Muslim-Friendly 4D3N Taipei Itinerary — A Solo Traveller’s First Time in Taiwan

Day 0: Arrival and Covid-19 Related Measures

There isn’t any quarantine interval for Taiwan however incoming travellers are to fill in an arrival card and perform a 7-day self-initiated prevention interval:
– Stay in a lodge room that meets the “one person per room” requirement
– Avoid interacting with people at excessive danger of creating Covid-19
– Rest at residence upon testing optimistic or experiencing signs

I acquired free ART kits from airport employees upon arrival and was required to check detrimental on the day of arrival and subsequently each two days earlier than going out throughout the self-initiated prevention interval.

There’s no have to report the outcomes however do take the required precautions within the occasion you check optimistic in order to not cross it on to others!

Those with out signs can take public transportation and dine in eating places throughout the interval. Masks are nonetheless obligatory indoors and on public transport.

Photo credit score: Klook

Getting from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei: Take the Airport MRT Line to Taipei Main Station. It takes an hour to succeed in the station by way of the Commuter practice and 40 minutes by way of the Express Train. Both price NT$160 and will be bought as tickets or tapped via the gantry with the SimpleCard.

*Pro-tip: Check the practice schedule beforehand as Express trains arrive at intervals of 15/half-hour.

*Note: The final practice to Taipei Main Station departs at 11:37PM.

Check-in to 日野苑 Hinoen Hotel

日野苑 Hinoen Hotel is inside strolling distance to Taipei Main station, a 15-minute stroll to Ximending Shopping Street, and a 5-minute stroll to some Halal eating places. The lodge additionally affords free self-service laundry and a 24-hour check-in service.

*Pro-tip: There are additionally loads of resorts in Taipei that serve Halal meals and are Muslim-friendly with prayer mats, bidets and Qibla course!

日野苑 Hinoen Hotel
Cost: From S$83
How to get there: From Taipei Main Station, take Exit Z10 (2min stroll, stairs) or Exit Z4 (5min stroll, elevator). If alighting from the Airport Line in Taipei Main Station, take Exit A1-4 (5min stroll, elevator).

Day 1: Taipei City Centre

Free Historical Walking Tour

First up on my Taipei itinerary is a Free Historical Walking tour. This was the proper probability to get acquainted with Taipei metropolis via a neighborhood and a possibility to make pals — particularly as a solo traveller.

Although the tour is ‘free’, it’s frequent apply to tip your guides primarily based on how glad you’re after the tour.

I initially signed up for the Secret Hiking Trail in Taipei Suburbs however as a consequence of unhealthy climate, our information Shih Heng switched it to a historic and cultural tour of Taipei as a substitute.

We began at Longshan Temple and visited principal points of interest within the outdated city of Taipei City like Bopiliao Historical Block and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — each of which had prayer rooms!

Shih Heng was charismatic and would share quirky details like how there was a pillow struggle at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall throughout International Pillow Fight Day 2016 — an annual world occasion the place members in over 100 cities swing pillows at one another in a delegated area.

He additionally took us to his favorite ice cream spot, Yongfu Ice Cream, which served native flavours like Red Bean and Guiyuan (longan) — good for my Singaporean palette. The ice cream was mild on dairy and had a sherbet-like texture. It had no alcohol or gelatin too!

As there was just one different participant, the entire tour felt like I used to be chilling with pals.

Yongfu Ice Cream
Cost: NT$45 for 3 scoops (~S$2)
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: No. 68, Section 2, Guiyang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

*Pro-tip: If your information is cool with it, keep in contact with them so you’ve a neighborhood good friend to present suggestions in your subsequent Taipei itinerary.

Secret Hiking Trail in Taipei Suburbs
Cost: Free (however tipping is frequent apply)
Tour timing: 9AM – 12PM
Meeting level: Neihu Station Exit 1 or Longshan Temple Exit 1, relying on the route

Lunch at Uncle Ma’s

After the strolling tour I headed to Uncle Ma’s — a practice cease away from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall MRT.

The star of Uncle Ma’s is the Beef Shao Bing (NT$65), a layered flaky flatbread full of marinated beef slices. The Shao Bing layers had a distinguished Chinese five-spice flavour — heat and fragrant.

Uncle Ma’s additionally serves principal dishes like soup dumplings (NT$150) with a light-weight and gentle broth, and beef noodles.

