My Taiwan Journey from Factory Worker (2005) to Solo Backpacker (2023)

"Trust the process, your time is coming. Just do the work and the result will handle themselves." - Tony Gaskins

Taiwan was my very first destination abroad and as an OFW Factory Worker (2005).  This first journey  in Taiwan lasted for 7 days only due to homesickness. My work had 12 hours duty a day with 1 day off only a week. I went home despite the debts my mother had made just to complete this Taiwan journey. I came from a failed IT career when I accepted this OFW stuff.

Imagine my thoughts I went home jobless, with zero savings and lots of debt because of my stupidity. 

My second destination abroad was Thailand (2010) but as a Solo Backpacker. Almost 18 years later I came back to Taiwan as Tourist Backpacker, strolling everywhere independently with financial freedom.

Imagine again if I didn't follow my instinct last 2005... 

I wouldn't be in aviation industry months after.

I wouldn't have an Engineering graduate studies.

I wouldn't visit 137 Countries and beyond.

I wouldn't discover mind blowing life perspective.

 

Life is not a race, everyone has their own separate path. Always try to train our mind to see the good in everything.

As Albert Einstein said, “The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before.”Also, "A ship is always safe at the shore - but it is not what it is built for."

When life gets harder, don't wish it to be easier, Decide to be stronger. 

Time flies indeed. Live a life you will remember.

My Taiwan Journey from Factory Worker (2005) to Solo Backpacker (2023)

Asian Trilogy Mountains All Visited Pinoy Solo Fun Hiker

“Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other… again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit”

This is just a fun-challenge for me that brings to the summit of three of the most iconic peaks in the far east. Asian Trilogy Mountains is composed of the highest mountain peaks of Japan (Mt. Fuji 3,776masl), Taiwan (Mt. Jade 3,952masl) and Malaysia (Mt. Kinabalu 4,095masl). While not to be underestimated, this is a challenge suitable for all hikers with a good level of fitness. An incredible accomplishment for any hiker to reach the peak of all three.

The reason why I hiked Mt. Kinabalu (2013) is because I want to go higher on my amateur mountaineering achievement. That time, the highest mountain I summited was  Mt. Pulag, 3rd highest in Philippines at 2,922masl for two times (2010 and 2011). Then, at a sudden plan due to appropriate month to hike, I planned to summit Mt. Fuji (2014) which was my first time to hike alone in my entire life and my first time also on night hike. Then almost 10 years after, rejuvinated my passion to accomplish Mt. Jade to complete the AsianTrilogy Mountain.

MT. KINABALU (4,095masl) is the highest mountain in Malaysia. Mt. Kinabalu hiking is expensive because it can only be trekked with a recognized local travel agency supported by a mandatory guide and optional porter. The summit push is mildly difficult because of the rope-support ascent early morning and has to descend at around 0600H because of fixed itinerary.

MT. FUJI (3,776masl) is the highest mountain in Japan. Trekking Mt. Fuji is not that expensive because it can be done independently (no guide and porter support) and no registration or park fees, only confirmed accommodation is required. I think today (2023), there's registration already that costs 1,000 JPY.

MT. JADE (3,952masl) is the highest mountain in Taiwan. Mt. Jade is the cheapest among the three because it can be done independently (no guide and porter support) but for foreigners, permit and lodging advance booking is required.

Asian Trilogy Mountains All Visited Pinoy Solo Fun Hiker

Taipei City Tourist Spots DIY Day Trips

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Outside Taipei; DIY Day Trip to Heping Island and Yehliu Geopark

Taipei is the national capital of Taiwan. It is in the northern part of the island in a basin between the Yangming Mountains and the Central Mountains. It is, with 2.6 million inhabitants, the fourth largest administrative area of Taiwan, after New Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung. However, the Greater Taipei metropolitan area, which encompasses the central Taipei City along with the surrounding New Taipei City and Keelung, represents the largest urban cluster in Taiwan with nearly 7 million people. Taipei serves as the island's financial, cultural and governmental centre.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Taipei

