Apologies for the very, very delayed post!
Zoom zoom, it's already 4 months since my first solo Taiwan trip!
Search up #XLgoestoTW to follow the trail of my adventures!
Here we go!
It was already past 3PM when I set off to explore the beautiful Taichung City! But before I continue, I have to prepare you with some facts.
Since the opening of a science techpark in Taichung, there has been a rapid increase in the number of foreign workers in Taichung - especially the area around the Taichung Railway station. You'll hear many different languages from malay to tagalog to thai. Do not be alarmed if you happen to stay over the weekends but be prepared to see litters all around. Have the mentality that from a first-timer in Taiwan, I could already observe that the locals DO NOT litter anywhere. To do your littlest part in preserving the environment, please bring an additional plastic bag to contain your rubbish!
The three places that I have visited as per mentioned below are all of walking distance from Forte Orange Hotel - Park! Save on the transportation fees and spend it on fooooooood!
Priced at NTD45 per cup, you can choose from the different combinations in HOT/COLD. Despite the drizzle, I still went for the cold one! The ice used is rather coarse but it is complimented by the beans after mixing them together. Needless to say - the taro balls are SO GOOD! Taro balls, sweet potato balls, red beans, other beans and real yam! #iloveyamsfm. Would advise two-person-per-cup to not overfill yourself! Kindly note to clear your trays and cups on your own by disposing the remains in the respective buckets at the clearing counter!
*Note: Taiwan is extremely google-friendly so do not hesitate to use Google Maps! Just remember to have a portable power bank with you all times - fully charged of course!
It's probably a "wet welcome" for me to chance upon all the occasional on & off downpours T_T I can't thank myself enough for the decision to get an umbrella back in Kaohsiung! The whole atmosphere inside Miyahara is exploding with antique vintage feel. From the packaging to the interior design. The pricings are relatively okay if they have what you're looking for! I didn't stay long at the chocolates section after getting tempted by their cheese cakes!
There are some flavors up for sampling but I chose the original cheesecake, priced at NTD 288. Cheesecake-lovers please do not miss this! I repeat, DO NOT MISS THIS! Furthermore, they paper bag will be complimented with a transparent plastic cover so no worries even if you're traveling on rainy days!
They are highly known for their ice-cream, which had a queue so long that the staff told me the approximate waiting time could be as long as an hour! OMG? Fear not, I'll disclose a little tip that Mr. Simon (hotel's manager) told me! There's another sister company of Miyahara just a few streets down that serves the SAME, EXACT range of ice-cream - which I visited the next day! Save the queuing time so why not? Pssst, two scoops of ice cream + waffle bowl + 3 toppings for only NTD170!
*Note: Entrace is on the left side, don't repeat my embarrassing try to enter from the bank-like door infront!
There are FOUR different display refrigerators with 18 flavors each, that's 76 flavors in total! Chocolate with different Cocoa percentage, Yogurt series, Fruity series, Tea series! All for your guilty pleasures, yumz! I had Salted Caramel and Earl Grey in waffles bowl - all to myself! Price list attached for your reference so you'll spend lesser time choosing the flavors (don't hold up the queue HAHA!) Blue menu for what I had, Yellow for shaved ice!
Approximately 10-15 minutes walk from the Forte Orange Hotel, you'll be stopped before even reaching Yi Zhong streets! Sports brands and many more stores will shine before your eyes! But do not lose focus! Get to Yi Zhong Street first before anything else!
You can find plenty of streetwear brands and theme cafes over there! Not to forget the local street food as well~
As per the address above, I found the perfect place for my shoes loots! All priced at NTD185 (Approx S$8.50 per pair). Being a size 40, I always faced difficulties buying shoes on Taobao (cries). But they have up till size 40 here! My rule of thumb is to choose those that are MADE IN TAIWAN, simply because there are some Made In China shoes and what for I buy them in Taiwan? Good quality soles and good quality material and PVC leather. I bought slightly more than 10 pairs here (@_@).
