How to Get to High Speed Rail Taichung Station from Taoyuan Airport?

From Taoyuan International Airport Exit 5, to buy a bus ticket going to the Taoyuan Airport. THSR Bus tickets must be purchased ahead of time for each journey. Only UBUS #705 has a direct trip to the THSR from the Airport. The ticketing windows are located at the Arrivals Lobby of Terminals 1 & 2.
Ticket Price: Regular: NT$30 (Php45.00) | Discounted: NT$15 (Php22.50)

For a more detailed guide on how to take UBUS #705, please click here.

After buying the ticket, go to where the “Bus to High Speed Rail” station is located. In Terminal 1, it’s not clear where the bus station is, but in Terminal 2 it’s located on the first floor just outside where the ATM machine is located. Just follow the signage you will see along the way. Or ask about the location when you purchase the ticket. Travel time is 25 minutes. Interval is every 5 to 10 minutes during peak times.

At the HSR Station, you will be dropped off either near the Exit 3 or Exit 5. You can either buy the ticket on the spot or book online at https://irs.thsrc.com.tw/IMINT?locale=en. There’s a 20% discount for an early bird reservation. If you haven’t bought the ticket yet online, you can buy it at the ticketing window located at the 1st floor of the station on the right side after Exit 5. There are also ticketing machines scattered in the area.
Ticket Price: Regular: NT$540 (Php809.20) | Group: NT$510 (Php764.00) | Early Bird (Less 20%):NT$432 Php647.00)

After buying the ticket, head to the ticket barrier and head to the platform located at Basement 2. There’s only one stop from Taoyuan Station to Taichung so travel time takes approximately 40 minutes

Schedule from Taoyuan Station to Taichung Station

Bus stations are located just outside the Exit 5 & 6 of the station located at the First Floor. Nantou buses going to Cingjing are located at the Exit 5.

If you contacted a company for a car service or booked a shuttle prior to your arrival, they will let you know where to meet up.

Again, always check the most current fare schedule and timetable to avoid hassle on your trip.

How to Get to High Speed Rail Taoyuan Station from Taoyuan Airport via THSR Shuttle Bus?

THSR Bus tickets must be purchased ahead of time for each journey as they do not accept payment inside the bus. Only UBUS #705 has a direct trip to the THSR from the Airport.

How to Get to Cingjing (Qingjing) Farm from Taoyuan International Airport?

There are many options on how to get to Nantou County, specifically Cingjing Farm. It depends on your budget and how much time you have. For us, since we’re arriving earlier than the available schedule of shuttles, we opted to just contact someone for a car service.

On how to get to Taichung Station from the Airport, please click here.

Option 1: Car Service
Bus is not an option for us because the travel will take too much of our time. Car service is recommended if you are 4 or 5 people in a group because the price different versus van/shuttle is not that much. Aside from that, it’s more convenient because we don’t have to wait for other people or dropping people.

We’re staying in Cingjing Spring Ground Bed & Breakfast so we arranged a car prior to our departure. I have contacted them and negotiate for the price and what service we will avail. We’re only staying in Taiwan for 4 days and 3 Nights and we have a lot of places that we want to visit during our stay. So instead of arranging just a one way car service, I have negotiated with them for a drop off and pick-up the next day.

Their rate for drop off only is Php3, 596.00 for 4 people which give us Php899.00 per person. I asked my friends if they want a pick-up service the next day, and they said yes so I negotiated with the company.

I got the deal for NTD5, 000.00 (Php 7,804.70) for a group of 4 people. That gives us Php1, 951.18 per person. And I’m telling you, it’s really worth it because it’s really far and there are parts of the road that’s very scary because it’s zigzag going to the highest part of the county.

But of course, it also depends on your budget and time; so here’s the comparison of the total if you want to know how much the difference taking a bus, shuttle or car service.

I just searched the internet for possible car rentals and negotiate with them. Generally, Tawainese are very nice people. Here are the contact information of the person I contacted to arrange the car service. I will be providing 3 companies (individuals) because when my friend went back there in December, she got a different one.

1. Elite Tours Services Team
菁英旅游服务团队
刘奕銘 (小奕)
Telephone / Whatsapp: 0981-900316
Email: utaxi.taiwan@gmail.com
Facebook: asd610520@yahoo.com.tw

2. Driver: Meeky Yang
Email: meeky589@yahoo.com.tw

3. Driver: Phyllis Hung
Email: phyllishung88@gmail.com

Since the drivers are only allowed to the assigned areas they can service, we just met him at the parking area of Taichng High Speed Rail Station. We did not have a hard time locating him because of the information they provided ahead of time.

