 Some people out there may think that Taiwan and Thailand are the same country. However, one of these countries is clearly better than the other one. To help you understand why Taiwan is better than Thailand, we have laid out the key differences that you need to know here.
I have made Taiwan my permanent home for ten years, and Thailand is my favorite vacation spot in Asia which I have visited multiple times (you can check out our blog on Thailand here). Therefore I feel I am qualified to voice my opinion on this issue. To put it simply, Taiwan and Thailand are both great. Unfortunately, Thailand is much more popular as a tourist destination than Taiwan which is often overshadowed. That is why I have made this blog to show how Taiwan is better than Thailand, to try to convince someone to come to Taiwan instead of Thailand. Table of Contents
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 The National Taiwan Science Education Center in Shilin District of Taipei is the best place to learn science hands-on in Taipei. The center offers permanent exhibits on life sciences, natural sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and earth sciences, alongside special exhibitions. There is also a glass bridge on the top floor, a bike trapeze ride, an earthquake simulator, and DIY activities. There are also a number of restaurants inside. Overall it is a fun and educational journey for the whole family.
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In 2003, a new facility in Shilin was completed, with 11 floors above ground and 3 underground levels, officially opening to the public in 2004. In 2016, it began collaborating with surrounding institutions to form the Taipei Science and Art Park. The center offers permanent exhibits on life sciences, natural sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and earth sciences, alongside special exhibitions. It also hosts science fairs and educational programs for students, aiming to promote lifelong science education. The center is also involved in environmental education and received recognition as an environmental education facility in 2012. It is a popular area for tourists and schools on both weekends and weekdays. Hours:Closed on Mondays, except on public holidays Weekdays 9:00~17:00 Weekends 9:00~18:00 Bike Trapeze: Closed for one hour at noon, open until 4:00 PM Earthquake ride: Open until 4:10 PM Price:100 NT per person. You can buy tickets for a discount on Klook here. Trapeze Bike Ride: 80 NT per person Theater: 150 NT per person Other exhibitions: Depends Where to stay:We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Activities in Taipei:There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there:By Car/Scooter: From Taipei, take Chengde Road North to Shilin and keep going until it becomes Provincial Highway 2A. The museum will be on your right, hard to miss. There is free scooter parking on the street and paid car parking underground, but it can fill up quickly. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By MRT/Bus: Take the red line MRT to Jiantan Station, then take bus 288 north to the Taipei Science Museum. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map:Please see below to see:  Katz (or Kazi) Popsmile Popcorn Tourist Factory 卡滋爆米花觀光工廠 is the only tourist popcorn factory in Asia, and offers DIY tours in Bali District of New Taipei. Visitors are invited to try out many different popcorn flavors, make their own popcorn and DIY treats, and learn more about the history of popcorn making in Taiwan. Overall it is a fun adventure for the whole family.
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Historical Background: Kazi/Katz “Popsmile” Popcorn was established in November 2006 in a Taipei Cinema. The name “Kazi” comes from the sound of the delightful crunch of popcorn when chewed, and over the years, they’ve crafted dozens of flavors, expanding popcorn sales beyond just cinemas. Kazi has become Taiwan’s pioneering brand for multi-flavored popcorn, particularly popular through online group purchases. Kazzi has developed over 200 flavors, ranging from sweet to sour, spicy to salty, and now sells in over 40 countries worldwide. Their goal is to continue delivering surprising experiences to customers everywhere. The factory opened to tourists in about 2020 and can be busy on weekends and holidays. Hours: Roughly 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Price: 250 NT per person You can book tickets for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. The entrance ticket includes a voucher to purchase popcorn. Tour Schedule: Weekdays:
Where to stay: We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach. We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach. Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality accommodation selection in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taipei: There are many other activities available to enjoy nearby in Taipei such as – kayaking – canoeing – snorkeling – SUP / paddle boarding – water biking and more activities which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Take Provincial Highway 15 to Bali, then take a right on Guanhai Road. There is limited paid parking on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Tamsui? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus: Take the Shuttle bus Red No. 13 from Bali Old Street or Guandu MRT station (about 20 minutes). The bus stop is called Reiron Park 雷朗園區. You can also book a Taipei Sightseeing: Hop On, Hop Off Open Top Bus on TripAdvisor here. By Bicycle: Take the MRT to Tamsui, the take the ferry to Bali Old Street. From there you can rent a bicycle and ride 2KM over to the museum. Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see below to see: 
Orchid Island (not to be confused with the Fijian Island of the same name), known in the local Tao language as Ponso No Tao (Island of the people), and in Chinese as Lanyu (蘭嶼) is a secret indigenous people's paradise off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. It is different than any other place in Taiwan, and has the best preserved indigenous culture anywhere in the country. If Taiwan's best tourist activity is experiencing the culture of Taiwan's indigenous peoples, then Lanyu has the best tourist experience anywhere in Taiwan.