*Tip: Request to have the shoes without the boxes to save the space in your luggage! But I posted them back to Singapore anyway. My parcel was slightly more than 8kg and I paid less than S$20! Supposedly S$20 for 10kg if I didn't remember wrongly! You can always inquire at the post office!
**Tip 2: Try to bring your loots to Taipei and ship out from there, it should be faster I suppose! The post office actually waits until the minimum quota is shipped in the container before they ship it out, I waited 3 weeks for it to be shipped out of Taichung and roughly 2 weeks to arrive in Singapore.
CHEAP AND GOOD CONTACT LENS!
So much regrets for not buying more pairs in this shop while I was still in Taichung, I can't find this brand anywhere in Taipei (cries).
Refer to the first photo, the brand that I'm raving so much is the one on the most bottom. It was NTD299 for 2 pairs (Buy 1 Get 1 Free), that is S$6 per pair of monthly lens. It is sooooo comfortable and natural looking!
This shop is relatively close to Forte Orange Hotel as well! It was an accidental discovery when I was on my way back to the hotel after shopping for the shoes!
*Tip: Strike up a conversation with the sales girl, they'll be interested to hear your stories! Don't be afraid to ask them for directions or where to go! You may get a few more lens casing and lens solutions *winks* Don't worry getting judged, Taiwanese are honestly the friendliest people on earth! ^^v
Stretched out on the whole street, ask anyone if you ever get lost because all the locals would know this place! Mr. Simon said that the Sun Cakes (aka 太阳饼) originated from Taichung from the early days! In fact, Taichung is a city of overflowing creativity - their art scene for example is widely supported!
What I bought: Original Sun Cakes, Lemon Cakes and Pineapple cakes (white packaging)
If you're distributing to many friends, you can probably buy the bigger boxes since you wouldn't need the packaging anyway!
*Tip: Although Mr. Simon (the hotel manager) said all the tai yang bing taste the same, but I'd still suggest you to try all (or at least most) of it before buying - considering both the taste and price! Rule of thumb - don't worry getting judged for taking time to consider (not at least in Taiwan!)
*Tip 2: You can politely ask for discounts :D
Very Famous Sandwich
This is the most raved sandwich in Taichung as per told by Mr. Simon! There's even a long queue at the two cashier counters. Most of their orders are takeaways by companies and it's 20 sandwiches at least from what I saw when I was there!
5. Feng Chia Night Market (逢甲夜市)
I took a bus there but I can remember much, you can google the directions though! If you're worried about overshooting, you can always ask the bus caption to let you know when it's time to alight! This place is super huge and sooooo many intersections. You'll need at least 3 hours to cover most of the areas.
I've bought NTD100 shoes, NTD100 tops, the infamous Ella endorsed blackhead mask & more! Keep your eyes open and you will find deals like mine too!
Not an avid fan of themed cafes, I didn't do much research on the cafes in Taichung. But this was Mr. Simon treat and so my first in Taichung! It costs less than S$20 per person for a 4 course set meal with one beverage. I can't remember the name of my dish but I definitely remember the generous portion of juicy salmon with potato! Fresh vegies cut with dip sauce as appetizer, vegie soup and sour plum jelly for dessert!
--------------------
I have always wanted to do up detailed posts of my trip but then procrastination at its best, I'm still more of a social media person.
Taichung, being my 2nd stop after Kaohsiung, I stayed here for 3D2N at Forte Orange Hotel (opposite Taichung Park) sponsored by Forte Orange Group and OMY. Click here to read more about my stay at the sponsored hotel! Ideal location, perfect scenery and the best location. I went to most of the places on foot except for Feng Chia Night Market!
Unlike Kaohsiung, Taichung's only public transport is the buses other than the taxi. I initially mistaken their jie yun for our MRT (like what Kaohsiung had). All in all, accessibility isn't as ideal hence I'd strongly recommend accommodations along Zi You Road or like mine, opposite the Taichung Park.
I'm sure there are plenty of places I have not discovered and I can't wait to return to the friendly city again! Till the next time, follow my daily adventures on instagram @tanxuanlin!