Day 5: April 14, 2023 Friday

1115H Train #516 Kaohsiung to Taipei 650

1715H Taipei; Wow Hostel 3 nights $1,441; Chiang Kai Chek Square; Ximen food trip night walk 585

Day 6: April 15, 2023 Saturday

0630H wake-up; breakfast 120

0730H Train #1128 to Keelung 37

0830H Keelung; bus #101 to Heping Island; Bus #101/102 to Heping Island Stop 15; Heping Island Park 120

1030H Bus #101/102 to Keelung 15; Bus #790 to Yehliu stop 15; Yehliu Geopark 120; souvenir magnets 80

1400H Bus #1815 to Taipei 113

1530H Taipei; Yoshinoya 339; night trip 400

Day 7: April 16, 2023 Sunday

0800H MRT to Tamsui red stn 50; breakfast 60

0930H Bus 875/876/877 to Tianyuan 11; Tianyuan Temple

1030H Bus 875/876/877 to Tamsui stn 11; MRT to Taipei 101 red stn 55

Taipei 101, Sun Yat Sen Park; McDonald's 179; Walk to Chiang Kai Chek Square; snacks 64

1700H CKCMH Changing of the Guards; dinner 234

Day 8: April 17, 2023 Monday

0730H wake-up; start walk tour from Hostel; Lungshan Temple, Botanical garden; brunch 239

Food trip 465; McDonald's 185

2200H ETD Taipei; Airport Express 150

2245H ETA Airport; immigration check-in 

Taipei City Tourist Spots DIY Day Trips (Tianyuan Temple)

Outside Taipei; DIY Day Trip to Heping Island and Yehliu Geopark

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Kaohsiung Tourist Spots DIY Day Trip

Heping Island is perfect for diving. With years of erosion by the wind and sea, the eroded rocks and coasts have formed special shapes. A big highlight of Heping Island Park is its sea-corrosion landscape. The park is full of sandstones. The strange rocks along its coastlines make a unique landscape after they are eroded by sea water and sea winds for a long time. Sea-erosion cliffs, sea-erosion platforms, sea-erosion ditches, and fatonis are all impressive, although the most outstanding might be the “mushroom rocks.” Other than the island’s geology, the body and trace fossils revealed by risen earth layers are Heping Island’s gems. 

Yehliu is well-know for its unique rock formations and stunning scenery make it a place well worth visiting in Taiwan. As “the Crown coast” of the northern Taiwan and stretching about 2 kilometers into the sea, Yehliu Geopark possesses many micro-landscapes. Honeycombed rocks, mushroom rocks, Ginger rocks, chessboard rocks, sea arches/ notches and candlestick-shaped stone are just some examples of weathered grotesque rocks under spotlight. Fossils and trace fossils are commonly found in the park as well. 

Northern Taiwan's Geoparks; Heping Island and Yehliu. These are layered sedimentary rocks. The marine cliffs are affected by crashing waves and tidal waves, like a cake that has been taken a bite, forming a sea erosion concave terrain (reminds me of Northern Samar's Biri Island rock formation). #taipei #taiwan #china #spring #pinoytraveller #solobackpacker #filipino #pilipinas #citytrip 

Day 6: April 15, 2023 Saturday

0630H wake-up; breakfast 120

0730H Train #1128 to Keelung 37

0830H Keelung; bus #101 to Heping Island; Bus #101/102 to Heping Island Stop 15; Heping Island Park 120

1030H Bus #101/102 to Keelung 15; Bus #790 to Yehliu stop 15; Yehliu Geopark 120; souvenir magnets 80

1400H Bus #1815 to Taipei 113

1530H Taipei; Yoshinoya 339; night trip 400

Outside Taipei; DIY Day Trip to Yehliu Geopark

Kaohsiung Tourist Spots DIY Day Trip

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Mt. Jade Yushan Specials; Main Peak Trail Markers

A thriving international metropolis at the southern tip of Taiwan, Kaohsiung was the host city for the 2009 World Games. Due to the regulating effects of the marine climate, Kaohsiung is generally sunny and enjoys pleasant weather year-round. Known as "Taiwan's Maritime Capital," the city has worked hard in recent years to develop its tourism industry, including through beautification of the urban landscape. Kaohsiung is home to several popular visitor sites, including the Love River, Shoushan (Mt. Shou), Xiziwan Bay, Lotus Pond, Qijin, and the Old City of Zuoying.

