Taiwan - Prefer Mode of Travel

In Taiwan when I travel, I would prefer to use the bus rather the THSR or Taxi.  The travelling time in the THSR is shorter, but I will had to catch a shutter bus(NT30) from the airport to Taoyuan THSR station. Queuing up to buy ticket with 2 big luggage is a big hassle.

Taxi in Taiwan

Globally ‘LPG Gas’ is cheaper than petrol and diesel. This is the reason many taxi in Asia uses gas rather than diesel or petrol. Most taxi owner converted their cars for either petrol or diesel to use LPG gas. Usually the huge LPG gas tank would occupy the car boot, resulting insufficient luggage space for passengers.

When I travel for work, there will be 3 bags, one for my laptop, one for my clothes and one tool bag. Many times, the taxi car boot is only able to take in one luggage bag. The other bag will be put on the front passenger seat and belted.

 

Taichung City Bus

The bus fare for the first 8KM is NT20, after that it is NT2.4/km. There are 2 ways to pay for the bus fare, Cash or Cashless. The waiting time for a bus can be long.

Cash Payment

For cash payment, when you board the bus, collect the electronic card from the bus driver and tap it on the machine. When you alight tap the card on the machine, the amount will be shown on the machine and you cash to the driver.

Prepaid Card

 It will be economical if you use the prepaid or electronic card(ETC) There are four types of cards (EasyCard (悠遊卡), Taiwan Easy Go (台灣通), I Pass issue by Kaohsuing Transport(高捷一卡通), and ETC Card (遠東E通卡). If you travel below 8km, it is free.

Example – In Taichung, I normally stay in Splendor Inn. In the same building under the same management is Hotel Splendor. Near the hotel is the bus stop call Sogo or Science Museum station. The distance to the Taichung Railway Station is less than 8Km. If you had the electronic card it will be free travel.

Practically if I move around the city by bus, it is free travel by the cashless card. If I am going to the Taichung THSR station I will take the THSR complimentary bus. If your departure point is THSR station, and you had travelled with the THSR rail, it will be free bus ride to your destination. Normally you do not have the show the THSR ticket.

If you had not travelled with the THSR then you will had to take the normal public bus.

Taiwan Weekend Trips - Tamshui

From Taipei to Tamshui

Many tourist spots and interesting places can be reached by the Taipei MRT. Pick up the MRT travel guide inside the MRT Station.

For more information on the MRT- Taipei MRT Website

Starting Station: Zhongxiao Xinsheng or Zhongxiao Fushing Station (Blue Line)

Switching Station: Taipei Main Station  (From Blue Line to Red Line)

End Station: Tamshui Station (Red Line)

Walk out from the Tamshui Station to take a bus to the Tamshui Fishermen Wharf.

Instead of taking the bus you can rent a bike. It is about 7 Km to the wharf.

Get more information at the VISITOR BOOTH at Tamshui.

Visit the Tamshui Old Street. During weekend, there is performance outside the Tamshui Station.

Fisherman Wharf

 Pet Shop in Tamshui

Night Market

The popular Shilin Night Market is reachable by the MRT. 

Tips: To prevent being cheated, first paid for your food before you start to eat, especially at the Fruits Stall. Force on you are warning pamphlet outside the Shilin Station, regarding such surprises.

Taiwan Weekend Trip - Cingjing Farm

Taichung to Cingjing Farm

Start Point: Taichung THSR Station

Bus Fare: NT600, 2-Way Ticket includes entry ticket to the Green Green Glass Farm and Swiss Garden

Duration: 2 Hours 15 mins

Visit the following website for more information Cingjing Farm Website

Visit here for the Nantou Bus Schedules to Cingjing Farm.

Food Fare outside the Cingjing Farm

Taiwan Weekend Trip - Xitou

Taichung to Xitou

Took Bus 6883 at Gancheng Station near Taichung Railway Station.
The two way bus fare include the entry into the Xitou Park.

Taichung to Xitou Route

Nantou Bus Schedule for Xitou

Xitou Bus Station

Xitou Icon Bridge and Scenery and Inhabitants

For lunch

Walk out of the park, go to the car park where all the Tourist Bus are parked.

Taiwan Weekend Trips - Sun Moon Lake

I had make many weekend trips using this website:

 Tour Taiwan Bus

The above website will provide information of various bus trip from various major Taiwan city.

Taichung to Sun Moon Lake

From Taichung, there are 2 ways to take a bus to Sun Mun Lake. The starting point is at Gancheng Station near Taichung Railway Station. The same bus will also stop at the THSR Taichung Station. Bus Ticket can be purchased at Gancheng Station or at THSR Taichung Station.

There are package deal which include bus rides at Sun Moon Lake itself and bike rental.

 Sun Moon Lake Bus 6670 Route

click for Nantou Bus Schedule for Sun Moon Lake and Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village

Tips: On weekend it is crowded with the local tourist, go early to buy ticket and remember to get the Que number for the seat from the counter.

Gancheng Station Bus Stop

Sun Moon Lake Bus Stop

Alternative bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake

Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village