Taichung Railway Station

Many thanks to Omy.sg and Forte Hotel Group for sponsoring my accommodation in Taichung!

Moving up from Kaohsiung, I stopped by in Taichung from 19 - 21 July (3D2N). Traveling on a budget, I took the railway (TRA) from Kaohsiung and reached the Forte Orange Hotel around 2PM on 19th July. 

Well, just a small bite on my encounter. I was puzzled with how the taxi queue was formed, in fact I couldn't see any. People just come and get in a taxi before me! (cries) So here comes a cabby who claimed that not many drivers would want to get customers with luggages (like me, who had 2x 28") and asked for NTD150. Too tired from the whole journey - heavy downpour in Kaohsiung when I left and pushing 2 big ones by myself, I agreed reluctantly /: 

It was merely a 5 minutes drive from the Taichung Railway Station. If it wasn't drizzling on that day, I would've just walked to the hotel (hmpff!) Well, if you manage to get an honest cabby, it would cost you about NTD90 only! 

Orange Hotel - Park - 福泰桔子商旅-公園店
台中市中區公園路17號
No.17 Gongyuan Road, Taichung 400, Taiwan
Directions: http://forteorange-taichung-park.hotel.com.tw/eng/location.asp

Pouch, Room card, Breakfast coupons.

I met Mr. Simon and his team of ultra-efficient hotel staffs at the reception. After checking in, I was given the hotel card and the breakfast coupons! The breakfast hours starts from 6.30AM to 10.00AM at the Gamma Cafe on Level 1.

I was really surprised at how spacious the room is and my favorite would be the view from my room on the 9th level - directly facing the Taichung Park! Well, the open concept really simplifies everything with the basin and hair dryer out of the toilet. The bathing area and toilet is actually separated, take a look at the photo!

Left - Toilet, Right - Bathroom

Top - Basin area, Bottom - Mini Fridge, TV, Desk.

Basic necessities provided:

- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor

- Shower cap
- Comb
- Cups for washing up and cups for drinking
- Teabags
- Bottled drinking water
- Disposable slippers

I really appreciate the hotel for preparing a list of the Taiwan TV channels because there's so many of them, which I really regretted not taking a photo of it before I left and had much difficulty navigating the channels at my accommodation in Taipei (sobs). Oh yes, the mini fridge is extremely useful as well! Placed one of the bottled drinking water inside and the cheesecake which I bought from MIYAHARA!

Spot the Taiwan produced Kyoto grapes!

There was also a plate of the locally produced fruits on the table when I arrived! On the table where the lamp and boiler is, you can find the list of channels in the folder placed inside the drawer - don't even hesitate to snap a photo of it! 

It took me awhile to settle down before meeting Mr. Simon to discuss on the itinerary for the next day! Since it was almost 3PM by then, I've decided to head out to try the renowned Dong Dong Taro Balls (东东芋圆) recommended by Mr. Simon. Followed by Miyahara and Yi Zhong Shopping Street. 

Almost forgotten about the breakfast! 

Beverages wise, needless to mention the basic coffee and tea, there are orange/grape juice and milk as well. There are quite a few section - Toasts and cereal, Porridge, Fruits, Cooked food. The dish that left a deep impression on me would be the seafood pasta! Of course, there are scrambled eggs, sausages, ham slices, buns and many more cooked food to replenish your carbs. I tried the porridge with the wide variety of side dishes - meat floss is my favorite! 

Despite the crowd, I must say that I am really impressed with the speedy efficiency of the cafe crew! They are always so fast and zoom-zoom clearing the plates. The food are constantly refilled so you won't be seeing empty food trays at all! Pardon me for forgetting the "golden" hours to have breakfast, please ask the reception staff! The cafe could really get SO crowded at the peak hours when the tour groups are leaving on the very same day. Well, if you'd like to enjoy your breakfast in peace please do check with the reception staff (emphasized).

View from my hotel room on Level 9!

 * Here comes my review! *

Needless to say how friendly Taiwanese are, right? The hotel staffs are extremely helpful in providing directions and accommodating to my request for cardboard boxes to post things back to Singapore. The lady who delivered the boxes to my room even prepared the tapes and scissors as well! Thank you so much and apologies for not getting your name! Another young lady helped me with the directions to Fengchia Night Market! 

The staying experience was extremely pleasant, I would definitely be back here on my next visit to Taichung! From the open concept room layout to the really comfy bed to the scenic view from the room to the yummy breakfast items and many more! On a family trip? No worries! Orange Hotel is family-friendly too! The room that I was staying can actually be combined with another room that will suit family travelers! I haven't seen how it'll be done but it can be done!

