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Showing posts with label taipei main station. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taipei main station. Show all posts
Friday, April 6, 2018
JUST INN TAIPEI: A DIFFERENT HOTEL EXPERIENCE + OTHER TAIWAN MUST EATS

The main reason that Filipinos head on over to Taipei is because of the food. To be honest, it's that and the sights. Personally, it's the culture. 
Having been to Taipei four or five times in the past 2 years, I enjoy all the different flavors and the people as well.
Having been on a red eye flight that was delayed for more than 8 hours, getting to downtown Taipei was a breeze when I arrived just before lunch time. Although the high speed train from the airport was available already, it didn't hurt that I just aimed for bus 1819 since it's comfortable and relaxed. For this trip, I went for a hotel that was fun and perfect just for me. Hello JUST INN TAIPEI. Located just south of the TAIPEI MAIN STATION, it's only a comfortable 10 minute walk from the station. To answer your question, it is normal to see travelers bring their luggages on the streets. It's a walkable city and security is pretty much fine.
With an industrial feel, JUST INN TAIPEI mostly caters to single travelers, friends, families and couples. The hotel has a number of room types. There are for singles, doubles, and even bunk beds for friends. The over all theme is somewhat industrial. There's a bit of artsy fun with each turn as the overall design leads to that. The hotel itself has a microwave, coffee and tea making facility, and a water dispenser in the lobby. You could also put some of your stuff in the small refrigerator. Just don't forget to properly label it.
The room I got was perfect for a solo traveler. The bed was comfortable and the place was clean. Although, the room was just as small as the ones you might have in Tokyo, it was comfortable and just perfect for me. It didn't hurt that their cabled tv had English Movie Channels as well.
 
The fact that their rooms have Japanese styled toilets, I'm pretty much sold. Although you would use a curtain to cordon off the shower area, I managed to keep the water spillage at a minimum.
Since the hotel is walking distance to TAIPEI MAIN STATION, I was able to ride the train to different must visit places while in TAIPEI. For lunch, I head on over to ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT (my experience here). It's more than just sushi and sashimi. There's actually a lot of cooked dishes that you could go for.
For snacks, you could head on over to the famous DA'AN district. Just get off at the DONGMEN station and head on over to the famous YONGKANG street. There, you could have a taste of the famous TIAN JIN ONION PANCAKE. It's on a corner spot on the main road so you can't miss the long line.
Even if the lines are long, I suggest you wait for it because the 10 minutes is worth it. The turnover is pretty fast and they do have an English Menu. Just point and tell the staff how many. 
 I went for everything on it. I realized why people enjoy this snack. It's not as oily compared to other stalls that sell the scallion pancake. The version at Tian Jin is filling and one is perfect for a quick meal.
The street is pretty busy because of all the different food stalls and milk tea shops that would lure you in. You could definitely spend a day here just walking around and checking out the different restaurants.
This time around, I asked a local what night market I should visit. I've already been to Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia and Huaxi (Longshan Temple Area). She told me to head on over to SHIDA NIGHT MARKET. A little off the beaten path, SHIDA NIGHT MARKET could be accessed by walking a few minutes north of TAIPOWER BUILDING STATION.
Since this place is near universities and schools, young ones could be seen here for their nightly treats. One thing different here is that the stalls are in buildings and that you'll come across a lot of trendy fashion shops perfect for a little bit of shopping. When I went, I wasn't able to see one single foreigner. It seems, this place is filled with locals during weekdays. A perfect sign for someone that enjoys authenticity. A popular stall here would be SHI YUN. Open since 1984, you get to create your own hot soup. Pick the different types of sticks and toppings then the guys behind the counter cook it for you.
Something sort of a mix between a xiao long bao and a siopao, HSU-JI offers these small dumplings. Pretty good stuff. Not as expensive as other stalls that you might see in Taipei. Here, people come on over bringing their own container. Might be a good idea if you plan to bring this back to Manila.
Since you only live once, I went overboard and went for some stinky tofu. This restaurant has some seats in the back but it's perfectly fine to eat while walking.
The crispy tofu was pretty good. Their version isn't as smelly as others that you might see in other night markets. The pickled vegetables gave it a contrasting flavor that cuts everything.
Just another tip. Head on over to XIMEN. If you had your fill of fried chicken and those misua, go to KFC. Try their tarts and it would be the best decision you would have ever made.
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Taiwan will always have a place in my heart. If you have questions send me an email at foodinthebagblog@gmail.com ... Maybe I could help you out. Cheers!





