Day 1: 31 July 2023
Flight was delayed for about 45 minutes after everyone has boarded the plane and that the plane has already taxi off the connecting brige. The flight only departed Singapore Changi Airport around 1:45am and touchdown Taipei Taoyuan International Airport around 6:45am.
The ScootPlus passengers were little for the outbound flight. Pretty much empty seats that the passengers get to move around to empty seats. Even the flight crews get to take turn to quick nap on the empty seat because of the midnight flight.
My first time to experience the ScootPlus flight and I like the fact that the legroom was sufficient that I am able to stretch my legs fully.
You will be able to incline and recline your seats and the legrest by using the lever by the armrest. I only used it when I wanted to sleep or rest comfortably.
Every seats will have a cup of mineral water to begin and midway through the flight, the aircrews will then start to issue your complimentary Wi-Fi (30mb). The internet access would last approximately about a 20 minutes use. You can still use it for quick update on your IG / Facebook or chat with family and friends on LINE / WhatsApp. We weren't given it on the inbound flight to Singapore thou.
Every ScootPlus passengers get to enjoy complimentary charging which the charging port will be by your seats. Only when you see the green lights means the power is available for charging. This didn't happen on my inbound flight back to Singapore and I am left with 10% battery by the time I reached home.
After touchdown in Taiwan, I was one of the first few to clear the custom, it was super fast and easy, just ensure that you filled in the arrival entry card given by the aircrews in the plane. For Singaporean, you just have to tick the portion on non-Visa required country. If you have a few hotels that you are staying during your trip, you just need to write down the name of the hotel(s) on the arrival card.
Taiwan airport now allows Singaporeans to use their e-gate for faster clearance. But you must make sure to first register at their immigration counter with the face photo taken and fingerprint recorded as well. Click here to find out more.
I waited for my luggage at the luggage claim for about 15 minutes and had a quick toilet break before going out of the arrival hall. Almost forgotten to try out my lucky draw for the Taiwan Bureau travel incentive. And boy, I won it by following the trick shared by the winners. I chose the prize in the form of their EasyCard (which is like the ez-link card we have but theirs is better).
After collecting my winning, I used it I immediately to get to Shangri-La Far Eastern Taipei. Firstly taking the Airport Express Train to Taipei Station (Banlan Line) then switching to get to Liuzhangli (Wenhu Line) and walked for about 15 minutes with my luggage.
I made it to the hotel around 9 plus close to 10am and did my registration. Staff told that my room would be ready around 11am so I decided to wait at the hotel lobby for my room after keeping my luggage with the Concierge. Went to the nearby 7-Eleven to get bread and tea to fill my tummy.
While waiting at the hotel lobby, this man came over and sat down waiting for his friend and some kids were sitting there as well and he offered to fold them some figurine using leaves. He has his social media account under the name of "手編幸福". His Facebook account can be found here with 5.3K followers.
My room is located on level 14 (Room #1415) with a view of Taipei 101. Though weather may have affected the view on the first day but it gets better after that. The sunset view of Taipei 101 from the window was really pretty.
Took a rest and nap in the room before I woke up to grab dinner at Ling Jiang St. Night Market which is about a 15 ~ 20 minutes walk from the hotel.
My solo trip has officially begin since I woke up from the nap.
There are a variety of food to choose from. And I literally took a to and fro walk of the night market before deciding what to get for dinner. Getting the Taiwanese 大腸包小腸 from 大花香腸, the 割包 (pronounce it as 'gua bao') from 石家割包, 古早味紅茶 from 鴻糖茶坊 and the chicken rice from 粱鑫雞肉飯專門店.
I ordered the chicken rice with extra meat because I read online reviews that their chicken rice and meat is nice. I managed to fulfil my cravings for the food that I've been wanting to try out. The drink was I come across a shop which attracted my attention because the design is nice. And the tea was nice and it isn't overly sweet.
Ending my day with a nice hot bath in the bathtub. I needed a soak badly. Using the body wash from the hotel and poured almost half a bottle into the bathtub and make the bubbles.
Day 2: 1 Aug 2023
Day 2 begins again with rain had disrupted my plans for breakfast at the restaurant nearby my hotel. So I decided to order in-room dining for breakfast.