Background: History: Orchid Island became inhabited about 800 years ago by the Tao indigenous people (達悟族) (aka Yami people 雅美族, which is a name coined by the Japanese, but the native people prefer Tao), which are thought to have traveled from the Batanes Islands in the Philippines, which are a little less than 200 KM away, cut off by the Bashi Channel. However, Orchid Island is very different than the Philippines. Beginning in1644, some Dutch Sailors were sent to investigate the island, and some settled there among the natives. Because of this, the Island was known as Red Head Island (紅頭嶼) by the Chinese and the Japanese. After the Dutch were defeated in Taiwan, Lanyu was claimed but not controlled by the Qing Dynasty. The Japanese claimed the Island shortly after the Sino-Japanese War in 1895, but protected it as an "ethnological research site" and forbid outsiders from entering. After the Republic of China took over Taiwan following the end of WWII, they continued to ban visitors to the island until 1967, after which tourists were allowed to enter and public schools were built there. Christian missionaries began preaching and living on the island starting in the 1950s, and now basically all native people on the island are Christian (mixed with traditional beliefs). However Christianity was introduced much earlier starting with the Dutch in the 1600s although to a lesser extent. In 1982 a nuclear waste storage plant was built on the south side of the Island without the islanders' consent, causing protests from the inhabitants. Also because of this, the Island inhabitants receive free electricity. The island is volcanic in nature, with the last major eruption being over 5 million years ago. The highest mountain is 552 meters (1,811 feet). Currently there are 2,400 people permanently living on the island, 90% of them being of native Tao descent. Tao Culture: The Tao people number about 2,000 living on Orchid Island, with about another 2,000 living on the Taiwan mainland. The Tao people rely on the sea for survival, and much of their traditions and lifestyle are centered on fishing. The Tao people are mostly Christian but also still practice many of their traditional beliefs. However their ancestral religion included a pantheon of Gods. Traditional roles for men are fishing while roles for women include harvesting taro and sweet potato and weaving. The men usually fish at night or early morning and rest on traditional wooden platforms during the day. Boats are made from planks of wood and are painted red, white, and black. The boat usually has human figures, waves, and the traditional sun image (red and black circles and sun rays) which is said to warn off evil spirits. Boats are considered sacred and the ultimate human creation. There is also a launching ceremony for new boats in which traditional clothes and headgear (such as silver helmets for men and wooden hats for women) are worn, pigs are slaughtered, and the boat is lifted into the air multiple times before being set in the water. Traditional clothes include loin cloths and vests for men, and aprons and vests for women. Young people on the street usually do not wear traditional dress. Flying Fish Festival: There are three basic seasons on Lanyu: one is the flying fish season when flying fish can be easily caught and used and lasts from February to May. The other seasons are from May to October and October to February, when flying fish cannot be caught for ceremonial use. There are many taboos during flying fish season which are discussed below. The Flying Fish Festival lasts from aboutMarch to October when flying fish are caught. During this time many ceremonies take place such as for the beginning of the festival, plentiful harvest, etc. During the festival, there are multiple migrations of flying fish species near Lanyu. There are many taboos during this time, especially when it comes to catching and eating flying fish which are the main life source of the Tao people. Weather and Climate: The island has a tropical rainforest climate, with average high temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees year round. The rainy months are in summer, especially due to Typhoons, but the most sunny days are also in summer (expect a lot of sun), and the most rainy days are in winter. Summer is the tourist season, but spring and fall are also popular times to visit. Winters are said to be dreary, cold, and have constant northeastern winds that can stop airplanes and ferries from departing to the island. When to go: The best time to go they say is around May when it is not too hot and there are no northeasterly winds or typhoons which can cancel your transportation to the island. Typhoon season lasts from around June to October. The busy season is during summer break from June to August, during which time it can be hard to book a hostel or airplane ticket. Winter is the less crowded season, but the water will be cold, there will be constant wind (which could cancel transportation), and it will rain more often. Taboos: General Taboos:
How to get there: By Plane: You can book discount air tickets from Taipei to Taitung on KKday here. The only planes to and from Orchid Island come from Taitung. Flight times: As of the time of this blog, there were six flights per day byDaily Air Corporation from about8 AM to 4 PM (Please note their website is only in Chinese). The flight from Taitung to Lanyu takes about 25 minutes. Please note that the aircraft are small and flights can be cancelled due to high winds or unfavorable weather. Costs: NT 1428 to Lanyu and NT 1360 from Lanyu. You can purchase plane tickets through a tour agency such as Klook or a similar website. By Boat: There are two places that offer ferry rides to Lanyu: Houbihu Harbor (恆春後壁湖漁港） in Pingtung and Fugang Harbor in Taitung (臺東富岡漁港). There are also two ferry companies that operate at both harbors. Both companies leave from both harbors at the same time and arrive at the same time for the same price (2300 NT per person round trip/1150 NT per single trip). Ferry Boat costs: 2300 NT per person round trip (1150 NT per single trip)from both Taitung and Pingtung. Both ferry companies have the same price. Ferry Boat Times: 7:30/7:00 AM departure, 9:30 AM arrival to Lanyu. 12:00/12:30 PM departure, 3:00 PM arrival to Lanyu. 9:30 AM departure from Lanyu, 11:30 arrival to Taitung or Pingtung. 3:00 PM departure from Lanyu, 5:00 PM arrival to Taitung or Pingtung. Both ferry companies depart and arrive at the same time to both locations. You can purchase ferryboat tickets for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. Getting around the island: Rent a scooter! The island is small so you should not need to rent a car. You can rent bicycles but you will not be able to travel as fast. You can also hire a driver to take you on tours. Ask your hostel for more rental information. They can help you book a rental in advance. Tours: You can book multiple tours and activities such as a Tribal Tour, Underground House Tour, day hiking, night hiking, snorkeling, scuba Diving, SUPing / Paddle Boarding, and Freediving. You can search for more tours through Klook here or KKday here. Scooter Rental: Price: expect 500 NT per day. You can book a scooter through Klook here or KKday here. Be sure to book your rental in advance, especially during summer weekends. Ask for help from your hostel owner if needed. I am 100% percent certain you do not need a Taiwan local license to rent scooters here, however they may ask for an international license (but I'm fairly sure they will let you rent without one). Helmet wearing is not enforced at all as you will quickly find, but it's still the law. Also be careful to not hit any goats because they wander as they please. There is only one gas station next to Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor. Car Rental: Price: expect 2000 NT per day. You can rent a car for Lanyu on KKday here. Bicycle Rental: Price: Bike rental is about 400 NT per day. You can rent a bike for Lanyu on KKday here. Accommodation: Booking accommodation on the island can be difficult in summer months and on weekends, when rooms can be fully booked for months in advance. There is a nice selection of rooms on Agoda. Here is a list of every registered hostel on the island, but it is in Chinese. My hostel required that I pay for my room in advance via bank wire transfer (this may not be an option if you are a foreign traveler, so make sure they accept credit cards if you do not have a Taiwan bank account). Expect to pay 2000 - 4000 NT per night for a standard double room on Lanyu. You can also book Wifi and SIM cards for Taiwan on Gigago here. Just to let you know, if you book using the links above, we get some commission at no cost to you, and you can help support our blog. You can click here to receive $5 USD on your first Klook purchase. Map: Please see below:  Nanjichang Night Market (南機場夜市) is a large night market area in Zhongzheng District of Taipei known for its variety of food stalls and local crowds. The night market sits far away from the MRT station, meaning that usually only locals will snack here and prices are generally cheaper. Popular foods here include meatballs, sesame flatbread, stinky tofu, and more. It is definitely an authentic Taipei night market experience.
