If you're craving an authentic cultural experience just a short trip from Taipei, Wulai Old Street (烏來老街) is your gateway to Taiwan’s indigenous heritage, mountain cuisine, and riverside charm.

Nestled in the heart of Wulai District, this vibrant street offers more than just snacks—it tells the story of the Atayal people, the native tribe that has called these hills home for centuries.

Wulai Old Street

In this guide, we’ll take you on a flavorful and cultural stroll through Wulai Old Street, showcasing the best eats, shops, and unique attractions you’ll find along the way.

Visit my Wulai Travel Guide to know how to get to Wulai from Taipei.

Where Is Wulai Old Street?

📍 Location: Wenquan Street (溫泉街), Wulai District, New Taipei City

🕒 Best Time to Visit: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🚗 How to Get There: From Xindian MRT Station (Green Line), take Bus 849 to Wulai Terminal Station (around 40–50 minutes). The Old Street begins just a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop.

A Short Yet Flavorful Street Packed with Character

Unlike the sprawling old streets of Jiufen or Tamsui, Wulai Old Street is compact, stretching only a few hundred meters. But don’t let its size fool you—every corner is packed with rustic mountain charm and mouthwatering indigenous delicacies.

You’ll walk on narrow paths lined with wooden storefronts, colorful murals, and the occasional open fire roasting wild boar.

The vibe is laid-back, the air smells smoky-sweet, and the surrounding mountains make you feel far from the city, even though you’re only an hour away from Taipei.

What to Eat at Wulai Old Street

🍢 Wild Boar Sausage (山豬香腸)

Perhaps the most iconic snack in Wulai. The sausages are made from wild boar meat—smokier, gamier, and more flavorful than regular pork. Served hot off the grill and often drizzled with garlic soy sauce.

Wild Boar Sausage

🍖 Grilled Mountain Boar Skewers

Tender chunks of boar meat grilled on bamboo sticks. Some stalls marinate it with herbs and spices used by the Atayal people.

🌽 Millet Mochi (小米麻糬)

Sticky rice cakes made from millet, a grain traditionally cultivated by Taiwan’s indigenous groups. These can be grilled and brushed with peanut powder, sesame, or sweet sauce.

Millet Mochi

🍵 Bamboo Rice (竹筒飯)

Rice steamed inside a bamboo stalk, absorbing a subtle earthy aroma. Sometimes stuffed with mushrooms, meat, or even sweet red beans.

🥟 Atayal-style Dumplings

Wrapped in leaves or bamboo, these dumplings contain sticky rice, pork, and beans. A mountain take on the zongzi, with a native twist.

☕ Herbal Tea and Wild Ginger Drink

Don’t miss trying local herbal drinks, especially wild ginger tea, believed to have health benefits and a warming effect—perfect for Wulai’s cool, damp climate.

During our Wulai trip, we stumbled upon a humble restaurant with no English signage. The friendly owner, though she only spoke Mandarin, recommended their house specialties:

Scallion egg omelet
Beef sautéed in black pepper and onions
Bamboo tube rice
Pork rib pops (like Taiwanese-style chicken)

All of this paired perfectly with a cold bottled Coca-Cola—the ideal meal after a long walk.

The restaurant also boasts the overlooking view of the Nanshi River, a perfect way to enjoy your stay while making your tummy full.

Shops and Souvenirs

Wulai Old Street isn’t just about food. You’ll also find:

🧶 Handwoven Textiles and Beaded Jewelry – Made by Atayal artisans, these crafts often use traditional geometric patterns passed down for generations.

🎨 Aboriginal-Inspired Artwork – Murals, carvings, and paintings often depicting the Atayal lifestyle, hunting scenes, or facial tattoo designs.

🍯 Honey, Mushrooms, and Mountain Herbs – Local products harvested from the forests around Wulai, sold in jars or dried packs—great gifts for friends back home.

Dried Strawberries on yogurt

Cultural Highlights Along the Street

🎭 Atayal Cultural Museum (烏來泰雅民族博物館)

Located just a few steps from the Old Street, this free-entry museum offers exhibits on Atayal traditions, clothing, tools, and even a short film about indigenous life in the area. A must-visit if you want context behind what you’re seeing and eating.

