Taiwan November 2024 – Accommodation, Expenses & Itinerary Report
A detailed breakdown of my Taiwan itinerary, accommodation costs, and daily expenses across Taipei, Hualien, Kenting, Kaohsiung, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, and Taoyuan. Includes insights on payment methods, transportation, and budget expectations for a multi-city trip across Taiwan.
Tamsui - New Taipei, Taiwan
A relaxing riverside escape just outside Taipei, Tamsui blends rich history, street food, and sunset views—perfect for a half-day trip to end your Taiwan journey.
Rainbow Village - Taichung, Taiwan
A once-forgotten military village saved by one man’s paintbrush—Rainbow Village in Taichung bursts with color, creativity, and heart, making it one of Taiwan’s most inspiring stops.
Sun Moon Lake - Nantou County, Taiwan
A peaceful day walking around Sun Moon Lake—Taiwan’s most iconic lake—visiting Wenwu Temple, Ita Thao Village, and the shimmering emerald waters that give this place its timeless beauty.
Mount Tashan - Chiayi County, Taiwan
Hike Mt. Tashan in Alishan for panoramic mountain views, ancient cypress trees, and peaceful trails. Discover the Sister Ponds and experience Taiwan’s scenic Alishan forests on this unforgettable hike.
Cijin - Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Cijin Island blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Walk the old streets, sample fresh seafood, visit Cihou Fort and Kaohsiung Lighthouse, and enjoy scenic coastal views—all just a short ferry ride from Kaohsiung.
Chengcing Lake - Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Chengcing Lake offers peaceful lakeside walks, scenic landmarks like the Nine-Curved Bridge and Zhongxing Pagoda, and beautiful seasonal views. A calm retreat from the city, it’s ideal for hiking, photography, and exploring Kaohsiung’s history and culture.
Kenting - Day 2: Pingtung County, Taiwan
A stormy but scenic day in Kenting, exploring forests, coral trails, and dramatic coastal viewpoints before ending with a quiet night market dinner.
Kenting - Day 1: Pingtung County, Taiwan
Exploring Kenting’s southern coast — from temples and seafood harbours to short hikes and a stunning sunset at Guanshan. A mix of local culture, scenic viewpoints, and relaxed coastal charm.
Hualien City - Hualien, Taiwan
A quiet day in Hualien after plans to visit Taroko Gorge were cancelled. With storms in the forecast, I wandered along the coast, found art-filled streets, and embraced a slower pace amidst the lingering signs of nature’s power.
Mount Jiantan - Taipei, Taiwan
A short, accessible hike up Mount Jiantan offers scenic city views, a playful airplane observation deck, and glimpses of Taipei landmarks like Taipei 101 and The Grand Hotel. Ideal for nature and city enthusiasts alike.
Mount Xiangshan - Taipei, Taiwan
A humid, overcast hike up Mount Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) offers glimpses of Taipei 101 and sweeping city views. Navigate mossy stairs, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take in the urban landscape from one of Taipei’s most popular trails.
Shifen - New Taipei, Taiwan
A rainy day in Shifen reveals a charming mix of tradition and nature. Watch sky lanterns float above the old street, stroll mossy paths to Shifen Waterfall, and explore a historic town in Taiwan’s Pingxi District—a memorable stop just outside Taipei.
Houtong Cat Village - New Taipei, Taiwan
A rainy day at Houtong Cat Village reveals a peaceful mix of history and feline fun. Wander streets filled with cats, visit cat-themed cafés, and glimpse the town’s coal mining past—a playful and charming stop on Taiwan’s northeast coast.
Yehliu Geopark - New Taipei, Taiwan
A rainy day on Taiwan’s northern coast turns into an adventure. Discover Yehliu Geopark’s iconic rock formations, enjoy quieter trails toward the lighthouse, and wander Jinshan Old Street before tasting local crab congee—a day full of scenery, history, and flavour.
Jiufen - New Taipei, Taiwan
A rainy day in Jiufen turns into a cultural adventure. Walk the quiet old streets, taste local street food, explore the Gold Museum, and climb moss-covered shrine steps with glimpses of Teapot Mountain—a day rich in history, flavour, and atmosphere.