馬叔餅舖 Uncle Ma’s/清真風懷舊北京小點 (Halal-certified and Muslim-owned)
Cost: From NT$40 – 200 (~S$1.80 – 8.90)
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM (opens 7:30AM on Sat & Sun, closed on Fri)
Address: No. 67-2, Linyi St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
How to get there: Exit 1 at Dongmen Station. Turn left into Linyi road and stroll via the alley of outlets. Uncle Ma’s might be in your proper.

Read additionally: Muslim-Friendly Halal Food Guide in Taipei — All Tried and Tested (coming quickly)

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park is an arts and tradition area housing exhibitions, domestically made objects like miniature rugs and luggage, and performing arts showcases. There are a number of cafes and beverage outlets across the park too.

The park was initially a Japanese sake plant in 1914. It went via a number of transformations — like being re-purposed as Taihoku Winery — earlier than lastly settling as a hip play space for creatives. Its preserved and rugged look makes it a well-liked spot for photographs.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Opening hours: 24hrs, Shops are open from 11AM – 9PM
Address: No.1, Bade Road Sec.1, Zhong Zhen District, Taipei 100

Peanuts-themed 7-11

Fun reality: Taiwan is second on the planet for having essentially the most comfort shops per capita!

There are comfort shops at each nook — with themed ones like Detective Conan, Hello Kitty, and Peanuts! So after all I needed to embody one in my Taipei itinerary.

There are two in Taipei on Shaoxing North Street, however head additional as much as the Xingzhong Store for a bigger seating space and a wider merchandise choice.

You can discover halal-certified and vegetarian-friendly snacks and drinks in most Taiwan comfort shops — like candy Mixed Peanut Congee (halal-certified by the Taipei Grand Mosque) and roasted candy potatoes.

*Pro-tip: Use the ‘Halalin‘ app for a quick view of Halal-certified items in different convenience stores.

7-ELEVEn 紹興門市 (SNOOPY主題商店)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Level 1, No. 37, Shaoxing N St, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

Dinner at Chang’s Beef Noodles Shop

The store primarily sells beef noodles however when you’re not too hungry, there are different facet dishes too. The Scallion Pancake rolled with Beef and Eggs (NT$100) made for a light-weight snack however I opted for no beef (NT$40).

Also strive the chilly soy milk AKA Dou Jiang (NT$20) right here because it had a nuttier flavour and felt tastier in comparison with those in Singapore!

Trying Dou Jiang is a should when in Taiwan. You can discover it at conventional Taiwanese breakfast locations however most of them serve pork on their menu. Include Chang’s Beef Noodles Shop’s Dou Jiang in your Taipei itinerary for a assured Halal different.

*Note: The retailer additionally has a prayer nook with prayer mats, however there’s no ablution space.

Chang’s Beef Noodles Shop 張家清真黃牛肉麵館 (Halal-certified and Muslim-owned)
Cost: From NT$9 – 220 (~S$0.35 – 9.70)
Opening hours: 10AM – 7:30PM (opens 7:30AM on Sat & Sun)
Address: No. 21, Yanping S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 (Exit 6 Ximen Station)

Ximending Walking Street

I ended my evening with a go to to Ximending Walking Street — a one-stop hub for purchasing, consuming, and leisure.

There are loads of native and worldwide manufacturers right here however naturally, I used to be drawn to the acquainted crimson and white UNIQLO emblem.

UNIQLO Ximen Store spans two basements and 4 ranges, with a ‘UNIQLO Ximen Special’ part on the high ground housing unique UT collections and a “design your own” T-shirt station.

Take your time to discover the completely different ranges as a result of they’d objects that weren’t offered in Singapore — together with flowers and extra heavy-duty outerwear. However, I walked out empty-handed as a result of I observed costs have been barely larger than in Singapore at the moment ????

UNIQLO Ximen Store
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM
Address: 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Hanzhong St, No.52, B2-4F

Day 2: Day Trip to Tamsui

No Taipei itinerary is full and not using a day-trip away from the town. Often ignored, I picked Tamsui for its charming colonial buildings and seaside views.

Getting to Tamsui: Take the Tamsui–Xinyi Line (crimson line) and alight on the final cease — Tamsui. It takes about an hour from Taipei Main Station.

*Note: Trains alternate between stopping at Tamsui and Beitou so when you occur to journey the Beitou-bound practice, merely alight and take the following practice.

