Showing posts with label wander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wander. Show all posts
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My expenses:RT Plane Ticket - P2,986.50 ($54.30)Shortime Dormitel (3 nights) - P997.83Total is P3,984.33
I am sharing with you my journey from waiting for the bus to spending the night at Terminal 2 before my early morning flight to Boracay. I talk about the quiet atmosphere, my impressions of the terminal, the challenge of printing my boarding pass, and how I pass the time with snacks while feeling sleepy yet excited for the trip.
While waiting for the bus, I sat inside the car waiting for the “ube car.” I noted the last bus leaves around 9 p.m., and it’s cold, so I wore a jacket. Upon my arrival at Terminal 2, I was amazed by the structure and roof design. I headed to the AirAsia counters, thinking Royal Air is located there. I noticed it felt quieter compared to Terminal 3.
To make sure I won't be late for my early flight, I spent the night at the airport. My flight is at 5:15 a.m. tomorrow. Since there were no P2P buses at dawn, I arrived early. I enjoyed the calm atmosphere with fewer people around. I had trouble printing my boarding pass when I realized there were no kiosks available for self-printing. I asked for help and was directed to Counter 4. I prepared to check in with Royal Air.
Snacks are always a must during travel, so I made sure I had some with me during my trip. Food can be more pricey in a commercial or touristy area. I ate Nissin butter coconut biscuits and hazelnut milk chocolate. I had to admit I was sleepy and even had a slight headache. I planned to brush my teeth and rest before the flight.
My Day 0 captures my anticipation, small struggles, and little joys as I prepare for my Boracay adventure. Would you like me to continue the story in Episode 2, where I start the actual journey with multiple transfers on the way to Boracay?
All along, I thought I had only spent more or less P10,000.00 for my July 21 to 24 Taiwan trip. Behold, let's reveal the accurate computation cost on this blog episode.
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I tried my best to remember some of my expenses during this trip and I just estimated some of the amount or prices. Below is the list of my expenses:
Day 0Plane Ticket (RT) - P6,077.50 ($110.50)
Hostel (2 nights & 1 day) - P1325.50 ($24.10)Bus Fare (to NAIA) - P300.00
Fruitas Smoothie - P200.00
Travel tax - P1,600.00Day 1Taiwan Fun Pass - P3,994.00Bus fare - P 300.00Food - P200.00Food - P1000.00Day 2Food souvenirs - P1300.00
Food - P400Day 3-4Food souvenirs - P200.00Express train - P210.00
Burger King meal - P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) - P300.00Total is P17,785.00
I also used Google Sheets to present my expenses hoping it would present clarity.
I think I went over my budget on this trip. Hopefully, next time I'll be able to spend less on my next trip.
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Please use my Trip.com and Klook code if need to purchase anything on these travel apps. I hope this information is helpful if you are planning a trip to Taiwan.
Do you think I spent a reasonable for this trip or not?
Let me know what you think.
Ximending Night Market
Last night of my trip in Taiwan, and I got to witness the night market of Ximending. There were street performers who captivated both locals and foreign tourists. I stayed for a while watching the performers from the beginning of their performance, but I wasn't able to finish recording it since the camera had lost its power. I also couldn't stay late, and I had to sleep early for my return flight the next day. I think I also bought some food souvenirs that night.
Bye Taiwan, For Now
Going to Taoyuan Airport was short, but it was I who was tired from all the touristy activities I did for the 3 days that made me feel so tired. I hopped onto an express train to the airport, I think, it cost me 105 Taiwanese dollars or 210 Philippine pesos.
I decided to have my breakfast at the airport, and the Burger King food stall caught my attention because of their Naruto meal specialty. Unfortunately, I did't get the Naruto meal, because it was a little pricey for one meal for me, it was 300 plus Taiwanese dollars, so it would cost me 600 plus Philippine pesos. Instead, I got their regular meal, probably it was 189 Taiwanese dollars or 378 Philippine pesos.
My tummy was happy and moved on to the boarding and waited for my flight.
Hello Philippines again
With less than two hours, I got back to the Philippines and it was still raining. I left raining and returned raining, just like Philippines, I guess.
It was a tiring Taiwan trip, but it was all worth it. Just like I said before, I would love to visit Taiwan again if I get the chance, hopefully for a trip and not just for a layover.