Wulai Atayal Museum

🛤️ Wulai Log Cart Station

At the far end of the street, you’ll find the starting point for the famous Wulai Log Cart—a narrow-gauge mini-train that brings passengers through the forest to Wulai Waterfall. The cart ride is short but magical.

Wulai Log Cart Old Street Terminal in the morning

🌸 Riverside Walks and Hot Springs

Right beside the Old Street is the beautiful Nanshi River (南勢溪). You can stroll along its banks, enjoy the sounds of nature, and even dip your feet in a riverside hot spring if you're feeling adventurous.

Scooter in Taiwan is so common

When to Visit and What to Expect

Wulai Old Street is open year-round, but weekdays are quieter. If you prefer a peaceful stroll and shorter lines, visit in the morning or on non-holiday weekdays.

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, while winter makes the hot springs more inviting. Expect a lot of tourists on weekends, especially during cherry blossom season (February to March), when the nearby riverbanks bloom in pink.

Final Thoughts: Why Wulai Old Street Is Worth the Trip

While it might not be as famous as Jiufen or Shifen, Wulai Old Street stands out for its blend of indigenous culture, mountain cuisine, and natural beauty. It’s a place where history is still alive, where food tells a story, and where the forest feels just a few steps away.

Whether you’re here to feast on boar skewers, ride a vintage log cart, or learn about the Atayal people, Wulai Old Street is more than just a stop—it’s a highlight of any trip to northern Taiwan.

Quick Travel Tips

🚆 From Taipei: Take MRT to Xindian Station, then Bus 849 to Wulai

🍴 Must-Try: Wild boar sausage, millet mochi, bamboo rice

🎨 Don’t Miss: Atayal Cultural Museum for free insight into local heritage

🚶 Best Experience: Walk the street, ride the log cart, enjoy riverside views

Planning to spend a day in Wulai? Check out my day tour Wulai itinerary that includes Old Street, Log Cart, Waterfall, and the cable car to Yun Hsien Resort!

Also in Taiwan

WULAI OLD STREET: A Taste of Taiwan’s Indigenous Culture and Mountain Flavors

By JDC Friday, May 16, 2025

Standing at 80 meters high, Wulai Waterfall (烏來瀑布) is one of Taiwan’s most iconic natural landmarks. Surrounded by dense jungle and rugged cliffs, this vertical stream of white water is the crown jewel of the Wulai District.

Wulai Log Cart: A Historic Ride Through Nature

As you approach via the Log Cart mini-train, the waterfall reveals itself slowly—first heard, then seen—emerging like a hidden treasure tucked between forested ridges.

The roaring water plummets into a narrow valley, where clouds of mist rise and catch the sunlight. It’s a dramatic sight, even more stunning during or after rainfall when the current is stronger.

View deck from Wulai Forestry Living Museum

Location tip: The best spot to view the falls is from the Wulai Forestry Living Museum platform or the terrace near the Yun Hsien Cable Car Station, both offering wide, unobstructed views.

Visit my Wulai Travel Guide to know how to get to Wulai from Taipei.

Yun Hsien Cable Car: A Breathtaking Aerial Ride Above the Falls

Next to the falls, perched along a cliff edge, is the Yun Hsien Cable Car Station (雲仙樂園空中纜車站).

Yun Hsien Cable Car Station

This vintage-style sky gondola, painted in soft pastels, may look quaint—but it offers one of the most thrilling rides in Northern Taiwan.

Ticketing area

🎟️ Round-trip fare: NT$220 (bookable via Klook)

♿ PWD discount available

Yun Hsien Cable Car

The ride lasts only about 5 minutes, but the elevation gain and jaw-dropping views make it feel longer—in the best way.

Us inside the gondola

The gondola glides silently over the valley, revealing the full height of Wulai Waterfall, the blue-green river below, and the endless forest that covers the mountain range.

💡 Tip: Stand or sit on the side facing the waterfall when boarding—you’ll get that perfect overhead shot of the cascade from the window.

For many travelers, this is the highlight of the trip—a surreal moment floating above treetops and mist.