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Historical Background: Nanjichang Night Market Market was first established on February 3, 1986. Its name originates from the fact that before the construction of Taipei Songshan Airport, this area was used as an airport during the Japanese era, hence the name “Nanjichang” (literally meaning Southern Airport). Later on during the ROC era, several public housing communities here for the families of the Republic of China military personnel were constructed over the former airstrip. Over time, due to the large number of people frequenting the area, a variety of food stalls gathered here, gradually developing into the bustling Nanjichang Night Market. Known for its affordable and reasonably priced food, Nanjichang Night Market mainly serves local residents instead of tourists. Most of the stalls here are independently operated, and most of the vendors sell food. Notable foods here include “ba-wan” (Taiwanese meatballs) which were featured on CNN, as well as the Michelin Guide recommendations for sesame flatbread, stinky tofu, spring rolls, and sesame oil chicken. Although it is called a “night market,” some vendors operate throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening. The night market is usually not too crowded even on weekends and holidays. Hours: Roughly 5 PM to 12 PM. Price: Free Where to stay: We have stayed at and recommend the Taipei Marriot (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Activities in Taipei: You can look for more activities in Taipei such as Rock Climbing, Surfing, Speedboat Surfing, Diving, Snorkeling, Cooking Class, Glamping, Motorcycling, and more on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: The night Market is between Xizang Road and Nanhao Road in Zhongzheng District. There is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus/MRT: From Taipei Main Station, you can take bus 249 right to the night market. The trip takes about 15 minutes. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below to see: Relocating to a new country is a thrilling but often overwhelming experience. One of the most challenging aspects of moving abroad is figuring out how to transport your belongings across the globe safely and efficiently. However, with the right moving solution, this process can be simplified and stress-free. A company has introduced a revolutionary service that makes international moves to Taiwan easier than ever—the MoveCube®. With this new offering, individuals and families can now ship their belongings to major Taiwanese cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Keelung. Whether you’re relocating for work, education, or personal reasons, the MoveCube® service provides an innovative and secure way to handle your move. It offers convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind, ensuring your belongings are transported efficiently and arrive safely in Taiwan.  Image source:https://pixabay.com/photos/cityscape-city-city-lights-evening-5543224/ The MoveCube®: A Smarter Way to Ship Your Belongings The MoveCube® is a unique shipping container designed specifically to make international moving simpler and more efficient. This secure wooden pod, which comes in three different sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—gives you enough space to move anything from small personal items to larger pieces of furniture and equipment. It’s perfect for those looking to send a few essential items or a full household. The design of the MoveCube® is compact enough to park outside your home, making the entire packing process as easy as possible. What truly sets the MoveCube® apart from other international shipping solutions is the level of control it provides. Unlike traditional moving services, where you often have to follow strict timelines and schedules, the MoveCube® allows you to pack your belongings at your own pace. You won’t have to rush through the packing process, giving you more time to make sure everything is properly wrapped and protected for the journey. To help with this, companies offer a free Starter Pack filled with essential packing materials, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. This ensures that your items are safely packed and secured for transit. Whether you're shipping fragile glassware, clothing, or large furniture pieces, these materials will help minimize the risk of damage. How the MoveCube® Works: A Simple Process The process of using the MoveCube® for your move to Taiwan is designed to be straightforward and convenient. First, you begin by getting a free instant quote from Seven Seas Worldwide, the quote helps you understand what to expect in terms of cost and gives you the ability to choose the appropriate size and number of MoveCubes® based on the volume of items you need to ship. Once you’ve received your quote and booked the service, the next step is to schedule a site inspection. During this inspection, a member of the team will assess how many MoveCubes® are required for your move. They will also deliver the free Starter Pack, which contains all the materials needed to begin packing your items. The packing process itself is flexible—you can take as much time as you need to fill the MoveCube® with your belongings. Once you’ve finished packing, the MoveCubes® will be collected and transported to the nearest depot for shipment to Taiwan. If you’ve ordered multiple MoveCubes®, each one may arrive on different days depending on availability. Once your belongings have arrived in Taiwan, you can schedule a convenient delivery to your new home. This makes the process easy with an online tracking tool, which allows you to track your MoveCube® every step of the way. This gives you peace of mind, knowing exactly where your belongings are and when to expect their arrival. The Advantages of Using the MoveCube® for Your Move to Taiwan There are several key advantages to choosing the MoveCube® for your international move to Taiwan. The versatility it provides is among the most significant. Unlike traditional moving companies that require you to follow a strict timeline, the MoveCube® allows you to pack your belongings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial if you have a busy schedule or if you’re moving on short notice. Another key benefit is the security of your belongings. The MoveCube® is made from durable wood and is designed to withstand the challenges of international shipping. This means that your items are well-protected throughout the journey, whether it’s by sea, air, or land. From fragile items like glassware to large, bulky furniture, the MoveCube® ensures that your possessions are safely packed and transported to Taiwan. The convenience of the service is also unmatched. With