Saturday, July 26, 2014

Taiwan 2014 Day 3 & 4 - Shifen, KTV, FIFA World Cup Finals

Day 3

13 July, Sunday

We failed to wake up for breakfast again. I really miss their breakfast stall which I had during my 2nd last trip to Taipei with my mum in Feb 2013. The burgers was really tasty. Nevertheless, we had brunch in one of the nice eatery in Ximending.


365台湾小吃 
Address: No. 34, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District Taipei City, Taiwan 108 (108, Taiwan, 台北市萬華區漢中街34號)
Contact: 02 2314 9889 (+886 2 2314 9889)


Fried Rice with Egg (NT 60 = SGD 2.50) - So so.

Braised Pork Rice (NT 25 = SGD 1.05) - Very nice!

Oyster Omelette (NT 60 = SGD 2.50) - Nice!

Tasty food with my tired morning face

Woohoo, check out my new Hater Snapback I bought at Trend Setting shop at Shilin Night Market last night!
Instagram photo @lynne_chua
While we were drinking bubble tea and contemplating on whether to make our way to Shihfen, we saw Fahrenheit's 飛輪海 member Aaron Yan Ya Lun 炎亞綸!! That's the perk of staying in Ximending as many celebrities will hold their autograph session during the weekends here! He's so good looking in person!

Chachago's Bubble Milk Tea was average







Ximen to Shifen/Shihfen

1) Ximen - Taipei Main Station (MRT)
2) Taipei - Ruifang (Taiwan Railway)
3) Ruifang - Shifen (Pingxi Line)

The journey to Shihfen would take around 2.5hours. Even though it's already 2pm+, we decided to go ahead to Shifen. From Ximending, we took the MRT from Ximen to Taipei Main Station and bought our ticket to Ruifang Station from Taiwan Railway. There are 3 different types of train to choose from, normal (stops at every station), express (lesser stations) and super express (least stations). Of course, the price gets higher with fewer stops. We took the express train (C.K Express, 莒光) at NT 59 (SGD 2.50) per person. We later then found out that we could actually tap in using our EasyCard instead of buying the ticket through the ticketing machines. There was a huge crowd waiting for the train that we were going to board and it took us at least 5min to board the train as it was so crowde and everyone had to squeeze themselves in! We ran across the platform to find a cabin that can accommodate us and we finally managed to find one, paved ourselves in and not missed our designated train. It was a very good experience I would say. Haha

Taiwan Railway Ticket from Taipei to Ruifang Station
So crowded that we had to stand outside of the toilet!! And it didn't really smell nice. Blurred my face out as I was looking ugly with my sad face. Lol
Arrival at Ruifang Station after a ~45min train from Taipei
As the next train towards Shifen would take another 30min (we didn't check the train schedule before we leave), we took a stroll around Ruifang station. There was quite a lot of food places and I bought a drink from my favorite bubble tea shop 50嵐 which is the famous koi bubble tea in Singapore.

50嵐



Food Street in Ruifang

Crossing the road back to Ruifang Train Station
Waiting for our train to Shifen at Ruifang Station's Platform

How the train looks like! This time round we used our EasyCard to tap in. There's actually a guy checking our tickets!

Check check. Indeed, there were people who never tap in nor buy any tickets! Tsk tsk



Shifen (Shihfen) 十分

It was an approximately 30min train ride from Ruifang to Shifen Station. Shifen still retain the vintage feel of Taiwan, we had to walk across the railway to get to the street. Very different feel from the city's MRT! Love it!










Our main motive of coming to Shifen was to release the sky lantern. There were many vendors along Shifen Street and none of them undercut each other. The prices of the sky lanterns are fixed at NT 150 (SGD 6.20) for 1-colour lantern and NT 200 (SGD 8.30) for 4-colour lantern. Each colour represents a meaning, for example red = health/safe, blue = career and yellow = wealth. We picked the first booth we encountered, which was the nearest from the train station. We felt that the location was better and it was more spacious for us to design our lantern.

What each colour represents. Taken at another booth far away from the train station.

The place where we designed our sky lantern!




Up up it went! Good luck to both of us!

May all our wishes come true.

Other booth, it's less spacious as compared to ours




Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall is located about 30min walk away from Shifen Street. As it was already quite late into the afternoon, we rented a motorbike to make it faster (NT 200/SGD 8.30 per hour), from 30min walk to 5min drive.


