After traveling around Taiwan for a week in April 2022, I returned in November 2022! I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to come back, and it finally happened. Although Taiwan is about the size of Central Java Province, it has many interesting places to visit. The best part is that most cities in Taiwan have beaches with a backdrop of mountains, making for stunning scenery. The weather is tropical, so it stays warm even in winter. And most importantly, the food is delicious and affordable! These are the reasons I love Taiwan.
This visit was more focused on culture, and I didn’t repeat any of my previous stops. I stayed in the capital, Taipei, and took day trips to places like Yingge, Jiufen, and Yilan. Public transportation is easy to access, whether by MRT, train, or bus. Here are my recommendations:
Taipei
Longshan Temple – One of the largest and oldest temples in Taiwan, Longshan Temple was built in 1738 by Chinese settlers. It’s very popular because it’s believed that prayers made here are likely to be answered. Interestingly, the busiest spot is the “Cupid God” area, where many young people pray for a partner!
Ximending – This is a cool outdoor shopping area with flashy lights. Known as the “Harajuku of Taipei,” Ximending’s pedestrian streets are lined with international and local brand stores, as well as Japan-themed shops. You’ll also find malls, restaurants, and cafes. My favorite is a local designer boutique called “Mana,” known for its asymmetrical clothing.
Christmasland – Every year from November 24 to January 1, the courtyard of New Taipei City Hall transforms into a winter wonderland with the tallest Christmas tree in Taiwan. The area is covered in Christmas lights, with music and animations projected onto buildings, a carousel, and a Christmas market. Even though only 4% of Taiwan’s population is Christian, Christmas is still a global celebration!
Yingge
Yingge is Taiwan’s ceramic production hub. On Yingge Old Street alone, there are more than 800 ceramic shops. If you’re a fan of ceramics, porcelain, or pottery, you might never want to leave! My favorite shop is “Shu’s Pottery” because of its beautiful designs, and you can even learn to make pottery there using a spinning wheel.
Jiufen
Jiufen Old Street – Jiufen was once an isolated village perched on a mountainside facing the Pacific Ocean until gold was discovered by the Japanese. Here, you’ll find a narrow cobblestone street that winds up and down. It’s lined with food stalls, restaurants, cafes, tea houses, and souvenir shops. I tried everything along the way, and my favorites were fried taro balls, meatballs, and peanut roll ice cream. By the way, Jiufen became very popular with Japanese tourists after the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.
Gold Museum – This museum isn’t just about displaying gold jewelry; it was once a gold mining site during the Japanese occupation in the 1940s. Shockingly, it was also a forced labor camp where many prisoners of war died due to mistreatment. The museum has dioramas and displays of the grim facts, but don’t be scared—the museum is open-air with stunning views surrounded by mountains, including Mount Keelung. The most interesting display is the world’s largest gold bar, weighing 220 kg, which you can touch!
Port of Keelung – From Jiufen, it’s best to head straight down to Keelung. Keelung was the landing site of the Spanish expedition to Formosa in the 17th century. Despite being a harbor city, it’s remarkably clean, even the water. The night market here is more traditional than those in Taipei. And definitely, you must try the seafood. I dined at a famous seafood restaurant on Chenggongyi Road, known for having the freshest sashimi in Taiwan. A plate of assorted sashimi costs only around IDR 90,000!
Yilan
Pinglin Tea Museum – Pinglin is known for producing Pouchong tea. The museum here showcases the history and culture of tea in Taiwan, including tea leaves, machines, production companies, and export maps. My favorite part was the packaging section, where they displayed some traditional Indonesian tea! It made me proud!
Lanyang Museum – This museum, with its tilted building, was designed by renowned Taiwanese architect Kris Yao, inspired by the cliffs around Biguan Beach. Inside, you’ll find everything about the history and natural riches of the Yilan region, spread across four levels, from “Ocean Level” to “Mountain Level.” The architecture, interior design, and displays are top-notch!
Waiao Beach – This wide, sandy beach with decent waves is a popular surfing spot in Taiwan, usually filled with shirtless expats. Unfortunately, it was pouring rain when I visited, so the beach was empty. I ended up hanging out at a trendy café called “No. 9 Café at the Beach,” gazing at Turtle Island in the distance. The island is aptly named because it resembles a turtle.
Tangweigou Hot Spring Park – This park is home to a natural hot spring that flows through a lush garden. Impressively, there are small pools where anyone can soak their feet for free! If you want to soak your whole body, you’ll need to visit the indoor hot spring bathhouse, which is made of wood. The ticket is cheap, only about IDR 36,000. Of course, I tried it out, and it turns out it’s like an onsen in Japan where you have to be completely naked! There’s no mixed-gender option, but I was quite shocked to find that the Taiwanese women all had long hair.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s #TimeForTaiwan!