the MoveCube®, you don’t have to worry about renting a truck, finding a place to store your belongings, or coordinating a complex moving schedule. You’re in control of the packing and shipping process, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your relocation. In addition, they offer excellent customer service throughout the entire moving process. From the initial quote to the delivery of your items in Taiwan, the team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance. This ensures that you always have the support you need, no matter where you are in the moving process. Why Taiwan is an Ideal Destination for Expats and How the MoveCube® Can Help Taiwan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats, offering a unique blend of rich culture, modern infrastructure, and a high standard of living. Whether you’re moving to Taiwan for work, studies, or family reasons, the country has a lot to offer, including world-class healthcare, diverse food options, and a thriving business environment. For those planning to make the move to Taiwan, the MoveCube® is an excellent solution to ensure that the logistics of shipping personal belongings are taken care of efficiently. As Taiwan is an island with a dense population, the MoveCube® is the perfect solution for getting your things to the right place without the hassle of navigating complicated shipping methods. By choosing the MoveCube®, you eliminate the stress and uncertainty of traditional international moving methods. Whether you’re moving to Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, or Keelung, the MoveCube® service can accommodate your needs, allowing you to move to Taiwan on your own terms, with the added assurance that your belongings will arrive safely and securely.  Image source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-carrying-cardboard-boxes-in-living-room-4506270/ Seamless Moving to Taiwan with the MoveCube®
The MoveCube® offers a stress-free, reliable, and cost-effective solution for anyone moving to Taiwan. With its flexible packing process, secure transport, and excellent customer support, this service is ideal for expats, families, and individuals who want a straightforward and efficient moving experience. Starting your move is simple and can be done with just a few clicks. Get a free quote today and take the first step toward a smooth, hassle-free move to Taiwan. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or personal reasons, the MoveCube® offers a level of service that makes the entire process more manageable. By choosing the MoveCube®, you can rest easy knowing your belongings are in safe hands. Begin your move to Taiwan today and enjoy the convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind that come with this innovative shipping solution.  Willie’s Deli is an American-style deli and grocery store in Tianmu, Beitou District, Taipei City. The deli sells American-style beef and pork sandwiches, and the store often sells imported products from the USA and Europe that are much sought-after by foreigners in Taiwan. If you are missing products from the USA or Europe, then this store is definitely worth a stop.
Table of Contents Historical Background: Willie’s Deli has been in business since 1979 and has specialized in providing products for the expat community in Taipei. Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Closed Tuesdays Activities: Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here. Tours:You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here. You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou. Where to Stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Budget Hotels: We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT/Bus: Take the MRT to Zhishan MRT station. From there you can take the 616 bus to Sanyu Temple stop. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to Shipai Road and turn east until it turns into Tianmu Road. There is limited paid parking nearby. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see a map below:  The Museum of World Religions in Yonghe, New Taipei celebrates religious traditions and artifacts from all over the globe. It includes a permanent exhibit of world religions, as well as changing spiritual exhibits, which help to foster understanding among world cultures and religions. Overall it is a fun and educational journey for the whole family.
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The Museum of World Religions was established in 2001 by Buddhist Monk Hsin Tao (心道) and the Ling Jiou Mountain Buddhist Foundation in Gongliao District of New Taipei near Fulong. The Lingjiu monastery was started by a former ROC soldier who fought against the PRC in Burma during the 1960s. He then retired near Shuangxi and started this monastery. His religion is now international, has raised tons of money, and also owns two monasteries. The interior design and exhibition planning were led by the renowned U.S. design firm Ralph Appelbaum Associates, with Dr. Laurence Sullivan of Harvard University’s Center for the Study of World Religions spearheading the development of the religious exhibition content. Through its collections, exhibitions, activities, research, and publications, the museum aims to showcase the power and uniqueness of religions while fostering a shared understanding of world religions among visitors. Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM Closed on Mondays Price: 300 NT per person. You can buy tickets for a discount on Klook here or KKday here. Also, socks are required. If you do not have socks, you will need to buy some for some exhibits. Where to stay: We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Activities in Taipei: There are many activities available to enjoy in Taipei such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: From Taipei Main Station, take Chongqing South Road South to the Zhongzheng Bridge until it crosses into Yonghe, then continue onto Zhongshan Road and take a right. The museum is in the same building as the Beyond Plaza shopping mall. There is paid car parking underground, but it can fill up quickly. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By MRT/Bus: Take the yellow line MRT to Yongan Market Station. The Museum is about a 15-minute walk from the MRT station. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below to see: 
Guandu Wharf (關渡碼頭, aka Lingshan Temple) is a popular riverside area in Beitou District of Taipei. Along with a bike path with beautiful wildlife and river scenery, there is a ferry terminal and a small night market to check out. Nearby you can also check out Guandu Temple and Guandu Nature Preserve. It is definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Taipei.