Breakfast came in the form of pancakes with fresh blueberry & strawberry and chocolate sauce, maple syrup and whipped cream. Not to forget the grapefruit juice to go along.
After breakfast, it was off to the zoo. Since weather isn't that good for the week, I only left the hotel around 1pm to head off to the Taipei Zoo. The sky was already gloomy by the time I leave the hotel and it started to rain by the time I reached the Zoo station.
The zoo was just located within a 2 minute walking distance from the train station by Exit 1 of the Zoo Station. Bought the zoo ticket from Klook which cost less than SGD 3 and just need to scan the QR code from the ticket machine located by the entry of the zoo and in exchange, you will get the ticket to enter to the zoo barrier.
The zoo actually has tents set up with fans to help fight off the heat and shelter from the rain. The zoo may look small from the entry but in fact, it took me about 3 hours to walk around the zoo and there is still not enough time of the walk around especially when some animals were in hiding and shelter due to the rain that kept going.
Some areas of the zoo has slope which resulted in some area of the zoo being flooded by the rain water and my pants and shoes got soaked. But I still managed to cover most of the area.
You will be greeted by the flamingo at the entrance and they are sure hyperactive. Most animals are in their hibernating / resting mode and of course, seeking shelter from the rain mode.
One monkey is in a lazy mode that its other friends/families are jumping around and playing around but it simply just laze there. While the other is just catching fleas off its legs. One by the door is licking off the rainwater by the floor.
This otter is just resting and kept scratching itself. Hiding from the rain. This "indoor" area is small and could only have 3 to 4 visitors at the area watching them. Next is boar that simply camouflage if you didn't see clearly. It's actually in almost the middle by the big rock there.
Next, I went to see the deers which I tried to take a closer shot. One of the deer spotted me and kept starting at me till I walked away. Then went to see Koala but they were in resting mode and none of it was active and not looking out of the window panel.
And then I made my way for the panda house to see the pandas. Visitors are told not to loiter and hogged a particular spot to avoid congestions. There is a queue to see the panda and in the panda house, there is also a small cafeteria which I didn't visit as I find it unecessary.
After coming out of the panda house. I made my way further into the zoo and come across the crocodile area and it started to rain heavily. So I stayed at the area till the rain got smaller. There is 2 other species of monkey nearby the crocodile area and one caged up area is with just one monkey and the poor thing was hiding from the rain and looked so lost.
After the rain got smaller, I went to the caged up enclosure where there are some more animals to see but it was kinda smelly. Some birds species and tortoise are not caged and and free to roam about.
After coming out from the caged enclosure I spotted this sheltered area and notice that the snakes are all free to glide around and not caged up or in glass window.
After leaving the snake area, I proceed to roam further and reached the leopard area as well as the Malayan tapir and the sunbear as well.
The rain stopped for a moment and I kept my umbrella but it then again rained heavily so I had to seek shelter at the elephant area because the rain was heavy. As more and more visitors starts coming into the elephant area to seek shelter, I decided to leave and try to make my way back to the entrance because I feel that I am almost done with the walk.
I went to the entrance area to look for the souvenir shop to get some souvenir while taking my time to walk in the shop to allow my pant to get dry (the bottom of my pant got wet from the rain).
After completing my shopping in the souvenir shop. I went to get some Macs for quick lunch before I return to the hotel to rest and change my socks and soak my feet before going to Lin Jiang St. Night Market to get my dinner. By the time I finished my walk at the zoo, the rain has stopped and the sky got better.
When I returned to the hotel to use the toilet, I noticed that the housekeeping staff helped to pack my makeup and face wash items and placed them neatly with a small cloth beneath it. How nice of them.
Headed out to the night market to get my dinner and got something else to eat for Day 2.
Got myself beef cubes, takoyaki, steamed corn, creme brûlée, sausage and winter melon tea. Got something different from Day 1 dinner to satisfy my cravings. And again, ended the night with a hot bath.
Day 3: 2 Aug 2023
My 32nd birthday !
Ordered in-room dining breakfast and this time is their scramble egg set that comes with 2 chicken sausage and 3 mini hash brown. There is also croissant, apple pie, chocolate muffin. Orange juice to go along but it was kinda sour, so I made some sugar syrup from the sugar packet and boiling water then waited for it to cool down and poured into the drink.