JUST INN TAIPEI is located at
100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, 1號
It's in the same building as New May Flower Hotel and  ReChange Hotel.





Btw, Thanks to Just Inn Taipei. Here's a copy of their map where you could see the different stores of interest near by in English! :)
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Friday, March 24, 2017
TOURING TAIWAN: Ximending - Yehliu Geopark - Jiufen - Pingxi

There are a lot of reasons to visit TAIWAN. I've been there a couple of times already and I figured I still got a lot to cover. On my first visit, my family and friends didn't know where to go and what to do. Hopefully, I'm able to share the different places that might entice you to visit Taiwan.
As I mentioned before, XIMENDING is the perfect place as a base whenever visiting Taipei. It's walking distance to and from Taipei Main Station and there are a lot of things to do in the area.
Furthermore, you could stay at TAIPEI M HOTEL or DIARY if TAIPEI. Both are affordable and up to par with the traveler's hotel in the area. Just a few streets away from these hotels, hole in the wall restaurants would lure you to come in. Even if there are no english menus, you could always point to a picture and the staff would gladly take your order. Plus, the prices are extremely affordable comparing it to the quality and the flavors that you get.
Camera junkies would enjoy HANKOU STREET. This is where stores upon stores of photo equipment and gadgets are lined up. I'm not sure if they offer cheaper alternatives but I guess it's worth a look.
Just a throw away is XIMEN. This is the hip and trendy place that offers clothing and other items that might make you want to go shopping. Some would say that the place is comparable to Harajuku in Japan but for me, it's a place to visit and do a bit of people watching.
Since TAIWAN is known as a huge MILK TEA lover, you would get to find different stalls selling whatever you may fancy. If there was one constant that I urge you to try, it would be the MILK TEA found at the bottom picture. I'm not sure what the brand is but, it is definitely worth it. At less than 1 USD per bottle, I usually horde a dozen or so every time I go. They offer a lot of flavors as well so it's a mix and match depending on your liking.
For first timers, it's a plus to do a day trip to YEHLIU - JIUFEN - PINGXI. One could arrange this with your hotel's concierge. Although a bit pricier, it's almost the same. Usually, a day trip would consist of a driver and the taxi. He would drive you to the places that you indicated on your preferred tour set. The entrance tickets and other fees are usually not part of the tour unless specified. Since this one is a little out of town, it was the group's pick.
From the downtown Taipei, one would travel all the way to the Eastern part of the country. This is where most of these places are located.
Most would suggest to visit YEHLIU GEOPARK before lunch time. Don't let the huge crowd outside the entrance discourage you. Once inside, you'll understand that the place is huge.
This is a nice location to take your ootds and to check out the alluring rock formations that crawls towards the sea.
After staying for about an hour and a half, head on over to JIUFEN. This used to be an old gold mine that was transformed into a tourist destination. It was once said to be the place where the present milk tea was created from. From the array of food stalls to souvenir, one could do a little shopping here.
Also, this is where you could go for lunch. The Peanut ice cream wrap is what they're known for and is worth a try. BUT when it comes to flavor, you should always get sausages. From experience, the sausages in Taiwan are tremendously good. If in case you get to see one, go for it. It's also here where you can try the YU YUAN TARO BALLS and have a sip of tea.
A visit to Taiwan won't be complete without going for a sky lantern. At PINGXI, you are greeted by establishments lined up at the side of the tracks. Aside from snacks and other dishes, go for a sky lantern. Write down all your wishes, blessings and things to be thankful for. At the count of three, you get to release it into nature. Cheers!
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Taiwan is more than just TAIPEI 101. Culture and history is present in every turn.

