animal bite.

1. Seeking medical help from herbalist or herb doctor (albularyo in Tagalog).

2. Using garlic and ‘batong buhay’ or the healing stone as first aid.

3. Wrapping the injury will alleviate the wound.

Avoiding these beliefs will prevent you from danger or further damage to your injury. Before visiting RITM, please read the following reminders and know the step-by-step procedure on how to avail its service.

The process takes almost four hours for the first injection. While the follow-up visit is only a couple of hours. You just need to bear the waiting if you want to avail this free vaccine. 
Today is August 24 and it has been two weeks now, but the injection sites are still swollen. At times, I can feel the pain every time I move my shoulders. Expect that each vaccine is usually injected on both of your arms.
   

New Patient

Patients who will receive the service for the first time.

1. Be at the area as early as 5 am. Only 100 patients are allocated for free anti-rabies vaccine. People come from various nearby cities and provinces, and you’ll be surprised how early they travel just to have a slot. In fact, I arrived in RITM at exactly 5am and I was number 15.

2. There will be no number given from 5am so try to remember the person ahead or behind you. On the other hand, around 6 am, the staff or the guard will provide the pink form to fill in and the patient number.  

Note: If you already have the orange form, you don’t need the pink form, just the patient number.

3. Wait until around 7am. The staff will call you according to number to queue to Information Counter to submit your personal data form.

Note: Patient ages below 19 years must be accompanied by an adult.

4. Then proceed to the other side of the Information Counter. Be seated and wait to be called for a brief interview. The encoder will check if you are the patient or not or if you already have the records with them. You have to check if your personal information shown on the screen is true and correct.

Note: Some patients are on queue. On the other hand, don’t let them see your personal information while the staff is encoding your data. (Data privacy)

5. Wait to receive a consent form for rabies immunization. This must be filled in by the patient.

Note: For minors, this form has to be signed by the adult companion. You may have your breakfast until the consultation starts. It usually starts at 8am and you have to be seated nearby the consultation room.

6. Proceed to the consultation room for vital signs and prescription.

7. After that, you may now go to the billing area and provide the prescription to the clerk. He/she will provide the billing statement or itemized report needed at the cashier.

8. After accepting the billing statement, you may now proceed to the cashier to pay for applicable fees. Please secure the official receipt. You will present it to the nurse for injection.

Note: If you are a new patient, you need to pay for the registration fee.

9. Finally, proceed to the Animal Bite Clinic and wait to be called for your vaccine.

Note: If you don’t have any anti-tetanus vaccine, the medical staff may include this in your vaccination. This has an applicable fee.

Old Patient

Patients who already have records or orange form given by the institute and was bitten again.

Please read the following steps for follow up patients.

1. Be at the Animal Bite Follow Up Area as early as 5 am. Once again, only 100 patients are allocated to avail free anti-rabies vaccine for both new and old patients.

2. There will be no number given from 5am so try to remember the person ahead or behind you. On the other hand, around 6 am, the staff or the guard will call the patients to proceed to triage. Present all the necessary forms.

Note: Pls. prepare your orange form, vaccination card, follow up schedule.

3. Wait until around 7am. The staff will call you according to number to queue to Information Counter to submit your pink form.

Note: Patient ages below 19 years must be accompanied by an adult.

4. After that, you may now go to the billing area and provide the prescription to the clerk. He/she will provide the billing statement or itemized report needed at the cashier.

5. After accepting the billing statement, you may now proceed to the cashier to pay for applicable fees. Please secure the official receipt. You will present it to the nurse for injection.

6. Finally, proceed to the Animal Bite Clinic and wait to be called for your vaccine.

7. Right after paying at the cashier, directly go to Animal Bite Clinic Follow Up Area. Give the official receipt to the staff and receive the patient number.

Note: You may have your breakfast before the vaccination starts.

8. At exactly 8am, the vaccination starts. Wait to be called.

9. After the vaccination, you have to give one form to the guard for clearance.

Follow-up vaccination is usually done twice, but of course you have to double-check this with your attending physician.

How to go to the Institute 

You can take a multicab in front of Festival Mall, a few steps from 711 and Alabang Fire Station. Before getting on the vehicle, you have to ask the driver if he will drop you off at RITM, The fare is only Php 10.

RITM Contact Number

Telephone No: 807-2631

TAIPEI’S DIY TRAVEL GUIDE – ITINERARY 03

As we tried to maximize our time in Taipei, sites to visit are hard to decide on because the weather didn’t cooperate well with us that time. We were left no choice but to put off our original plan and just stayed in our accommodation. Our day that time was not actually bad at all. I was able to interview 2 Hong Kong nationals at the lobby of Hey Bear and both of them were really conversant in English. I asked their advice on how to learn and how long to study Mandarin. It was such a productive day for all of us.