Took some time before I left the hotel because it was raining. Left around 1:30pm and purchased the ticket to Taipei 101 on my way there. Purchased it from Klook and it was easy to redeem the ticket but showing the QR code to the counter staff.
To get to the lift, after you walked away from the counter, look to your right (when facing the counter) and there will be a queue line to board the lift to go up.
You will first be brought to level 89 where it has the most things to see. There is also a cafe and a souvenir shop at the same floor. Since I was alone, I don't dare to approach people to help me take photo. But to take photos of the area without people was little.
There ain't much to see on level 101 and I was late for the timeslot I booked. Please remember that if you book the times lot, it is for the level 101 and you must make sure you go at the stipulated time. To get to level 101, you must first go to level 89. Then go to the souvenir shop whereby you can see the wall of postcards and next to it is actually the entry area to board the lift to go up to level 101.
After you are done with level 101, you will need to go back to level 89 then walk down the stairs to level 88 (there will be a security staff there to guide you). Level 88 has nothing much to view with just a small area for photo shoot and souvenir corner. Level 88 is the level to take the lift to go down to the level where you come up from.
By the time I got down, there was already a long queue forming. Each time the lift can only take 15 people.
And of course, I got some souvenirs here. When you made your purchase till certain amount, there would be free gift.
If you were to ask me which floor to visit would be worth it. It definitely would be level 89 of the Taipei 101. Level 101 is not worth it unless you love taking photos as the area is just for photo taking and it's small. It took me about 5 minutes to walk around and nothing is interesting to me.
After my visit to Taipei 101, I went to DinTaiFung (鼎泰豐) to have dinner.
After the early dinner, I then decide to head back to the hotel as I am moving to another hotel the next day and needed to pack my luggage. I emailed the hotel prior to my arrival that I am staying for birthday and they replied they will arrange a birthday cake for me. My co-workers know that I am staying alone (my travel companion went MIA on me), they contacted the hotel to make a surprise arrangement for me and I AM truly surprise that I almost cried when I enter the room to see what was prepared.
The strawberry cheesecake was delicious but too bad I couldn't finish it as it was big portion. Kept the champagne and brought along to the new hotel in thoughts of drinking it. I ended the day with a hot bath.
Day 4: 3 Aug 2023
As usual, the rain stopped me from going out, and since there are variety of breakfast available. I ordered one last round of in-room dining for breakfast. And this time, I ordered the waffle set and watermelon juice. The in-room dining lady who serve me for the past 3 days, brought this nougat gift as a farewell gift. The nougat was made by the hotel and I like that it is soft.
And while I was spending my last moment in the room, I did not realised that they announced it the typhoon day. I had actually registered MFA to be updated of any natural disaster that may happened during my time in Taiwan and they had actually emailed me about the typhoon day.
Last round of selfies in the toilet before I leave the hotel.
Luckily I had already planned to take a taxi there instead of taking the train, so I had the hotel helped me to book a taxi to get to Caesar Park Banqiao.
Upon entering the room, the TV screen had a greeting of my name. Then I quickly head to the nearest Family Mart to grab dinner and some bread and drinks because typhoon day and most of the shops are closed.
So I am basically stuck in the hotel room. They even had a warning screen with regards to telling hotel guest to avoid going out and stay in the room till the typhoon is over. But how can I stay in the room and not getting food. Made a quick run to Family Mart, braving myself and fighting against the strong wind of the typhoon and I managed to make it back to the hotel safe and sound. The view of sunset from the window is nice that I have to take the shot.
And this is how day 4 ended without me going anywhere because of the typhoon.
Day 5: 4 Aug 2023
Woke up early and head down to XiMenDing (西門町) to look for 滷肉飯 from 天天利美食坊. And also looking for Square Studio pop-up store which is till 13 Aug.
Tagged their social media account when I posted about them and got a reply from them that they do deliver to Singapore which will take approximately 1 to 2 weeks to receive the order.
So anyone from Singapore who is interested to get their products, please do not hesitate to make your order. Or if you would like to be precaution, you can send DMs to them on Instagram and the staff will reply to you.
After the shopping at the pop-up store, I went back to the hotel to keep the purchase before making my way to Raohe St. Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市).