Explore Historical Sites

Tamsui is a time capsule of preserved buildings from Taiwan’s time as a Spanish Colony all the best way to Japanese rule. There are many vacationer spots right here so it’s greatest to plan your route properly.

Coincidentally, I ran into Martin (a participant from the strolling tour) on the plaza. It completely wasn’t a part of my solo Taipei itinerary however I’m glad I had a good friend to discover the city with.

We began from Tamsui MRT Park and labored via the points of interest as much as Lover’s Bridge on foot — the complete route took us about 3 hours. I loved the surroundings and slicing via alleyways throughout the stroll.

It was fairly a trek to get to the grounds of Fort San Domingo and the Former British Consulate Residence.

Originally constructed by the Spanish Empire, Fort San Domingo has been rebuilt and repaired a number of occasions by the Dutch, the Qing Government, and the British. The two buildings show furnishings, home equipment, and clothes from that point however make sure that to take a look at the second ground for an aerial view of the grounds!

Fort San Domingo
Entrance price: S$3.55 by way of Klook
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5PM (closes 6PM on Sat and Sun)
Address: 251, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Tamsui District, No. 1, Lane 28, Zhongzheng Road

Another underrated website close to Fort San Domingo is Aletheia University — one of many oldest establishments of upper schooling in Taiwan, with a campus that includes gothic and baroque structure!

The final leg of the route was a 30-minute stroll to Fisherman’s Wharf and Lover’s Bridge. It’s a straight route by the principle street however I’ll be frank — it’s an extended stroll. However, the clear and uninterrupted view of Tamsui River and Mount Guanyin taken from this bridge was value it.

That’s Martin from the strolling tour!

*Pro-tip: To save time in your Taipei itinerary — and your legs, take a taxi or an Uber from Tamsui Custom’s Wharf (close to Fort San Domingo) to get to Fisherman’s Wharf/Lover’s Bridge in 10 minutes. You can even take a ferry on weekends from Tamsui Ferry Wharf (close to Tamsui MRT) to Fisherman’s Wharf if you wish to head straight to Lover’s Bridge.

Lunch at Kedai Bakso Ma’e

For lunch, I finished by Kedai Bakso Ma’e close to the riverfront. The store primarily serves Bakso (meatball soup with noodles) and Indonesian snacks. I wasn’t feeling too peckish so I went for a Bakwan AKA fried vegetable fritter (NT$10).

The proprietor, who was an Indonesian-Muslim woman, was form to ship me off with a free Chendol drink (coconut milk and palm sugar drink with inexperienced rice flour jelly) — simply what I wanted to sort out the second half of the nice and cozy day.

*Note: The store has a prayer nook and a washroom with a bidet.

Another Halal possibility in Tamsui is Halal Moon Curry House 穆屋咖哩.

Kedai Bakso Ma’e
Cost: NT$10 – 250 (~S$0.45 – 11.10)
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM (opens 8:30AM on weekends, closed on Mon)
Address: 251 M (Lantai 1) 0, No. 8 Jalur 56, Jalan P Gongzhi, Caodongli, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251

Gongming Street

Gongming Street is a pedestrian street lined with native outlets and snack sellers. I used to be stunned on the number of Muslim-friendly choices right here with no meat, lard, or alcohol like wheel truffles and roasted corn.

While strolling alongside the road, I used to be intrigued by the fried candy snacks at this stall.

The vendor assured me that it was durian and mentioned “You, Muslim okay ????“. The fried durian-yam fritter (NT$40/piece) had a hard texture but a creamy interior. The yam’s natural sweetness helped to balance the durian’s lack thereof.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, there’s a huge selection of snacks at 滬尾街商號 HU WEI JIE（手信店). You can find various brands of Made in Taiwan snacks like pineapple cake, jellies, and mochi — all Halal-certified.

Most of the Halal-certified items in this store are by the brand Yuki & Love but always check for the Halal sign as not all items by the brand are certified. You can also look out for ‘Ovo-Vegetarian’ tags, but purchase at your own discretion as these may not be prepared according to Islamic dietary laws.

HU WEI JIE 滬尾街商號（手信店)
Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM
Address: No. 9, Gongming St, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 251

Dinner at Halal Yellow Beef Noodle House

After a long day of walking, I made my way to Halal Yellow Beef Noodle House — right next to Chang’s Beef Noodle and the only other Halal place near my accommodation.