We were glad that we had a very nice weather the following day. This time, we made it sure  that we wouldn’t be wasting every single second we had that day and proceeded to our unaccomplished plan.

Attractions:

1. Yehliu Geopark

2. Pingxi District – Sky lantern

Sample Itinerary:

07:00 am -  Start your tour

08:00 am – Arrive in Tamsui MRT Station (the last station)

- Then take Tamsui Bus (Bus # 862) at the bus terminal, located a few meters from Tamsui MRT Station.

10:00 am – Arrive in Yehliu Bus Stop.

- Walk for a few minutes from Yehliu Bus Stop, crossing a fishing village all the way to the geopark.

12:00 pm – Back to the entrance.

- Have your lunch in the area.

02:00 pm – Start your journey to Pingxi District.

03:00 pm – Arrive in Pingxi old streets.

Wander around the area.

06:00 pm – Back to Taipei

01. Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu is almost a kilometer-long cape located at Wanli of New Taipei City. This geological park is numerous with rock formations in various forms or shapes mostly made of limestone. The rocks have gone through a fascinating constant marine erosion creating interesting formations nearby the shore such as candle, tofu, ginger, honeycomb, pot holes, queen’s head, elephant, fairy’s shoe and a marine bird. The park also highlights some attractions like the fossils in the rock bedding. 

In order to to preserve this natural attraction, some are the important reminders that you have to consider when visiting the park:

1. The rocks in the entire geopark are still in a constant marine evolution. Be sure not to touch nor damage any of these amazing creations of nature.

2. Activities such as swimming, fishing, wading, biking, climbing, touching, tagging of any kind or anything illegal is strictly prohibited under the law.

3. Do not litter anywhere in the park at all times.

Other Prohibitions within the Premises:

* Do not cross the red warning line to avoid the heavy wind and waves. In order to avoid danger, please stay alert anywhere from the park.

* Strictly no flying of drone.

* No smoking. A fine of more than 2,000 NTD or less than 10,000 NTD will be imposed to violators.

Time: 

08:00 am – 05:00 pm

Yehliu Nature Center

Sat, Sun

09:00 am – 12:00 pm

01:00 pm – 04:00 pm

Admission Fee:

Adult – 80 NTD

Group of people more than 30 – 20% discount

Courtesy Entry for Disabled – please show your ID

40 NTD for the following visitors:

1. Student (Taiwan only) – please show your ID

2. Senior Citizen (65 y/o and up / Taiwan only)

How to visit:  

1. Take MRT – RED line

2. Alight at Tamsui Station

3. Not too distant from the MRT station, you can see a small bus terminal.

4. Take Tamsui Bus (Bus # 862). It takes almost a couple of hours to reach your destination.

5. Get off at Yehliu Stop. Walk from there for a few minutes, crossing a small town along a coastline all the way to the park.

Tips:

- Do not attempt to visit the park at late noon. It closes at exactly 5 pm.

- You can have lunch at a small covered area with some food stalls inside located in front of the Yehliu Ocean World, a few feet away from the geopark. Or you can try seafood restaurants found along the way to the bus stop.

- Not too far from the bus stop, you can see or even smell the aroma from a restaurant that serves different crabs.

02. Pingxi – Sky Lantern

Pingxi District

Pingxi in Chinese language means “peaceful river.” But this peaceful place had come to an end in 1907 when coal was discovered there. Since then, it became a busy town and railroad was constructed for miners in search of wealth. The decline of Pingxi paved its way to be known as setting for some famous films or dramas and for railway enthusiasts these days. Locals and numerous tourists  flock to the old streets and fill the sky every night with people’s wish or hopes written on multicolored giant lanterns. It was such a surreal feeling to have witnessed these trains passing the old streets of Pingxi. It just reminded me of the trains in Philippine National Railroad (PNR) and the train terminal nearby my village where it used to be my playground with my elder brother every after school when we were young. What amazes me about this place is the lush greeneries seen in every single turn giving people a very calming scenery to indulge with. Not only that, you’ll surely enjoy the cool breeze coming from the river and mountain ranges that welcome you when you visit the place.

Have time to wander down the old street and try its traditional food, and enjoy the train tracks as you find best deals of souvenirs.

