5D4N Taiwan Trip Itinerary: Day 1 - Maokong Gondola & Taipei Zoo + Zhongxiao + Shilin Night Market

During the late autumn of 2012, we had the chance to visit one of the rising stars in Asia tourism - Taiwan, a scenic island once broken away from mainland China in the late 1940s and now, it is well on its way to become the "Heart of Asia." Its name also made an appearance on Lonely Planet's top destination to visit in the world in 2012, and once I've been there, I knew the reasons why. The claim is rather true, with an immensely rich culture and heritage, visually stunning sceneries, relaxing world-class hot springs and not to forget what it's best known for - shopping haven and night markets lined with throngs of food stalls selling the most amazing local cuisine.

Since then I have gotten a few requests from people I know, as well as my dear readers, to have my Taiwan itinerary put up right on Nomsaurus. About one month before departure, I took a few travel tips from my friend who have been there themselves and did some researching online on the places I want to go, modes of transport to a particular place, the food I want to eat and ectera. The advantage of doing an itinerary is simple: you have at least an idea of what you are going to do, so you wouldn't have to waste precious time on last-minute thinking and planning. Hence, having an itinerary before the trip is definitely a bonus point. So without further ado, I present to you:

5D4N Taiwan Trip Itinerary - Day 1

Note: Of course you do not have to follow exactly as it is set to my personal preference, but I hope that this itinerary would inspire some ideas and pointers for your trip.

Transport from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City

For optimum usage of time, I have booked my flight timings accordingly, such that I arrived in the morning (0600hrs) and depart back home at night (2015hrs). From Taoyuan Airport, there are a few modes of public transport that could take you to Taipei city, such as the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR), buses and taxis (which is not recommended, unless you are in fours, and can afford it). We took the Evergreen bus which heads for Shuanglian MRT and that is where my hotel is located.

Digital Buddy and Youth Travel Card

For more information, please visit http://tour.youthtravel.tw/travel2009/pda/eng/index.php

I highly recommend getting the Youth Travel Card, which is applicable to Taiwan, as well as all international youths, aged 15 to 30. It is free and easy-to-apply, and presenting the card to participating places (eateries, shopping and attractions etc) will gain you discounted prices.

Accommodation

If you're interested, we stayed at 3-star Shin Shih Hotel 新仕商務飯店, a simple yet dedicated to professional and friendly services, as well as the welfare of travellers. It is located at Chung Shan district and merely a 3-minute walk from Shuanglian MRT. Priced at only S$40+/- per night (correct as of Nov 12) for twin sharing, I would recommend Shin Shih for a comfortable and non-fussy stay.

Activity 1: Maokong Gondola and Taipei Zoo 

Note: Please do click on the links for more information, such as directions and highlights of the area, (will open up in another window.)

Most tourists shunned the idea of heading to the zoo, because they thought it is a waste of time when you could spend it somewhere else instead, moreover all the zoos in the world are pretty much the same, isn't it? Well, consider putting Taipei Zoo (also known as "Muzha Zoo 木柵動物園") in your itinerary. Boasting more than 165 hectares of combined space and, several exhibition houses and observatories, Taipei Zoo is not only a leader in conservation, research, education and recreation, it is also the largest zoo in Asia!

With cable car tickets selling at a range from NT$30 to NT$50 (depending on the number of stops), it is the cheapest I have ever come across. And fret not, the ride is generally smooth and definitely safe. One can even take a peek at the iconic Taipei 101 on a clear day!

Activity 2: Zhongxiao East Road

After a day of sight-seeing, it's high time to grab a proper dinner. We chanced upon Kitchen Pucci 葡吉小廚, located minutes away from Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT which serves authentic Shanghai-style cuisine in its modern setting. The food is generally nice, but not exceptionally good. But, do not forget to leave some stomach space for Shilin's delicacies later on!

Besides dining at one of the many restaurants, Zhongxiao District also boasts departmental stores, such as Pacific SOGO, East Metro Mall and Ming Yao Departmental Store, which proves to be a shopping haven for locals and tourists alike.

