Broke But in Need of a Holiday? Here Are 7 FREE Things to Do in Taipei For a Memorable Experience

Let’s face it, saving is not a forte for most Malaysians. As such, many of us will surely be able to relate to having the desire for a vacation, but being broke beyond belief at the same time. So, year after year, we put off our vacation plans opting to slog away at work instead. However, did you know that taking vacations can actually prolong your life? Yes, we aren’t joking, just check out this Finnish study if you don’t believe us!

With that being said, we here at WORLD OF BUZZ believe that finances should not be an obstacle in taking a vacation. After all, the best things in life are free, right? Thus, to help arouse your wanderlust, we’ve compiled a list of 7 FREE things to do in a popular travel destination for Malaysians — Taipei, of course! So, stop putting off your travel plans and discover what you can do in Taipei for free below.

1. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Elephant Mountain & get an unobstructed view of Taipei 101

 

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Ask any self-respecting traveller and they will surely tell you that no trip to Taiwan is complete without a photo of the iconic Taipei 101. This iconic skyscrapper stands at 1,667 feet, which eclipses our very own Petronas Twin Towers. A trip up to its observatory deck on the 83rd floor offers a birds-eye view of the city, which is a popular tourist activity in Taipei. But why pay when you can capture stunning photos for free! How you may ask? Well, simply take a hike up Elephant mountain.

Here’s what to expect:

• The hike up to the top typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
• On the way up, there will be viewing platforms for you to marvel at the beautiful city below.
• Hiking during sunset or at night is recommended as you will get to experience the beautiful city aglow with dazzling lights.

 

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2. Catch the changing of guards at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

 

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Opened in 1980, CKS Memorial Hall was erected in the memory of the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek. Today, it is a popular tourist landmark in Taipei offering visitors an opportunity to get caught up with Taipei’s historical past.

Here’s what you can do:

• Climb up 89 steps (which signifies Chiang’s age and death) to the main hall housing a massive bronze statue of the former president.
• Witness the changing of guards at the main chambers housing Chiang’s bronze statue every hour from 10am to 4pm daily.
• Snap pictures to your heart’s content at the enchanting Chinese gardens featuring fish ponds and aesthetically-pleasing walking paths lined with greenery.
• Get an in-depth look at the life of President Chiang through well preserved historical relics depicting his family life, ascension to power, presidency in Taiwan, and several others.
• Art enthusiasts can also take part in cultural activities such as DIY art classes and lectures, which are usually held at the grounds.

 

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3. Travel back in time & capture Insta-worthy photos at Bo Pi Liao Historic district

 

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Are you a dedicated history buff or a sucker for old architecture? If you are then a visit to the Bo Pi Liao district is simply a must. What’s more, the historical district is also an incredibly photogenic place, making it a hotspot for budding photographers.

Here’s what you can do:

• Travel back in time as you tread your way through traditional shophouses that date back to the Qing dynasty.
• Experience Taipei’s historical past as you pass buildings built during the Japanese occupation and early post-war periods.
• The district was also the filming site of the popular Taiwanese film, Monga, thus making it a must-visit for fans of the film.

 

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4. Sightsee at Jiufen & meet new faces at Chiufen (Jiufen Old Street)

 

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Dubbed as the Santorini of Taiwan, the mountain town of Jiufen is famed for its scenic views and narrow alleyways packed with traditional teahouses, street food stalls, and souvenir shops. The town is also just a short train ride away from Taipei Main Station, making it suitable for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of Taipei’s city life.

Here’s what you can do:

• Capture scenic photographs of the mountains and Keelung outer sea.
• Boost your Instagram game by getting a shot of one of Jiufen’s iconic traditional teahouses for yourself such as the Jiufen Amei Tea Pub.

Bonus tip: Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds of tourist that usually arrive in the afternoon.

 

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5.  Marvel at a sky filled with lanterns & glimpse into the life of this old railroad town

 

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Shifen old street features a collection of packed alleyways about the Shifen Railway area. The Shifen old street train stop was originally built to transport coal but has transformed into a hotspot for tourists over the years.

Here’s what you can do:

• Watch the release of sky lanterns as they make their way to the heavens containing wishes of travellers and locals alike written on it.
• Window shop at the marketplace lining the old railway track.
• Capture Instagramable photos by standing right ON the tracks.

 

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6. Ascend to Purridise at Houtang Cat Village

 

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Houtang was once nothing more than a coal mining town tucked away in the hills of Northern Taiwan. However, all of that changed when local cat lover Peggy Chien began posting photos of the abandoned cats in the town online. Her efforts quickly gained popularity and within just two years, the town has transformed into a cat paradise.

Here’s what you can do:

• Capture cute Instagram photos of the village’s furry felines.
• Immerse yourself in cat-themed tunes played at nearby shops.
• There are even a few cool cat cafes in the area.

 

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7. Go mural hunting at Kengkou Community Mural Village

 

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If you’ve ever visited George Town before and were left awe-struck by its murals, then a trip to Kengkou Community Mural Village is bound to evoke a similar excitement. In recent years, mural painting has been a growing trend in Taiwan and many communities have taken to painting as a way of revamping their communities.

Here’ s what you can do:

• Go trigger-happy and challenge yourself to get a photo of each mural within the 30 hectares of painted residential and factory walls.
• Interact with murals which depict farm life in the 1950s and 1960s by placing yourself in the photo.
• There are a bunch of new murals sprouting about in the area and along Haishan road featuring cartoons and other pop culture elements.

 

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We don’t know about you but the thought of being able to go on a vacation to Taipei AND being able to do all these things for FREE is making us want to plan out our dream vacation right now!

As any adult will tell you, the working world can be overwhelming at times, which is why it is necessary to take a step back and seek new perspectives by exploring the world.

In a similar vein, famed Malaysian actor Alvin Chong is taking a step back by seeking new perspectives in Taipei. You too can discover Taipei like never before #throughthelens of Alvin Chong here.

If you’re already planning your grand Taipei adventure, then here’s your chance to grab this attractive promo from AirAsia:

• Travel from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Taipei (TPE) for as low as RM299 (AirAsia members) or RM304 (non-members).
• Booking period: Now till 16 December 2018.
• Travel period: Now till 5 May 2019.

What’s more, you can also travel in added comfort with AirAsia’s Premium Flatbed!

Here are all the amazing perks that come with it:

• Seats recline into a full flatbed whenever desired to provide added comfort.
• Pack without hesitation with 40kg of free baggage allowance.
• Board before everyone else with priority boarding.
• Enjoy a range of complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks on board.

Amazing right? Okay lah, we know which airlines we’ll be flying with for our upcoming vacay. Book your flights now with AirAsia!

See you in Taipei, everyone!