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Historical Background: Guandu was originally known as Gantoumen 干豆門 (literally dried beans gate). Positioned with Guanyin Mountain and Datun Mountain behind it and facing the Tamsui River, it became a crucial port due to its strategic location. In the early days, settlers arrived in northern Taiwan through Guandu Wharf to establish their homes and cultivate the land, leading to the early development of the area. However, over time, sediment build-up at the mouths of the Keelung and Tamsui Rivers caused a decline in water transportation. Guandu Wharf sits adjacent to Guandu Nature Park and Guandu Temple. On holidays and in the evenings, visitors frequently stroll and relax around the wharf. It’s also a popular spot for cyclists, with many riding from Bali via the Guandu Bridge or from Tamsui to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's an ideal location for sightseeing. The Taipei Ferry Company started operations in 2003, but due to sedimentation, many ferry routes along the Tamsui and Keelung Rivers have been shut down. Since 2023, a small night market has been set up near the wharf. Price: Free Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM Tours: You can book a 2-hr Raohe Night Market Walking Private Tour with a Tour Guide, or Taipei at Night: Din Tai Fung Dinner & Raohe Street Night Market Guided Tour on KKday here, or Klook here . Where to stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Nangang Marriott (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here or Agoda here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. Ferry Routes:
How to get there: By Ferry: Please see the ferry routes above. Many ferry routes may close due to sedimentation. As of the time of writing, only the Tamsui to Fisherman's Wharf ferry was running on a daily basis. For the latest ferry information, please check the Ferry website here. By MRT: Take the MRT red line to Guandu Station. The wharf is about a ten minute walk to the west. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Car: If you travel there by car, there is lots of paid parking near the wharf. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Scooter: There is free parking next to the wharf. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy, and there are many bike paths nearby. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: 
Sulfur Valley (Liuhuang Valley) in Yangmingshan National Park is a large volcanic sulfur hot spring area with hiking trails, steam vents, sulfur deposits, and large natural hot springs. Sulfur Valley contains a trail that circles the area, and also has a free public spring to soak your feet in. It is a unique and interesting stop on the mountain and worth a visit on your trip to Yangmingshan.
Background: The area known as Yangmingshan now was formed by volcanoes about 700,000 years ago, forming many mountains about 1000 meters or less in northwestern Taiwan. The park still features active volcanoes, vents, and hot springs. The original name of the area was Caoshan (grass mountain 草山). During the Qing Dynasty, the area was used to harvest sulfur, and many of the hills were burned to help catch sulfur thieves. In 1927 during the Japanese era, Yangmingshan was made as the first national park in Taiwan, then known as Datunshan National Park Association. In 1950 after the ROC took Taiwan Chiang Kai-shek renamed the park after the philosopher Wang Yangming, and called the area Yangmingshan. In 1985, after resolving many land disputes, Yangmingshan National Park was officially designated as a national park in the ROC era. The hot springs at Beitou were first converted into hot spring resorts in 1894, and Beitou become a popular hot spring location during the Japanese era, and there are many hot spring hotels and baths that exist there today. Sulfur Valley is also the source of some of the hot spring water for Beitou Hot Springs. Hours: 24/7 Activities: You can book a rock climbing experience at Sulphur Valley on Klook here or KKday here. Tours: You can check out tours to Yangmingshan such as a One-day Yangmingshan NP Beitou Hot Spring Park and Tamsui Tour Package, Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour from Taipei, One Day Hike around Yangmingshan, or Private Yangmingshan Volcano Tour and more on TripAdvisor here, Klook here, or KKday here. Hotels in Taipei: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Budget Hotels: We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By Bus: From near Xinbeitou MRT station, take the S9 or S26 bus up the mountain to Mito Temple (Sulfur Valley) bus stop. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: From downtown Beitou, drive up Quanyuan Road until you reach the Sulfur Valley Parking lot, you can park there or on the side of the road. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan's landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan's many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. ​You can also book a Sunset Riverside Bike Ride and Historical Tour, 4 Hour Cycling in Taipei, Ultimate 8-Hour Cycling City Tour, or Taipei City Bike Tour with Night Market Experience on TripAdvisor here. Map: Please see below:  Penghu’s beaches could easily beat any beach on the main island of Taiwan. The water is clear, the sand is golden, and the weather is great. In this blog, we will share a list of the best beaches in Penghu, so you can more effectively spend your time on your next trip to this island paradise.
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Activities: Besides soaking in sun rays at the beach, there are many activities available in Penghu such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, massage, yachting, glamping, trampoline Water Sports, SUP / Paddle Boarding, kayaking, night fishing and more on Klook here or KKday here. Tours: There are many tours and activities available on the islands such as Island Hopping Tour, starlight Marine Ranch, seafood Barbeque, Sheraton Four Points Eatery, Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone, Jibei Sand Tail, and many more options on Klook here or KKday here. For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here. Where to Stay: We have stayed at and recommend Han’s Hostel which had great service and is right next to Shanshui Beach, the best beach in Penghu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here) a newly renovated homestay in downtown Magong with great service and great prices (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here. When to go to Penghu: The best time to go is Autumn. Spring is also a nice time to go, but there is a greater chance of spring showers during that time. The summers may be too hot, and winters too cold and windy. How to get there: By Plane: There are daily flights from Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports to Makung. the flight takes roughly under an hour. Rates can range from around 2200-6000 NT for a round trip. There are also flights to and from Chiayi, Tainan, Kinmen, and Chimei, with charted flights to Hong Kong starting September 2018. There are flights to and from Taipei Songshan Airport three times a day via Uni Air. You can book flights on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here. By Boat: There are daily ferries from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. A one-way trip takes about 4 hours from both locations. A one-way ferry from Kaohsiung costs about 900 NT for just a reclining seat, and a one-way ferry from Chiayi costs about 1000 NT. By Ferry: You can book ferry boat tickets from Chiayi on Klook here, or ferry boat tickets from Tainan on KKday here. Getting Around on the Islands: By Ferry Boat: The only way to get to smaller islands without airports is by ferry. You can check Klook here or KKday here for ferry tickets or buy them at the harbor. By Scooter: We recommend taking a scooter as the most efficient and convenient type of transport on the islands. However, most places require a local scooter license. You can rent a scooter for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car / taxi: A car is also sensible in Penghu because the main island is pretty spread out. You can rent a car for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus: a bus is possible on the main island, but it will be slower and more unpredictable. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see a map of the beaches we will cover in this blog below:  Shen Ao Railbike is a short bicycle ride on an old Railway line on the coast of Ruifang, New Taipei. Visitors are seated two people per bicycle car, which has a roof and great views of the ocean scenery nearby. Overall it is a fun adventure for the whole family.
