Taiwan

You want to know
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us

Famed for centuries as Ilha Formosa, this is a land with more sides than the 11-headed Guanyin. Towering sea cliffs, marble-walled gorges and tropical forests are just the start of your journey, which could take you as far as Yushan, Taiwan's 3952m alpine roof.In Taiwan you can criss-cross mountains on colonial-era hiking trails or cycle a lone highway with the blue Pacific on one side and green volcanic arcs on the other. And if you simply want classic landscapes to enjoy, you'll find them around every corner.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) was founded in 1912, making it the first democratic republic in Asia. In 1949, the government moved to Taiwan and maintained jurisdiction over an area encompassing the islands of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, Dongsha, Zhongsha, and Nansha.

Taiwan's total land area is about 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles). It is shaped like a leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from China - an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north is Japan; to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, making it the perfect travel destination.

Taiwan lies on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," and continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other natural landscapes. Taiwan's tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate climates provide clear differentiation between the different seasons. There are rare or endangered species of wildlife on the island. Among these are the land-locked salmon, Taiwan serow, Formosan rock monkey, Formosan black bear, blue magpie, Mikado pheasant, and Hsuehshan grass lizard.

The Taiwan government has established 9 national parks and 13 national scenic areas to preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and cultural sites. There are various ways to discover the beauty of Taiwan. For example, trekking in the magnificence of the cliffs at Taroko Gorge; taking a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway and experiencing the breathtaking sunrise and sea of clouds; hiking up to the summit of Northeast Asia's highest peak, Yu Mountain (Yushan). You can also soak up the sun in Kending (Kenting), Asia's version of Hawaii; stand at the edge of Sun Moon Lake; wander through the East Rift Valley; or visit the offshore islands of Kinmen and Penghu. It's fun in capital letters as well as an awesome journey of natural discovery!

 

 

We choose for you
Want something extraordinary? So...enjoy the ride

Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan’s capital is at the top of the list for most travellers visiting the country. It’s a busy city that also preserves much of its heritage through its temples, tea houses and museums. You can’t leave Taipei without trying the mouthwatering variety of food on offer at local restaurants, cafes and streetside vendors.

Hualien
Hualien, Taiwan

Located on Taiwan’s East coast, Hualien is a county known for its natural beauty. The region is sheltered by the Central Mountain Range to the West and looks out to the Pacific Ocean in the East. Hualien City is the largest city in the county and a popular base for travellers who are visiting the Taroko Gorge, about an hour’s drive from the city centre. In downtown Hualien there are also parks, shopping and of course, delicious food outlets to explore.

Taichung
Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung is situated in the west of Taiwan and is often regarded as the country’s cultural capital. It can be reached easily from Taipei; just hop on a high speed train and it is less than an hour away. The city has a busy centre and plenty of museums, temples, shops, restaurants and street food.

Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung is the second largest city in Taiwan. This modern metropolis is dotted with parks and skyscrapers but its focal point is the pleasant Love River where walking paths and small cafes rest on the banks. As is always the case in Taiwan, you are never far away from tasty street food in Kaohsiung as there are many night markets scattered across the city.

You cannot afford to miss
All you need to know is

Location

Located in the continent of Asia, Taiwan covers 32,260 square kilometers of land and 3,720 square kilometers of water, making it the 140th largest nation in the world with a total area of 35,980 square kilometers. Taiwan does not share land borders with any countries.

Transportation

In Taiwan’s major cities, trains, buses and taxis are available while, in Taipei - the capital - and Kaohsiung there are underground train services. Taiwan has a great reputation for its public transport and expats and locals agree that it is safe, clean, reliable and competitively priced.

Languages Spoken

Officially the largest and most commonly understood language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese. Owing in no small part to the influence of key economic connections with America and the West generally, Taiwan’s school system also produces an growing number of proficient English speakers.

Currency

The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). As well, the people of Taiwan are refered to as Taiwan.

Visas

The Republic of China (Taiwan) allows certain passport holders visa-free entry for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, social visits, doing business, attending exhibitions, fact finding, and international exchanges.

Electricity

Taiwan has the same electrical standard as the US and Canada: 110V, 60Hz AC. Electrical sockets have two vertical slots. If you bring appliances from Europe, Australia or Southeast Asia, you'll need an adaptor or transformer.

Vaccinations

Some vaccines are recommended or required for Taiwan. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Taiwan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Emergency Calls

Ambulance and Fire: 119

Police: 110

Board of Foreign Trade: +886-[0]2-2351-0271

Tourism Information Hotline: +886-[0]2-2717-3737

 

When to visit
Best time to visit the destination

The best month to visit Taiwan is either November or April.

What to do?
Don’t miss to challenge your world

Longshan Temple

Built in the late 18th century, Longshan Temple remains a showcase of southern temple design. The temple is expansive, covering over 10,000 sq metres within its gated walls, so give yourself a few hours to take in the grandeur and admire the minutiae.

National Palace Museum

Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast hoard covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, lacquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous Jadeite Cabbage, are always on display – although check first that it's not on loan to the southern branch in Chiayi.

Taipei 101

Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years. Until 2011, it also held the title of the world's tallest green building.

Dihua Street

This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. It has attracted numerous restoration and cultural projects and is now a magnet for young entrepreneurs, eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.

Thankfully, this gentrification hasn't squashed the original atmosphere – fancy ceramic shops sit side by side with long-term tenants selling sacks of dried mushrooms and agricultural produce.

You ask, we answer
FAQs about Taiwan

How safe is Taiwan?

Taiwan is generally safe to travel to. The rates of violent crimes are very low by world standards. The only concern is petty crime on the streets such as pickpocketing and bag snatching especially in locations frequented by tourists. Keeping vigilant and applying basic precaution measures will keep you safe and you can enjoy your trip to Taiwan.

Yes, they are some of the most friendly people in the world, especially to foreigners!
 

Filter or boil water in Taiwan, or buy bottled water. It is not safe to drink from the tap. Taipei has the cleanest water (meaning it requires the least filtration), while more rural areas are hit and miss.

You can also visit
Nearby destinations

Japan - the Rise of Culture
Japan
If there is an insurmountable challenge in this world, it is sure to put in your mind a puzzle called "Japan"
Read more
China - The ancient alphabet of exoticism
China
Do you think that the legends are only the fruit of an enviable imagination?
Read more
Philippines - The Pearl of the Orient Seas
Philippines
The Philippines is one of the world's most iconic tropical destinations, with over 7,641 islands to choose from.
Read more

support@tripxv.com

Have questions?

support@tripxv.com

24 / 7 customer support

© 2018 Orpheus Club Wellness. All Rights Reserved.