Taiwan on a budget

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Taiwan, located off the southern coast of China, used to be called Formosa in the past, meaning ‘beautiful’ in Portuguese. The Portuguese explorers were captivated by the natural beauty of the island, and this hasn’t changed even if Taiwan is not as popular with foreign tourists as it deserves.

Taiwan is better known for its industry and conflicts with mainland China rather than its culture and attractions, but there is much to see on the island and its cities, especially vibrant Taiwan, an entertainment industry paradise. Taiwan has the fame of being more expensive than other Asian countries, but don’t fret, here’s a guide to Taiwan on a budget.

Accommodation

Hotels in Taiwan are definitely more expensive than those in China, but then again, it doesn’t even compare to the astronomical prices of Japanese hotels. Since in the recent years tourism has started to develop more and more in Taiwan, accommodation for all types of budget is available. Most of the largest cities, and especially Taipei, the capital, have a fair number of hostels, and even some great camping grounds where you can stay in summer.

If you are planning on staying in suburbs, you might try looking for a motel – but Taiwanese motels and Western motels have little in common. In Taiwan, motels are mainly for romantic trysts, and they can be quite luxurious, but the upside is that you can rent a room for a couple of hours to get some rest.

Food

Taiwanese cuisine is derived from the cuisine of mainland China, but even on the continent, Taiwanese food is held in very high regard. You can find the typical Cantonese, Szechuan, Hunan or Beifang food, but there are lots of local specialties you can try. Some of the local dishes are very affordable too, especially in fast-food style places: beef noodles, Taiwanese porridge (rice porridge with sweet potato), sun cakes and mochi (sticky rice cakes).

If you want some quick, yummy and cheap snack in Taipei, try one of the bakeries, the capital is famous for its baked goods.For local delicacies at affordable prices, try the nightmarkets in Taipei, especially Shilin Night Market.

Attractions

Even if Taiwan is better known for its electronic factories, there are many attractions all over the country, both natural and man-made. The urban centers might seem a tad industrial, but if you head inland you’ll see exactly why the island was called Formosa.

Temples can be visited usually for free, or for very small fees, and there are several museums in Taipei that don’t charge for the entry (the Museum of the Institute of History and Philology, Taipei Fine Arts Museum on Zhongshan North, or the ceramics museum in Yingge). It’s a good idea to go to Taiwan at festival times for the free entertainment (Mazu Pilgrimage, Boat Burning, Ghost Festival, Lantern Festival are all very interesting).

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Taiwan Summer Programs wrote on March 19, 2011:

Taiwan is a great travel destination. Highly recommended!

 

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