Apologies for the very, very delayed post!
Zoom zoom, it's already 4 months since my first solo Taiwan trip!
Search up #XLgoestoTW to follow the trail of my adventures!
Here we go!
It was already past 3PM when I set off to explore the beautiful Taichung City! But before I continue, I have to prepare you with some facts.
Since the opening of a science techpark in Taichung, there has been a rapid increase in the number of foreign workers in Taichung - especially the area around the Taichung Railway station. You'll hear many different languages from malay to tagalog to thai. Do not be alarmed if you happen to stay over the weekends but be prepared to see litters all around. Have the mentality that from a first-timer in Taiwan, I could already observe that the locals DO NOT litter anywhere. To do your littlest part in preserving the environment, please bring an additional plastic bag to contain your rubbish!
The three places that I have visited as per mentioned below are all of walking distance from Forte Orange Hotel - Park! Save on the transportation fees and spend it on fooooooood!
Priced at NTD45 per cup, you can choose from the different combinations in HOT/COLD. Despite the drizzle, I still went for the cold one! The ice used is rather coarse but it is complimented by the beans after mixing them together. Needless to say - the taro balls are SO GOOD! Taro balls, sweet potato balls, red beans, other beans and real yam! #iloveyamsfm. Would advise two-person-per-cup to not overfill yourself! Kindly note to clear your trays and cups on your own by disposing the remains in the respective buckets at the clearing counter!
*Note: Taiwan is extremely google-friendly so do not hesitate to use Google Maps! Just remember to have a portable power bank with you all times - fully charged of course!
It's probably a "wet welcome" for me to chance upon all the occasional on & off downpours T_T I can't thank myself enough for the decision to get an umbrella back in Kaohsiung! The whole atmosphere inside Miyahara is exploding with antique vintage feel. From the packaging to the interior design. The pricings are relatively okay if they have what you're looking for! I didn't stay long at the chocolates section after getting tempted by their cheese cakes!
There are some flavors up for sampling but I chose the original cheesecake, priced at NTD 288. Cheesecake-lovers please do not miss this! I repeat, DO NOT MISS THIS! Furthermore, they paper bag will be complimented with a transparent plastic cover so no worries even if you're traveling on rainy days!
They are highly known for their ice-cream, which had a queue so long that the staff told me the approximate waiting time could be as long as an hour! OMG? Fear not, I'll disclose a little tip that Mr. Simon (hotel's manager) told me! There's another sister company of Miyahara just a few streets down that serves the SAME, EXACT range of ice-cream - which I visited the next day! Save the queuing time so why not? Pssst, two scoops of ice cream + waffle bowl + 3 toppings for only NTD170!
*Note: Entrace is on the left side, don't repeat my embarrassing try to enter from the bank-like door infront!
There are FOUR different display refrigerators with 18 flavors each, that's 76 flavors in total! Chocolate with different Cocoa percentage, Yogurt series, Fruity series, Tea series! All for your guilty pleasures, yumz! I had Salted Caramel and Earl Grey in waffles bowl - all to myself! Price list attached for your reference so you'll spend lesser time choosing the flavors (don't hold up the queue HAHA!) Blue menu for what I had, Yellow for shaved ice!
Approximately 10-15 minutes walk from the Forte Orange Hotel, you'll be stopped before even reaching Yi Zhong streets! Sports brands and many more stores will shine before your eyes! But do not lose focus! Get to Yi Zhong Street first before anything else!
You can find plenty of streetwear brands and theme cafes over there! Not to forget the local street food as well~
As per the address above, I found the perfect place for my shoes loots! All priced at NTD185 (Approx S$8.50 per pair). Being a size 40, I always faced difficulties buying shoes on Taobao (cries). But they have up till size 40 here! My rule of thumb is to choose those that are MADE IN TAIWAN, simply because there are some Made In China shoes and what for I buy them in Taiwan? Good quality soles and good quality material and PVC leather. I bought slightly more than 10 pairs here (@_@).