Yun Hsien Resort (雲仙樂園): Nature and Nostalgia in the Clouds

Once you reach the top, you’re greeted by the entrance to Yun Hsien Resort—a peaceful, family-friendly attraction nestled deep in the mountains.

Stairs going up to the resort

Originally developed in the 1960s, the resort retains a nostalgic charm, with wooden structures, winding trails, and small playgrounds that feel frozen in time.

🌿 What to Expect:

Nature trails lined with ferns, butterflies, and mountain flowers
A butterfly garden and small aviary for kids
Mini-zoos with goats, rabbits, and birds
Old-style rides and picnic areas
Panoramic viewing decks

Though parts of the resort feel slightly dated, it’s a serene place to stroll, sit, and reconnect with nature. There are few places in Taipei where the air is this clean, the noise this absent, and the sky this close.

Genie Ice Cream

🧺 You won’t find big-name cafés or souvenir shops here. Instead, bring your own snacks or buy refreshments at the summit snack stand, which offers ice cream (we tried Ice Genie’s pellet ice cream), drinks, and packaged goods.

Is Yun Hsien Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—especially if you’re already visiting Wulai for a day trip. Even if you don’t explore the full resort, just the cable car ride and waterfall view alone are worth the time and fare.

For families with children or couples seeking a peaceful escape from the city, Yun Hsien offers a slower, more grounded experience that contrasts beautifully with Taipei’s fast-paced energy.

Good to know:

There are a lot of stairs involved. If mobility is an issue, plan accordingly.
Weekdays are less crowded, giving you more time to enjoy the silence and views.
Ideal for nature photography, romantic dates, or a reflective solo trip.

Final Thoughts: Above the Clouds, Beyond the Falls

There’s something magical about combining heights and water—standing at the base of a roaring waterfall, then soaring above it minutes later into a resort nestled in the mist. That’s what makes Wulai’s Yun Hsien Cable Car and Cloud Resort such a poetic experience.

It’s not just a tourist attraction—it’s a pocket of peace, where time slows down and nature speaks louder than traffic.

So if you ever find yourself in Taipei craving greenery, gravity, and a little old-school charm, take the ride to Wulai, and let the clouds take it from there.

Planning to spend a day in Wulai? Check out my day tour Wulai itinerary that includes Old Street, Log Cart, Waterfall, and the cable car to Yun Hsien Resort!

Also in Taiwan

WULAI WATERFALL: Guide to Yun Hsien Cable Car and Resort

By JDC Friday, May 16, 2025

Tucked away in the misty mountains of Wulai District, New Taipei, lies one of Taiwan’s most unique and charming attractions: the Wulai Log Cart (烏來台車)

Once used to haul timber during the Japanese colonial period, this narrow-gauge mini-train now serves a different purpose—taking curious travelers on a short but scenic journey through the forest, alongside a rushing river, and straight toward the famous Wulai Waterfall.

Wulai Falls as seen from Log Cart terminal

In this blog, we’ll take you aboard the Wulai Log Cart, explain how to ride it, and share why it’s worth including in your Wulai day trip itinerary.

Visit my Wulai Travel Guide to know how to get to Wulai from Taipei.

A Historic Ride Through Nature

The Wulai Log Cart isn’t just a tourist gimmick—it’s a living piece of Taiwan’s industrial history. Originally built in the early 20th century to support the area’s thriving logging industry, these narrow rail tracks were once filled with carts hauling Formosan cypress and camphor trees.

Wulai Log Cart Welcome Signage

Today, they’ve been lovingly preserved and adapted to carry people instead of timber.

🛤️ Distance: Around 1.5 km

🚋 Duration: ~5 minutes one-way

🎟️ Fare: NT$50 per person (one-way)

📍 Route: From Wulai Old Street to Wulai Waterfall (or vice versa)

Wulai Log Cart Old Street Terminal

While the ride is short, it’s full of charm. The train clanks and rattles as it moves slowly along the tracks, hugging the curves of the riverbank.

As you ride, you’ll pass lush trees, steep ravines, and occasional mist drifting in from the waterfall up ahead.