Parking our bike here as this was the furthest we can go.










Water's so clear

Ignore the sign on top.. Keep walking, to the left.


Reached! 5-10min walk from the place we parked our bike

Adult NT 100, Soldier/Student/Children/Elderly > 65/Group of >20 NT 80, Handicapped NT 50, Kids before attending Kindergarten NT 20 and BBQ only NT 50
We paid student's price =x when I asked if overseas students can get discount? The guy in the ticketing counter didn't even check our student passes! Hehe.




Shifen Waterfall

Shifen Waterfall - Full View
It's really tranquilizing to be standing in front of such a beautiful waterfall. You can just do nothing, stare at and listen to the sound of the waterfall. As we had to rush back to our train which is departing at 6.20pm, we didn't spend a lot of time at the falls.


WE MISSED OUR TRAIN. Yes. We missed our train.... The next train was like 1 hour later! =( We went to the control station to ask if there's any alternative to get us back to Taipei. The assistant was very helpful, he came out of the office, handed us the bus schedule and pointed to the bus stop which was opposite the train station. He asked us to run to the bus stop as the bus was coming. Thank you!

This was the bus stop. We walked super fast so that we could catch bus 795 which will stop at Muzha Station in Taipei


Nice old street!

Beautiful house opposite the bus stop!

On board the bus to Muzha Station
The bus ride was about 40min. We took MRT from Muzha Station, interchanging at Zhongxiao Fuxing Statoin and alighted at Taipei Main Station for their underground mall. Many shops have started closing as it's already passed 8pm. We walked into one of the eatery (didn't take picture of the place) and ordered some noodles. I like my beef noodles!



Beef Noodles
Today was really a tiring yet fulfilling day!! However, the night has not ended. We gonna catch FIFA World Cup Finals at a pub later!! Before we went back to our hotel, we went to HolidayKTV in Ximending to book a room at 11pm. They only got a room after 11.20pm and so we went back to hotel to wash up, changed clothes and went back to the KTV at 11.25pm.


Holiday KTV 好樂迪
No. 62, Xining South Rd, Taiwan 108 (Ximending)
Website: http://www.holiday.com.tw/

We took a student package where each of us paid about SGD 17 for singing session of 11pm-5am including buffet. That's actually very cheap! We have a private toilet for ourselves as well! The system was easy to use but one negative point was that it was not in the latest Hanyu Pinyin "a o e, i o u" kind. It's using the traditional form. Thus, it's impossible for us to find the exact song we want unless we search it from the artist menu. Nevetheless, it was an enjoyable session! We left at 2.15am as the world cup final match would begin at 3am.

Cute start up screen




Buffet spread




Initially, we planned to go to Brass Monkey for the match. However, upon reaching, the bar was damn full. There were many other world cup fans standing outside as they were denied entry. We took another cab and headed over to On Tap.

On Tap Taipei
Address: No 21, Alley 11, Lane 216, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei, Taiwan (106台北市大安區忠孝東路四段216巷11弄21號)
Contact: 02 2741 5365 (+886 2 2741 5365)
Email: info@ontaptaipei.com
Website: http://www.ontaptaipei.com/
Operating Hours: 5pm to late (Daily)

On Tap Taipei was located out of nowhere in the neighbourhood. You will never imagined that there would be a bar if you were in the area. On Tap staff told us that the bar was full and asked if we mind standing. As we do not wish to return to the hotel, we agreed to the condition. The entrance was NT 500 (SGD 21) including NT 500 coupons for food & drinks.

The atmosphere was really damn great when we entered! Everyone was excited and cheered loudly whenever the ball's near the goal post. We were standing around until one of the female staff came over to ask us where were we seated. We told her that we have no seat and she asked us to wait awhile while she arranges seats for us! That's nice of her. We were ushered to the basement by a Caucasian (I guessed he's the boss of this bar) and seated next to a big table of Taiwanese family, on the high chairs, without a table.



Yummy nachos

Onion Rings

Heineken & Sex on the beach
The match was so long and ended with 0-0 draw. YAY I WON SOME MONEY!! =P We left after the first half of the additional time as we were too exhausted. We then watch the match using sopcast on my mobile while we were on the taxi back to our hotel and Germany finally won with 1-0 in the 2nd half of additional time. Congratulations!! Both teams fought hard. Lionel Messi, my BF's favourite, failed to score a goal at the last minute which might change the destiny of Argentina to fight Germany again in penalty shoot-out.