Back to city life; afternoon visit to Kaohsiung's signature landmark, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. The first time I've seen this magnificent architecture was its replica in Tobi World Square, Japan (2013). The replica is better imho. 

Day 4: April 13, 2023 Thursday

1347H Train #3207 Chiayi to Kaohsiung 158

1620H Kaohsiung; Sugamo Hostel 1 night 333; Metro to Zuoying station 14

Zouying Lotus Pond (Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Yoandi Temple, Spring and Autumn Pavilions)

1905H metro to Kaohsiung station 14; Liuhe Night Market night walk; dinner 429

Day 5: April 14, 2023 Friday

0700H wake-up; breakfast 

Metro to Yamchengpu 17; 7-11 breakfast 60; The Pier2 Art Center

Metro to Aozidi 22; Love River; Metro to Kaohsiung 17; Yoshinoya 125

1115H Train #516 Kaohsiung to Taipei 650

Kaohsiung Tourist Spots DIY Day Trip (Zouying Lotus Pond -Dragon and Tiger Pagodas)

Mt. Jade Yushan Specials; Main Peak Trail Markers

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Mt. Jade Solo Hike last part: Summit Assault (3,952masl) and Descend

The last 600m (especially the last 300m) hiking distance to summit assault is usually early morning and crowded. I changed my plan to do it in afternoon because I have a feeling it's freaking hard, I don't want to be in hurry and I want to be alone on the summit. There are chain support which 90% of the time I depend my life on them lol, due to lots of slippery, lose rocks and high steps required aside of the AMS effect, very windy and narrow trail. 

The trail is well defined and clearly marked with distance markers every half KM showing the distance travelled and the remaining distance to Paiyun Lodge/summit. The trail leading from the trailhead at Tatajia Anbu (2600m) to Paiyun Lodge (3400m) is 8.5km long. This section of the trail is relatively gentle. The trail from Paiyun Lodge to the summit (3,952m) is 2.4km long. The section of the trail is relatively steep especially the last 500m where some scrambling is required.

Mt. Jade trail markers shows the distance, elevation and sometimes mobile signal availability.

Day 2: April 11, 2023 Tuesday 

0745H Hostel check-out; walk to bus station

0806H Bus #7322 Chiayi to Alishan 211

1015H Alishan; snacks 130; Alishan Forest Park sakura walk 150

1300H Bus #6739 Alishan to Tataka (Yushan) 60

1330H Shangdongpu (2,580masl); Paiyun Mountaineering Center 480

Overnight in Dongpu Lodge 400; dinner 70

Day 3: April 12, 2023 Wednesday

0545H Dongpu Lodge (2,563masl) 0.5km

0600H Paiyun Center (2,611masl) free wifi; Trail to Tataka Saddle (3km)

0645H Tataka Saddle (2,610masl)

0740H Monroe Pavillion (2,792masl)

0930H White Forest Viewing Deck (3,042masl)

1150H Paiyun Lodge (3,402masl) 8.5km

1230H Trail to Yushan Main Peak

1430H Main Peak crossroad 

1515H Mt. Jade Main Peak (3,952masl) 2.4km

1545H Back to Paiyun Lodge 

1715H Paiyun Lodge; dinner / sleeping bag 650

Day 4: April 13, 2023 Thursday

0300H wake-up; breakfast

0345H Paiyun Lodge (3,402masl)

0730H Tataka Saddle (2,610masl)