RELATED LINKS:
TAIPEI M HOTEL and DIARY OF TAIPEI HOTEL in XIMENDING
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Friday, March 17, 2017
TAIPEI M HOTEL and DIARY OF TAIPEI: Where to Stay in Taipei

In a span of less than 3 months, I have been to TAIWAN a couple of times already. It was that good that I wanted to return and do my own thing. A few friends would ask me where I would stay. My answer would always be somewhere to the south of TAIPEI MAIN STATION. To be more specific, it would be in the XIMENDING AREA.
Why there? Because the place is filled with hotels, local restaurants, and is walking distance to the TAIPEI MAIN STATION. Furthermore, it's near XIMEN and is an affordable base for your TAIPEI TRIP. 
Located in the XIMENDING AREA, would be a couple of hotels that I have tried which are similar in amenities, rates, and location. On my first visit, I was lucky enough to be booked in TAIPEI M HOTEL. 
Fairly new, this hotel is located right smack in the center. It's distance between the XIMENDING train station to the TAIPEI MAIN station is almost the same. Roughly 10 minutes to get to either one. Right outside the building is a small alfresco area where guests could indulge in unlimited coffee, tea, juices and water.
Apparently, this is the norm in hotels located in the area. 24/7 coffee and tea plus some bread snacks all day. As you enter, you'll see a small lobby. It's functional and has an old school feel.
The room we got was good for 4 persons. It also had a window which is a plus with these kinds of hotel. It was also squeeky clean and there are plugs all over for my gadgets.
 The washroom was a bit small but the shower area was good enough for a big bodied person like me. Thankfully, they have bidet installed. The essentials are placed in dispensers but they also provide toothbrushes, combs, and even razors.
Breakfast is served on the two top floors. Since the hotel caters to a lot of Chinese guests, they have mostly eggs, vegetarian dishes, rice toppings, noodles, rice, and some porridge among other things. The choices aren't as big as what you would get in western styled hotels but it is filling and gets you through the day.
Since the lower floor is easily filled up, they convert the top floor into a breakfast place as well. It's where they have a small gym area and an alfresco place. The viands are mostly the same but the lower floor contains a couple more dishes to check out.
This map basically shows the area where you could stay at. Believe it or not, walking from TAIPEI MAIN STATION to the hotel with luggage is normal even during the wee hours of the night. Most often than not, travelers would use the 1819 BUS from the AIRPORT to the TAIPEI MAIN STATION. Here, taxi cabs are available 24/7 as well. But if the weather is perfect, one could just walk to their hotel.
On my second visit, we arrived past midnight to our hotel via BUS 1819 from the airport. Recently, a train has opened up from the TAIWAN TAOYUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT all the way to down town Taipei. This is a faster method to use if you're arriving during the day since it isn't 24/7. Honestly, the bus is still for me especially if I have huge luggage. Taxi from the airport is a little bit expensive since they use the meter and you even add toll. From Taipei, it's a different story though. If you are traveling with a group of 3-4 persons, you might consider using the taxi. Because of a mandate, they have a flat rate of NT 1,000 if you're going to the TAOYUAN AIRPORT. You can avail of this by having your concierge call you a taxi. It needs to be reserved so that the price would apply. Still, the bus is just a walk away and only costs NT 125.
This time around, my brother and I booked DIARY of TAIPEI MAIN STATION BRANCH. I'm not sure if they're part of the same group of hotels like TAIPEI M, but everything seems the same. From the amenities inside the room, to the breakfast and even the free all day drinks and coffee.
Located just a stone throw away from Z10 MRT EXIT, this one is nearer to the Main Station.  
One tip I could give you would be to have a mini food trip of the area. Buy whatever you want to go and bring it back to your hotel. From there, you could eat at the dining area with your free drinks. Don't forget to CLAYGO as it's a big no-no to leave your mess uncleaned.
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With affordable tickets from local and international airlines, visiting TAIWAN has never been this easy. With all the seat sales happening, I would definitely return. Just don't forget to properly apply for the visa-free exemption online. Cheers.

TAIPEI M HOTEL
http://www.taipeimhotel.com/
Address: No. 64, Section 1, Hankou St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

DIARY of TAIPEI HOTEL- MAIN STATION
Address: No. 33, Section 1, Kaifeng St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10044


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