This was the staff who sold us the 'standing' tickets


Day 4

14 July, Monday

Slept at 6am, woke up at 11am, checked out at 12.30pm. We left our luggage at the hotel while we headed to Ximending for lunch and some last minute shopping.


Risotto (Ah Mao Risotto Restaurant) 阿毛石鍋燉飯

4th time in Taiwan, 1st time stepping into Ah Mao Risotto Restaurant in Ximending. They have golden retrievers (real dog) at the entrance of the restaurant. It's not difficult to spot this restaurant at all. We had doubts about the food of the restaurant but we were wrong! The food was actually not bad! It wasn't very expensive either.



Tomato Soup - Real tomato, not Campbell soup kind.


Very nice and fragrant tea!






BF's mushroom risotto - a bit too bland

I like my curry beef risotto!


Good bye Ah Mao!
Not giving up, BF finally had his peanut mochi on our last day in Taipei!

En route to the airport:
1) MRT: Ximen - Taipei Main Station
2) Highspeed Rail: Taipei - Taoyuan
3) Ubus 705: Taoyuan HSR - Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1

Bus from Taoyuan HSR to the Airport
We almost missed the check in for our flight! I forgot to check the timings for the highspeed rail and ended up waiting 30min at Taipei station. Luckily we managed to make it before the check in closes but we were separated in the aircraft. =(

Queue to board the flight 

Nyonya Chicken Meal on board tigerair at SGD 12 (ouch!) - Quite tasty & spicy.

This trip was a good getaway, we will definitely be back for more! Till then, bye Taiwan!

50 comments:

  1. Hi babe, are your two bigger luggages 28-30"? Mine is this size and I'm afraid that they will be rather bulky when riding the bus between the airport and HSR. Will it? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, yup mine's around that size. You can place your luggage at the luggage area on the bus (the bus driver will probably assist) and HSR seats are very spacious, definitely can fit your luggage. Otherwise you can put it on the overhead compartment. No worries! :)

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  2. Hi, may I know how long was the duration for bus ride from Taoyuan HSR - Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1? I would be catching an early morning flight back to SG, hence I am not sure if I can make it in time. If not I may have to spend money on cab :( Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, it's around 20-25min, depends on the traffic. I would recommemd you to take a cab from taoyuan hsr if you are running short of time as I almost missed my flight's check in due to the late arrival of the bus at taoyuan hsr. Taxi is quite affordable in Taiwan too. :)

      Delete
    2. Very nice blog, I like Taiwan too been solo since 2011 yearly trip. All places I see I been there except YongKang street. Mostly food there I suppose.

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    3. Thank you for your compliment. Yes, Yong Kang street offers a variety of food and cafes.

      Delete
  3. Hi there! Would you mind if I can grab a copy of your itenary please! yanjiao0329@gmail.com! Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yan Jiao, I've sent my itinerary to your email provided above. No worries. :)

      Delete
  4. Hi Hi... Can i have a of your itinerary also... thanks in advance.

    Singtel88@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hihi.. Can i have ur itinerary please? I'll visit to Taiwan next year April & it is my 1st time.. :)
      My email add: winniebabe0727@gmail.com

      Thank you in advance.. :)

      Delete
    2. Hi Winnie, itinerary sent! Enjoy your first time in Taiwan.

      Delete
  5. Hi!!! May i also have a copy of your itinerary in taiwan? I'm visiting with my family next month! :)

    Joannabrinas@yahoo.com

    Thank you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Lynne! i would like to have a copy of your itinerary too! Will be travelling to Taipei in early '16. My email: cynthia_limpohsuan@hotmail.com
    Thanks so much! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cynthia, itinerary sent! Merry Christmas! Cheers, Lynne.

