05/14/25
Ulaanbaatar – Beijing – Taipei – 10°C UB, 18-25°C + humidity rain in Beijing, 28°C in Taipei
3 countries in a day. Sunrise to sunset of airports.
Serka drove us at 330AM to the airport for the final time in Mongolia for our 6AM flight out of UB to Beijing (arrival 820AM). Both Andrew & myself had flights in the afternoon/evening. We originally planned to spend time exploring Beijing but decided to just chill at PEK airport instead of going into the city with our things. I kind of regret not going back out but also happy to not have to go through the crowds again.
Andrew’s flight was at 5PM while mine wasn’t until 745PM meaning we couldn’t even check-in until at least 3-4HRS before our flight departures.
Since I didn’t eat enough egg tarts in Macau & Hong Kong, I was told KFC does a pretty decent Portuguese egg tart. Served hot and it was pretty good ¥10.5 ea ($2.08CAD). I was able to use my 1 Yuan coins and got rid of them.
At the beginning of the trip, I took out some RMB (which proved useful at the beginning) but had some leftover. I went through Family Mart to mix & match a few items so it was the exact amount to get rid of my remaining RMB.
We ate lunch at Chinai’s Curry. I got the tomato beef brisket omelet rice with a side order of fish curry balls & mandarin soda ¥72 ($14.32CAD).
Since Andrew’s flight was earlier than mine, he was able to go through before me while I had to wait an extra 2 hours to even check-in. I went outside for a bit but truly nowhere to go. The roses were in full bloom and it was a good 25°C with light humidity. A big change from high of maybe 20°C with dry air similar to Calgary.
What better to do than grab a yummy Grape cloud drink from Heytea ¥19 ($3.77CAD) while I waited.
By the time I was able to check-in, go through security and customs, Andrew just boarded by the time I got to his gate. Also turns out at 530PM, majority of the stores close-up in Terminal 3.
I flew with EVA Airlines. Landed in Taipei at 1115PM but leaving the airport took forever. Don’t forget to register up to a week before arriving for the Taiwan lucky land tourist Lottery at the airport as you could potentially win prizes. When you exit, it will be on the right hand side with 4 iPads set up. If you end up winning, there is a tourist desk to claim your prize. I didn’t win.
Took out some cash from the ATM and caught the bus 133TWD ($5.83CAD) to Taipei Bus Station (1HR bus ride). An Uber would be at least 1500TWD ($70ish CAD) for a 45min ride.
Got to my hotel at 140AM. The humidity was strong in Taipei. I stayed at the Taipei Inn 台北棧旅店.
05/15/25
Tamsui – 32°C – humid
A much slower start that morning but was so happy to go back to tank top and shorts.
Trying to navigate a new cities transportation takes a bit of time. Went to 7eleven to load up cash onto my easycard. Hopped on the 757 bus to Tamsui area (45mins).
The Tamsui area some old school charm so it was on my list but honestly if you don’t have time, not quite a spot to check out unless you are up for shopping for souvenirs by the water.
Humidity in Taiwan is no joke. 32°C but the air be thick.
I downed a grapefruit drink & pocari sweat trying to survive.
I grabbed fish crackers from Hsu Yi Fish Cracker（許義魚酥) – 60TWD ($2.63CAD). They are made from fresh fish paste & deep fried.
Had to go up the bridge to get to Wenhua A-gei（文化阿給) – steamed hollow tofu stuffed with cellophane noodles and sealed off with fish paste – 50TWD ($2.19CAD).
This area is known for some unique food culture but unfortunately the heat made me lose my appetite.
A quick visit to the former Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence of head Tada Eikichi.
This area of town is older and has lots of history with the Dutch, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and British. On the same street as Wenhua A-gei are a bunch of schools ranging from elementary all the way to Taiwan’s oldest university from the 1800’s.
At the bottom of the road beside the University is Fort San Domingo. A Spanish fort built in 1629 80TWD ($3.51CAD). Honestly, I didn’t research the history of this place before I went and I probably wouldn’t go again.
I walked all the way to the Lover’s Bridge but it wasn’t worth it as majority of things were closed and there was construction building another bridge so direct access by the water is cut off. It is a well known sunset spot though.
I walked by the waterfront on the way back. Closer to the station is pretty much where all the stores/food establishments worth looking at are.
Got my first tea in Taiwan at The Doo – Wintermelon mixed with lemon juice 50TWD ($2.19CAD).
I grabbed 1 custard and 1 red bean 15TWD ea ($0.65CAD) from Redbean cake. Not too sweet but ate it right off the tray.
Took the MRT back to homebase in 45mins.
Taipei station is a maze in itself underground. It connects and goes on for so long! Trying to get out was the hardest thing but at least I found more tea. 50Lan – Plum & Kumquat Green tea 60TWD ($2.63CAD).
Back in the core area and it was super busy. The area my hotel is located had absolutely no life at 130AM or even in the morning but at 5-6PM, it was booming with life.
I grabbed a Garlic & Chive bun as well as a pork bun for dinner 20TWD ea.