Sky Lanterns

The locals associate sky lanterns with the great Chinese Statesman named Zhuge Liang. He used lanterns to send military signals and disrupt celestial readings of Simayi, his enemy during the three different kingdom periods. They are also called as “Kongming Lanterns” because they resemble Zhuge’s headdress. Thus, when released and flown into the sky, they bring your wish to heaven and symbolize this stunning tradition that should be pass on.

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

The life in Pingxi during the mid 19^th century was peaceful and flourishing, but it was disrupted when an intrusion occurred in the village. This made the people pack their things and hide in the mountains. Then someone was sent back to the village to check if the intruders were gone. A sky lantern would be released to let the villagers know that it was safe to return. Because of this abominable circumstance, sky lanterns became a symbol of peace and wishes to heavens. This practice turned to Pingxi’s inadvertent custom among villagers. Nowadays, more than 10,000 people come together in the district to celebrate the Lantern Festival as the write their wishes and commemorate this fascinating tradition.

Time: Open until 5:00 pm, daily

Admission fee: Free

How to visit:

1. From Yehliu Geopark, you can take a cab directly  to Pingxi’s old streets for about 1000 NTD(you can share the fare)

Tips:

- The cab fare was originally 1400 NTD to Pingxi from Yehliu Geopark. Since there were few tourists who would like to visit Pingxi that time, the cab drivers lowered it to 1000 NTD. You can haggle for the taxi fare.

- Be there earlier because most of the stores start to close at 5 pm.

- Half day should be aloted to fully enjoy the entire place.

- Fly your lantern right after the sunset.

- Choose the color of Japanese paper where you will write your wish. Each color has specific meaning or symbol.

TAIPEI DIY TRAVEL GUIDE – ITINERARY 02

If you tried reading my previous article about Taipei’s DIY travel guide, you can sense that almost all attractions I mentioned have historical significance that molds what Taiwan is now. But this time, the itinerary I made will bring you to another level of adventure, a little bit farther from the city center of Taipei. 

Taking advantage of MRT service gives travellers less hassle even the proximity of most attractions are near to each other. Besides, touring around the city is not costly anymore because of MRT’s brilliant idea – Taipei Fun Pass. It has 5 different cards: 1 DAY, 2 DAY, 3 DAY, 5 DAY, and 7 DAY. Imagine, availing 1 DAY pass allows you to visit most sites I stated on the first itinerary for only 180 NTD compared to using one-time regular ticket or token which ranges from 20 to 40 NTD per ride. It’s very convenient and fast. It doesn’t only include the unlimited rides in MRT but also the buses (not including the bus with digits more than 4), and shuttles to selected tourist spots.

Once more, the cost of this one-day tour is very affordable. You just need to be patient of using the service of MRT and a lot of walking.

Sample Itinerary:

08:00 am -  Start your tour

08:45 am – Arrive in Maokong Gondola. Have fun at the site.

11:30 am – Back to MRT – Taipei Zoo Station

Then visit Tamsui Old Street.

Have lunch there.

Give your time for a stroll.

02:00 pm – Back to MRT to visit Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

02:30 pm – Stay at the site for 30 minutes.

03:00 pm – Back to MRT for Taipei 101

03:30 pm – Arrive in Taipei 101

05:30 pm – Walk to Elephant Mountain

07:00 pm – Visit Shilin Night Market
Free time

Attractions:

1. Maokong Gondola

2. Tamsui Old Street

3. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

4. Taipei 101

5. Elephant Mountain
6. Shilin Night Market

01. Maokong Gondola

Maokong Gondola is an automated mono cable system running in counter clockwise direction in a span of 4.3 kilometers. It operates on a speed of 3.5 miles per second and takes 20-30 minutes in one-way journey from Taipei Zoo all the way up to Maokong mountain ranges passing through the 6 stations (4 passenger stations and 2 angle stations), 47 towers, and 25 piers. Maokong Gondola has 2 types of cabin or cable car. The first one is the regular cabin which can accommodate 8 passengers or a total weight of 640 kg. If you want some thrill and a more adventure ride, another cabin that fits you is the Crystal cabin or as what they consider it as the eye of the Gondala. This type is good for only 5 passengers or a total weight of 400 kg.

The construction of this attraction started in November of 2005 and was launched on July 04, 2007. Since then, it has become another useful mode of transportation among locals and tourists.

To fully enjoy our ride in Maokong Gondola, we chose the Crystal cabin. We were in great awe to have a vivid view of Maokong and thrilled to see a few endemic birds flying over the thick lush trees of the mountain ranges and the landscape in different forms including the buildings from a far and vegetation. What stands out the most was the presence of the towering Taipei 101 that surprisingly showed up behind the mountains giving a picturesque background of the horizon. It was such an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime experience to have a glimpse of the entire city while up there. In addition to cable car ride, you can visit other attractions along the way such as the telescopic deck, Zhanghu walkway, Zhinan and Zhangshan temples, the potholes, the apricot grove, Camphor tree trail, and Tianliao Bridge.