My expenses:
Food souvenirs P200.00
Express train P210.00
Burger King meal P378.00
Bus fare (to my hometown) P300.00
Total is P1088.00
I got to rest and renew my strength. It was fun sharing with you all my Taiwan trip experience.
Until next, where to? Tara!
Taiwan Blog Episode 5: Finding Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen Old Street in Taiwan
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
It's my Day 2 in Taiwan, y'all!
From Ximen, it was a two-hour ride to Tamsui, and that was a long travel time, but the good thing the view from the train car was something I enjoyed. Along with my unexpected travel buddies, Jewel and Sheila, we got to take some pictures inside the train.
We hadn't had our breakfast, so upon reaching Tamsui, the first thing we did was to check out some food stalls and convenience stores near the train station.
After the train ride, we needed to ride a bus for an hour, I think, to reach Yehli, where we could find the geopark.
The coastal view from the bus ride was superb. The sea was looking blue and divine. That long bus ride was worth it in exchange for all the sights I got to see. It was like having a bus tour of the provincial area of Taiwan.
Yehliu Geopark
There's no denying the wonders I witness at Yehliu Geopark. All the sweat, confusion, and doubt vanished when we saw the magnificent rock formations that looked like mushrooms and the vast blue sea.
We tried our best to explore the place and get the best out of the little time we had there. Photo opportunities were something that was never missed among Filipinos.
There was an area of the geopark that had souvenir stores. I got dried seafood and a ref magnet. Some of the store owners spoke Tagalog words and accepted Philippine currency either cash or via GCash.
Jiufen Old Street
It was another adventure finding our next stop, Jiufen Old Street. We were not sure what bus number we were supposed to hop on; it was all instinct and confidence in our understanding of the Tiktok travel video, which was always referenced by my travel buddies.
The Jiufen Old Street was literally a maze old street turned into a market. There were a lot of interesting stores. Food, souvenirs, a tea house, and restaurants were just a few of the shops I remember. The place had that Studio Ghibli vibe, and I liked it as a fan of their animated movies.
I made sure I got the free Taro balls as one of the complimentary items of the Fun Pass I bought via Klook app.
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Unfortunately, we didn't make it to Sheifen Falls and the Lantern festival. The travel time consumed most of our time. I had this thought, I should go back to Taiwan since I missed a lot of attractions I wanted to visit. I don't know when I would get to explore Taiwan, but I hope to visit it again.
My expenses:
Food souvenirs P1300.00
Food P400
Total is P1300.00
It was dawn and Taoyuan International Airport was practically closed. Only the passengers and a few employees were present when I got inside the airport. My struggle was that there were few options of people to ask for queries. Sometimes, I tend to ask a lot of questions.
The wall decor at the airport was entertaining enough to preoccupy me as I trudged on the long pathwalk. There were paintings in frames and murals. It was nice to see them the second time. There were a lot of Filipinos going to Taiwan. I was amazed but not surprised. The Philippines' proximity to Taiwan made it easier for us, Filipinos, to travel to Taiwan without the hassle of a long and rigorous visa processing.
Filipino travelers can enter Taiwan visa-free until July 2026 and can stay up to fourteen (14) days. Just make sure you complete an online immigration arrival card at https://twac.immigration.gov.tw on the website of the National Immigration Agency within three days before arriving in Taiwan.
More info: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China(Taiwan)-Visa-Exempt Entry
My first agenda upon arriving at Taoyuan airport was to wash my face and brush my teeth, so I needed to find a bathroom. I felt uncomfortable not washing my face and brushing my teeth. I must say the bathroom at the airport was clean and fresh. It was commendable.
I was a little confused about where to exit since there were not a lot of airport staff to ask, but there was one who saw me and directed me to the right exit. That was nice of her!
Enjoying an almost empty of people airport was something I got to experience at Taoyuan International Airport. No noise, no people. It was just silence and bright lights and nice structures.
Before my flight, I purchased a Taiwan Fun Pass (Unlimited 3-Day Pass) via Klook app. It cost me P3,994.00. The fun pass card was available at the airport, and the pick-up time was four (4) or five (5) in the morning. I wasn't able to use the pass to the fullest because of the places I missed visiting, but I think I got its worth in all the train rides I had.
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From the airport, I had to take a bus to the Ximen Wow Hostel in Ximending City. I think the bus fare was 150 Taiwanese dollars or 300 Philippine pesos. The bus travel time was about an hour. It was like a tour around the city. I saw a lot of signs written in Taiwanese.
I met two (2) Filipinos during the bus ride. They helped me with the directions to my hostel since I didn't have mobile data. Thank you, Kabayans!
Upon arriving at the hostel, I also met two (2) Filipinas this time, and they became my travel buddies during my Taiwan trip. Since any of us didn't have breakfast, we decided to try the famous milk tea of Taiwan and dumplings, which was not a wise choice for me. But the boba milk tea was really, really good because I threw up a lot when I got back to the hostel. I wasn't feeling really well.
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Jewel, Sheila, and I went to our first destination via train. We had to study the route of the trains to be able to use them efficiently. The signs were mostly in Taiwanese, which was why it was difficult to understand.
- Riding Maokong Gondola was like me suspended in the air. It was a scary yet fun experience.
- Taipei Zoo was a child-friendly attraction. I got to see a panda, but only from its back. It might be a resting period for them. I liked that the zoo had water sprinklers to beat the heat.
- Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world. It was so high, and I think my ears suffered a little from the air pressure while riding the elevator. The view from the building was breathtaking.
My expenses:Taiwan Fun Pass P3,994.00Bus fare P 300.00Food P200.00Food P1000.00
Total is P5,494.00
It was my first day in Taiwan and I had no sleep. It was unfortunate. I should learn from this experience, hopefully. But it was a good day one (1) in Taiwan.
Tuesdays With Morrie is a book that I got to know through a friend. I saw one of his online posts, and didn’t waste my time having a second look. It was just one of the many passing updates on my news feed from my online friends which I rarely put too much attention to.
It started with curiosity and a book that was on sale at Goodwill. It was cheap and I could afford it hehe
The book left me with the impression that nothing is forever. Nothing lasts for eternity. Well, except for the One who is Eternity.
People come and go. They stay for a season and a reason. Some choose to stay, some choose to leave, and some just have no choice but to submit to the natural way of life, which one of them is death.
Humans die. Human death is a dead end, everyone must face it. To leave the physical world is something that no one could ever run away from.
But the memories we create with our loved ones, with the people who stay for a season and a reason worth all the struggle and pain we face in life. The experience of being alive and living and loving the moment is a gift from the One who lasts for eternity.
The present is a gift I am in the process of consistently trying to be grateful for. I can be an overthinker sometimes and that ruins the gift of the present. I am always praying to have a grateful heart, a heart that is overflowing with gratitude. In good times and bad times, I desire to be grateful to the LORD.
The attitude of gratitude is a good way of living a good life, of no regrets, of contentment, and of joy.
I hope and pray we also find peace as we journey to a life that is filled with gratitude to the One who stays and lasts forever.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
[18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The day of my flight to Taiwan was rainy. There was a typhoon or an incoming storm, so the weather wasn't good. It wasn't the best weather for any kind of trip.
Going to NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), I am thankful to have a point-to-point bus transport from my town to Terminal 3. The bus fare cost was 300 Philippine pesos. It took me more or less two (2) hours to reach the airport from my hometown. It was a long ride, always, and the bus air conditioning was too much for me in the rainy season. It was a good thing I had jacket jeans, and I felt so cool wearing them.
UBE Express, Inc. is a human logistics service provider committed in providing a safe, convenient, reliable and modern bus service in adherence to applicable legal and regulatory requirements set by the Philippine government. We offer point-to-point service with the goal of giving our patrons an ultimate bus experience. In addition, we also provide tarmac shuttle service for various airlines in transporting passengers within the airport facility.
It was still raining hard when I finally arrived at the airport. There seemed to be a lot of people, especially inside the airport. I printed my boarding pass from the AirAsia kiosk, which was really convenient for me, and I got to keep it for pasting it on my journal notebook. After that, I went straight to the security check-up and I passed. But unfortunately, some of my journaling materials, like glue and small scissors, got confiscated, which made me a little sad. I was still glad I passed the inspection. Thank you, ma'am and sirs at NAIA, for keeping us safe!
Before getting something to eat, I went straight to my boarding gate to make sure it really did exist. It was not a long walk, but not short either. It was walkable, and I got to do some sightseeing inside the airport. There were a lot of stranded passengers due to bad weather, and I could tell they were not happy about the situation. But it is better to be safe than sorry, right? Right.
I walked back to the Fruitas stand I saw when I was sightseeing. I had a mango and watermelon smoothie, and it was good, but it had a lot of ice. The ladies at Fruitas were so kind to give me some of their fries from Potato Corner. I was embarrassed, but they were persistent, so I accepted the free fries.
Special shout to the ladies at the Fruitas stand at Terminal 3! God bless you more!
I had my dinner snacks on a chair near my boarding gate, and I arrived so early at the airport that I had a lot of waiting time, probably around two (2) hours. I patiently waited and tried to get busy. I tried to get some sleep and massaged my face with a guasha. I was thinking of reading, but my book was inside my suitcase, so next time I'm gonna put it inside my carry-on bag.
When it was boarding time, I discovered that I had to pay the Philippine travel tax. I had no idea about it. One of the flight attendants helped me; she instructed me to do it online. I think I paid 1600 plus Philippine pesos.
My flight from Manila to Taiwan was scheduled at 11PM, and it got delayed too for twenty (20) minutes due to bad weather, which was not an ideal time for me, but the cheapest. I regret booking that flight schedule. Next time, I have to make sure the flight won't inconvenience or take a toll on my health.
My Expenses for Day 0:Plane Ticket Price (RT) P6,077.50 ($110.50)Bus Fare P 300.00Fruitas Smoothie P 200.00Travel tax P1,600.00Total is P8,177.50
It was also boarding time when I started crying for no reason. I want to say for no reason, but I was aware of the real reason. Boarding the plane reminded me of the time I was leaving Austin, Texas, at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport. It was so heartbreaking watching my boyfriend see me leave. It was a sad day.
This is the second book I read from Mitch Albom and I try to write a blog post about it makes me wander about the first book I read from him which is Tuesday's with Morrie. I went to the search tab and search for the title, but it didn't give me any. I tried the author name and it didn't also. I am surprised and I didn't have a blog entry for Tuesday's with Morrie. I was so confident that I had a blog entry for it. Oh well, I guess I have to read it again or I just have to remember what the book is about.
Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination. It's a place where your life is explained to you by five people, some of whom you knew, others who may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie's five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his "meaningless" life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: "Why was I here?"
"It is a fiction, slightly non-fiction, and a little bit of self-help." And that's how would I describe the book, the five people you meet in heaven. It was easy and short to read. The length of the book is just enough for the story, no fillers, just the essential. My heart swelled in all the heartwarming parts of the book. I must confess I cried to most of the part of the book. I loveSo how picturesque the used words are, they tickled my imagination.
I took notes of the lessons I learned from the story of Eddie and how he came to know why everything happened in his life and learned their purpose. The realization he had about the things that happened in his life was comforting to a reader like me whose trying to find reasons and purpose why bad things happened even though a person isn't bad at all.
Lesson 1: We are all connected and affect one another by our actions and decisions in life.
Lesson 2: We all make sacrifices in life and it is for a reason, definitely not a vain reason, but a purposeful purpose and reason.
Lesson 3: We forgive. Hate is a double edge sword. We hurt as much as we hate. So, we must forgive instead. Forgiveness is much powerful, than hate.
Lesson 4: We move on. We don't get stuck in one place. We fail, we move on. We got hurt, we move on. We win, we move on. We move on with life, and we're always making progress little by little, step by step.
Lesson 5: We have purpose and we will serve it well by the end of our life. One way or another, our purpose will be served whether we are aware of it or unaware. We got purpose in life no matter how painful life has been.
I must say that this book is on my top good read books. I reall enjoyed and learned a lot at the same. A must read you have to try too, if you haven't.
Let's read more books! Tara!
Love,
Ang Pinay Manlalakbay
I started packing for my Taiwan Trip with all my toiletries, first aid kit, shoes, and clothes. My suitcase was pretty much packed and ready, except for some of the last-minute additions. It was really, really hot when I was packing the suitcase. Sweaty and hot, I survived the heat and was able to write this blog entry.
Here is the list of things I put in my luggage.