Historical Background: Originally the Shen’ao Railway was constructed during the Japanese era in 1936 for transport of coal and other mine exports. After World War II, Taiwan Metal Mining Co. took over but ceased operations in 1962 due to financial difficulties. TRA built a new Shen’ao Line that opened in 1965 for freight, extending passenger services in 1967. Services ended again in 1989 due to the completion of the new oceanside highway and the closure of a coal power plant in the area, but the line was revived in 2014 to support the museum and related tourism activities. In 2019, a Railbike attraction was introduced between Badouzi and Shen’ao using the old railway tracks on a 1.3 KM long track. In 2024, services between the National Marine Science Museum and Badouzi were suspended for slope improvement works, expected to be completed by 2025. Hours:Roughly 9 AM to 5 PM. Price:150 NT per one-way trip per person 300 NT per round trip per person You can book tickets for a discount on KKday here. Schedule: Departure Times: Badouzi Station → Shen’ao Station09:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 Departure Times: Shen’ao Station → Badouzi Station09:30 10:30 11:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 For up-to-date times, please check the Shen’ao Railbike website here. Rules:
Where to stay: We recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). We have stayed at and recommend Gold Mountain Ranch, which is a horse ranch and glamping destination in Jinshan. You can book a night at Gold Mountain Ranch on Klook here. You can also check out our full blog on the ranch here. We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Activities in Taipei:At Shen’ao there are many activities available to enjoy such as kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, SUP / paddle boarding, water biking, and more activities which you can book on Klook here or KKday here. How to get there: By Car/Scooter: Drive to Keelung, then from downtown take provincial Highway 2 east about 10 KM until you reach the Badouzi Station, and there is some free parking parking across the street. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. Looking for scooter rental in northern Taiwan? You can search on Klook here or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Train/Bus: Take the TRA to Badouzi (八斗子） station, then walk about 200 M east until you reach the rail bike station. Book tickets via the normal train (TRA) on Klook here. You can purchase a discount easy card to use on the MRT and buses from Klook here or KKday here. You can also book an MRT travel pass on Klook here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. You can also book a cycling tour on TripAdvisor here. For more information, check out our Taiwan transportation guide here. Map: Please see below to see:  Beitou Park is a large park near Xinbeitou MRT Station with a hot spring river running through it. It is a nice place to enjoy natural scenery inside the bustling Beitou hot springs district. The park is also full of history, dating back to the Japanese area, and there are many interesting sites within the park.
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Historical Background: Beitou Park (aka New Beitou Park) was the third park established in Taipei City, following Yuanshan Park and 228 Peace Memorial Park, and was the first hot spring park in Taiwan, covering an area of approximately 3.98 hectares. During the Japanese era of Taiwan in 1901, the completion of the railway between Taipei and Tamsui led to a surge in visitors to Beitou. In 1911, Beitou Park was established and included features such as water channels, fountains, and public bathhouses. On June 17, 1913, Beitou Park officially opened, and the Beitou Hot Spring Public Bathhouse was constructed at that time. The bathhouse was managed by the public health office of the Taipei District and cost a total of 56,000 yen to build. Alongside the bathhouse, the surrounding environment was also improved. In April 1916, the New Beitou Line, a railway branch from Beitou Station, was completed to facilitate access to the hot springs. The park featured a circular plaza with planted trees, ponds, small bridges, fountains, and benches for visitors to rest. Around the park, hot spring inns, restaurants, clubs, and other entertainment facilities were established, making the park the core area of Beitou’s hot spring tourism. The fountain in front of the library was featured in the movie Turn Left, Turn Right as the meeting place of the film’s protagonists. Local residents later petitioned to revert the park’s name to “Beitou Park,” arguing that the longer name “Beitou Hot Spring Waterside Park” was too cumbersome. In 2020, Beitou Park and its surrounding landscape, including the children’s playground, were officially registered as a cultural landscape of Taipei City. Hours: 24/7 Activities: Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here. Tours: You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here. You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou. Where to Stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Budget Hotels: We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: Take the MRT to Xinbeitou MRT station. From there you can also take the S9 or S26 bus further up the mountain if needed. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to New Beitou MRT Station. Many of the hotels here provide free parking for guests. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see a list of places we will cover in the map below:  Penghu Great Bridge (aka Penghu Trans-Oceanic Bridge 澎湖跨海大橋) is one of the most iconic tourist spots in Penghu. Formerly it was the longest bridge in East Asia, and the longest in Taiwan. Currently it is the longest bridge in Penghu, but it is not the longest bridge in Taiwan. Nevertheless it is still a must-see spot in the Penghu Islands.
