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So last 2019, before the pandemic, I brought my mom to Taiwan. She’s a person with a disability (PWD) and yes, it was just her and I! Having experienced Taiwan several times already, I noticed that there are so many PWDs who are able to go around the city on their own.

My mom on the other hand is an adventurer and traveler herself. I asked her to tag along and she thought that seeing Taiwan herself and experiencing the city that she thinks is PWD friendly would be an awesome idea!

From the airport we took a bus to Taipei Main Station then took a taxi to our hotel. The airport bus terminal was very PWD friendly as it was all level that even people in wheelchairs can navigate them alone.

That same day, we took the metro to Taipei Main Station to meet up with my mom’s friend. She explains that the Taipei Metro was full of accessibility features for people with disability such as tactile floors that help the blind navigate the subway.

This is the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. See those stairs they were not a problem, The same steps were inclined and acts as a ramp on its ends!

You can book your Taipei Fine Arts Museum tickets here

The museum also have the usual wheelchair access. There were plenty of ramps for the disabled.

Danshui Fisherman’s Warf
Our next stop was Danshui’s Fisherman’s Warf. We used the MRT again all the way from the Museum. It was a good one hour in the train. You can see through the windows as the scenery become more relaxed compared to the capital.

Getting off the train and the station was a breeze with the series of ramps and elevators that is available to use. We started exploring Danshui (Tamsui) from the docks where the famous white bridge is. My mom’s friend who was wheelchair bond didnt get to climb the bridge though because it had stairs instead of a ramp. She enjoyed the view though from the warf.

Danshui Lover’s Bridge

Taking the Maokong Gondola

The next day, we were off to explore Maokong. We road the transparent gondola all the way to the top of the mountain. The same day that afternoon, my mom took the slow train to see her friend at the next county.

The huge damper to stabilize the Taipei 101 bldg.

This is Liberty Square and that at the top of the photo is the Chang Kai Shek memorial. We didn’t bother going there as it was about to close and it was starting to rain.

Going back to the airport via the Airport MRT

Checking in the scooter and mom getting wheeled to the departure gates.

So there, that was about three to four days of adventure in Taiwan with my mom. I wouldn’t say there were no issues going around like finding the elevators or the ramps but there are! Also, accompanying two people with disability was extremely tiring when in Taiwan. Not because you have to assist them all the time, actually they can be very well independent on their own. It was exhausting trying to catch up with two people on wheels and you on the other hand have to walk-run just to keep up! Hahahaha!

Anyways, if you have elderly on wheelchairs or just like me with a loved one traveling with disabilities, do not be afraid that their access will be limited. Yes there will be restrictions for them but I tell you, its going to be negligible.

You can also watch our Taipei vlog to see the full PWD in Taipei experience.

Booking hostels can be bit tricky. Sometimes you see really good photos and ratings but when you just get disappointed when you get to your room. I wanted to have a great experience on my return trip to Taipei which happens to be my birthday trip as well ^_^. S0 I pulled up and search for Taipei Hostels in Agoda.com, sorted it out starting with the cheapest ones and checked out the ratings. I was surprised finding a high rating property within my price range and yes the rating is true!

What I like about Meander Taipei Hostel

As soon as I step in I was warmly welcomed by the Meander Taipei Hostel staff, like genuinely warm. I noticed that their lobby offers this wide open common area where every one can interact. As soon as I checked in I was toured around the area by their the wonderful Sarah, she’s just so bubbly I love it. She showed me to the kitchen area where breakfast was being served and just right across it are the viewing area and a huge dining table where everyone can talk while eating.She then introduced me to their events wall. If you don’t have anything planned out when you get here, all you need to do is just check out what is happening on the events board. There’s always something to do everyday!

Reception with their cool staff.

Not gonna run out of things to do with the events board!

You rarely see hostels with ~~good beds~~ real beds, some of them even just use foams and throws in a linen and a pillow and that is it. Meander Taipei Hostel actually provides you with real beds, yes the not a futon or a foam but some real mattresses and it sure was comfy sleeping on those. Aside from linens they will also provide you a comforter which is awesome specially that Taipei weather can be a bit chilly at times. The only set back is that you have to bring your own towel, which is I feel isn’t a big thing considering that they offer far more quality than most hostels.

Get the privacy you need with these capsule design bunk beds

Your own socket, USB charging dock and light in your capsule!

They have about 188 beds where 28 of them are private rooms while the rest are dorm rooms. It is also notable that they don’t put more than ten beds in a single dorm so it doesn’t get too crowded. WiFi is also excellent ideal for Digital Nomads who take their work with them to where they go.

The hostel has this youthful vibe that makes you just want to hang out in the common area and chill out with other travelers. They also have a culturally diverse staff allowing them to support most major languages if you don’t speak English really well.

Meander Taipei Hostel is located about 500 meters from the Ximen MRT station where you can find lots of stores and food shop. You can just walk around and enjoy the local events and have a good time without getting far from the hostel. But if it is just breakfast to startup your day is what you are looking for, there’s not even a need to get out of the hostel. Your booking with Meander Taipei Hostel includes breakfast which is served at the kitchen area from about 7 am till past 10 am.

How To Get To Meander Taipei Hostel

From Ximen MRT station just walk straight west through Chengdu road for about 500 meters.

If you like this hostel, you can book them through for the best rates

Is Taiwan PWD Friendly?

Taipei Hostel: Meander Hostel