Day Trip from and within Taipei (Taiwan)

Thinking Taipei looks like any other major city in the world? Think further…

Yeliu GeoPark

1 hour away from Taipei, you will arrive in Yeliu GeoPark, along Pacific Ocean. It is home to fascinating rock formations, unique terrain, and abundant nature, making it one of the best must-see sights on the island.

Directions to Yehliu Geopark

It is located at No. 167-1 Gang Dong Road,  Yehliu Village. Entrance Fee:NT80 per person.

There are several bus options from Taipei City, Keelung, and the Danshui MRT station. Specific directions and transportation options can be found on the Geopark’s website.

Pacific Ocean Scenery:

Keelung city:

Personally, I visited JiuFen and took the bus from JiuFen to Keelung before taking private taxi which is more worthwhile if you have 3 pax and above travelling together. Should you be taking the public bus from Keelung to Yeliu, look out for the bus station outside 7-11 store. Look out for the bus # below.

Should you be taking the public bus to Yeliu, it will be a 10 min walk from the top down to the entrance (sea level) of the GeoPark. Not recommended if you are carrying heavy bag pack.

JiuFen

If you are travelling from Taipei Main Station, take the Tze-Chiang (自強號) train bound for Ruifang (瑞芳). Ride about 50 minutes. Exit Ruifang station, walk towards Ruifang Old Street and look for the “Welcome” sign across the street for buses bound for Jiufen.

Cost: NTD$15 and takes about 15 minutes to reach Jiufen. Taxi from Ruifang Station NTD$180.

Personal Verdict: Its not worth making the journey to Jiufen as there are many places in Taiwan that offers a nicer scenery. Why is it popular among tourist is perhaps the many varieties of food (mainly cookies, nuggets etc) and also is the place that has been used as the set for commercials and movies.

Wulai 

20km south of Taipei, you will reach Wulai area, where there are hot springs, waterfall, Aboriginal culture and an amusement park. There are many hotels with hot springs and spas in the town. However, I recommend going to the hot springs beside the river. They are free and after you have spent some time soaking in the hot springs you can cool off with a swim in the river.

How to go to Wulai from Taipei:

Take the MRT to Xindian Station (Xindian line).Look for the bus with destination written as 烏來 Sindian-Taipei Main Station at the bus stop in front of the station. The bus journey takes about 40 minutes  (longer on weekends) and costs NT$40. Wulai is the last stop. Sit on the left if you wants to have river view.

Within Taipei City: 

And if you are talking places to visit in Taipei City, these are my picks.

• Ximending 

• Shilin night market 

Of all the night market, I think this is one of the best with the night market atmosphere.  Alight at  Jiantan Station, NOT Shilin.

• Taipei 101

• Raohe St. Night Market  (Many good food here!) 

There is this shop which sells Bun (Bao). Long queue but to me, its not worth queuing up! Taste just so-so. However, as the saying goes, one man meat is another man poison.

• Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

If you want to catch the cermony of changing guards, catch it before 5pm. And it happens on every hour. Its indoor and you have to take the lift up to the highest floor.

Lastly, have fun in this friendly city name Taipei!

Categories: Asia Region