The Braised Ribs Noodles (NT$200) had a lovely QQ texture and was generously portioned with lots of meat! You can also choose other carbs like vermicelli and bread to have in your soup instead of noodles.

Halal Yellow Beef Noodle House (清真黃牛肉麵館)
Cost: From NT$9 – 230 (~S$0.35 – 10.20)
Opening hours: 11AM – 7.30PM
Address: No. 23, Yanping S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

Day 3: Eastern Taipei

Taipei Grand Mosque

If you’re here on a Friday, I highly suggest making a stop at Da’an Park Station to visit the largest and oldest mosque in Taiwan — Taipei Grand Mosque.

Fun fact: Da’an Park Station is a World Gold Winner in Public Infrastructure for the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Awards 2015 for its unique architecture, so drop by for a quick photoshoot before heading to the mosque!

I assumed most congregants would be immigrants but there was a sizeable number of Chinese/Taiwanese mosque-goers too. Performing Friday prayers for females is not the norm in Singapore — nor an obligation in general — so I was surprised to see many female congregants that day!

Though the Friday sermon was conducted in Mandarin, it was comforting to know as a solo traveller that I had a community wherever I was in the world.

Another reason why I came to Taipei Grand Mosque was for the Friday food sales.

Halal food and snacks from different cuisines were available, but my eye was on the Taiwanese options — namely dumplings, braised tofu, and pastries.

Halal frozen meat was also sold out of a truck after Friday prayers — if you’re someone who cooks on vacation.

Taipei Grand Mosque
Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM (food sales on Fri before Zohor prayers)
Address: No. 6, Section 2, Xinsheng S Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10650
How to get there: Take Exit 5 at Da’an Park Station (Red Line, R06) and walk 15 minutes through Da’an Park towards Xinsheng South Road.

The weather was perfectly cool that day so I headed back to Da’an Park for a lil’ park bench lunch. It was serene but watch out for birds as they started to surround me as I took the first few bites of my braised tofu.

*Pro-tip: Pack your own utensils as none were given when I purchased food from the mosque.

Hike up Elephant Mountain

What’s a Taipei itinerary without a view of the famous Taipei 101 skyline? One of the best vantage points is from Elephant Mountain, just a 10-minute train ride away from Da’an Park Station.

The Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail (象山登山步道) is a short, straightforward, and manageable hike for a non-hiker like me. It’s a popular hike with a fair bit of people climbing so it’s safe to do solo.

The steps were a little steep in certain areas and my short legs struggled, but I persevered and ultimately made it to the viewing platforms in about 15 to 20 minutes!

Unfortunately, Xiangshan Peak was under construction but there are still several areas to stop for photos.

Other than the viewing and photography platforms scattered along the way to the top, an iconic photo spot is at Six Giant Rocks (六巨石). Climb up the rock that towers over the peak for unique perspectives and epic photos.

*Pro-tip: The mountain can get crowded so come at least an hour earlier before sunset to secure a good photo spot.

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: No. 31, Alley 401, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
How to get there: Take the Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Red Line) to Xiangshan Station. Take Exit 2, follow the signs and walk 20 minutes towards Xiangshan Park Trailhead

Dinner at Halal Chinese Beef Noodle Restaurant (清真中國牛肉麵食館)

Feeling hungry after the hike, I dropped by Halal Chinese Beef Noodle Restaurant for dinner. I just couldn’t leave this certified Muslim Friendly MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Restaurant out of my Tapei itinerary!

I ordered the braised beef noodle with tendon (NT$230) — a ‘chef’s recommendation’ on their menu. The dish had soft tendons, paired with a deliciously beefy and slightly herbal broth.

Halal Chinese Beef Noodle Restaurant (清真中國牛肉麵食館)
Cost: From NT$150 – 265 (~S$6.70 – 11.70)
Opening hours: 11AM – 9:30PM (closes 10PM on Fri and Sat)
Address: B2, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place A8, No. 12, Songgao Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City and Da’an (flagship store)

Bonus: Eslite Xinyi Store

If you have time, explore the Eslite Xinyi Store — a department store housing Taiwan’s biggest bookstore chain. Besides books, the six-story high store also has a music section, a food mart, stationaries, etc.

