I would say skip "Taipei Main Station Underground Mall" nothing much if compared you're going to do your bulk of shopping at Wufenpu area or even Xi Men Ding.

Get Tze-Chiang, caused 441 TWD. Tze-Chiang from Taipei only stopped IIRC 5 stops. 2 hrs journey

Else it would be a long journey as the others would have more frequent stop at smaller town, not to mention; longer time of arrival.

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Added on March 27, 2010, 10:52 pmWe managed to catch ours on the dot. Bought the tickets at 5.15 and rush for the train that departs on 5.40pm. Also over the counter; but on the weekdays so more seats.

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Added on March 27, 2010, 11:00 pmHave you booked your accommodation in Hua Lian? Else you could try this homestay: http://www.netete.com/traveler or the owner's blog (he and his family are frequent backpackers as well): http://tw.myblog.yahoo.com/travelerhomestay
Walking distance from the rail station. Walk straight at the 2nd traffic right, turn right and walk past 2 shop lots to reach destination. Around 15 mins walk.

The owner helped us arrange for the cab companies to bring us around, cost TWD3000 for a group of 6 ppl.

Anyway, if you need the Cab at Hua Lian, can try this cab company: 0935-190602 (Taiwan phone number).

This post has been edited by b00n: Mar 27 2010, 11:06 PM

Correction. Need NT500, but actual value is only NT400. NT100 is deposit which is refundable if you used more then 5 times.
When the sandstorm hit, me and my wife didn't even notice until the news next day. Was at Wu Fen Pu. But did overheard phone conversations in the MRT asking friends to wear mask lar.

My trip was good, I meant the weather. All day shinny. Only first night at Hua Lian got small rain while at the night market.

Day trip might be good if you only plan for one area to visit. Namely either the Taroko national park which is the mountains or the seasides.
But it would be tiring as traveling from Taipei by train already took you 2 hours. Then ride by cab to Tarako another 1 hr. Most probably will spend the whole morning + afternoon there then come back to the train station at evening. Another 2 hrs ride back to Taipei. Nonetheless although tiring, it would be a good trip if you like nature.

Backpack basically meant budget trip thus most ppl don't go on tour group but travel on their own (adventure adventure). Taipei got lots of night market. Shi Lin is full of ppl especially on the weekends but I would recommend Shi Da (was ogling while I'm there ). Anyway, if you're into food; go to the book stores and try to search for food guide. I bet there's tons of it there.

Taipei 101 caused NT400 to go up and the main attraction is only the stabilizer ball. Never went up but yes, took picture of it.

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Added on March 28, 2010, 3:18 pmBtw, a note to travellers. If you happen to have an oversea accounts such as Citi, SCB, HSBC; you might want to confirm whether your ATM card can be used overseas. If yes, then most probably by withdrawing money with ATM is even cheaper then exchange money locally.

FYI, I changed money with an exchange rate of 10.96 (NT100 = RM10.96) a week before my trip (my trip on the 13th)
but on the 20th when I withdraw via Citi, the rate is 10.56 (NT100 = RM10.56).

This post has been edited by b00n: Mar 28 2010, 03:18 PM

Taipei can try taiwanmex: http://www.taiwanmex.com/
Very near to MRT 5 minutes walk.

Your itinerary doesn't seem that good ler...
Alishan, usually ppl only go for day trip. SunMoonLake should be together with Hualien.
I would say skip Taichung and opt for Tainan.

We actually planned for day trip, but in the end didn't go. Because like u say, travel from Taipeh is far. But if u ask me, I would suggest stay in chiayi and take a day trip to alishan.

Agreed on hualian. My itiniery last trip was arrive Taipeh, straight took the train to Hualian. Then spent 3 nights there. On the 4th day, got SML via rented van with driver through HehuanShan for day trip. To those that have motion sickness, then be prepared as the road is winding and worst then Cameron or Genting (I meant the bends, not the condition of the road) Then afternoon, go straight to ChingJing Noong Chang and spend a night there. Attaction is sheep and flowers.

Then it's Taichung for FuoKuangShang and spend a night at Taichung. After that is Taipeh for 4 nights. All in 10 days trip.


@McCabePlace
Then in Hualian, you missed 七星谭 lor...... Should go there and enjoy the scenary. Also pick some rocks to bring home.... beautiful rocks.

Also, good for you to have rent cab for Yehliu, Pingshi, Jiufen, Jinguashi, Bitou Cape, Nanya and Keelung. We took public trasnport (bus) and wasted a lot of time in travelling. So we only visited Yehliu and Jiufen. Should have spend one night in Jiufen as they say at night, the scenery is quite pretty. Like going up to Genting.

And yes, the hello kitty nursery is so cute...
I only find the alcohol cheap in the duty free, very cheap compared to Msia. The travel makeup my wife bought, when we finnaly got to compare with AA internal sale, AA is cheaper. It was Shiseido if not mistaken.

Didn't notice the cosplay there too, but recent travellers which came back also posted those pics. I guessed the season started already......... haha

No wonder I saw a scenery which I'm not familiar with. dayum, I missed that cliff too...... Will have to wait for a next trip

Didn't really notice, however you san go to any MRT station and buy the card which initial payment is TWD500 with TWD400 of credit and TWD100 as deposit.

No worries, it's refundable and you can use it on bus ride, same as Singapore.

Didn't really compare so I can't comment.

haha, to them it's normal.
My ex boss who currently is stationed in Taiwan told me this. If it's just a shake, nothing to panic. But when thing gets rough, i.e. some movement in the cups, lamps, etc.... that's the sign to get out.