I kicked off this new year and the new decade with a 2 week solo backpacking trip around Taiwan. My reasons for going to Taiwan were pretty superficial at first: I was living in South Korea at the time and there was a direct flight to Taiwan that was only 2 hours and cost under $200 for the round trip.
It seemed like a no brainer time wise and money wise to snatch up this deal and spend my 10 remaining days of paid vacation touring this beautiful island country. Little did I know, how special of a place Taiwan would turn out to be.
In this post, my hopes are to share with you all of the magical experiences I had while traveling Taiwan and inspire you to visit this sweet potato shaped paradise on your next vacation.
#1 It’s Underrated
Taiwan is a straight up hidden gem. One of its big draws and a huge part of its charm is how underrated it is, especially among Western tourists. I rarely met any other Westerners during my travels around Taiwan. My family and friends from back home kept getting it confused and thinking I was going to Thailand (lol). It’s just not a hot spot destination in general which is what I loveeee about it.
I tend to gravitate towards and value those more off-the-beaten-path type destinations that don’t get loads of press and attention, because when places are untouched and underappreciated there tends to be a more authentic beauty and untapped potential.
What I love about places like these is maybe that Christopher Columbus, Lewis and Clarke feel, like I am exploring new lands. There aren’t hoards of people crowding all of the beautiful sights which selfishly I love, because I get to experience them all to myself. Without all the crowds there is a calmer more peaceful vibe which makes traveling so much more pleasant.
#2 Taroko Gorge National Park
On the east coast of Taiwan, just 30 minutes outside of the city of Hualien, Taroko Gorge National Park is a hikers paradise and was one of the highlights of my trip. I wrote an entire blog post about how to make the most of your time at the Gorge, so be sure to check that out if you are actually planning your trip.
It is one of the most beautiful national parks I have ever visited- with the bright turquoise river running through the canyon, the impressive marble gorge, and the stunning views from the tops of the mountains. Even just riding through the winding road of the gorge, left me overwhelmed with the breathtaking natural beauty of it all. This is truly a place where you can be one with nature.
My absolute favorite trail was the Zhuilu Old Trail, a 100 year old trail constructed by Taiwanese aboriginals during Japanese rule. Hiking this trail you climb right along the ridge of one of the mountains and are rewarded with stunning birds eye views of the gorge below. My second favorite trail and a significantly shorter “mini hike” was climbing up to the Bell Tower- where you also get fantastic birds eye views of the gorge.
If you only do one thing during your trip to Taiwan let it be this National park. Honestly being here and soaking in all the nature vibes was a nothing short of a spiritual experience and something words fail me in describing.
#3 Night markets galore
So first, I think it’s important that I admit something to you: I am not a foodie. I subsist on instant ramen and easy mac for more meals than I’d like to admit. In the past, convenience has been more of a factor for me in choosing meals than actual quality and flavor.
It’s kind of embarrassing to admit that- especially as a traveler I feel this pressure to be all sophisticated in my palate and to try all the local delicacies but for the most part that’s not me. I’d much rather “hike my way” through a destination than “eat my way” through it.
Taiwan however was the exception to this rule. Taiwan made a foodie out of me, at least temporarily. One of my favorite experiences each night was wondering through the local night markets trying all of the things. The night markets were my favorite place to eat dinner because I was able to walk from stall to stall sampling different treats. The night markets in Taiwan are seriously next level; some of the food stalls even have Michelin stars.
I tried fish ball soup, black pepper buns, stewed pork knuckle over sticky rice and the classic small sausage in a large sausage. I ate grilled squid on a stick and sweet potato balls as well as skewers with every kind of meat imaginable.
Since I am not a “foodie” I also feel that I am not very good at describing food experiences. So with that in mind here are some of my favorite youtube videos to watch to get you hyped about the Taiwanese night market and food scene.