*Tip: Request to have the shoes without the boxes to save the space in your luggage! But I posted them back to Singapore anyway. My parcel was slightly more than 8kg and I paid less than S$20! Supposedly S$20 for 10kg if I didn't remember wrongly! You can always inquire at the post office!
**Tip 2: Try to bring your loots to Taipei and ship out from there, it should be faster I suppose! The post office actually waits until the minimum quota is shipped in the container before they ship it out, I waited 3 weeks for it to be shipped out of Taichung and roughly 2 weeks to arrive in Singapore.
CHEAP AND GOOD CONTACT LENS!
So much regrets for not buying more pairs in this shop while I was still in Taichung, I can't find this brand anywhere in Taipei (cries).
Refer to the first photo, the brand that I'm raving so much is the one on the most bottom. It was NTD299 for 2 pairs (Buy 1 Get 1 Free), that is S$6 per pair of monthly lens. It is sooooo comfortable and natural looking!
This shop is relatively close to Forte Orange Hotel as well! It was an accidental discovery when I was on my way back to the hotel after shopping for the shoes!
*Tip: Strike up a conversation with the sales girl, they'll be interested to hear your stories! Don't be afraid to ask them for directions or where to go! You may get a few more lens casing and lens solutions *winks* Don't worry getting judged, Taiwanese are honestly the friendliest people on earth! ^^v
Stretched out on the whole street, ask anyone if you ever get lost because all the locals would know this place! Mr. Simon said that the Sun Cakes (aka 太阳饼) originated from Taichung from the early days! In fact, Taichung is a city of overflowing creativity - their art scene for example is widely supported!
What I bought: Original Sun Cakes, Lemon Cakes and Pineapple cakes (white packaging)
If you're distributing to many friends, you can probably buy the bigger boxes since you wouldn't need the packaging anyway!
*Tip: Although Mr. Simon (the hotel manager) said all the tai yang bing taste the same, but I'd still suggest you to try all (or at least most) of it before buying - considering both the taste and price! Rule of thumb - don't worry getting judged for taking time to consider (not at least in Taiwan!)
*Tip 2: You can politely ask for discounts :D
Very Famous Sandwich
This is the most raved sandwich in Taichung as per told by Mr. Simon! There's even a long queue at the two cashier counters. Most of their orders are takeaways by companies and it's 20 sandwiches at least from what I saw when I was there!
5. Feng Chia Night Market (逢甲夜市)
I took a bus there but I can remember much, you can google the directions though! If you're worried about overshooting, you can always ask the bus caption to let you know when it's time to alight! This place is super huge and sooooo many intersections. You'll need at least 3 hours to cover most of the areas.
I've bought NTD100 shoes, NTD100 tops, the infamous Ella endorsed blackhead mask & more! Keep your eyes open and you will find deals like mine too!
Not an avid fan of themed cafes, I didn't do much research on the cafes in Taichung. But this was Mr. Simon treat and so my first in Taichung! It costs less than S$20 per person for a 4 course set meal with one beverage. I can't remember the name of my dish but I definitely remember the generous portion of juicy salmon with potato! Fresh vegies cut with dip sauce as appetizer, vegie soup and sour plum jelly for dessert!
--------------------
I have always wanted to do up detailed posts of my trip but then procrastination at its best, I'm still more of a social media person.
Taichung, being my 2nd stop after Kaohsiung, I stayed here for 3D2N at Forte Orange Hotel (opposite Taichung Park) sponsored by Forte Orange Group and OMY. Click here to read more about my stay at the sponsored hotel! Ideal location, perfect scenery and the best location. I went to most of the places on foot except for Feng Chia Night Market!
Unlike Kaohsiung, Taichung's only public transport is the buses other than the taxi. I initially mistaken their jie yun for our MRT (like what Kaohsiung had). All in all, accessibility isn't as ideal hence I'd strongly recommend accommodations along Zi You Road or like mine, opposite the Taichung Park.
I'm sure there are plenty of places I have not discovered and I can't wait to return to the friendly city again! Till the next time, follow my daily adventures on instagram @tanxuanlin!