Month: June 2014

Travel Guide: Complete Taiwan Travel Guide

Asia, Taiwan, Travel Guides, , ,

Straight to the point, Taiwan is my favorite country in the world next to the Philippines. I’ve made this Compete Taiwan Travel Guide because I want to share to everyone how they can enjoy and see Taiwan without going crazy trying to search for so many information on different pages on the in the internet.

Hi I’m Taiwan

Taiwan’s political situation (how it came about) is quite complicated. Geographically, Taiwan is an island nation off the coast of mainland China. The nation is often referred to as the “Heart of Asia” because of its heart shaped (anatomically) island. Taiwan’s capital, Taipei lies at the norther part of the island near Japan. Interestingly, Taiwan was colonized by the Japanese so you’ll definitely see a lot of Japanese culture and heritage on your trip to the island nation.

Culture Sensitivity 

Taiwan can be considered as a conservative culture in this modern day and age, and its for the better. Taiwan has preserved a lot of its tradition, culture and manners over the centuries. The Taiwanese people are extremely polite so be sure to reciprocate whenever in Taiwan.

Okay, since we got that one off, let’s see what you need to do for your trip to Taiwan

Visa Requirements

Update: Taiwan recently approved the visa free policy for Filipinos on a Trial Basis starting November 1 2017 till July 2018. This means Filipino citizens who qualify can enter Taiwan without applying for a visa. Here are the requirements to enter Taiwan Visa Free.

A Filipino visa-free visitor must meet the following requirements:

  1. An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry ( Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment) ;
  2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;
  3. No criminal record in Taiwan;
  4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.

However, those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for the purpose of study, work, missionary, employment and other gainful activities are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

Source


===========


Taiwan has visa waiver programs for some countries depending on your countries diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. For Filipinos there are a few ways on how you can be granted entry to Taiwan.

A. Apply for an Travel Authorization Certificate. Approval is instantaneous and you can print the permit at the end of the process. Below are the conditions for this type of permit

  1. A valid or Expired (not beyond 10 years) OECD country issued visa
  2. The applicant’s passport must have remaining validity of at least six months starting from the date of arrival in Taiwan.
  3. The applicant must possess an onward/return air or ferry ticket.
  4. The applicant has never been employed as a blue-collar worker in Taiwan.

>>>Click Here To Apply For A Travel Authorization Certificate<<<

B. Apply online for an E-Visa 

>>>Click Here To Apply For An E-Visa<<<

C. Apply personally at TECO

You can apply for a regular passport stamped visa via the Manila Economic Cooperation Office (MECO) of Taiwan. You can start your application by gathering the requirements online application form and filling up the online application form. Once you finish the form you will be given a schedule (shown below) of when you will be needing to submit your documents in their office.

>>>Click Here To Start Application<<<

Note: Taiwan has moved the implementation of the VISA FREE entry for Filipinos to September with guidelines that are yet to be announced. It is better to assume as of now that you will be needing a VISA

For other nationalities please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site to check how you can obtain yours or if you even need one.

Points of Interest

 Taipei

Transportation

Getting around Taiwan is easy as the whole island can be accessed through its well planned High-Speed Rail (HSR), Light/Metro Rail and bus systems and Airport MRT. The island has two metro systems one in Taipei and the other in Kaoshiung. Both cities are connected through their HSR so it’s actually like being in one big city.

You may buy a reloadable Easy Card  that you can use for trains and buses or buy a token each time you ride the train. You can also use your easy card in purchasing items from department stores, supermarkets and convenience stores. Check their website for other transport options that you can avail.

You can find the whole scope of usage for your Easy Card HERE

Accomodation

Though Taiwan is not a popular destination for backpacking, Taiwan especially Taipei hosts a lot of backpacking accommodation. There are popular booking sites where you can place reservations where some do not even ask for any reservations fee to secure a room!

My personal favorite though is the Meander Taipei Hostel

 

You can also Check   5_logo_booking-435x712x-435x712x  or   agoda-logo  for more hotel options

Food

Taipei is an absolute food haven. Even most of the street food that you’ll find anywhere will  amaze you. Infact, if you are into food, you can build an itinerary for days solely based on food!

Food can easily be found just about anywhere you look at. Taipei has a lot of foreign chains that has established good presence so there’s always some sort of safety net that you can turn to. But if you are going to look for Taiwanese food there’s always the night market and you can find food just about anywhere. Food prices ranges at about NT 60-100  and up for a good meal

>>>Read HERE: Shilin Night Market Travel Guide<<<<

Itineraries

So I got a little motivated to update this travel guide. Thanks to fellow backpackers who are interested in exploring my favorite country. So here’s a rough itinerary for you guys. This is based on LCC flights

Day 0

Assemble at NAIA T3
Depart Manila by 2300 HRS

Day 1

Check In at hostel (2AM)
Yehliu Geological Park
Quick rounds in Keelung (Transit)
Jiufen
Shifen
Rahoe Night Market

Day 2

Beitour District (Day Trip)
Beitou Hotsprings Museum
Taipei Library
Lung Nai Tang
Ketalagan Cultural Center
Soak Feet at stream in Beitou
Eat Ramen at famous Ramen shop
Shilin Night Market

Day 3

City Tour
Taipei Zoo
Maokong Gondola
Drink Tea and Chill out in Maokong
Elephant Mountain

Day 4
Depart for Manila (1am)

Note: We will be posting a comprehensive 3-4 day itinerary for Taipei so make sure to bookmark this page.