Activity 3: Shilin Night Market

One of Taiwan's largest and most popular tourist spot and which I guarantee is on 99% of anyone's Taipei itinerary. Besides boasting well-known Taiwanese snacks such as chicken cutlet, oyster omelette and beef noodles (just to name some, or for the adventurous - stinky tofu and pig's blood), it also serves as a late night shopping haven for locals and tourists alike.

Additional notes:

Reasons like jetlag and fatigue, are your greatest enemies on the arrival day. Hence, it is recommended to choose something light, such as sight-seeing with little amount of travelling time.

Maokong Gondola and Taipei Zoo @ Taiwan

Most tourists shunned  the idea of heading to the zoo, because they thought it is a waste of time when you could spend it somewhere else instead, moreover all the zoos in the world are pretty much the same, isn't it? Well, consider putting Taipei Zoo (also known as "Muzha Zoo 木柵動物園") in your itinerary. Boasting more than 165 hectares of combined space and, several exhibition houses and observatories, Taipei Zoo is not only a leader in conservation, research, education and recreation, it is also the largest zoo in Asia!

Directions to Taipei Zoo

1. Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station (Muzha line). Walk approximately 5 minutes to the zoo.

2. The following bus services head to Taipei Zoo station: 236, 237, 282, 294, 295, 611, 676, 679, 933, 1073, 1501, 1503, 1558, B3, B6, B11, B15, G1, S12

3. Take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station (Muzha line). Head to the Maokong Gondola station and get a ticket (NT$30) to Taipei Zoo South Station. The gondola stops outside the zoo, where you can take a short shuttle bus ride (frequency varies 15-20 minutes) into the zoo.

Entrance fee to Taipei Zoo is NT$60 (NT$30 with Youth Travel Card)

(Photo source: Maokong Gondola main website)

 

The gondola ride is generally smooth with few hiccups and takes less than 10 minutes to reach Taipei Zoo South Station. For your information, there is a more expensive "crystal cabin" ride where you can enjoy the scenery from below the gondola as well. (Not for the faint-hearted or acrophobics though!)

Please kindly not mind our nonsense again. The gondola ride is safe, we were just over-exaggerating.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~

 

The scenery is pretty impressive, you could even see Taipei 101 on a clear day. It was pretty foggy and drizzling on the day of our visit, but we could still have a slight peek of Taiwan's pride. Other than the occasional buildings here and there, most of the picturesque landscape is covered with beautiful greeneries.

If you enter the zoo from the main entrance, you will be greeted by a flock of beautifully pink-coloured flamingoes. This part of the zoo reminded me of Singapore's zoo, where we have flamingoes as "welcoming escorts" as well.

 

Besides individual exhibitions (like birds or reptiles), Taipei Zoo is primarily divided into several zones which includes Asian Tropical Rainforest, Desert, Australian, African etc. The zoo is generally easy to navigate, but if you happened to get lost, do not hesitate to ask the friendly locals.

 

 

For higher quality of the map, please click on the link below:

http://english.zoo.taipei.gov.tw/content.asp?Cuitem=1128300&mp=104032

 

Why not get a Waffle Tree drizzled with dark chocolate (NT$30) before the exploration? (Note that it doesn't taste as great as it looks, I'd rather get some herbal eggs and a milk tea with the money.) They do sell other snacks as well, if you're still interested, they are located beside the gift shop of the Amphibian and Reptile House.

 

Below are some of the photos taken from the trip:

Girlfriend Peiyi was hesitating about entering the Amphibian and Reptile House, as she creeps at the sight of slimy and scaly creatures, while I find them truly intricating and interesting. Just look at the details of the frog and the uniformity of snakes scales.

 

 

Please do click to enlarge the images.

 

 

 

The stars of Taipei Zoo is none other than two pandas named Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan (meaning "reunion" in Chinese) from the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a gesture of unity between the two countries. Apparently, lighting wasn't on my side, flash is prohibited and the pandas were actively moving all around, hence the quality of picture.

 

There are obviously a whole lot more of creatures, but I've only uploaded a fraction to keep the suspense. So if you want to view more, do not forget to add Taipei Zoo in your itinerary to Taiwan!