Option 2: via Bus
Most of the time, you will have to travel from the Airport to Taichung Station to get on the bus, shuttle or car going to the Nantou County. I have never found, in my many search, of a bus going directly from Taoyuan International Airport to Cingjing Farm.

One you are in Taichung Station, there are tickets booths located on the first floor, Exit 5 going to Nantou County. There a single journey ticket and a Cingjing Farm Pass Package, below is the price:

Regular Ticket (One Way): NT$251 (Php376.00)
Cingjing Farm Pass (Round Trip): NT$600.00 (Php899.00) Entrance Fee is NT$200.00 (Php299.00).

Make sure to buy the ticket that is bound direct for the Shouting Station in Nantou. Ask the staff at the Bus Counter to help you inform the driver to drop you off at the said station. Travel time is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Spring Ground B&B is just a 2-minute walk from the Shouting Station.

Taichung - Puli - Cingjing Farm Direct Bus

Below is the bus schedule from Taiching to Nantou:

Via: Shuttle Service
To get a cheaper deal, make sure to check Klook or KKDay when booking the shuttle going to Cingjing Farm. Make sure to check the schedule because it’s limited. The reason for this is, the road going to Cingjing is very scary at night, cars, shuttles and buses do not travel when it’s dark.

Once you booked the ticket, arrange with the company where you will be picked-up and dropped off. Easy getting in and out of Cingjing Farm, express ride super convenient. Customers can specify the pickup locations in Taichung airport, high-speed railway Taichung station, Taichung train station by the express shuttle to Cingjing bed & breakfast, and vice versa. We would opted for this service if only our arrival time in Taichung matches the schedule of the shuttle.

To know the price difference for the 3 options, see below:
Via Bus One Way (Estimated travel time is 2 1/2 to 3 hours):
Php45.00 - Bus fare Airport to High Speed Rail Taoyun Station
Php647.00 - Ticket Fare From Taoyuan Station to Taichung Station. This is if we book early, there's a 20% discount online. Original price is Php809.00.
Php376.00 - Bus Fare from Taichung Station to Spring Ground B&B
Php1, 068.00 - TOTAL

Via Car One Way (travel is 1 1/2 to 2 hours)
Php45.00 - Bus fare Airport to High Speed Rail Taoyun Station
Php647.00 - Ticket Fare From Taoyuan Station to Taichung Station. This is if we book early, there's a 20% discount online. Original price is Php809.00.
Php899.00 - Car Fare from Taichung Station to Spring Ground B&B
Php1, 591.00 – TOTAL

Option 3: Shuttle Service One Way (Estimated travel time is 1 1/2 to 2 hours)
Php45.00 - Bus fare Airport to High Speed Rail Taoyun Station
Php647.00 - Ticket Fare From Taoyuan Station to Taichung Station. This is if we book early, there's a 20% discount online. Original price is Php809.00.
Php765.00– Shuttle Service from Taichung Station to Spring Ground B&B
Php1, 457.00 – TOTAL

Please take note that you can use this as a reference, but still make sure that you check the internet or contact the drivers for the most updated rates and schedule.

How to Get to Laoag, Ilocos Norte?

Laoag, Ilocos Norte is further north from Vigan and can be traveled via public vehicle in approximately 2 hours. If you are planning on visiting Vigan, make sure to visit Laoag and Pagudpud, the Boracay of the North.

How to Get to Vigan, Ilocos Sur?

Ilocos Sur is far north from Metro Manila and it takes up to 8-9 hours drive to get to Vigan, one of the oldest city in the Philippines and the center of business of the province. I know a lot of people that want to go there but they just can't take the long travel. Although there's a flight there daily, it's kind of expensive compare to commuting.

How to Get Out of Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) International Airport?

Last Updated: September 22, 2017

Like most International Airports, Taoyuan also has a complete array of transportation choices to get to your desired destination. There’s the THSR shuttle bus routes network connecting the airport, Novotel Hotel, and THSR stations; providing comfortable, convenient, low-cost and practical transportation option for travelers. There’s also a taxi and a pre-arranged car services. It just depends if you want convenience more than price or adventure more than the convenience.

Transfer Between Terminals at Taiwan Taoyuan (TPE) International Airport

For those who need to get to Terminal 1 from Terminal 2 of the Taoyuan International Airport for a transfer or just to meet with friends, here's how:

Taoyuan International Airport: Arrival Procedure

 

There are 3 airports in Taiwan but Taoyuan is the busiest among them. Taoyuan or TPE Airport has two terminals for specific airlines. See below for the list of airlines assigned to each terminal. We've traveled via the Philippine Airlines and two my friends traveled via EVA Air, so we arrived at two different terminals.