0800H Paiyun Center (2,611masl) free wifi 

1030H Bus #6739 Shangdongpu to Alishan 62

1100H Alishan; snacks 163

1140H Bus #7322 Alishan to Chiayi 211

1340H Chiayi Railway Station

Mt. Jade Yushan Specials; Main Peak Trail Markers (crosstrail to Summit Assault)

Mt. Jade Solo Hike last part: Summit Assault (3,952masl) and Descend

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Mt. Jade Solo Hike 1st part: From Dongpu Lodge to Paiyun Lodge

The trail from Paiyun Lodge to the peak is 2.4km long. It only starts becoming technical around the last half kilometer or so, with the last 200 meters being the steepest and most difficult section...though by high mountain standards, still relatively easy. It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the peak from the lodge.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Yushan

Despite the signs of AMS (headache, dizziness, vomiting) and gruesome summit assault, I reached the Taiwan's highest mountain peak (3,952masl) within the day on 11.5 hours, 17km hiking distance and almost 1.4km elevation gain. The last 600m (especially the last 300m) hiking distance to summit assault is usually early morning and crowded. I changed my plan to do it in afternoon because I have a feeling it's freaking hard, I don't want to be in hurry and I want to be alone on the summit. There are chain support which 90% of the time I depend my life on them lol, due to lots of slippery, lose rocks and high steps required aside of the AMS effect, very windy and narrow trail. 

Mt. Jade Main Peak (3,952masl) Summit Assault Success!

Self-guided solo hike to Taiwan's highest mountain with back trail distance of 28km and elevation gain of almost 1.4km (despite the getting worst hiking phase, kinaya pa din).

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. I already considered myself as retired hiker after Mt. Apo day-hike (Philippines' highest mountain), but due to some personal and travel related urge, change my mind a little bit.

Day 3: April 12, 2023 Wednesday

1150H Paiyun Lodge (3,402masl) 8.5km

1230H Trail to Yushan Main Peak

1430H Main Peak crossroad 

1515H Mt. Jade Main Peak (3,952masl) 2.4km

1545H Back to Paiyun Lodge 

1715H Paiyun Lodge; dinner / sleeping bag 650

Day 4: April 13, 2023 Thursday

0300H wake-up; breakfast

0345H Paiyun Lodge (3,402masl)

0730H Tataka Saddle (2,610masl)

0800H Paiyun Center (2,611masl) free wifi 

1030H Bus #6739 Shangdongpu to Alishan 62

1100H Alishan; snacks 163

1140H Bus #7322 Alishan to Chiayi 211

1340H Chiayi Railway Station

Mt. Jade Solo Hike last part: Summit Assault (3,952masl) and Descend

Mt. Jade Solo Hike 1st part: From Dongpu Lodge to Paiyun Lodge

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Mt. Jade Main Peak Preparation, Hiking Permit, Transport and Lodging

The hiking trail leading from the trailhead at Tatajia Anbu to Paiyun Lodge is 8.5km long at an elevation of 3,402 metres. As high mountain hikes go, it is relatively easy, with few steep or technical sections. In some sections the trail goes downhill, and there are plenty of level grade sections. The trail is clearly marked, with a distance post every half km showing distance traveled and distance remaining. It takes 4 to 8 hours to reach the lodge from the trailhead, depending on fitness level.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Yushan

Sudden change in hike plan due to one time departure of daily bus and confidence that I can make it within the day. Started to hike from Lodging (2,563masl) up to Mt. Jade Summit (3,952masl). There is only one daily bus departure going back to Alishan and Sun Moon Lake. I should be in Shangdongpu bus station before 1030H as I'm going back to Alishan for Kaoshiung at night (taxi fare costs around 2,500 to 3,000 NTD going to Alishan for 30 min travel time, bus fare costs only 60 NTD). 

REMINDER: Please take note that my trekking hours is of below average, I'm always lagging for around an hour to the next destination. I already considered myself as retired hiker after Mt. Apo day-hike (Philippines' highest mountain), but due to some personal and travel related urge, change my mind a little bit.