      Delete
  7. Hi Lynne, chanced upon your blog and thumbs up for your bravery to go Taipei solo last year! :)

    Ill be going to Taipei for my first time end of January. I have not plan my itinerary yet, planning to probably stay in Taipei for 4 days, 1 day in Cingjing and 1 day in Tai Chung. 4 days in Taipei.. is it too much? Would be grateful if you can send me your itinerary for both Taiwan trips so I can have a reference also! Hehe. Thanks in advance babe. :)

    celinefoo@live.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Celine, 4 days in Taipei is not too much at all! I stayed 6 days in Taipei for my first trip to Taiwan in 2011. I have sent my itineraries to your email. Hope that you will enjoy your trip! =)

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  8. Hi Lynne, i chanced upon your blog while googling for possible places to visit in Taiwan and i find your blog post very helpful! Would like to check with you how and where you bought your tickets from UBUS? cause we are planning to stay at Hotel Puri too and knowing how to travel from Taoyuan Airport would help loads!

    Also, can i have a copy of your itinerary too? Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wanyi, I'm so glad that my blog is able to help you with your planning for Taiwan! :) I got my ticket from UBus at the basement of Taoyuan Airport. Just follow the signs, down the escalators and you will be able to find the bus booths. You can either take a direct bus to Ximending (not sure which one it is, but you can easily check upon arriving) or take bus UBus 705 to Taoyuan High Speed Rail, then take the HSR to Taipei and another train from Taipei Main Station to Ximending. Please leave your email here and I will forward my itinerary to you. =)

      Delete
  9. Hi Lynne, i came across your blog, and i find it helpful in planning! Isit possible to send me your itinerary to felicialsy@hotmail.com for both Taiwan trips? I have not planned mine yet! Thank you !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Felicia, I have sent both my itineraries to your email! Happy planning! :)

      Delete
  10. Hi Lynne,

    I chanced upon ur blog while researching for my upcoming taiwan trip. It was very detailed and can you kindly send me your itinerary for reference? Thank you so much. joeyquek1@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello, do you mind sharing your itineraries for me to plan my itinerary? Thank you. ms.shell1309@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle, certainly. Check your inbox! :)

      Delete
  12. Hey, do you mind sharing your itinerary with me as im going to taiwan this oct and have yet to plan yet.. Hahaha. Thanks in advance :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Peiru, itinerary sent! Enjoy your trip in Oct. =)

      Delete
  13. Oh sorry, i forget to add my email. peiru.tan@hotmail.com :) ps!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi, I'm going taiwan this Nov, do you mind to share with me your itineraries too? Thank lots!

    Shujuan_2027@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Lynne, can I have ur itinerary too?:) my email is ongsl@hotmail.com. Thanks :))

    ReplyDelete
  16. hi lynne, can i have a copy of your itinerary ? thank you (: itscharmainee@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Charmaine, sorry for missing your comment out! Just sent you my itinerary. Bet you already been to Taiwan. >.< Hopefully it will be useful for your next trip!

      Delete
  17. Hello Lynne! Can I also have a copy of your itinerary? Thank you so much!
    hafizinmotion@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Lynne, happened to chance upon your blog while researching for my coming taiwan trip mid dec. I am planning to spend probably 2 nights in shifen , probably 3 nights in taipei and also going bei tou. Can you send me your itineraries for those places? Do you recommend to get sim card or device for wifi & data? My email is gaorijia@gmail.com. Thanks in advance ^^

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Lynne, can i hve yr itinerary as im going to taipei next week.Thank you.
    patloofh@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Lynne! I enjoy reading your post.
    Would you be able to share your itinerary with me?
    One question-if I want to travel to both jiufen and shifen from ximending, how do I travel? Thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Frederick! Sure, can you please leave your email here so that I can forward my itinerary to you? Hmm I have never been to Jiu Fen but I guess the journey should be about the same. For Shifen, as written above:
      1) Ximen - Taipei Main Station (MRT)
      2) Taipei - Ruifang (Taiwan Railway)
      3) Ruifang - Shifen (Pingxi Line)
      You may want to look for how to get to Jiufen. I think it's along the way.

      Delete
  21. My email is zhanglianchang@gmail.com
    Thanks in advance!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Lynne, can I have your taiwan itinerary too? ��

    My email is Tan_Zhi_Xian@Hotmail.Com

    Thank you in advance!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Lynne,

    It is my first time planning trip to Taiwan this May. Can I have a copy of your itinerary too? Thanks much ign advance. Email: jennwong30@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jenn, I have sent you my itinerary. Have fun in Taiwan!

      Delete
  24. Woah so much to look at ! Lynne, I know is alittle annoying but can I also have your itinerary as a reference ? Email: 29eleugene@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete