Page 54 iGap Travel Guide 2022
P. 54
iGap Travel Guide | Asia
54
Marked as Taiwan’s bustling, vivacious, food-loving
capital with a rich complex history filled with
creative arts and traditional temples, Taipei is the
perfect destination for new arrivals to acclimatise to
Taiwan. Not only do most flights land in the capital,
but it is also Taiwan’s largest and most cosmopolitan
city. English is more proficient here than in other
parts of the country which will go a long way to
helping first-time visitors settle into their new
surroundings.
Taipei offers all the usual creature comforts of a big
city, such as high-end shopping malls, international
restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. You will also find
a great range of budget-friendly stays that can free
up more money to go on day trips and organised
tours. Situated between two of the capital’s most
popular districts, Ximending and Zhongzheng, Fun
Inn Taipei boasts a great central location and great
value. With an impressive range of accommodation
options, from bunk beds to superior double beds,
each dorm is equipped with a wealth of amenities to
ensure a comfortable stay, such as a communal TV
lounge with a modern bar, lockers, and high-speed
Wi-Fi. Maintaining the highest quality of service at all
times while preserving an air of modernity, this hostel
is perfect for those looking for a sense of privacy as
each bunk bed is finished with storage facilities and
stylish taupe curtains to shut the world out.
For weary long-haul passengers, Taipei is a great
place to relax and unwind. Beitou, just a short
journey on the MRT, has a plethora of options when
it comes to enjoying the therapeutic properties
of Taiwan’s famed natural hot springs. It features
several hot spring resorts, along with a public hot
spring that costs just $40 NTD for 90 minutes.
There are however a few things you need to know
before you go. At the public hot spring, visitors are
not allowed to wear swimming shorts with pockets
(I have never experienced this rule anywhere else
in Taiwan) so keep this in mind when you pack. The
venue does sell permitted swimwear but when
taking this additional cost into account, coming
here no longer offers the best value for money –
especially since the public hot spring can often get
quite crowded and is widely considered to be less
hygienic (one aspect of life that has become ever-
more important in the post-pandemic world).
DISCOVER TAIPEI
The perfect starting point
for travelling in Taiwan
Beitou
54
Marked as Taiwan’s bustling, vivacious, food-loving
capital with a rich complex history filled with
creative arts and traditional temples, Taipei is the
perfect destination for new arrivals to acclimatise to
Taiwan. Not only do most flights land in the capital,
but it is also Taiwan’s largest and most cosmopolitan
city. English is more proficient here than in other
parts of the country which will go a long way to
helping first-time visitors settle into their new
surroundings.
Taipei offers all the usual creature comforts of a big
city, such as high-end shopping malls, international
restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. You will also find
a great range of budget-friendly stays that can free
up more money to go on day trips and organised
tours. Situated between two of the capital’s most
popular districts, Ximending and Zhongzheng, Fun
Inn Taipei boasts a great central location and great
value. With an impressive range of accommodation
options, from bunk beds to superior double beds,
each dorm is equipped with a wealth of amenities to
ensure a comfortable stay, such as a communal TV
lounge with a modern bar, lockers, and high-speed
Wi-Fi. Maintaining the highest quality of service at all
times while preserving an air of modernity, this hostel
is perfect for those looking for a sense of privacy as
each bunk bed is finished with storage facilities and
stylish taupe curtains to shut the world out.
For weary long-haul passengers, Taipei is a great
place to relax and unwind. Beitou, just a short
journey on the MRT, has a plethora of options when
it comes to enjoying the therapeutic properties
of Taiwan’s famed natural hot springs. It features
several hot spring resorts, along with a public hot
spring that costs just $40 NTD for 90 minutes.
There are however a few things you need to know
before you go. At the public hot spring, visitors are
not allowed to wear swimming shorts with pockets
(I have never experienced this rule anywhere else
in Taiwan) so keep this in mind when you pack. The
venue does sell permitted swimwear but when
taking this additional cost into account, coming
here no longer offers the best value for money –
especially since the public hot spring can often get
quite crowded and is widely considered to be less
hygienic (one aspect of life that has become ever-
more important in the post-pandemic world).
DISCOVER TAIPEI
The perfect starting point
for travelling in Taiwan
Beitou