Foods to Try in Taiwan | Eileen Aldis
Tasty Street Food in Taiwan | Eileen Aldis
What I ate in Taiwan | Eileen Aldis
#4 Lotus Lake
This quaint little area in Kaohsiung, consists of many temples, pagodas, cafes, street food and souvenir shops distributed around a small lake. Besides all the religious relics to be found here, there is also a small water skiing course on the lake for the more adrenaline seeking folks.
One of my favorite things to do while traveling in foreign countries is to visit all of the temples and spiritual spaces to see how different cultures convene with the divine. Partly because they are beautiful. Partly because they make me feel calm and centered and give me space to sit in silence. Partly because I find it so FUN to learn about all the religious rituals from around the world and to try on different spiritual beliefs and customs.⠀⠀
To that end, the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is a particularly famous place to visit while at Lotus pond. The ancient Taiwanese culture says that if you walk in the dragon’s throat and out the mouth of the tiger you will turn all of your bad luck into good fortune.⠀
Tourists from around the world line up to take part in this little ritual and it was such a fun way to participate in Taiwanese culture. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#4 Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum and Monastary
This is the largest Buddhist monastary in Taiwan and headquarters of the Fo Guang Shan order of Buddhism, an organization that practices Humanistic Buddhism.
This museum and monastery is about 45 minutes outside of the city center of Kaohsiung and was a lovely place to take a half day or full day trip. I spent about 4 hours wandering around the grounds taking pictures and talking with the volunteers, but could have easily spent the entire day touring the museum and soaking up each one of the different buddhist teachings.
This is the home of a seriously giant buddha and the whole time I was here it felt like I was playing some real life version of temple run. The volunteers who worked here so kind, welcoming and informative and were so excited to talk with me about the spiritual teachings of this particular subsect of Buddhism.
The entire architecture of this museum is symbolic too. There are eight pagodas that line the way to the giant buddha and each pagoda represents a different teaching under the eightfold path to liberation. You can go inside each of the different pagodas, have a cup of tea, and learn about the various principles each one represents.
It is a perfect way to get out of the city and have some space and tranquility.
#5 Taipei is where nature and big city coexist
As I travel, one of the constant internal debates I have is city vs nature. I am always impressed by the hustle, bustle and high energy and many social/ entertainment options of big cities, but at the same time value the ability to retreat into nature. With Taiwan it felt like I didn’t have to choose because both options were so readily available in a harmonistic balance.
Even in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital and most densely populated city, there were so many opportunities for day trips and hiking just beyond the city center. Nature always felt so easily accessible even in the thick of the city.
One of the best hikes right within the city is Elephant Mountain, a popular place for catching the sunset and an incredible view of Taipei 101, the landmark of the city skyline. If you want to find a more off-the-beaten-path version of this hike I would suggest summiting Tiger Mountain, a similar view with legit zero crowds. I was able to enjoy the sunset and view from Tiger mountain, essentially all to myself.
Another day trip with phenomenal views and hiking right outside the city center was on the Pingxi line, hiking the Pingxi Crags. This was such an adventurous hike, which truly got my adrenaline and blood pumping . I had to climb a harrowing ladder to get to the top and was rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the valley below.
#6 Hot springs
Taiwan is geographically located on the Ring of Fire within the Pacific Ocean which means it is prone to both earthquakes and the mineral water hot springs that come with these quakes. Taiwan is home to so many naturally occurring hot springs around the island and I found it the perfect way to relax and decompress my muscles after all the hiking I was doing.
My personal favorite hot spring experience was at Antong Hot Springs Hotel in Yuli, on the East coast of Taiwan. You don’t have to stay in the hotel to enjoy the springs and can easily buy a day pass to soak your weary muscles. This is a truly gorgeous outdoor hot springs nestled right in the valley and surrounded by lovely views of the mountains that surround the town of Yuli.
Some other famous hot springs locations include Wulai Hot Springs and Beitou Hot Springs, both just outside the city limits of Taipei.