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Historical Background: Before the bridge was built, Siyu Island residents could only access the outside world by boat. During the Japanese occupation, a ferry port was established at Daguiye Fishing Harbor, providing regular trips to Makung Harbor. After World War II, this harbor remained a key transport hub. In the early 1960s, President Chiang Kai-shek, upon learning of the transportation difficulties between Magong and Siyu, directed the government to plan a cross-sea bridge. The first generation of the Penghu Great Bridge bridge began construction in March 1965, was completed and opened in December 1970. The first bridge was the largest in East Asia at the time, but severe corrosion and frequent maintenance prompted the construction of the second-generation bridge in 1984. The second generation began construction in July 1984, was completed and opened in March 1996, and remains in use today. The first-generation bridge was dismantled in October 1995. Costing NT$1.028 billion, this bridge measures 2,494 meters, making it the longest cross-ocean bridge in Taiwan at the time until the 5,400-meter Kinmen Bridge opened on October 30, 2022. With the increased accessibility and improved infrastructure, the bridge has also bolstered tourism, making the Penghu islands more accessible to both locals and visitors. Activities: Besides soaking in sun rays at the beach, there are many activities available in Penghu such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, massage, yachting, glamping, trampoline Water Sports, SUP / Paddle Boarding, kayaking, night fishing and more on Klook here or KKday here. Tours: There are many tours and activities available on the islands such as Island Hopping Tour, starlight Marine Ranch, seafood Barbeque, Sheraton Four Points Eatery, Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone, Jibei Sand Tail, and many more options on Klook here or KKday here. For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here. Where to Stay: We have stayed at and recommend Han’s Hostel which had great service and is right next to Shanshui Beach, the best beach in Penghu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here) a newly renovated homestay in downtown Magong with great service and great prices (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here. When to go to Penghu: The best time to go is Autumn. Spring is also a nice time to go, but there is a greater chance of spring showers during that time. The summers may be too hot, and winters too cold and windy. How to get there: By Plane: There are daily flights from Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports to Makung. the flight takes roughly under an hour. Rates can range from around 2200-6000 NT for a round trip. There are also flights to and from Chiayi, Tainan, Kinmen, and Chimei, with charted flights to Hong Kong starting September 2018. There are flights to and from Taipei Songshan Airport three times a day via Uni Air. You can book flights on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here. By Boat: There are daily ferries from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. A one-way trip takes about 4 hours from both locations. A one-way ferry from Kaohsiung costs about 900 NT for just a reclining seat, and a one-way ferry from Chiayi costs about 1000 NT. By Ferry: You can book ferry boat tickets from Chiayi on Klook here, or ferry boat tickets from Tainan on KKday here. Getting Around on the Islands: By Ferry Boat: The only way to get to smaller islands without airports is by ferry. You can check Klook here or KKday here for ferry tickets or buy them at the harbor. By Scooter: We recommend taking a scooter as the most efficient and convenient type of transport on the islands. However, most places require a local scooter license. You can rent a scooter for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car / taxi: A car is also sensible in Penghu because the main island is pretty spread out. You can rent a car for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus: a bus is possible on the main island, but it will be slower and more unpredictable. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see a map below:  The Ketagalan Culture Center is an exhibition hall located in the Beitou District of Taipei City. The museum promotes indigenous culture through various exhibitions and events and includes a library. The best part is admission is free. It is definitely worth a stop on your next trip to Beitou.
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Historical Background: The name “Beitou” is a transliteration from the Ketagalan language, meaning “witch.” Over 400 years ago, it was home to the Ketagalan people. To preserve and promote indigenous culture and art, the Ketagalan Culture Center, managed by the Taipei City Government’s Indigenous Affairs Commission, was newly built and opened in November 2002. The Ketagalan Culture Center was established in 2002. Originally built on top of the Beitou Shinto Shrine. is an exhibition hall located in the Beitou District of Taipei City, near Beitou Park. The Ketagalan people were the early plains indigenous inhabitants of the Taipei area. The center is named after them and serves as a venue for promoting indigenous culture in Taipei City. The first three floors showcase indigenous artifacts and important collections from the Pingpu tribes. The public spaces of the center also serve as venues for performances, events, gatherings, and workshops, fostering emotional bonds within the urban indigenous community. The center also offers a thematic library with a diverse collection of books on Indigenous culture and art, helping visitors appreciate and understand Indigenous heritage. The center is usually not very crowded even on weekends and holidays. Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Closed Mondays Activities: Besides soaking in hot springs, there are many activities available in Beitou such as Rock Climbing, Water Skiing, Kani Kimono Rental, Escape Experience, Beitou Museum, and more on Klook here or KKday here. Tours: You can check out tours to Beitou such as a Beitou and Yangmingshan Day Tour, Beitou and Yeliu Day Tour, Beitou and Tamsui Day Tour, Beitou and National Palace Museum Tour, Beitou Muslim Friendly Tour, Beitou Arts and Culture Tour, Flower Season Tour, and more on Klook here or KKday here. You can also check out the Beitou Fun Package from KKday which includes a one-day transportation coupon, hot spring coupon, and coupon for over 8 souvenir shops in Beitou. Where to Stay: High end: We have stayed at and recommend the Yuanshan Grand Hotel, once the tallest building in Taiwan and still the most grand (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We also recommend Fullon Hotel which has locations in Tamsui and Fulong near the beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Budget Hotels: We have stayed at and also recommend Fu Chang Hotel in Ximending, which is within walking distance of Ximending shopping district (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, or Agoda here). We have also stayed at and recommend Hai Xia Your Home which is right in front of Fulong Beach (book on Booking.com here, Tripadvisor here, Agoda here, or Hotels.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Booking.com here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation in Taiwan. Find out where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide or search for the best hotel deals in Taiwan here. How to get there: By MRT: Take the MRT to Xinbeitou MRT station. The museum is within walking distance. You can book tickets to travel to Taipei via inter-city bus on Klook here. By Car/Scooter: From downtown Taipei, take Provincial Highway 2 north to New Beitou MRT Station. Many of the hotels here provide free parking for guests. Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Check out Klook here, or KKday here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search Qeeq here, Klook here, or KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can use Taiwan’s many Youbike sharing stations, or search for rentals on KKday here, and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see a list of places we will cover in the map below:  Typhoon Kong-Rey was the largest storm to hit Taiwan since 1996, the first Typhoon to make landfall in late October, and the third Typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan in 2024. Its landfall marked the first time in 16 years that three Typhoons have made landfall in Taiwan during one Typhoon season. So far it has caused at least two deaths in Taiwan, injured hundreds, dumped over a meter of rain in the mountains of Hualien, and caused work and school to close throughout all of Taiwan. In this blog, I will detail some of the major events and overall situation in Taiwan during the Typhoon, as well as my own experience during this typhoon and past typhoons in Taiwan.