Head to the branch located in the Xinyi District — aptly called the Manhattan of Taipei. This high-end and luxurious sister of Ximending Walking Street is home to Taipei 101 so pay it a visit for a bougie Taipei itinerary.

Eslite Xinyi Store
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM (closes 11PM on Fri and Sat)
Address: No. 11, Songgao Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110 (5-minute walk from Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taipei Xinyi Place)

Raohe Night Market

Raohe Night Market is one of the larger and more popular night markets in Taipei with relatively cheaper food compared to Shilin Night Market! The market’s easy to navigate as it’s a singular street lined with local and traditional food.

While there were plenty of seafood and Vegetarian-friendly options, most carts sell meat as well so the chances of cross-contamination with pork or non-permissible ingredients were high.

To be safe, I stuck to sweet items and only purchased sweet potato balls in the end. Most traditionally made pastries contain lard so it’s best to double-check with the vendors!

*Pro-tip: Prepare a list of Chinese phrases (I had it set on my phone lock screen!) to show vendors when asking about food ingredients.

Raohe Night Market
Opening hours: 5PM – 11PM
Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

Day 4: Flight Home with Halal Souvenirs

Brunch at Chang’s Beef Noodles

I had some time before my late afternoon flight back home so I had brunch back at Chang’s Beef Noodles. The owner recognised me from my previous visit and happily said, “Eh! Assalamualaikum!” — so candy ????!

This time I had their beef pot stickers (NT$8/piece) and heat soy milk — which was nonetheless fairly good however I believe it’s tastiest when chilly.

Halal Snacks at Taoyuan International Airport

Photo credit score: Hsin Tung Yang

After arriving on the airport by way of the Commuter Train, I dropped off my baggage and headed straight to the reward outlets.

*Pro-tip: Ride the Airport MRT hands-free by checking in your luggage at A1 Taipei Main Station. Check the official web site for the airways providing this service.

Photo credit score: Taoyuan International Airport

Head to stage three proper earlier than immigration for the most important collection of Made in Taiwan Halal-certified snacks. Look out for the devoted Halal shelf with each Halal-certified and Ovo-vegetarian licensed snacks — my haul of the day was mochi, candy potato truffles, and dried shredded squid!

*Note: The airport additionally has a multi-faith prayer room close to gate B1.

Planning a Taipei itinerary as a solo Muslim traveller

Pre-trip planning

Before any journey, I all the time attempt to attain out to locals for on-the-ground info. Other than chatting with Shih Heng by way of GuruWalk (free strolling tour platform), I joined Facebook teams to assist plan my Taipei itinerary.

For correct climate expectations and climbing suggestions, I reached out to Foreigners in Taipei to get first-hand information from people dwelling in Taipei. My authentic Taipei itinerary included a hike in Yangmingshan however group members suggested towards it as a consequence of unhealthy climate that the storm introduced in.

I used to be additionally curious about making an attempt genuine Taiwanese meals however was cautious of sure locations. I reached out to Friends of Taipei Grand Masjid for suggestions and a gaggle member geared up me with all of the apps and web sites to seek out Halal meals.

One app I discovered significantly helpful was Halalin. I used it when in search of Halal snacks in comfort shops. The app additionally has a Halal card itemizing issues to not be consumed by Muslims which will be confirmed to distributors because it’s in Chinese.

Post-trip ideas

As a Muslim and new feminine solo traveller, I’m completely satisfied to report that being left to my very own gadgets in Taiwan was among the best experiences I’ve ever had. There are just a few stuff you expertise solely once you’re alone like making pals and receiving assist from form souls.

Here are some ideas for any first-time solo traveller:
1) Invest in a telephone tripod — Every single photograph featured was taken by me with the assistance of the tripod. You can solely depend upon your self in your greatest angles.
2) Don’t be afraid to ask for assist — Most of the time, individuals are very prepared to assist when requested. Reach out when it’s essential.
3) Go jer, don’t scared — Say sure and be open to something that pops up throughout your journey however belief your intestine and train warning when one thing doesn’t really feel proper.

If you continue to want extra convincing to go to Taiwan, try our different guides:
– 4D3N Taipei Itinerary: Insider information to exploring Taipei and its outskirts like a neighborhood
– 8D Eastern Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Best Adventures (Taipei, Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)
– 25 Unique Things To Do In Taiwan Besides Visiting Night Markets

What was your first solo journey like? Let us know within the feedback beneath!

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