There are many to-dos around the hotel area within walking distance - Yi Zhong Night Market, Miyahara, Dong Dong Taro Balls, NTD185 shoe shop (!!!!). Abundant convenience stores with one slapped right beside the hotel and a post office diagonally across the street! I must not forget to mention the Taichung park - great for morning and evening strolls!  I'll be writing about the places I've visited in Taichung in the subsequent posts - links at the bottom!

That night when I was returning late after visiting the Fengchia Night Market, there was a couple of hotel staff and security on the ground level - and this made me feel extremely safe even returning at the wee hours. 

Pros:
✓ Near to Taichung Railway Station
✓ Plenty of convenience store (supper, buying tickets at ibon etc)
✓ Opposite Taichung Park (take your morning/evening strolls!)
✓ Walking distance to several must-go-places (YiZhong Street, Miyahara, Dong Dong etc)
✓ Retail shops nearby selling bags/shoes/clothes/etc!
✓ Post Office (great for shopaholics to post their loots back before proceeding!)
✓ Public transport available to get to Fengchia Night Market
✓ Near to this optician with cheap and good contact lens! (will be mentioned in subsequent posts)
✓ Safe neighborhood, well lit even at night.

Cons:
× Quite a distance from Fengchia Night Market, it's about 30 minutes bus journey.
But then again there are about 2-3 services to bring you to the night market so it's pretty alright actually!
× The NTD185 shoe shop at Zi You Road is not wallet-friendly!! I bought 10 pairs of shoes at my first visit already..........flats, pumps, heels, canvas, lace up, slippers, name it all.

* If you're lucky enough to see the handmade cookies on the breakfast menu, please grab one! The sweetness level is just nice and freshly baked!


IF YOU'RE INTERESTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ORANGE HOTEL
 http://forteorange-taichung-park.hotel.com.tw/eng/rooms.asp
 * I'll leave it to you to search up on the availability of the rooms! If you've recently stayed in Orange Hotel - Park, I'd be excited to hear your experience as well! Comment below if you could! ^-^

Read more: ---coming soon---
Day 1 in Taichung
Day 2/3 in Taichung

* Search up #XLgoestoTW (or just click on the hashtag to be redirected!) on Instagram to find out more about the places I've been to on this solo trip!

Taichung Railway Station

Many thanks to Omy.sg and Forte Hotel Group for sponsoring my accommodation in Taichung!

Moving up from Kaohsiung, I stopped by in Taichung from 19 - 21 July (3D2N). Traveling on a budget, I took the railway (TRA) from Kaohsiung and reached the Forte Orange Hotel around 2PM on 19th July. 

Well, just a small bite on my encounter. I was puzzled with how the taxi queue was formed, in fact I couldn't see any. People just come and get in a taxi before me! (cries) So here comes a cabby who claimed that not many drivers would want to get customers with luggages (like me, who had 2x 28") and asked for NTD150. Too tired from the whole journey - heavy downpour in Kaohsiung when I left and pushing 2 big ones by myself, I agreed reluctantly /: 

It was merely a 5 minutes drive from the Taichung Railway Station. If it wasn't drizzling on that day, I would've just walked to the hotel (hmpff!) Well, if you manage to get an honest cabby, it would cost you about NTD90 only! 

Orange Hotel - Park - 福泰桔子商旅-公園店
台中市中區公園路17號
No.17 Gongyuan Road, Taichung 400, Taiwan
Directions: http://forteorange-taichung-park.hotel.com.tw/eng/location.asp

Pouch, Room card, Breakfast coupons.

I met Mr. Simon and his team of ultra-efficient hotel staffs at the reception. After checking in, I was given the hotel card and the breakfast coupons! The breakfast hours starts from 6.30AM to 10.00AM at the Gamma Cafe on Level 1.

I was really surprised at how spacious the room is and my favorite would be the view from my room on the 9th level - directly facing the Taichung Park! Well, the open concept really simplifies everything with the basin and hair dryer out of the toilet. The bathing area and toilet is actually separated, take a look at the photo!

Left - Toilet, Right - Bathroom

Top - Basin area, Bottom - Mini Fridge, TV, Desk.

Basic necessities provided:

- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor

- Shower cap
- Comb
- Cups for washing up and cups for drinking
- Teabags
- Bottled drinking water
- Disposable slippers

I really appreciate the hotel for preparing a list of the Taiwan TV channels because there's so many of them, which I really regretted not taking a photo of it before I left and had much difficulty navigating the channels at my accommodation in Taipei (sobs). Oh yes, the mini fridge is extremely useful as well! Placed one of the bottled drinking water inside and the cheesecake which I bought from MIYAHARA!