Where to Board the Log Cart

There are two stations:

Wulai Station (Old Street Terminal) – Located near the end of Wulai Old Street, next to a small plaza.
Waterfall Station (瀑布站) – Situated beside the viewing area for Wulai Waterfall and near the Yun Hsien Cable Car.

Wulai Log Cart Old Street Terminal in the morning

Most people ride the cart from Old Street to the Waterfall, and walk back on foot to enjoy the riverside scenery at a slower pace.

The railway is parallel to Pubu Road where you can also walk

📌 Tip: If you want to skip the uphill walk to the waterfall, take the cart going one-way uphill and walk down later—it’s easier on the legs.

Riding Wulai Log Cart

Each log cart has multiple open-air passenger cabins, each just wide enough for 2 people to sit side by side but can accommodate up to 10 passengers. The track is narrow and the cabins are small, but that’s part of the appeal—it feels like stepping into a vintage amusement ride set deep in the woods.

Wulai Log Cart at Waterfall Station

As you depart from the station, the track runs alongside the turquoise Nanshi River (南勢溪), offering views of rapids and boulders as the forest closes in around you. Birds call out from the trees and the air grows cooler as you climb in elevation.

Scenic view from the log cart

💡 Photography tip: Sit on the left side when going uphill to get the best view of the river and cliffs.

The gentle chugging of the cart and the clickety-clack of wheels on track add to the nostalgic vibe. It’s not fast, it’s not flashy—but it’s wonderfully relaxing.

Family-Friendly and Fun for All Ages

The Wulai Log Cart is especially popular with families and older visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Wulai without doing too much walking. Kids love the open-air ride, and adults often appreciate the convenience of skipping the steep 20-minute hike from Old Street to the falls.

The ride is also wheelchair-accessible upon request, and the staff are friendly and helpful, often assisting guests with boarding and safety checks.

Waterfall Station

Is the Wulai Log Cart Worth It?

Yes, absolutely. For just NT$50, the Log Cart provides a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else in Taiwan. It’s a blend of history, nature, and fun—a ride that helps you appreciate how Wulai evolved from a timber town into a peaceful retreat.

Even if you’re only in Wulai for half a day, the Log Cart adds color and character to your itinerary. Combine it with the waterfall, the Yun Hsien cable car, and a stroll along Wulai Old Street, and you’ve got a well-rounded nature trip just an hour from downtown Taipei.

Wulai Falls

Final Thoughts: A Ride Through Time

The Wulai Log Cart is more than just transportation—it’s a journey through history, culture, and one of Taiwan’s most scenic landscapes. Whether you’re a train lover, a family traveler, or just someone seeking quiet moments in the forest, the Log Cart offers a gentle, memorable way to explore Wulai.

So next time you visit, don’t just walk—ride. Let the click of the wheels and the sway of the tracks take you back to a simpler time, one meter-gauge rail at a time.

Planning to spend a day in Wulai? Check out my day tour Wulai itinerary that includes Old Street, Log Cart, Waterfall, and the cable car to Yun Hsien Resort!

Also in Taiwan

Riding the Wulai Log Cart: A Nostalgic Mini-Train Through Taiwan’s Forests

By JDC Friday, May 16, 2025

Taipei, the bustling capital city of Taiwan, lies roughly 1,180 kilometers north of Manila, making it one of the closest international destinations for Filipino travelers.

A direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes—shorter than most domestic flights to Davao or Cebu!

Us boarding for our flight to TPE

Whether you’re a first-time international traveler or a seasoned adventurer looking for something new, Taipei offers an easy, fun, and culture-rich escape from the Philippines.

RELATED: A Guide to NAIA Terminal 3 Amenities, Departure and Arrival Protocols

Why Visit Taipei if You’re a Filipino?

There are plenty of reasons why Taipei is an ideal destination for Filipinos—especially if you’re traveling on a budget or exploring East Asia for the first time:

Me in Taipei

Visa-Free Entry: As of writing, Filipino passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 14 days until July 31, 2025. That’s more time to explore without worrying about the cost and paperwork of visa applications.

Short and affordable flights: Airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia frequently offer seat sales, making round-trip tickets accessible for most travelers.