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Basic Summary of the Typhoon 台風康芮大概的狀況 Typhoon Kong-Rey was the largest storm to hit Taiwan since 1996, the first Typhoon to make landfall in late October, and the third Typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan in 2024. However, the typhoon weakened from a strong typhoon to a moderate typhoon, and eventually to a mild typhoon. Typhoon Kong-Rey was the 21st storm of the 2024 Pacific typhoon season and began forming as a tropical depression on October 25th, strengthened to a Category-4 Super Typhoon, and finally made landfall in Chenggong Township of Taitung, Taiwan on October 31st, 2024. Its highest winds reached 240 km/h. When it made landfall in Chenggong Township of Taitung County, Taiwan, it was a category 3 Typhoon (winds between 111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h). As of the time of writing, the typhoon has caused over 2 fatalities in Taiwan and 200 injuries. Over 200,000 households lost electricity. All domestic flights and hundreds of international flights in Taiwan were canceled for a time. Most mountain villages in Taiwan were evacuated. Flooding occurred in Taitung, Hualien, and Yilan. As of the time of writing, Hualien received the most rain, with over 1200mm of rain (4 feet) in one day.  The “Moses Parting Sea” in Penghu is a 50-meter-long gravel path connecting the main island of Penghu to Chi Islet during low tide. This phenomenon has been likened to Moses parting the Red Sea in the Bible and has become one of Penghu’s major tourist attractions. It is definitely a must-visit if you come to Penghu.
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Historical Background: Chi Islet is an island in Huxi Township, Penghu County, Taiwan, with an area of approximately 0.0083 square kilometers. It is located east of Kuibi Mountain in Beiliao Village, at the northeastern corner of Penghu Main Island. The islet is about 120 meters long and 60 meters wide. During low tide, a roughly 50-meter-long gravel path emerges, connecting it to the main island. This phenomenon resembles the biblical “Moses parting the sea” scene, making the pathway one of Penghu’s most famous tourist attractions. However, due to the high number of visitors, the Tourism Bureau has restricted access to the islet since April 2017 to protect marine ecology and ensure visitor safety. Activities: Besides soaking in sun rays at the beach, there are many activities available in Penghu such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, wakeboarding, massage, yachting, glamping, trampoline Water Sports, SUP / Paddle Boarding, kayaking, night fishing and more on Klook here or KKday here. Tours: There are many tours and activities available on the islands such as Island Hopping Tour, starlight Marine Ranch, seafood Barbeque, Sheraton Four Points Eatery, Dragon Palace Intertidal Zone, Jibei Sand Tail, and many more options on Klook here or KKday here. For more information, look at other tour/ferry sites or book a personalized tour with Klook here or KKday here. Where to Stay: We have stayed at and recommend Han’s Hostel which had great service and is right next to Shanshui Beach, the best beach in Penghu (you can book on Agoda here, Booking.com here, or Trip.com here) a newly renovated homestay in downtown Magong with great service and great prices (you can book on Agoda here or Booking.com here). Looking for a hotel? We recommend booking through Agoda here, which provides the best quality selection of accommodation on the islands. You can also find out more about where to stay in our Taiwan hotels guide here. When to go to Penghu: The best time to go is Autumn. Spring is also a nice time to go, but there is a greater chance of spring showers during that time. The summers may be too hot, and winters too cold and windy. How to get to Penghu: By Plane: There are daily flights from Taipei Songshan, Taichung, and Kaohsiung airports to Makung. the flight takes roughly under an hour. Rates can range from around 2200-6000 NT for a round trip. There are also flights to and from Chiayi, Tainan, Kinmen, and Chimei, with charted flights to Hong Kong starting September 2018. There are flights to and from Taipei Songshan Airport three times a day via Uni Air. You can book flights on KKday here, Trip.com here, CheapO Air here, or Kiwi here. By Boat: There are daily ferries from Chiayi and Kaohsiung. A one-way trip takes about 4 hours from both locations. A one-way ferry from Kaohsiung costs about 900 NT for just a reclining seat, and a one-way ferry from Chiayi costs about 1000 NT. By Ferry: You can book ferry boat tickets from Chiayi on Klook here, or ferry boat tickets from Tainan on KKday here. How to Get to Moses Parting Sea 摩西分海: By Scooter: From Makung, take Highway 204 southeast and then turn north on County Road 14. You will find the island along the coastline at the end of County Road 14. There is plenty of parking nearby. We recommend taking a scooter as the most efficient and convenient type of transport on the islands. However, most places require a local scooter license. You can rent a scooter for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. By Car / taxi: From Makung, take Highway 204 southeast and then turn north on County Road 14. You will find the island along the coastline at the end of County Road 14. There is plenty of parking nearby. A car is also sensible in Penghu because the main island is pretty spread out. You can rent a car for Penghu on Klook here or on KKday here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. By Bus: You can get to Moses Parts the Sea via Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Magong Huxi Line. The bus stop is called Beiliao Kui-Bi Mountain. By Bicycle: Cycling is the best way to enjoy Taiwan’s landscapes if you have the time and energy. Looking for bicycle rentals in Taiwan? You can search on KKday here and search for tours on Klook here. You can also check out our Taiwan cycling guide here. Map: Please see the map below: |
Author 作家I am an American expat who has extensive experience living, working, and traveling in Taiwan. In my day, I had to learn many things about Taiwan the hard way. But I have come to learn that Taiwan is one of the best places in the world for Foreigners to live. This blog does not represent the opinions of every foreigner in Taiwan. I am just trying to help others learn more about this beautiful country. Categories
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