Meanwhile, I suggest you to read the following important pointers before engaging to this tour.

* Passengers who have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed areas), acrophobia (fear of heights),and suffer from any cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or any medical conditions are not advisable to ride the gondola.

* Give priority to elderly or people with disability.

* Young children, senior citizen, or anyone who need to be accompanied should ride with at least 1 person to assist.

* Passengers with wheelchair (the size must not exceed to 140 cm x 70 cm x 170 cm) are allowed to ride but with extra caution. Remember to lock it to avoid accident caused by swaying of the cabin. Please follow the staff’s instruction when exiting. Furthermore, the gondola may slow down or stop to assist the boarding of passengers with wheelchair or disability.

* Smoking, drinking (except water), chewing gum or betel nut as well as littering and throwing anything out of the windows are not allowed at all times.

* Do not lean against or obstruct the door and interfere with the natural swaying when getting on and off the cabin.

* Passengers should queue accordingly as instructed by the staff. Anyone violating the laws or showing improper social conduct at the site will be handled by the authority.

* The service will be suspended temporarily due to the following circumstances: if wind gust reaches 16-18 miles per second and continues for more than 3 seconds; if there’s presence of lightning strike in any section of the route; and in the event of natural calamities like earthquake with Ritcher magnitude scale of 4 and typhoon. Certainly, passengers must follow instructions from the staff to disembark and may wait when the operation will resume.

Time:

Tue – Thur / 1^st Mon of the month: 09:00 am -  09:00 pm

Fri / the day before national holidays: 09:00 am – 10:00 pm

Sat / National holidays: 08:30 am – 10:00 pm

Sun / last day of national holidays: 08:30 am – 09:00 pm

Admission Fee: 120 NTD per person per way

How to visit:  

1. Take MRT – RED line

2. Alight at R11 – Zhongshan Station

3. Transfer to GREEN line via Zhongshan Route

4. Then get on at G14 – Zhongshan Station

5. Get off at G16 – Nanjiang E. Road Station

6. Transfer to BROWN line via Taipei Zoo Route

7. Ride on BR11 – Nanjiang E. Road Station

8. Alight at Taipei Zoo Station (the last station)

9. Then walk few meters from MRT – Taipei Zoo Station to reach Maokong Gondola’s 1^st station – Taipei Zoo Station.

Or

1. Take MRT – RED line

2. Alight at R10 – Taipei Main Station

3. Transfer to BLUE line via Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Route

4. Then get on at B12 – Taipei Main Station

5. Get off at BL15 – Zhongxiao Station

6. Transfer to BROWN line via Taipei Zoo Route

7. Ride on BR11 – Nanjiang E. Road Station

8. Alight at Taipei Zoo Station (the last station)

9. Then walk few meters from MRT – Taipei Zoo Station to reach Maokong Gondola’s 1^st station – Taipei Zoo Station.

Tips:

- Maokong Gondola only accepts payment for single journey. You have to alight when it reaches a terminal station such as Taipei Zoo Station or Maokong Station or vise versa. Then purchase another ticket if you wish to ride back to the station where you started your journey.

- You have to check the opening time during festival events or any unpleasant weather conditions.

- You can borrow an audio guide free of charge available at the Taipei Zoo Station. You just need to give a deposit amounting to 500 NTD. After, return the audio guide at any Gondola Station before the end of the service and receive the full refund.

Taipei Fun Pass card

The following are the options where you can enjoy this particular tour and avail some discounts. But whichever of these suits you, I’m pretty sure that you’ll enjoy the ride.

1. Use your Easycard to receive a discount worth 20 NTD when purchasing single-journey ticket. But this privilege is not available on holidays.

2. You can receive 10% discount if you avail their group ticket with 10 or more passengers or 20% discount for more than 40 passengers.

3. If you’ll ride on the cable car in Maokong Gondola, I suggest you to buy 1 DAY Taipei Fun Pass with Maokong Gondola for only 250 NTD instead of the regular 1 DAY pass. Actually, a regular 1 DAY Taipei Fun Pass is 180 NTD plus the round-trip Maokong Gondola’s ticket which is 240 NTD (120 NTD per person per way). You’ll save 170 NTD.

