Taiwan, or the Republic of China (ROC), is a country sandwiched by Japan and the Philippines known for its beautiful nature. It is a delicious mix of culture, nature, and contemporary living—a unique experience like no other country has to offer. I am super excited to experience Taiwan, especially after knowing that it’s only an MRT ride away if I want to reach the countryside. I need a vacation from the city life, but I also need the familiarity of a bustling environment. With Taiwan, you don’t need to make the choice as both worlds are available just a stone’s throw away from each other.

This time, I decided to focus my travel around Taipei. I like to get to know a country slowly whenever I can. As Taiwan’s capital, Taipei should give me a generous insight to what the country is like. This isn’t my first time traveling solo, so I am far more relaxed about it now. Besides, Taiwan is considered as one of the safest countries in the world and crime against foreigners is very rare. I only need to employ common precautions, such as be mindful of my belongings in crowded places and not to walk around alone in the wee hours of the night.

When you’re traveling alone, preparation is important. I usually plan out everything in detail though later on I may stray from this. I’m free to do whatever I want! These are a few things I did in advance that you might want to consider: 

1. Exchange my local currency to NTD

   NTD, or New Taiwan Dollars, is Taiwan’s official currency. I do this no matter where I travel: I exchange my currency to my destination’s currency before I leave. This way, I get a better value for my money and I come prepared. If and when I need more money in Taiwan later, that’s a whole other story. 

2. Pick up my SIM Card

   Because I’m traveling solo, I feel like this is a more cost-efficient option compared to pocket Wi-Fi. So as soon as I landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, I went to pick up my reserved SIM Card. You don’t really need to do this if your flight arrives before 8PM but I’m somewhat of a neurotic planner, so I made the reservation anyway. You can do this online if you want to, or apply directly from the airport SIM Card desk. They provide SIM Cards for 5, 7, or 10 days use including unlimited 4G LTE data. 

   Important note: when you are applying for a prepaid SIM Card on the counter, they will ask you to show your passport and a secondary identification (you can use your local ID card) so please prepare these beforehand. 

3. Buy an EasyCard

   Taipei’s version of MRT smartcard, EasyCard users get 20% discount on regular tickets. Taipei’s MRT is punctual and encompasses major areas of the city. It runs seven lines and operates under a distance-based fare. EasyCard can also be used for buses (starts from NTD 15 for the central area) and other forms of transportations, as well as shopping in convenience stores. 

4. Pre-book my accommodations

   I tend to choose to stay in hostels, because it gives me more of a social life while traveling. The common room offers a chance to meet other travelers, share stories, and even eventually travel together. But hostels like this are almost always full, most likely due to its cheap price. I always make sure to book them in advance, just because I don’t like to be stranded and waste my precious traveling time to look for available hotels or hostels. 

   Now on to exploring Taipei! Below are some of the most memorable places that I visited while traveling solo in Taipei. 

1. Ximending
   
    
   Source: Morguefile
   
   Continuing its history as a recreation district during Japanese colonization era, Ximending to this day is one of Taipei’s most famous shopping districts. Take Exit 6 of Ximen Station and head for the Ximending Pedestrian Area. This area is jam-packed with shops and restaurants, frequented by mostly young people. A word of warning, take care of your wallet, because you will shop till you drop!
    
2. Nangang District Hiking Trail

   Close to Taipei 101, which is another must see, is a hiking trail that leads to the Elephant Mountain. A mere 15 to 20 minutes of this path and you will be mesmerized by the panoramic view of Taipei City. 

3. Jiu Fen Old Street

   Famous for being the inspiration of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, I know must visit this place even though Jiu Fen is 45 minutes away from Taipei. I have no regrets spending an entire day trip here. Everything is just perfect, including the food.  I recommend the ultra-delicious, delicate egg pudding for only NTD30! It is a must-try! 

4. Shilin Night Market

   In case you didn’t know, Taipei is famous for its night markets. Shilin is considered to be the biggest and most famous of them all, making it a must visit spot. What did I do there? I shopped and I ate to my heart’s content. Yes, that’s pretty much what I did while in Taipei. 

5. Longshan Temple
    
   Source: Pixabay
   
   Dubbed as the most famous and one of the oldest temples in Taiwan, Longshan Temple offers a relief from the metropolitan life. It was built in 1738 and suffered significant damage during World War II, but since then extensive construction has been done to restore the temple to its glory. 

There are two more things that I should say about Taipei. I don’t feel at all limited for options by traveling solo in this city. There weren’t any specific places that I avoided because I was afraid or anything like that. Taipei is a safe city and I truly felt that while I was there. The other thing is, I didn’t—and still don’t—speak a single word of Mandarin whatsoever, and that wasn’t a problem. They have clear road signs and landmarks, and in case you get lost just use the sign or body language. Taiwanese people are among the most helpful people I’ve ever encountered in my travels.

Honestly, I’m already planning for my next adventure in Taiwan. I hear Taroko Gorge and Kaohsiung City are really something. Anyone want to come with me?