Toiletries:
shampoo
conditioner
feminine wash
sunscreen
lotion
perfume/cologne
body wash
toner
cotton balls
cotton buds
facial routine kit
First aid kit:
band aids
burn cream
antibiotic ointment
Tylenol
Tylenol
Eye moisturizer
Shoes:
Tennis shoes
leather shoes
Clothes:
dresses
underwears
leggings
shorts
socks
sleepwear
That's quite a list, but I always try to be prepared and ready for any trip. It is better to be ready than sorry. I know this is not a comprehensive list, but you can modify, add, or remove some things that you might need or not need. It all depends on your comfort, tolerance, and what you need.
Join me as I travel the world. Tara!
When I had an 11-hour layover during my trip from the US to the Philippines, I was able to step on the ground of Taiwan, but I did not attempt to get out of the airport despite the long hours of staying there. I just thought to myself that I would return there as a tourist, not as a passerby. And I did.
Travelling the world is also one of my many dreams in life. I guess dreams keep us going, too, in life, like hope. This is my first time doing solo travelling. I am a bit nervous, which is normal, I think. I tried to prepare properly for this trip.
The Trip.com app has been my go-to online software for my travel ever since I booked that ticket with my friends for a Cebu trip, which was seven years ago.
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Every time I travel, my goal is to find the cheapest but safest flight, hotel, and tour. I am always travelling on a budget.
This time for the booking I used US dollar currency, since it felt more affordable and not painful on my pocket when I look at it. Well, yes, it is more of a psychological thing, and hopefully, it is helping rather than damaging me.
Flights. For the plane tickets, I spent $110.50. It is a round-trip ticket already for 4 4-day and 3-night trips, or more like three (3) days and three (3) nights because of the flight schedule.
Hotel. For the accommodation, I tried booking in a hostel. I booked for 2 nights, since I would be spending the 1st night at the airport. I spent $24.10 for the hostel. I made sure that the hostel is a walking distance of the training station.
Tour. I decided to avail a package tour since I would be travelling in an unfamiliar land. I thought it would be safer and cheaper because the tour includes the transportation. As it was advertised, the tour is composed of 7 tourist attractions to visit. It is a one-day tour. I paid $49.75 for the packaged tour.
In total, for the plane tickets, accommodation, and guided tour, I spent $184.35, which roughly converted to 10,139.25 Philippine pesos.
I am excited and nervous at the same time for this trip, but I am definitely looking forward to it.
Join me as I travel the world. Tara!
Whenever I hear Tyler, TX the first thing that comes into mind is Rose Garden. A friend’s post on Facebook left this impression on me, since it is always fun to visit places with flowers I got interested in that part of Texas. So when I got the chance to go to an area near Tyler with my boyfriend, I didn’t want to miss the chance to be able to visit the flower garden.
It was always a long drive getting to Tyler and aware that driving was not easy, I always tried my best to be of use to the driver. I tried my best to be the navigator which I did okay and food commander which I did good feeding him while he drove us safely to our destination, and he always did a good job behind the wheels.
I got to be in Tyler more than once and visited a few places, thanks to my generous and kind tour guide. Here’s the list of places we got to drop by from all our visits to Tyler:
Broadway Square Mall. It is an old mall in Tyler. You could see pictures of the old mall on the wall of the hallway going to the restroom which felt nostalgic.
Boba Loompia. So good! Filipino food in Tyler, represent! It was so good and nostalgic.
Rose Garden. I was so in love with all the flowers. They were gorgeous and some of them were in full bloom.
Painted Tree. It was a boutique where you might find some of the curios things you would ever see.
Crumble Cookie. Yum! Yum! Yum! I got no other words but delicioso! Bon appetit!
UT Tyler. His graduate university and my heart was full when he took me there. I love him for sharing that part of him to me.
Bass Pro Shop. It is an outfitter store. It is still amazed me by their wide selection of outdoor clothes, equipments, vehicles, and a lot more. They got everything you need for a wild adventure.
We also got to try some restaurants and this list is not comprehensive since I forgot some of the places we ate at. I am going to update this list as I remember those places. Hopefully, fingercross.
Rotolo's Pizzeria. The Angry Pig was so good. Non-traditional pizza with spicy BBQ sauce, Italian sausage, bacon, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese.
Another Broken Egg. We had our Valentine's date here. The food was good and serving was big. I was so full and so happy to spend the day with him.
The homemade food was the best part. I got to experience real and authentic American food. So good!
I miss Tyler, I miss Flint. I miss him so much.
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