Day 2: April 11, 2023 Tuesday 

0745H Hostel check-out; walk to bus station

0806H Bus #7322 Chiayi to Alishan 211

1015H Alishan; snacks 130; Alishan Forest Park sakura walk 150

1300H Bus #6739 Alishan to Tataka (Yushan) 60

1330H Shangdongpu (2,580masl); Paiyun Mountaineering Center 480

Overnight in Dongpu Lodge 400; dinner 70

Day 3: April 12, 2023 Wednesday

0545H Dongpu Lodge (2,563masl) 0.5km

0600H Paiyun Center (2,611masl) free wifi; Trail to Tataka Saddle (3km)

0645H Tataka Saddle (2,610masl)

0740H Monroe Pavillion (2,792masl)

0930H White Forest Viewing Deck (3,042masl)

1150H Paiyun Lodge (3,402masl) 8.5km; rest

Mt. Jade Solo Hike 1st Part: From Dongpu Lodge to Paiyun Lodge

Mt. Jade Main Peak Preparation, Hiking Permit, Transport and Lodging

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Short Visit to Chiayi and Alishan Tourist Spots (Cherry Blossom)

Yushan, also known as Jade Mountain (3,952masl), is the highest mountain in Taiwan. It has also been claimed to be the tallest mountain in East Asia, but this depends on how one defines "East Asia" (Mt. Everest North Face is located in Tibet, China). Asian Trilogy Peak is an adventure to hike the best or the highest summits of Asia. It is composed of Mt. Kinabalu (4,095masl), the highest peak of Malaysia; Mt. Fuji (3,776masl), the highest peak of Japan and Mt. Jade (3,952masl), the highest peak in Taiwan.

What months are the best to hike Mt. Jade (Yushan):

The recommended period is during the dry season from October to December, late spring from May to early June when the mountain is blooming with beautiful wild flowers. December to March requires snow climbing equipment and experience (if not, the permit is invalid).

Important Notes on Hiking Yushan Trails;

1. From Yushan National Park, click this link.

2. Hiking Permits Application Dates: 4 months to 35 days before the entry date.

3. Foreign Advanced Application Eligible Route: Yushan Main Peak 2-day Route only (foreigners outside Taiwan)

Basic Itinerary of Yushan Mt. Jade Main Peak (3,952masl) 2-day Route

Day 0: Arrrived in Taipei at least before 0500H, then go to Dongpu Lodge.

Day 1: Ascend from Dongpu Lodge (2,560masl) to Paiyun Lodge (3,400masl) for 5 hrs with 11km distance.

Day 2: Ascend from Paiyun Lodge (3,400masl) to Mt. Jade Main Peak (3,952masl) then descend back.

Hiking Permit and Transport to Yushan Mt. Jade (my "baon" trail food)

Chiayi and Alishan Tourist Spots (Cherry Blossom) Short Visit

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan... April 10 to 18, 2023

Taiwan Budget DIY Trip Preparation and Itinerary

I visited Chiayi and Alishan because these places are transit places going to jump-off of the Taiwan's highest mountain Mt. Jade Yushan. Bus schedule to Mt. Jade has very limited schedule, thus, planning where to stay at night on budget is crucial. There are two transit options going to Mt. Jade, either from Sun Moon Lake or from Alishan. I chose to stay in Chiayi at night because of the cheapest hostels available compared to Sun Moon Lake. 