#7 Bubble tea
One of my favorite things to do in other countries is to find new and delicious ways to caffeinete. In Taiwan, that means bubble tea.
Did you know that bubble tea originated in Taiwan? I definitely did not until I was planning my trip there. Because Taiwan is the birth place of this incredible beverage, bubble tea is so cheap and can be found literally everywhere. It quickly became a staple of my vacation in Taiwan and I was rarely seen without one in hand.
There are multiple bubble teas stalls at every night market and even the 711’s serve up some bubble tea fresh from behind the counter. You can even customize your bubble tea and get it anyway you like it: brown sugar, extra sweetened, lightly sweetened, with tapioca balls or without (I don’t understand why would you get them without, but I guess its nice to have options).
#8 The East Rift Valley
Probably the most off the beaten path experience I had in Taiwan in general was the night I spent in Yuli, a small town with BIG views in the East Rift Valley. There are several other small towns on the East coast nestled in the mountains including Chishang, but I chose to stay in Yuli because of its proximity to Yushan National Park.
Yuli is a small town located smack dab in the middle of the East Rift Valley meaning it is situated in a little valley with mountains and rice fields all around it. Motorbiking from the city center to Yushan National Park (a 20 minute ride), the views were so beautiful it looked like drone footage from a planet earth documentary.
Yushan National Park is home to Jade Mountain, Taiwan’s tallest peak at 3,952m above sea level. Since it is quite a trek to get to the top and requires permits and much advanced planning I settled for hiking the Walami trail. The Walami trail is a gorgeous 9km trek (out and back) complete with waterfalls, suspension bridges and birds eye views over the river valley and rice fields.
This place is such a hidden gem that I was legit the only foreigner on the trail. Local people actually came up to me and asked “how did you hear about this place?” or how did you know to come here”. It was an incredible experience.
#9 Taiwanese people are the kindest, friendliest souls
Solo backpacking around Taiwan was my first real, international solo traveler experience, and I honestly could not have picked a better place to start. The Taiwnese people were all so kind and friendly that I always felt looked after and cared for.
I had some of my most epic experiences, running into locals who were dying to show me around their country. I went on an improptu hike with these two Taiwanese grandpas who showed me all of the beautfiul and secret places of Monkey Mountain in Kaohsiung. They even took me out to dinner afterwards to a local Taiwanese place to get sticky rice.
I met another Taiwenese man on the train named Senor Lopez, who was concerned that I was traveling along and gave me his name and phone number. He implored that I call him if I needed anything while I was in his city. He said “it’s better you no need” but just in case.
While I was hiking locals who passed by me would stop and say hello, ask where I was from, and then say ” Welcome to Taiwan”.
My entire two weeks in Taiwan were filled with little experiences like this where I felt so welcomed into the local culture.
#10. Getting around is so breezy.
I was ambitious and decided that in my two week trip I was going to travel the entire way around Taiwan. This could have been a horrible decision or a big headache, but because Taiwan’s transportation system is to well thought out, it was so easy and breezy to hop on a bus or train and get from one city to the next.
There are high speed trains, regular trains and buses to get from one city to the next and even within each city the subway system was so easy to navigate.
This wonderfully set up system was made even nicer because the people who worked for the Taiwanese transportation system were so friendly as well. They were always willing to help navigate me to the right platform or help me purchase the right ticket to get to my destination. There was even a time when I sprinted through a subway station with a conductor because he wanted to make sure I caught the train in time before it took off.
If you can’t tell, I have such fond memories of my time in Taiwan and even just writing this post now makes me so excited to go back. I fully recommend Taiwan as one of the most magical and special places you could ever travel to.
Hopefully this post inspired you to add Taiwan to your bucket list. If you are planning a trip to Taiwan feel free to email me. I’d love to answer any questions or help you decide what to do or not to do.
Wondering if you have what it takes to quit your job and travel full time? Check out my decision making worksheet below to decide if this path is right for you!
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