Take a trip to Taiwan, you will love it.

The port of Keelung in Taiwan was the first stop on our Diamond Princess 9-Day round trip from Yokohama. Our brief stay in Taiwan turned into a wonderful mix of adventure, discovery, and a few unexpected detours. The cruise terminal at Keelung is about 25 miles from the capital, Taipei. We found getting there by train was surprisingly easy. The station is a distinctive round building. A lovely local lady kindly helped us, and we quickly had our tickets sorted. With only two platforms, navigating was simple — until we arrived in Taipei.

Navigating our way out of the Taipei Main Station proved to be a mission in itself. There are lots of great shops to look at. Because they are both underground and enclosed in buildings, we found it hard to determine which direction to go. Finally, we took the first exit we saw to a street and then used Google maps to give us directions. Check out some more information about the station.

We disembarked at 1130am because of bad weather. As the Captain put it, “another cruise had jumped the queue to dock.” This was a few hours later than expected. Our itinerary shifted a little but that turned out to be a blessing. We spent a peaceful afternoon wandering through the Taipei Botanical Gardens. It is a beautiful oasis with serene lotus ponds, heritage buildings, and even squirrels. It was my first time seeing them in the wild!

Later, we explored some of Taipei’s shopping areas. The Q Square building was sleek and filled with luxury brands. The underground market near the train station had a completely different energy. It was vibrant, crowded, and full of quirky finds.

Jiufen Old Street

We set out for Jiufen Old Street the next day. It is a charming mountain village famous for its steep, narrow lanes. The place offers spectacular views. The bus ride was long and winding, but worth every minute. We arrived early, before the crowds, and wandered the cobblestone steps lined with tiny shops and tea houses. I sampled some delicious local nougat, found a few lovely souvenirs, and even made friends with a local dog.

By the time we returned to Keelung, we were tired but happy. Taiwan has a slightly worn charm. It is a bit like Hong Kong. However, it’s full of life, warmth, and greenery.

Highlights That Stayed with Me

• Just a short ride out of the major city you’ll find yourself in lush tea plantations, winding mountain roads and quiet villages. Fresh air, green hills and a slower pace give you balance after the urban buzz. It’s a fabulous contrast.
• Taipei Botanic Garden is a beautiful place and spotting squirrels was an absolute highlight.
• Culture and Warmth – What stayed with me most was the friendliness of the people. Even where English was limited, gestures and smiles bridged the gap. Whether you’re exploring alleys or sipping tea, you’ll feel the genuine hospitality.

Practical Tips for Your Taiwan Trip

• Set aside plenty of time to move off the beaten path. While Taipei is amazing, the countryside and smaller towns deliver peace and authenticity.
• There is so much to see in Taiwan so it is worth doing some research before you go. The Girl on a Zebra has a fabulous post about the best places to visit, how to get around, and where to stay.
• Pack for variety—comfortable shoes for walking, a light jacket for mountain mist, and a power-bank for all the photos you’ll take.
• Respect local customs: remove shoes when entering someone’s home, and learn a few basic Mandarin phrases—it goes a long way.
• Taiwanese Food is unique and delicious. The Night Markets are noisy, vibrant and fun.
• If you are arriving by cruise ship, the Taiwan Railway (TRA) line takes you directly from Keelung Station to Taipei Main Station in the centre of the city. It’s a short walk from the cruise port to the station which you can’t miss because of its distinctive shape.
• Taiwan has an average rainfall of 2590mm (102 inches) so pack a Rain Jacket.
• You will want to take lots of photos. The Anker Ultra-Slim Magnetic Battery Pack will keep your phone charged all day. The WATERFLY Crossbody bag will provide easy access to your phone and is large enough to hold a folding umbrella.We flew from Brisbane to Tokyo via Jetstar Business Class. If you would like to hear our thoughts, check out my Jetstar review.

We flew from Brisbane to Tokyo via Jetstar Business Class. If you would like to hear our thoughts, check out my Jetstar review.

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