Day 1: April 10, 2023 Monday

0900H ETA Taipei TPE UTC +0800H; Easy Card 100; Payment load (1,500); Airport Express 150

1030H Taipei Main Station; snacks 160

1106H Train #2183 Taipei to Chiayi (5.25hrs) 385

1623H Chiayi; Light Hostel 1 night 454; Song of the Forest, Chiayi Plaza, Wenhua night market, Street food Dinner 100

Day 2: April 11, 2023 Tuesday 

0745H Hostel check-out; walk to bus station

0806H Bus #7322 Chiayi to Alishan 211

1015H Alishan; snacks 130; Alishan Forest Park sakura walk 150

1300H Bus #6739 Alishan to Tataka (Yushan) 60

1330H Shangdongpu (2,580masl); Paiyun Mountaineering Center 480

Overnight in Dongpu Lodge 400; dinner 70

Short Visit to Chiayi and Alishan Tourist Spots (Alishan Forest Park sakura walk)

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan

Yushan Mt. Jade - Kaohsiung - Taipei ... April 10 to 18, 2023

Taiwan is an outside territory of Mainland China, not part of my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries. Actually, Taiwan was my first destination abroad and my first work as an Overseas Filipino Worker, I didn't last that long due to homesickness, long working hours (12 hrs/day, 6 days/wk) and my work was not the one I agreed during application. My journey to Taiwan from a Factory Worker (2005) to a Solo Backpacker (2023). 

Thank you very much Taiwan! Mt. Jade Main Peak and Sakura sightseeing successful!

Taiwan is a country island located off the coast of southwest of Okinawa, Japan and north of the Philippines, and is known formally as the Republic of China (ROC) since 1945. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. While the political status of Taiwan is a somewhat controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveller's point of view, Taiwan is under the de facto control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate state. This is not a political endorsement of the claims of any side of the dispute.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Taiwan

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TAIWAN

timezone - UTC +0800H   capital - Taipei    language - Mandarin    currency - Dollar (TWD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are eligible for visa-exempted effective until July 31, 2023 with a duration of stay of up to 14 days

requirements: (1) passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, (2) Confirmed seat reservation for departure flight, (3) A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking and sufficient travel funds. (Not determined by immigration officers at ports of entry in the ROC to be otherwise ineligible.) (4) Before arriving in Taiwan, please complete an online immigration arrival card on the website of the National Immigration Agency.

1. Taiwan is the size of Belgium but has 23 million residents.

2. Taiwan’s official title is the Republic of China (RoC).

3. Only 2.3% of the Taiwanese population is native.

4. Taiwan made gay marriage legal in 2019.

5. Taiwan’s Taipei 101 building was the tallest building in the world

Taiwanese (Mandarin) Basic Phrases:

Yes = shi 是 / No = bu shi 不是       Excuse me = duei bu chi 對不起        Good morning = zai an 早安

Thank you = xie xie 謝謝        Please = ching 請        Good afternoon = wu an 午安

Hello = ni hao 你好        Goodbye = zai jian 再見        Good night = wan an 晚安

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan

OFW 1st Episode: Taiwan, Republic of China

I did not know it was harder than I expected August. 2005

My Taiwan Journey from Factory Worker (2005) to Solo Backpacker (2023)

Taiwan was my very 1st destination abroad and as an OFW Factory Worker (2005) that lasted for 7 days only due to homesickness. My work had 12 hours duty a day with 1 day off only a week. I went home despite the debts my mother had made just to complete this Taiwan journey. I came from a failed IT career when I accepted this OFW stuff. Imagine my thoughts I went home jobless, with zero savings and lots of debt because of my stupidity. 

Taiwan also known in the past, as Formosa, is an island or island group in the western Pacific Ocean located off the southeast coast of mainland China. Taiwan's rapid economic growth in the decades after World War II has transformed it into an industrialized developed country and one of the Four Asian Tigers. Its advanced technology industry plays a key role in the global economy. Taiwanese companies manufacture a large portion of the world's consumer electronics, although most of them are now made in their factories in mainland China. Taiwan's economy is export-driven. Most of its exports are high-tech computer parts and electronics such as cell phones and LCD panels. Improved living standards, capital and technology intensive industries opened the gates for OFWs, both legal and illegal. Taiwan is gaining from the recovery of the world economy. The growing exports of cell phones, flat screens, computer chips and other electronics goods need factory workers in the electronics industry. Thousands of jobs await Filipino workers.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan

alien resident certificate in taiwan (china)