Jose’s 12 Favourite Casual Eats Around Taipei

Here’s something to perk up your food cravings. I compiled some 12 favourite casual eats that I enjoyed during my recent quickie Taipei visit; from a ‘hole in the wall’ noodle house to the largest chicken fillet I’ve ever seen. Taiwan is definitely ‘good food’ heaven!

 

Hostel Recommendations in Taipei at 1000 Pesos and Below

So during my recent visit to Taipei, I had some time to randomly check a few affordable hostels near Taipei Main Station. The five featured on the vlog attached are priced at 600 to 1000 Pesos per bed per night(off peak season). Affordable, yet still with very good ratings and reviews online; and not to mention super instagrammable interiors. I’ve included clips of their lounges, the shared bedrooms and most importantly, their respective bathrooms.
All five are clean, relatively new, and are worthy of a recommendation. Hope this helps on your next visit to Taipei. 

Hostels featured can be reached through popular hotel booking sites online.

1. Taipei Oxygen Hostel  – No.100, Sec. 1, Chongqing S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist. Taipei City

2. Taipei Taipei Hostel  – #63, Sec. 1, Chongqing S. Rd Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City

3. Space Inn Hostel – Basement 1 Floor, #51 , Hengyang Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City

4. Angels’ Hostel – Mezzanine Floor, #51 , Hengyang Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
5. Sleepbox Capsule Hostel – #34, Hengyang Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
All these hostels are located within the same area as shown. 10-15 minutes walk from Taipei Main Station. Landmark to google : Taipei Peace Park, National Taipei Museum

Visa Free Travel to Taiwan for Philippine Passport Holders

UPDATE: In case you missed it, Filipinos can now travel to Taiwan visa-free up until July 31, 2019! Taiwan’s visa-free travel program has been extended another year.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office has already made official that we,the Philippine nationals, who plan to visit Taiwan for the purpose of tourism, visiting relatives, attending functions or events, can enjoy VISA FREE entry to Taiwan, for a duration of stay up to 14 days.

According to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office(TECO), a Filipino visa-free visitor must meet the following requirement to Taiwan Immigration upon arrival:

 

  1. A regular Philippine passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);
  2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveler’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
  3. No criminal record in Taiwan;
  4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting, etc.

Effortless na, diba?  However, this visa-free access will have a nine-month trial period until July 31, 2018. Kaya behave tayo dun mga bes, ha? wag mag J-walk, wag mag drugs, and landi responsibly!

 

For travellers intending to stay for more than 14 days, or for studying, working, employment, and other activities, you are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

For first time Pinoy travellers however, I personally recommend you to bring other supporting documents that may be asked by the Philippine Immigration before you can leave the country. Yes bes, it happens! Pwede ka pa rin hindi makalipad because the Ph immigration might find your travel plans to Taiwan questionable. As such, don’t forget to bring your company ID and certificate of leave pa din with complete details on approved date of  absences; and if possible, state the declared salary.  The purpose of this is to inform the Ph immigration officer that you have a stable work/living to return to here in our country, and that becoming a possible TNT in Taiwan is not your option. Panigurado lang. If the officer does not ask for these documents, then good! At least you were prepared. =)

Anyways, here’s a teaser vlog i prepared from my trip to Taipei last week. More details and tips coming soon.