All the food are tasty, I really love it. Dinner was fulfilling. I did a soak in the bathtub. But I almost fell when I came out of the bathtub because it does not have anti-slip surface. And for the rest of the days, other than soaking my feet, I used their standing shower.
Day 6: 5 Aug 2023
Day 6 started late as I was too tired from the day before and only left the hotel around 2pm. Heading to Beitou to visit the 北投溫泉博物館.
Had to switch from Beitou Station to Xinbeitou Station to get to the location. Wanted to search for local food to fill my tummy but I decided to get Macs instead.
It took me about 20 minutes to finish my lunch. By the time I was done eating, it was almost 3pm. And I decide to look up for the operating hours of the museum. The museum closes at 6pm (1800hours) and I mistaken it because it was 3pm (1500hours). Which means I have 3 hours of time at the museum.
Along the way, you will see one of the most family library of the Beitou area. Let the photos say for itself.
The Beitou Hot Spring museum has been around since the Japanese occupation. So, in order to preserve the history of the place, visitors needs to wear the slipper provided by the museum and there will be storage locker for your shoes and you keep the keys with you. Maximum number of visitors allowed would be 200 pax. Once the place has reached 200 pax, you will need to wait till someone exit before you can enter.
And yes, the museum is completely free. But please note that to prevent bringing baby pram as they don't have a proper storage area for it.
By the time I end my visit, it was about 4:30pm. On my way to Xinbeitou, I noticed a stretch of tents set up selling stuffs and went there to walk around after my visit to the museum.
There are owners who brought their dogs there and let off leash to run freely on the grass patch. The golden retriever literally peed at the place after I took the shot.
After this, I head down to DanTsui in hopes to get some souvenir, snacks and dinner. But I am still feeling full so I didn't get anything to eat but my first bubble tea of the trip.
Bought some snacks and tea cubes before heading back to the hotel to do last round of packing as I am leaving the next day.
Went back to the hotel to leave the stuffs in the hotel room then head out to the Family Mart to get quick dinner. As I have used up the space in my luggage and the handcarry bag, I then frantically trying to search for a cabin size luggage to put the rest of my purchase inside. But could not.
I booked Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao with a late check-out till 3pm at additional half day charge. So I spent some time before leaving the room and deposit my luggage and bags with the Concierge before heading to Ximending for lunch and some shopping to get more phone case from Square Studio.
Went back to 天天利美食坊 again to eat the 滷肉飯 and added the sunny side up to go along and with a can of coke.
Roam around Ximending in hopes to get a cabin size luggage and I managed to get one. Then push the new luggage to get to the 西門紅樓 to the Square Studio pop-up store for more phone case. Make my way back to the hotel around 6 and place the rest of my handcarry snacks and purchase into the luggage.
Called for a taxi to the airport at NT 1,400. Reached the airport just in time for the check-in counter and I was glad that I get ScootPlus for the trip.
Bought a cheesecake and a bottle of sprite as a quick snack before the plane food. The cheesecake is nice, so I took photo of the packaging in hopes to find them online to purchase.
The waiting area was kind of cold and I am glad that I purchase the Adidas jacket which managed to help shield the coldness at the airport.
I was originally sitting down but gave my seats when I noticed a couple carrying their young child who kept smiling other than being cranky in the plane due to the altitude.
After I gave up my seat, I decide to stand by the lane for business class and the aircrew asked if I am in Zone 1 (because boarding just happen to begin). I then became the first to board the plane and managed to take a quick snapshot of the empty area before it becomes full of ScootPlus passengers. A Japanese lady sat next to me, she was quiet throughout.
When the flight touchdown to Singapore Changi Airport, it was kind of a hard landing because the drinks that were by the seats arm rest (you can place a cup or 2 on the armrest space), had fall off. We eventually landed 30 minutes earlier.
The Japanese lady who sat next to me had her backpack placed on the overhead compartment. When she took her backpack, she noticed my handcarry and help me take it down and passed it to me. I thank her at gave her a nod.
I was then once again the first to leave the immigration to the luggage belt to collect my luggage. After collecting my luggage, I made my way to the private car pickup area and booked my Grab home. Texted mum when I boarded the car and reached home around 5am. Made some small packing before I head to bed and slept till around 1pm.
This is the end of my solo trip which has been fun and interesting. I will be back to Taiwan soon. Planning for another round next year.
