Travel Taleswith Mike Siegel

Taiwan

by Mike Siegel

It may be an official part of China, but the island has a history and culture all its own.

Mike’s Snapshot Review

  • WHEN: December, 2011

  • DURATION: 4 days

  • STAYED: 3 nights in Taipei, 1 in Taroko Gorge National Park

POSITIVES

  • Food- As a lover of Asian cuisine, I ate to my heart’s content in Taiwan. Taiwanese cooking differs, sometimes slightly sometimes not, from the cuisine of most of the Chinese mainland, and I never had a bad meal.

  • Culture– Ancient civilization with a rich history. The Republic of China governs Taiwan, but the locals remain fiercely independent and take pride to distinguish themselves from the mainland. In just the last 300 years, all or parts of the Island have been controlled by the Portugese, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, the U.S., and finally, Communist China.

  • Sports– Baseball is the national sport, and basketball is gaining popularity all the time. Check out a game if possible.

  • Transportation– High speed rail to much of the Island and Taipei has a great subway system. The central train station in Taipei is massive. Try to stay in walking distance to it if you can.

  • Nightlife- This city likes to party, and many of the clubs don’t get going until the early morning hours. Adjust your body clock accordingly.

  • Shopping- Malls and markets abound. Good deals to be had on clothes and electronics, especially.

  • Cost– Cheaper than Japan or Hong Kong, though more expensive than Bangkok or Vietnam.

  • Safety– Even though Taipei is a city of nearly 4 million, crime is relatively low.

  • Visa– Unlike mainland China, Americans don’t need a visa to enter Taiwan or Hong Kong.

NEGATIVES

  • Airport T****ransportation– Taipei Airport is a about a 30-45-minute car ride outside of the city, and no high speed train goes there (yet). Leave plenty of time to make your flight, and try to take buses or split cab fare. ** **

  • Language– Never had problems getting around Asia knowing English, until I hit Taiwan. It wasn’t a huge problem, but I found that fewer hotel, restaurant, or train employees spoke English than other cities.

  • Weather– Granted, I was there in late December, but I never saw the sun the entire week and rain was common. Temperatures were not too bad during the day, requiring a light jacket at the most. Which means that summers can get pretty damn hot and muggy.

  • Distance– It’s an island, which means that airlines got you by the short hairs in terms of setting prices. Unless you’re coming from a major Asian hub like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Manila, etc., then getting there will take multiple flights and planning.

MUST DO

  • Visit Taroko Gorge. It’s a beautiful National Park a train ride from Taipei and worth seeing. The **East Coast and South **are known for their natural beauty. If you have time, see the countryside.

  • Go to the Night Markets, not only to shop, but to eat. Street food carts are a great, inexpensive way to try everything**. **

  • Eat the famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fungrestaurants located throughout the city.

  • Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and Museum – The former leader’s visage and influence are everywhere in Taiwan. Learn about him.

  • **Taipei 101- 2nd tallest skyscraper in the world. But go on a clear day. I went on a foggy afternoon and couldn’t see a thing. There is, however, a Din Tai Fung restaurant in the food court downstairs! **

RECOMMEND?

Yes, but with strings attached- as Asian cities under Chinese rule go, I enjoyed Hong Kong more. But if you have the time, the curiosity, and get a good flight deal, then go for it.

…