Filling Up Disembarkation Card (Non-Citizen only) and Customs Declaration Form:

During the flight, the non-citizen passengers should fill up the disembarkation/arrival cards and customs declaration forms distributed by the crew, for ease in the processing. If you're sleeping and didn't get one, you can approach the man in uniform handing the card and helping visitors at the passport control (immigration) area. (Since 1 July 2016, visitors can fill up entry registration form online (online arrival card) and are encouraged to take advantage of this service visit: https://oa1.immigration.gov.tw/nia_acard/acardAddAction.action)

 

As soon as you stepped out of the plane and walk your way to the arrival area, you'll see a clear signs of where to go. Just follow the signs to get to the Passport Control (Immigration) area.

 

Human Quarantine Inspection:
Travelers proceeding to the fever screening station must remove their hat to facilitate infrared body temperature detection. Those suspected of health abnormalities must undergo quarantine measures in accordance with immigration quarantine regulations in Taiwan.

Passport Control (Immigration):

I can't remember passing through the fever screening station, but maybe this is just for people who are traveling sick so we headed straight to the passport control area. These are the required documents for Foreign Nationals entering Taiwan:

• Passport
• Visa
• Onward Journey Ticket (I was not asked about this, but just to be safe present this along with your passport)
• Arrival/Dismebarkation Card

When making your itinerary, make sure to assign at least 20 minutes for the immigration process. That's my mistake because I only put 15 minutes because I thought it's as fast as the immigration process in Hong Kong. It took me almost 30 minutes because of a long line and system error. It actually got me worried because I thought they have found something on me and I will get denied.

Luggage Claim:

After passing through immigration, travelers should proceed to the baggage claim area to pick up their baggage. If you don't want to get your luggage yet or do not wish to take it through customs, you can avail of their Bonded Baggage for 24 hours. You may deposit if at the bonded luggage counter for collection on your departure.

Make sure you listen carefully when announce the carousel/baggage claim number for your luggage I was too excited that I almost missed hadn't it been for my friend.

Animal & Plant Quarantine Inspection:
Travelers are not allowed to enter Taiwan with fresh fruit. Visitors bringing any animals /plants or such products are subject to Taiwan’s quarantine regulations and are required to make declarations with Customs or apply for quarantine inspection to the animal/plant quarantine authority. Any violation of such requirement will be subject to a penalty of more than NTD 3,000.

The same rules apply when you try to bring fresh fruits out of Taiwan. We've met one Filipina bringing out of Taiwan fresh fruits and she had no choice but throw it away.

Customs Inspection of Luggage:
After claiming baggage, travelers whose baggage does not exceed duty free limitations and who are not carrying controlled or prohibited items or items with import restrictions should proceed to the counter labeled “Nothing to Declare” (green). Other travelers should proceed to the counter labeled “Goods to Declare” (red) to undergo customs procedures.

Import Restrictions:

• Items not on the List of Commodities Subject to Import and Export Restrictions, that maximum value US$20,000
• Items to a value exceeding the above allowance, and items on the List of Commodities Subject to Import and Export Restrictions, that have an import license must be presented.

How to Get Out of Taoyuan Airport? Please click here.

Stay Connected When in Taiwan: 4G Pocket Wi-Fi or 4G Sim Card?

Last Updated: June 5, 2017

Are you planning on traveling to Taiwan but still want to be updated and connected with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or just surf the Internet? Using your local network while surfing in another country is very expensive and I'm sure you don't want that.

Public wi-fi, even though it's fast is sometimes limited to public areas only such as MRT/Train stations, airports or hotels. You will need a connection on the go, and at the same time allowed your friends to connect too. Compare to the Internet connection in the Philippines, Taiwan's really fast even when you're in the country side or what we call here, in the province.

I will list two options here, but I really recommend that you choose the option #2 for convenience and affordability.

Option 1: 4G Pocket Wi-fi Rental

 

When I was preparing our itinerary for our trip to Taiwan, I searched online for an affordable way to connect and found this 4G Pocket Wi-Fi  for rent. With this device you and your friends can stay connected when in Taiwan. Provided by one of Taiwan's biggest providers for great coverage across 99% of Taiwan. Guaranteed unlimited 4G Wi-Fi with no deceleration to 3G.