4. Or for a different experience, you can just buy the regular 1 DAY Taipei Fun Pass and a single-journey ticket for Maokong cable car. Then take a taxi down and back to MRT station and share the total fare of 420 NTD for 6 passengers (70 NTD per person).

02. Tamsui Old Street

Tamsui Old Street is a long area full of restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and food stalls. It is located along the riverfront of Tamsui, a perfect spot for a sunset view. Majority of the establishments usually start at noon until midnight where MRT is still open. You can, as well, stroll around the town and visit some attractions.

Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor

Time: Noon – midnight, daily

Admission fee: Free

How to visit:

1. Take MRT – RED line via Tamsui Route

2. Get off at R – Tamsui Station

Tips:

- Please visit the Tourism Center on the ground floor of MRT to ask for the map of the area. They frequently give it for free. 

03. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall was built in 1972 in memory of the founder of Modern China, Dr. Sun Yat Sen. The hall exhibits his life and accomplishments from Xinhai revolution during and after the fall of the Qing Dynasty. This structure is also used for many educational and social activities. Within the perimeter, you can enjoy the park which is named after him, a huge garden, and a lake or pond. Compared to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Park, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is quite fancy.

Photo courtesy of Dreamstime

Time: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm, daily

Admission fee: Free

How to visit:

1. Take MRT – BLUE line

2. Get off at BL17 – Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Station

04. Taipei 101

Taipei 101, formerly known as Taipei World Financial Center, was constructed in 1999 and used to be the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010 until Burj Khalifa surpassed its height. It’s still considered, however, the tallest green building in the world up to this date.

05. Elephant Mountain

Elephant Mountain, also known as Nangang District Hiking Trail and Nangshan, is located near Xinyi Shopping District and Taipei 101. For a greater view of the city and the towering building of Taipei 101, you can have a 20-min hike or a distance of 650 meters all the way to the summit.

Photo courtesy of English in Taiwan

Time:

Admission fee: Free

How to visit:

1. From Taipei 101, walk east on Xinyi Road for about 15 minutes to reach MRT – Xiangshan Station.

2. A few meters from Xiangshan Station, you can see the entrance of the park.

Or

1. Take MRT – RED line via Xiangshan Route

2. Get off at R02 -Xiangshan Station

3. Use Exit #2

4. From there, walk a few meters and you can see the entrance of the park.

Tips:

- The best time to hike the mountain is at late noon. By this time, you can witness the captivating view from daylight until sunset and night time, unless it’s somewhat cloudy.

- Avoid weekends. The trail will be relatively over-crowded during this time.

- Wear comfortable footwear for a less tiring hike.

- Bring your best camera with better night mode to capture clearer photos especially at night.

06. Shilin Night Market

One attraction you shouldn’t miss is the night markets in Taipei, and one of those is Shilin Night Market. It is considered the largest and famous among locals and tourists for street food and spectacular night life. This market is located in Shilin District, a few meters from MRT – Jiantan Station.

Be ready to fill your palate with different tastes of gastronomically appetizing local food using authentic Taiwanese flavors. Among the popular ones are the 1-foot long fried chicken steak, the mouth-watering fried oyster omelet, dumplings either steamed or fried, some grilled snacks with great choices like the cheesy oyster or prawn, giant squid, snail, and even sausages. And don’t forget to try the thirst-quenchers like the very popular bubble milk tea and healthy juices using freshly-squeezed tropical fruits such as watermelon, mango, melon, banana, and many more. After a stroll of extraordinary food adventure, let your feet lead you to the alleyways of great finds. You’ll never go home empty handed. 

This market doesn’t only fill your stomach with delectable food but also amuses you with some fun activities and exhilarating games. I’m sure, a night visit is not enough to entirely explore the place.

Time: 04:00 pm – midnight

Admission fee: Free

How to visit:

1. Take MRT – RED line

2. Get off at R15 – Jiantan Station

3. Use Exit #1

4. You can see the traffic light on the left side of the exit and some small food stalls  are just right next to it.

Tips:

- Remember, alight at Jiantan Station, not at Shilin Station. It takes half a kilometer from Shilin station to the market.

- Allot some budget if you wish to visit this night market. The price of the snacks starts from 80-120 NTD while the beverages range from 40-70 NTD depending on the flavor and the size of the cup.

- You’d better buy souvenirs here like ref magnet made of ceramic, rubber, or wood, key chain, cute bag tags, bottle opener, just to name a few. The trinkets here are less inexpensive than in any other night markets. To be honest, although most products in Taipei have high quality, but they are a bit pricey.

- Unfortunately, the vendors almost never give discounts; hence, your haggling skills are ineffective here.