I always tell people that if ever the Philippines would disown me, Taiwan definitely is the first place that I will seek refuge at. Taiwan seem to have this charm of peace and tranquility, which is so ironic knowing that they are still in a state of war with mainland China. But beyond that, the Taiwanese people are one of the most caring and friendly people that I’ve ever met, and I tell you I am hard to please. I guess what I love most about the people there is that they respect your personal space, there’s always that buffer zone specially if you are a stranger. I hope this travel guide helps you on your future trip to Taipei. If you have any question, do not hesitate to put it on the comments section and I will be more than happy to answer the best that I could.

Zaijian!

Travel Guide: South Korea

Asia, Hotel Reviews, South Korea,

The Land of the Morning Calm as we know it, surely you will find the calmness of the Koreans even if the city is bustling. Everybody walks with a certainty in their aura that kinda tells you that they know that everything is going to be alright. It may be the most connected city in the world in terms of technological advances but it is also one of the most traditional and I am sure that as you experience South Korea you’ll never see how people live with technology and tradition the same way ever again. Hope this South Korea Travel Guide helps you on your next travel destination.

South Korea Visa Application

The Republic of South Korea is an OECD member state and provides special considerations for visitors who are either citizens of member countries or have valid OECD member state visas.  You can find below the countries with visa free entry to South Korea.

Continent Countries
Asia Japan (90 Days), Hong Kong (90 Days), Macao (90 Days), Taiwan (90 Days), Kuwait (90 Days), Brunei, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain
North America United States (90 Days), Canada (6 Months)
South America Argentina, Honduras, Paraguay, Ecuador (90 Days), Guyana
Europe Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Cyprus, Albania, Croatia (90 Days), Slovenia (90 Days), Vatican, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia (90 Days), Montenegro
Oceania Australia (90 Days), Guam, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Micronesia, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga
Africa Republic of South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Swaziland, Egypt

Consequently, Filipinos with a visa from any OECD country (Expired visas can be used provided they are were valid at least 10 years from the date of return. This also gives applicants higher chances of being approved and has shorter processing time (if coursed through the Manila  office).

For Philippine Residents South Korean visas are provided free of charge for short visits and a minimal fee is charged for work and long/business visas. However, this may soon change as the Korean Embassy will tap travel agencies as a point of contact. Selected travel agencies will receive and release applications and visas to applicants. There will be no more need for you to travel all the way to Taguig city just to apply, Albeit a processing fee will now be asked upon submission of application.

Steps On How To Apply For A South Korean Visa

  1. Go to the South Korea Ministry on Foreign Affairs Korean Visa Portal
  2. Fill in the needed information Continent, Country, Purpose of Entry (Short term for tourism) and the intended length of stay then click on start.
  3. Once the results show up, you will see different visa categories. Find what is appropriate for you. If you are going to South Korea just for a simple sight seeing trip, you should be good in choosing the Ordinary Tourist (C-3-9) category.
  4. Download the Visa Application Form or click on the E-Form and follow the instructions.
  5. You will then need to present your documents at the South Korean Embassy where they will receive your documents.
  6. You will be given a return date of when you will get your passport back. Please note that acceptance of documents/application is not an assurance that your visa will be approved. You will only know the result on the day you get your passport back.

Notes:

  • Korean Visa application through travel agencies are not effective yet. You may, however ask for assistance from travel agencies to file your application in your behalf.
  • For visa requirements for other nationalities you may refer to the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs for more details

Points of Interest

Korean Drama Locations

NSeoul Tower

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Changdeokgung Palace

Changgyeonggung Palace

Deoksugung Palace

Ewha Women’s Univeristy

Everland

Lotte World

Nami Island

DMZ AND PANMUNJOM

Transportation

Going around South Korea is relatively easy as the government had made a good transport system not just going around cities but all throughout the country.

Upon arriving at the Incheon International Airport it is advisable to get as much information as you can at the tourist information counter at the left end of the arrival area. Before leaving the airport (if you can-lol) buy your selves a T-Card which will enable you to access the Subway and buses of Seoul and other major cities around South Korea. The T-Card is re-loadable and  if you are leaving South Korea already you can also refund the remaining credits of your card from the convenience stores in the airport.

A note though on Taxis, I was told that even though there are a lot of taxis around Seoul and that it is presumably convenient you would have to think twice first because they say that in Korea they really don’t find places with addresses but more of landmarks so make sure that you ask for landmarks before you hop on a taxi to your destination.

Accomodations

Here are accommodations that travel bloggers recommend

  • Bong House

Food

You can’t say that you’ve been to Korea if you never tasted Korean food! It’s part of who they are and their culture so it is a must try. Food can be tough to order in Korea as really not all of them speak English, but I must say that they somewhat understand the language. Good thing about Seoul is that most of the places/restaurants have menus that have pictures so you can just point the food that you like and order!

Don’t forget to try their street food! They are awesome!!!!

Itineraries

Day 1

12 PM Arrive at Incheon International Airport
2:30 Check in at hotel
3:30 Explore Area/Late lunch
4:00 Go to NSeoul Tower
6:00