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    Exploring Taipei on Bicycle, How I Spent 3 Amazing Days in Taiwan [Jan 2024]

    When it comes to overseas traveling, one of my favorite places to visit is Taiwan.

    1. It has a wide array of culinary delights that hold certain similarities to dishes we have in Singapore.
    2. The locals are generally friendly and ready to offer assistance as long as you are not shy to ask.
    3. It has an excellent and efficient public transportation system, making it easy for tourists to explore the island.
    4. It has a vibrant cultural scene with a mix of traditional and modern influences, mostly evident from its architecture.

     

    Night Markets

    Exploring a night market is a must for any visitor to Taiwan, as it provides an authentic and enjoyable experience of the local culture and culinary scene. You can witness the vibrant and bustling energy throughout the market.

    Ningxia Night Market (宁夏夜市)is located at 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, No. 58.

    Lai Ji Oyster Omelet
    Lai Ji Oyster Omelet
    Egg Omelette with Oysters (雞蛋蚵仔煎)
    Egg Omelette with Oysters (雞蛋蚵仔煎)

    The Omelette is softer and “wetter”, whereas it is fried with more charred here in Singapore, giving it a slightly crispy bite.

    BBQ flame torched beef cubes
    BBQ flame-torched beef cubes

    The beef is quite fatty and tender to the bite. The grilled charred taste makes it a must-eat. I would have bought 2 portions if I had more space in my stomach.

    Behind the cooking scenes
    Behind the cooking scenes
    Lu Rou Fan (卤肉饭) and Pork Ribs Soup (排骨汤)
    Lu Rou Fan (卤肉饭) and Pork Ribs Soup (排骨汤)

    The braised pork rice is a common dish and a very simple one as well. It is plain rice mixed with some braised minced pork. Paired with a freshly boiled pork ribs soup at 16 degrees temperature is truly satisfying.

     

    Taipei Main Station Underground Shopping Street

    The underground shopping street seems less crowded compared to my previous visits. Fewer shops are operating but you can still get women’s apparel, anime toys and figurines, video game stations, souvenirs, and pastries.

    Pastry shop
    Pastry shop that sells the iconic suncake (太阳饼) and pineapple tarts (凤梨酥)
    Dried strawberries, surprisingly tasty!
    Dried strawberries are surprisingly tasty!

    Taipei Bike Works Tour

    After enjoying the various delicacies for the past couple of days, it is time for some exercise in the form of cycling. This is my first ever cycling tour in a busy city like Taipei and I was pretty excited.

    My assigned bike for the tour
    My assigned bike for the tour
    Taipei Bike Works | 維修/保養專門店/單車租借
    Taipei Bike Works | 維修/保養專門店/單車租借

     

    Our starting point is at this bicycle rental/repair shop located just next to Chaoyang Tea Park. The route is about 8 miles or 13 kilometers. The guide planned for a 4-hour cycle through 4 districts, namely Datong, Zhongshan, Zhongzheng, and Wanhua. He gave a detailed brief of the functions of the bike and allowed us to get used to it by cycling around the park before setting off.

    Taipei East Gate (JingFu Gate)
    Taipei East Gate (JingFu Gate)

    One of the 5 historic gates in Taipei is the Taipei East Gate or 景福门. It was constructed in 1884 by the Qing government as a measure to expedite urban development by encouraging businessmen to invest in or build houses/streets in Taipei City.

     

    Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

    A national monument and tourist attraction erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of Taiwan
    A national monument and tourist attraction erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of Taiwan

    The highlight of the memorial hall is the elaborate changing of guard ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm daily except during Chinese New Year. The process is highly formal and professional. All who are present are to maintain silence as a form of respect.

    Please be quiet
    Please be quiet
    Change of guard ceremony
    Change of guard ceremony
    Chiang Kai-shek Bronze Statue
    Chiang Kai-shek Bronze Statue
    Clap your hands at this spot and hear what happens!
    Clap your hands at this spot and hear what happens!

    An interesting phenomenon at Liberty Square located just about 100 metres from the memorial hall, is the spot where this young boy is standing. When you stand on that spot (and nowhere else) and clap your hands, it produces a squeaky pingy sound instead of your usual clapping sound. Is it the distance from the surrounding architecture? Or is some kind of magnetic field produced from the metal below the ground? Make your guess.

    Presidential Office Building (总统府)
    Presidential Office Building (总统府)
    Statue of an early immigrant in Taiwan
    Statue of an early immigrant in Taiwan
    Carving of The Little South Gate (Chongxi Gate)
    Carving of The Little South Gate (Chongxi Gate)
    The cycling path is well-paved and connects numerous places of interest
    The cycling path is well-paved and connects numerous places of interest

    This cycling path stretches along the Tamsui River for about 100 miles and it leads to Tamsui itself. Across the river is the New Taipei City accesible by several bridges and train lines. A great spot for enthusiast cyclists to fall in love with.

     

    Live Bands

    I visited 2 live bands in 4 days and both did not disappoint. There is a requirement of minimum spending per pax depending on the popularity of the performing bands, ranging from NT$900-NT$1100.

    EZ5 Live House (音樂餐廳)
    EZ5 Live House (音樂餐廳), more than 2,000 Google reviews!
    Various artistes take turns to perform well-known tunes and self-composed pieces
    Various artists take turns performing well-known tunes and self-composed pieces
    Music Corner (角落音樂餐廳) - the songs performed are relatively matured and classic
    Music Corner (角落音樂餐廳) – the songs performed are relatively mature and classic

    I would recommend calling in advance to book your seats. Both joints were swiftly filled with guests shortly after my arrival. After a few drinks, you will surely hear some familiar songs to sing to. At least I did :D.

    Watch our full video here and book your tickets for Taiwan now!!

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    Willie Tan
    Willie Tan
    Plays football with Puma boots. Cycles on weekends with a Colnago. Gets tired playing PlayStation 5. A decent singer in his prime. Eats almost anything. Ready for conversations anytime.

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