Did some light snack shopping and called it a night.
05/16/25
Taipei – Alishan – 24-28°C + humid in Taipei, 19°C overcast in the mountains of Alishan
Early morning THSR (high speed rail) from Taipei to Chiayi. I got to the station to pick up my train tickets at 6AM. I scanned my ticket for the elevator to take me down to the platform. I mistakenly got on the earlier train but luckily the Train Attendant found me another seat in the carriage and that train stopped at my stop. The high speed rail goes at speeds of 254KM/H – 1HR25Min from Taipei to Chiayi.
I arrived extra early at Chiayi HSR. The first tourist bus out for Alishan doesn’t depart until 930AM at platform 7 – 7329 Alishan Route. I had a burger with a cold tea 75TWD ($3.29CAD) for breakfast from Mos burger.
I boarded the tourist bus at HSR all the way to Alishan. 930AM-noon. This ride gave me a headache – it is incredibly windy so be warned. The Chiayi region is known for their production of tea leaves. Alishan is a national park that is also known for a view above the clouds at sunrise.
I booked my city transfer ticket from Chiayi to Alishan with Klook but you can also pay for the bus with your easycard.
Alishan National Park 阿里山 has a one-time entrance fee of TWD 300 ($13.17CAD) to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. The price will be only 150TWD if you show your bus ticket to Alishan.
Walking in from the bus and main entrance, you walk through the path and parking lots to find the main information centre. I found my hotel and dropped off my things to begin exploring for the day. I stayed at Ali-Shan Dengshan Hotel 登山別館.
But first, food. Got the braised pork combo set (sweet borscht soup with chicken) from Siang Yi 110TWD ($4.82CAD).
The weather shift was lovely up in the mountains. A nice 19°C but overcast with a bit of fog rolling in and out.
I decided to skip catching the train (there are 3) and walked to the beginning of the trail (20mins). The main entrance is near the post office and across the street from the 7eleven. I went left which took me to the 3 Generation Trees first. There are occasional maps around but confusing especially if you are also trying to use google maps to figure out where you are.
Lots of giant cypress trees in this park. I swear I felt so out of shape with all the hiking I had been doing but I think it’s due to the different altitudes (or at least that is what I was telling myself).
Made it over to the sacred tree area by Shenmu Station. Made it up to the Shouzhen temple where there is a courtyard area filled with little vendors serving food & souvenirs. This is also where you see stairs going upwards into more forested area which will bring you to the Sister ponds.
Almost went up the Tasha Trail but with it being overcast didn’t even bother. Made it over to Chaoping where another train station is located. Then finally back to the start and finish of the walk in the park.
Went through the market area and grabbed Black tea mochi & Oolong mochi 30TWD ea.
Having been up so early and all this travel, I grabbed a cup Noodle and some hydration and called it an early night.
05/17/25
Alishan – Taichung – 13°C in Alishan, 33°C + humid in Taichung
4AM hike anyone? A 40min hike on Zhushan Sunrise trail up to the viewpoint areas. You cross a train track to start. At a certain point, the rock stairs turn onto a road and you follow that up. You’ll cross another train track and can go left for a view point or right. I went right. I ended up going up to the helicopter pad and there were only about 5 people and a monkey up there for sunrise.
I’m assuming people drove up to Mt Ogasawara viewing lot (2488M) but the helicopter pad was nice.
Hiking down is always faster. 30mins to the beginning of the park. Went back to the hotel and showered.
The hotel has a coupon for a breakfast buffet at a restaurant across the street – simple (congee, toast, steamed buns, noodles steamed veggies etc.)
Had to wait for the first tourist bus out at 1010AM. Made it to Chiayi HSR by 110PM. I have to tell you this bus ride can cause motion sickness (1 passenger threw up) so be aware and prepared if you know you suffer from it. Good thing I had my Efficascent roller (Camphor oil – Filipino Tiger Balm in a oil roller form).
At the station, I grabbed a tea from Hanlin Tea 95TWD ($4.16CAD) and 2 donuts from Mister Donut 105TWD ($4.60CAD).
My HSR train to Taichung was 232-258PM. Took the TR and walked (35min) to my hotel to drop off my bags.
I stayed at Hotel Huru about a 10min walk from Taichung Station and near the Asean Square.
I was so sweaty from that walk with my bags. Cooled down a bit then made my way to Taichung Central Park and Feng Chia nightmarket.
My timing was a little off as the sun started to set at 530PM not 6-630PM. Got eaten alive in the park. Tell me why I didn’t think a humid grassy area wouldn’t have mosquitoes. The park is known for its different sections with different art installations scattering throughout the park.
Walked over to Feng Chia market and that place was booming. I ended up grabbing a Papaya Milk 70TWD ($3.07CAD) & super large grilled chicken steak 120TWD ($5.26CAD). The crowd was too much but it definitely spilled onto different streets and they were riddled with some many people everywhere.