Pocket Wi-Fi Specifications:

• Traffic flow limit: no limit
• Max Using Span: about 6-8 hours (connecting 1 device)
• Max connected devices: 5
• Weight: 75g
• Size (mm): 96.8mm x 58mm x 12.8mm

Pick Up and Drop Off Locations:

• Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
• Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2
• Kaohsiung Airport
• Songshan Airport

Please click here for the exact location with map

Pick-Up Process:

• Pricing is calculated by the day (Example: Arrive in Taiwan 1st October, leave 5th October, rental period is 5 days)
• You must present your passport or photo ID along with either a printed or a mobile voucher (if bought via Klook or KKday) when you pick up your device.
• The voucher is valid only on the date and time specified. They are very particular with this so make sure you specify the maximum time of your pick-up to avoid cancellation.

Klook.com

Return Process:

Normally you can return the device to the Unite Traveler service counter at the departure area. But make sure you check the return guidelines provided by the company where you bought the voucher.

Damage Policy:

• Loss, damage or breakage of Wi-Fi device: NT$3,000
• Exterior scratches or damage: NT$500
• Loss or breakage of cord set and plug: NT$150
• Loss or breakage of cover and box: NT$300
• Loss or breakage of entire set: NT$4,000

These are the online stores where you can reserve the device for a very affordable price:

Klook for only Php87/day - https://www.klook.com/activity/1511-wifi-device-taiwan-taipei/

KKDay for US$3.20/day - https://www.kkday.com/en/product/3598

iWiFi for NT$100/day- http://www.i-wifii.com/index_en.php

Wi-Fi Taiwan for US$6.50/day - http://www.i-wifii.com/index_en.php

Important Note:

Make sure you  reserve 2 days before your departure, otherwise, you will not be able to get one.

Option 2: Buy a 4G Sim Card

A day before our departure we agreed to rent a pocket wi-fi so we'll be all set when we get there. Two of my friends will depart ahead of us so we agreed that I place the order and then they will pick it up. Unfortunately, it needs to be reserved 2 days before the departure date so I wasn't able to get one. It was a blessing in disguise, though, because I found a much better option. Instead of renting a pocket wi-fi, we opted to just buy a sim card. Compare to a pocket wi-fi you don't need to return it, less hassle, specially when you're in a hurry to get to the airport for your departure. You don't have to worry also for any damages or loss of the unit.

With this sim card, you can enjoy your travel with the utmost ease. It has an unlimited 4G data and texts SIM card plus call credit with excellent coverage all over Taiwan. If you're traveling in a group, you only have to buy 1 sim card and use it as a hotspot so you other friends can connect. We are 4 people in a group and we all connect at the same time and the it doesn't affect the connection at all. It's still fast even though we're in Cingjing, Taiwan's country side.

• To get the more affordable price, you can choose from from 3, 5, 7 or 10 days depending on your trip duration.
• Fantastic coverage from one of Taiwan's biggest providers across 99% of the island - including Penghu, Kinmen and Lanyu (Green Island)
• Quick and hassle free - no registration needed!
• Use your mobile freely without having to worry about roaming costs
• Enjoy 4G Internet access to use maps, upload photos and stay connected with family whilst in Taiwan
• Convenient pick up from Airport on arrival

Upon ordering, you will be asked about the size of sim card you want. I made a mistake of putting micro sim, when in fact what I need for my iPad Air 2 is a nano sim. I emailed Klook, where I bought the sim card about the correct size, but I didn't get to read their reply until I return from the trip. Good thing the sim card they gave us was available in 3 sizes, standard, micro and nano. To get the desired size, you just have to detach it from the original size. As soon as I inserted the sim card to the iPad, it's ready to use and my friends were able to connect too!

Klook.com

The sim card is inclusive of:

• Chunghwa SIM card (nano, micro or standard size)
• 3/5/7/10 days usage
• 4G data connection
• Outgoing calls (NT$100 credit for 3 days, NT$50 credit for 5 days, NT$150 credit for 7 days, NT$100 credit for 10 days)
• Text messages, incoming calls and Internet access

 
Pick Up Location:
Airport Terminals, Unite Traveler
Opening Hours: 5:30am-1:00am

 (Make sure to choose the correct airport of your arrival for the pick-up of the sim).

Important Note:
In accordance with Taiwan law for inbound visitors, these are the requirements.

• You must be at least 20 years old to purchase a SIM card
• Only 1 SIM card can be redeemed per person
• In order to redeem your SIM card, you must show 2 forms of photo ID (a visa is regarded as 1 form of ID).

Below are the online stores where you can pre-order the the sim card.
Klook starts from Php474.00 (US$9.48) -  https://www.klook.com/activity/1503-sim-card-taiwan-taipei/
KKDay starts from US$9.40 - https://www.kkday.com/en/product/2697

We were in Taiwan for days so we got the 5 Days package. We only spent a total of Php476.00 ($9.91) during our stay. We weren't able to use the call and text because the sim card was inserted in an iPad, but we don't have to anyway. There's always the FB Messenger, iMessage and Whatsapp to communicate with friends and to contact the drivers or hotels.