Great food and shopping: Taiwanese street food, bubble tea, and trendy shopping streets like Ximending and Shilin Night Market are heaven for foodies and shopaholics.

Modern yet cultural: The city blends modern efficiency with deep cultural roots—expect fast trains and WiFi alongside temples and tea houses.

Clean, safe, and commuter-friendly: Taipei’s mass transit system (MRT) is organized, foreigner-friendly, and very safe even late at night.

Walking at night in Ximending

Check out my Wulai DIY Day Tour Guide ✅

Before Going to Taipei: What Filipino Travelers Need to Prepare

Filipino tourists flying abroad—especially for the first time—must comply with specific requirements to pass immigration checks and ensure a smooth travel experience.

Basic Travel Requirements

I made sure to prepare the following before our flight:

Valid Philippine Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
Confirmed return ticket to the Philippines
Hotel booking confirmation for the entire stay
Detailed travel itinerary

Supporting Documents You May Need

Since I wasn’t employed at the time, I didn’t have a COE (Certificate of Employment) or ITR (Income Tax Return). However, if you’re employed in the Philippines, bringing these documents helps prove financial capacity and ties to the country.

To be safe, I also prepared:

Bank statement showing sufficient funds
Photocopies of valid government IDs
Copy of my birth certificate I ordered from PSA

READ MORE: Traveling Abroad from the Philippines (What to Do Before an International Flight)

Online Travel Requirements Before Flying

You’ll also need to complete a few online forms before your flight. These forms are usually processed 2–3 days before departure:

Taiwan Arrival Card – Must be filled out before arriving in Taiwan.

Link: https://twac.immigration.gov.tw/

Philippines eTravel – Required for both departure and arrival in the Philippines.

Link: https://etravel.gov.ph

Lucky Land Promo Registration – A tourism initiative from Taiwan that lets you win NT$5,000 e-vouchers as a tourist.

Link: https://5000.taiwan.net.tw

Sample of Taiwan Online Arrival Card

Important Tips for the Philippine Immigration Interview

Once you’re at the airport, the biggest hurdle for many Filipino travelers is the Immigration Interview. Based on experience, it wasn’t as intimidating as I thought, but being prepared helped a lot.

Immigration

What You Should Know:

Memorize your passport number, expiration date, and flight details
Be ready to explain your purpose of travel (leisure or tourism)
Be clear about who you’re traveling with (solo or group)
Know the number of days you’ll be abroad
Stay calm and answer confidently but honestly

In my case, the Immigration Officer was straightforward, asked about the trip, and after confirming my documents, I was cleared in less than five minutes.

Compare Air Fares

A quick and easy way to do this is to use flight search engines A.K.A airfare comparison sites. Get started by following the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the best flight search engines listed below (click the links to open a new tab).

Step 2: Enter your destinations and travel dates to compare airfares.

Step 3: Go back to this page and select another flight search engine.

Step 4: Repeat steps #2 & #3 until you visit all sites listed.

Step 5: Review the airfare results to find out which airline/site offers the cheapest prices. Take note of all the airlines listed. Use the “Filter” feature to see a list of airlines that fly to your destination.

Our Manila to Taipei Travel Experience

Booking and Pre-Flight Prep

We booked a Cebu Pacific flight from NAIA Terminal 3 to Taoyuan International Airport. It was scheduled for a Wednesday midnight, which was perfect for travelers like us who wanted to maximize our first day in Taipei.

Us with our friend, Gelo

I was traveling with my wife and a couple of friends, so we made sure to arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours before our scheduled departure. At that hour, NAIA Terminal 3 was already buzzing with passengers and airport staff.

Every entry you should show your plane ticket

The moment we got off the taxi, airport personnel approached us asking for our flight information. Thankfully, I had a digital copy of our ticket ready on my phone.

RELATED: NAIA New Terminal Assignments

Check-In Process

Since we were all traveling light with no checked baggage, we were guided to the Documents Check counter instead of the regular check-in lines. There, we presented our passports, had our documents reviewed, and were promptly given our boarding passes.

