They say the flight from Manila to Taipei can be quicker than crossing Metro Manila during rush hour. Anyone who has spent time stuck on EDSA may agree.
Jokes aside, Taiwan has long been my go-to destination whenever I need to step away from the humidity and pace of city life. The flight from Manila takes about an hour and a half, and since Filipinos were granted visa-free entry in 2017, the island has become one of the easiest places to visit for a short break.
Taiwan’s weather also adds to its appeal. From November to March, the climate turns cool, mild, and generally dry. For travelers coming from the Philippines, where the weather is often warm and humid year-round, the cooler air can feel refreshing.
I have visited Taiwan many times since visa-free access began. My first trip brought me to Kaohsiung in the south. Work and personal trips later took me to Taipei, where night markets, temples, and friendly locals slowly made the city feel familiar. Over time, Taiwan earned a special place in my travel memories, especially after meeting locals who eventually became friends.
Returning this year for the Taiwan Lantern Festival brought back memories. I first saw the large lantern displays and glowing installations about six years ago.
Before the lantern festivities began, our group traveled across central and southern Taiwan, areas that remain less visited by international tourists. The journey offered a closer look at the island’s historic cities, scenic railways, and nature sites.
The trip began with arrivals at Taoyuan International Airport on flights from Manila and Cebu. From there, we visited Zhongzhen New Village Cultural Park, once a military dependents’ village that has been converted into a cultural space showcasing Taiwan’s community history.
The group then headed south to Tainan, the island’s oldest city and a former capital. One stop was the grand Chimei Museum, known for its European-style architecture and collections that include art, musical instruments, and historical artifacts. Lunch followed at Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant, famous for its danzai noodles, a well-known local dish.
The afternoon included visits to Eternal Golden Castle and Anping Old Street, where visitors can explore traditional snacks, souvenir stalls, and historic streets.
The trip then brought us to Taijiang National Park, where a boat ride passed through the Sicao Green Tunnel, a mangrove-lined waterway with branches forming a natural canopy overhead.
From there, the journey continued to Chiayi, the gateway to Taiwan’s mountain region. The next morning brought us to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, one of the island’s most visited highland destinations, known for its forests and towering cypress trees.
One of the memorable parts of the trip was the ride on the historic Alishan Forest Railway from Shizilu toward Chiayi. The narrow-gauge train moves through mountain forests and steep slopes, offering wide views of the highlands along the way.
Later stops included Chiayi Old Prison and Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park, which presents the history of the island’s railway system through preserved locomotives and restored buildings.
The trip then returned north via the efficient Taiwan High Speed Rail. Before the flight home, we had time for dinner and a visit to the Gloria Outlets near the airport.
For travelers hoping to see cherry blossoms, Taiwan offers another pleasant surprise. During the cooler months, pink blooms appear in mountain parks and rural towns, showing that travelers do not always need to fly as far as Japan, Korea, or China to see these seasonal flowers.
In just a few days, the itinerary presents a Taiwan filled with historic cities, mountain landscapes, and efficient rail travel, making the journey one well worth repeating.