Klook.com

Aside from buying online or at the airport, a 3G prepaid sim card by Ibon Mobile can be bought in any 7-11 Stores around Taiwan. Just present your passport and visa, to avail the 3G prepaid card and enjoy 5 days of unlimited data usage. After that, you can always reload the sim card up to the maxim days you're staying. Maximum validity of the sim card is up to 6 months.

Rates:

1. NT$299 (US$10.00): Inclusive of 24 hours data usage and NT$299 airtime credit.
2. NT$399.00 (US$13.00):Inclusive of 120 hours data usage and NT$50 airtime  credit.

These charges apply to both rates:

• Domestic Voice Rate (off-net): Free
• Domestic  Voice Rate (on-net): NT$0.71/6 sec
• SMS Rate (off -net): NT$2/each
• SMS Rate (on-net): NT$2/each
• International SMS Rate: NT$5/each
• Internet Browsing: NT$0.0025 / 128bytes
• To Voice Mail(622): NTS0.36/6 sec 

 How it works?

1. User will be charged base on the time when the call is first initiated and charged by 6 seconds interval.
2. The card is inclusive of free data access valid for 24 hours, after that, the rate of NT0.0025/128bytes applies.
3. To set up the mobile internet access, use the APN: seven3G or internet.
4. For questions or cancellation of the service please dial 722 from your cellphone free of charge.

There are 39 credits you can avail to reload your sim card:
By Volume (Data Usage):

• NT$180: Domestic data 1.2GB within 30 days
• NT$450: Domestic data 3GB within 90 days
• NT$100: Unlimited data within 24 hours
• NT$250: Unlimited data within 72 hours

By Type (Data Usage):

• NT$350: Unlimited data within 120 hours (5 days)
• NT$420: Unlimited data within 168 hours (7 days)
• NT$800: Unlimited data within 720 hours (30 days)

Airtime Call:

• NT$50: $50.00 airtime credit
• NT$300: $300 airtime credit
• NT$500: $500 airtime credit

How to recharge your account?
Dial 722 on your cell phone and press 2, then press 1 and just follow the voice instruction.

If you want a free Wi-Fi access whenever you are in one of the 7-11 stores in Taiwan, you can do so by doing these:

• Upload your passport to ibon via Wifi and fill out basic information, you may have free WiFi service for 7 days in any 7-ELEVEN in Taiwan after activation.
• You may extend for another 7 days as long as you made the application.
• Passport Application; Activate in 30 minutes3 times a day, each 30 minutes7 days for free

If you find this helpful, please share with your friends so they know what to get when they travel to Taiwan.

Taiwan 4G Pocket Wi-Fi Pick-up & Droff-Off Locations

4G Pocket Wi-Fi can be picked-up conveniently at the airports. Check your ticket for the airport before you reserve as there are 3 airports in Taiwan. Below is the exact location for the pick-up and drop-off locations:

1. Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 1
Unite Traveler Service Counter (Counter #3), 1st Floor
Opening Hours: 5:30am to 1:00am (Daily)

 

2. Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 2 
Unite Traveler Service Counter (Counter #3), 1st Floor
Opening Hours: 5:30am to 1:00am (Daily)

3. Kaohsiung Airport
Kenting Express Shuttle Counter
Opening Hours: 6:00am to 12:00am (Daily)

4. Songshan Airport
Greeting Hall, next to Gate E of Terminal 1, Luggage Service Counter
Opening hours: 6:00am to 10:00pm (Daily)

Brunei Darussalam Handicraft and Souvenir Shops

Handmade items sold at the Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Centre

For souvenir shops, you  might want to check these stores when you're in Brunei: 

Brunei Darussalam Shopping Centres

Yayasan Complex

One of the many reasons people travel is the pleasure of looking and finding something they like. Some people really go out of their way to buy native or unique local products that they can bring home to family, friends or just for themselves.

Sariaya Church (Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church)

A few steps from Natalio Enriquez Ancestral House stood the town's church, the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church. Same as the other churches in the Philippines, this one suffered a lot, from natural to man-made disasters.

How to Get to Lucban, Quezon Province?

FROM MANILA:

1. Take a taxi, jeepney or bus going to the designated bus terminals for Jac Liner, Jam Liner or Lucena Lines. I always ride Jac Liner bus because they are new, the seats are comfortable and I feel safe with them.  Not to mention there’s a free wi-fi on board. Regular fare from Buendia to   Lucena is Php209.50.