Cebu Pacific Document Check counter

From there, we headed to the Immigration area, where each of us was interviewed separately. My interview was simple: the officer asked about our flight and the purpose of travel.

This is the moment!

He wasn’t intimidating—more like doing a routine check—and I was relieved to get cleared quickly.

RELATED: CRK International Flight Departure & Arrival Guides (with Links to Online Forms)

Security Check & Boarding Gate

After immigration, we passed through a strict security screening—even shoes had to be removed!

Took off shoes at the security check

All gadgets were placed in trays. Once cleared, we walked toward our boarding gate: Gate 105. Terminal 3’s long alley felt endless, but the good news was there were many open shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants, even at 10 PM.

Stores inside Terminal 3 departure

We had a quick dinner at Kenny Rogers, though the prices were noticeably higher than regular branches outside the airport.

Going to Gate 105

Along the way, we saw walkalators, charging ports, restrooms, and free WiFi—definitely a more pleasant pre-departure experience than I expected.

I spotted a kids playground at the departure hall in T3

In-Flight Experience

We finally boarded a few minutes before midnight. Cebu Pacific’s flight was on time, and it was a short and uneventful journey. In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, we touched down at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 around 1:00 AM.

Goodbye Manila

Airline Promo Fares

If you are looking for cheap flights in the Philippines, see airlines listed below or view all promo fares:

Arrival in Taipei: What Happens After Landing

Airport Immigration & Facilities

Upon arrival, the airport felt almost deserted—quiet and eerily clean. Most shops were closed at that hour, with only vending machines operating.

Arrival hall at Taoyuan Airport T1

We proceeded to the Immigration area, where we simply presented our passports. There was barely any conversation; they scanned our documents and let us through smoothly.

Taiwan’s e-Gates were particularly impressive. You just scan your passport, take a quick selfie, and that’s it. No need to line up if you’re eligible for automated entry.

Baggage carousel area

We walked past the baggage claim area and waited for our friends who took a bit longer at immigration.

Making withdrawals from Bank of Taiwan ATM

We then looked for an ATM machine, and I found a Bank of Taiwan ATM near the South Meeting Point, where I was able to withdraw cash using my SeaBank card.

We opted to withdraw NT$ 10,000 for the 3-day trip in Taiwan

RELATED: Here's a Guide to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taiwan’s Main International Gateway

Trying Our Luck at Lucky Land

We also spotted the Lucky Land booth, where tourists can try winning NT$5,000 worth of e-vouchers. Out of all of us, only one friend got lucky, but it was a fun experience either way.

Taiwan Lucky Land Booth

Our friend won NT$ 5,000 Lucky Land e-voucher

How We Got to Taipei City at 2AM

By the time we were ready to leave the airport, it was already past 2AM. The Airport MRT wasn’t running yet, so our only options were taxi/Uber or bus. Wanting to save money, we opted for the Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport Bus heading to Taipei Main Station.

Transfer signage from TPE first level

READ MORE: How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei, Taichung & More (by Train, Bus & Taxi)

Where to Catch the Bus

We went to the basement level, where there’s a 7-Eleven (yes, it was open!) and ticketing counters.

A 7-Eleven store at Taoyuan Airport basement

An elderly man was manning the Kuo-Kuang counter, and he sold us tickets for NT$133 per person.

Kuo-Kuang Bus Ticket to Taipei

Luckily, there was a bus ready to leave, so we didn’t have to wait long.

Kuo-Kuang Bus to Taipei

The bus was spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned. There's a restroom inside like the one in Solid North luxury bus to Baguio. There's free Wi-Fi, too!

Inside Kuo-Kuang Bus

In about an hour, we arrived at Taipei Main Station.

Taxi to Ximending: Final Leg to Our Hotel

Instead of Taipei Main Station, we were dropped off Taipei Bus Station which is connected to Taipei Main Station

Taipei Bus Station

From here, we hailed a taxi to our hotel in Ximending, which was just about 6 minutes away.

Us catching a taxi ride in front of Taipei Bus Station

The fare was NT$200 for the three of us, but we later realized an Uber would have cost only NT$100. Still, it was early morning and we were tired, so we were just glad to finally get to our hotel.