Spot the Taiwan produced Kyoto grapes!

There was also a plate of the locally produced fruits on the table when I arrived! On the table where the lamp and boiler is, you can find the list of channels in the folder placed inside the drawer - don't even hesitate to snap a photo of it! 

It took me awhile to settle down before meeting Mr. Simon to discuss on the itinerary for the next day! Since it was almost 3PM by then, I've decided to head out to try the renowned Dong Dong Taro Balls (东东芋圆) recommended by Mr. Simon. Followed by Miyahara and Yi Zhong Shopping Street. 

Almost forgotten about the breakfast! 

Beverages wise, needless to mention the basic coffee and tea, there are orange/grape juice and milk as well. There are quite a few section - Toasts and cereal, Porridge, Fruits, Cooked food. The dish that left a deep impression on me would be the seafood pasta! Of course, there are scrambled eggs, sausages, ham slices, buns and many more cooked food to replenish your carbs. I tried the porridge with the wide variety of side dishes - meat floss is my favorite! 

Despite the crowd, I must say that I am really impressed with the speedy efficiency of the cafe crew! They are always so fast and zoom-zoom clearing the plates. The food are constantly refilled so you won't be seeing empty food trays at all! Pardon me for forgetting the "golden" hours to have breakfast, please ask the reception staff! The cafe could really get SO crowded at the peak hours when the tour groups are leaving on the very same day. Well, if you'd like to enjoy your breakfast in peace please do check with the reception staff (emphasized).

View from my hotel room on Level 9!

 * Here comes my review! *

Needless to say how friendly Taiwanese are, right? The hotel staffs are extremely helpful in providing directions and accommodating to my request for cardboard boxes to post things back to Singapore. The lady who delivered the boxes to my room even prepared the tapes and scissors as well! Thank you so much and apologies for not getting your name! Another young lady helped me with the directions to Fengchia Night Market! 

The staying experience was extremely pleasant, I would definitely be back here on my next visit to Taichung! From the open concept room layout to the really comfy bed to the scenic view from the room to the yummy breakfast items and many more! On a family trip? No worries! Orange Hotel is family-friendly too! The room that I was staying can actually be combined with another room that will suit family travelers! I haven't seen how it'll be done but it can be done!

There are many to-dos around the hotel area within walking distance - Yi Zhong Night Market, Miyahara, Dong Dong Taro Balls, NTD185 shoe shop (!!!!). Abundant convenience stores with one slapped right beside the hotel and a post office diagonally across the street! I must not forget to mention the Taichung park - great for morning and evening strolls!  I'll be writing about the places I've visited in Taichung in the subsequent posts - links at the bottom!

That night when I was returning late after visiting the Fengchia Night Market, there was a couple of hotel staff and security on the ground level - and this made me feel extremely safe even returning at the wee hours. 

Pros:
✓ Near to Taichung Railway Station
✓ Plenty of convenience store (supper, buying tickets at ibon etc)
✓ Opposite Taichung Park (take your morning/evening strolls!)
✓ Walking distance to several must-go-places (YiZhong Street, Miyahara, Dong Dong etc)
✓ Retail shops nearby selling bags/shoes/clothes/etc!
✓ Post Office (great for shopaholics to post their loots back before proceeding!)
✓ Public transport available to get to Fengchia Night Market
✓ Near to this optician with cheap and good contact lens! (will be mentioned in subsequent posts)
✓ Safe neighborhood, well lit even at night.

Cons:
× Quite a distance from Fengchia Night Market, it's about 30 minutes bus journey.
But then again there are about 2-3 services to bring you to the night market so it's pretty alright actually!
× The NTD185 shoe shop at Zi You Road is not wallet-friendly!! I bought 10 pairs of shoes at my first visit already..........flats, pumps, heels, canvas, lace up, slippers, name it all.

* If you're lucky enough to see the handmade cookies on the breakfast menu, please grab one! The sweetness level is just nice and freshly baked!


IF YOU'RE INTERESTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ORANGE HOTEL
 http://forteorange-taichung-park.hotel.com.tw/eng/rooms.asp
 * I'll leave it to you to search up on the availability of the rooms! If you've recently stayed in Orange Hotel - Park, I'd be excited to hear your experience as well! Comment below if you could! ^-^

Read more: ---coming soon---
Day 1 in Taichung
Day 2/3 in Taichung

* Search up #XLgoestoTW (or just click on the hashtag to be redirected!) on Instagram to find out more about the places I've been to on this solo trip!