05/18/25
Taichung – Taipei – 26-32°C
Finally a morning where I could wake up any time I wanted (of course 530AM seemed appropriatenaturally). Breakfast was included at the hotel – fried dumplings with a banana and a hot beverage.
I walked over to the 2nd market to Lai’s Tea Shop 老賴紅茶. They have been serving up soy milk tea since the mid 70’s & this stuff is good. I got the soy milk + black (they also refer to it as red) tea 35TWD ($1.53CAD).
My friend Willy drove up from Kaohsiung for the day to hang out.
Taihu Brewing 啜飲室 臺中 for lunch. I got the Motz burger (a good smash burger) 300TWD ($13.17CAD), grilled broccoli 220TWD ($9.65CAD) and a glass of Taihu bright Ale 220TWD ($9.65CAD).
The highlight flavour spot for the day – Minimal. A Michelin starred Ice Cream shop serving up gelato and sorbet with flavours that have 3 special notes you can taste within eat bite. We both hate waiting in lines but we waited in line for an hour in the heat. Shaded by an umbrella but the beads of sweat flowed. Taiwanese people are built different wearing thick fabric layers and not even a bead of sweat.
The wait is long because the store itself is small and only takes 2 orders at a time. 160TWD ($7.02CAD) for 2 flavours serving of 120ml – we got 2 orders. The flavours were:
1 – rice, Japanese wine & vanilla
2 – yakult, shiso & apple
3 – smoked plum, makauy & orange blossoms
4 – rum, dried longan & honey
We slowly made our way over to the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. I didn’t look to see what exhibit was being showcased but it is free and has some cool statues. Timing wise, another Toronto friend Tiffany (originally from Taichung) happened to be in Taichung at the same time. We hung out at the museum for a bit before splitting off.
We checked out the Shen Ji New Village. It is a dorm compound that is now converted into a Craft market with shops & cafes. Stopped by Yuciren for Assam custard egg waffles 65TWD ($2.85CAD).
We walked back to Willy’s car & made our way over to the HSR station. We ate dinner at Ippudo Ramen. I got the Akamaru Tomago 340TWD ($14.92CAD) and we shared the Cucumber Sunomono (delicious & refreshing), Karaage and Pork belly fat.
Willy’s wife Mina was coming back from class in Taipei so I got to briefly meet her finally at the train station before I hopped on a train to head back to Taipei.
05/19/25
Taipei, Taiwan – Toronto, Canada – 29°C feel like 34°C overcast in Taipei, 9°C in Toronto 9C at night
Final day in Taipei was spent walking around & filling the last bits of my bags with toys and food.
For breakfast, I got the rice ball and cold soy milk 75TWD ($3.29CAD) from Yong he Soy Milk 永和豆漿大王. Ate it in Peace Park across the street while starring at a Blue Heron by the pond.
I checked out of my hotel and stored my luggage there.
Walked over to Huashan 1914 Creative Park – 華山1914文化創意產業園區 – an old sake winery turned artist hub. I went too early that nothing was open or it was under renovations.
I wandered inside a building with Don Quijote in the basement. Always overstimulating at any time of day.
Grabbed a Chi-Chi grape smoothie from Macu 95TWD ($4.17CAD).
Went to Syntrend 三創生活園區 – an 11 floor mall with tech and toys. Floor 6 & 7 are where the toys are at.
I finally found the sold out Nikon Camera Gashapon at the Nikon store for 200TWD ($8.78CAD).
The 6th and 7th floors were hard to go through. I tried to be disciplined in what I bought and I think I managed well. I bought 3 items for 420TWD ($18.43CAD). Nowadays blindboxes are $15-20CAD for a single box.
I got a Grapefruit fifteen Jasmine flowers tea 80TWD ($3.51CAD) from Uni Green.
Grabbed my things at the hotel and back towards Taipei station one more time to catch the MRT to the airport (45min) I caught the express 160TWD ($7.02CAD). 50TWD left on my easy card. Take the elevator to 3F for departures – Escalators are so slow.
As I checked in online, bag drop off & security check went smooth and quickly. I still had lots of time before my flight was to board so I walked around and checked out the stores. There is a pretty decent selection of blind boxes and toys sold there too. There were some toys I was second guessing myself at Syntrend mall but saw it again at the airport and picked one of them up.
I had 125TWD ($5.48CAD) cash left. At the airport, I wanted to use up my cash right up to the very last bit. I got the Chicken Cartilage bites 129TWD ($5.66CAD) & Taro Milk four seasons green tea 95TWD ($4.17CAD) from TKK fried chicken x Kung Fu tea.
We had a 1 hour delay for takeoff but otherwise a smooth flight home. 830PM-956PM. I tried not to sleep on the plane to readjust back for Toronto. You best believe I stayed up and watched many movies the entire ride.
5 countries, 42 days, 10 flights.
I came home with a bag full of dirty clothes (covered in sand, dirt, fur hair etc), a blemished face in need of repair, a bunch of snacks & teas. Can’t forget a busted camera but most importantly I came home with so many new experiences and memories to appreciate for years to come.