Finally arrived at our hotel

We stayed here for three days, and while the accommodation and service were pleasant, I wouldn’t recommend this hotel if you’re looking for a more convenient location near Ximending. You might want to check out my list of 10 Best Hotels to Book in Ximending, Taipei.

3-Day Itinerary in Taipei for First-Time Filipino Travelers

This sample itinerary is perfect for those visiting Taipei for the first time and want to experience a mix of culture, food, and modern attractions.

Day 1: Culture + Night Market Adventure

Morning:

Arrival at Taoyuan International Airport
Travel to hotel (Ximending, Zhongzheng, or Daan are great areas for tourists)
Check-in and freshen up

Afternoon:

Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Explore the National Theater and Concert Hall
Stroll around 228 Peace Memorial Park

Evening:

Head to Shilin Night Market – Taiwan’s biggest and most famous
Try iconic street foods: stinky tofu, large fried chicken, bubble tea
Shop for souvenirs and cute finds

Shilin Night Market

Day 2: Nature, Views & Shopping

Morning:

Ride the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station
Take the Maokong Gondola for panoramic mountain views
Enjoy a tea break at a Maokong teahouse

Afternoon:

Go up Taipei 101 Observatory (book tickets online for discounts)
Shop at Taipei 101 Mall or nearby ATT 4 FUN

Evening:

Explore Ximending Youth Shopping District
Enjoy quirky cafes, street performers, and local fashion

Taipei 101 Observatory

Day 3: Day Trip + Food Trip

Morning:

Take a train or bus to Jiufen Old Street – a magical mountain village that inspired Spirited Away
Sample taro balls, fish balls, peanut ice cream roll

Afternoon:

If time permits, visit Shifen Waterfall or Pingxi for sky lanterns
Return to Taipei in late afternoon

Evening:

Final food trip at Raohe Night Market
Head back to the hotel, pack, and prepare for departure

A-Mei Tea House in Jiufen | Photo by Where and Wander

Estimated Budget for a 3-Day Taipei Trip (Per Person)

Tip: Always check exchange rates. As of writing, ₱1 = NT$0.56 (or NT$1 = ₱1.78)

SIM Card or eSIM for Taipei

Option 1: Physical SIM Card

Purchase at Taoyuan Airport or online in advance (Klook, KKDay)
Common providers: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile
Cost: Around NT$300–NT$500 for 3–5 days of unlimited data

Option 2: eSIM

Ideal for newer iPhones or Android devices with eSIM capability
Buy online and activate via QR code before you arrive
No need to swap SIMs!
Recommended: Airalo, Klook eSIM, or Holafly
Cost: Similar to physical SIMs, around NT$300–NT$500

Tip: Airport WiFi is free and fast, so you can download and activate your eSIM right after landing if needed.

EasyCard: Your Best Travel Buddy in Taipei

The EasyCard is a contactless card used for:

MRT and buses
Maokong Gondola
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart)
Some vending machines and attractions

Where to Buy:

MRT stations, airport kiosks, or convenience stores
Cost: NT$100 (non-refundable) + load amount

Get your EasyCard on Klook!

How Much to Load:

Load NT$400–NT$500 for 3 days(you can refund the remaining balance minus a small handling fee)

How to Use:

Tap in and out when riding the MRT or bus
Tap at counters when shopping

EasyCard

Final Tips for Filipinos Traveling to Taipei

Prepare both digital and printed copies of all travel documents.

Arrive early at the airport—especially if it’s your first international trip.

Have Taiwanese Dollars (NT$) ready, or withdraw from ATMs at the airport.

Don’t forget to register online for eTravel and Taiwan Arrival Card.

Taipei is walkable and safe, so bring comfy shoes, a loaded EasyCard, and a working SIM/eSIM

Me chilling on a street bench

Conclusion

With visa-free entry, affordable flights, and endless things to explore, Taipei is a fantastic travel destination for Filipinos looking for a short international trip.

Our journey from Manila to Taipei was smooth, fun, and memorable—and yours can be too. Whether you’re after culture, food, or just a different vibe, Taiwan welcomes you with open arms.