OMG you guys! I just got back from the most EPIC Taiwan solo travel adventure and I’m still buzzing with energy?? Honestly? Before this trip I had SO many misconceptions about Taiwan – thought it’d be crowded, chaotic, maybe even a bit intimidating for solo female travelers. Boy was I WRONG! My 10-day journey from Taipei to Kenting completely shattered all my preconceptions and gave me the most soul-refreshing experience ever. From secret presidential escape tunnels to volcanic islands and night markets that’ll make you drool – this Taiwan solo travel adventure was everything I dreamed of AND more. Let me spill all the tea??
Day 1: Arrival & Taipei Grand Hotel Secrets
Touched down at Taoyuan Airport around 3pm, and lemme tell ya – the efficiency blew my mind?? Got through immigration in like 15 mins flat! Pro tip: Grab a local SIM at the airport (about $15 USD for 10 days unlimited data). Took the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (35 mins, super clean and quiet??). Checked into my hostel near Ximending – super trendy area with neon lights everywhere, kinda felt like a cleaner version of Tokyo’s Shibuya??
First real adventure? The GRAND HOTEL y’all! This place is LEGENDARY – hosted everyone from Elvis to world leaders?? Joined their historical tour (NT$300, about $10 USD) and learned CRAZY stories. Did you know Chiang Kai-shek had secret escape tunnels?? We actually got to walk through the West Secret Passage – complete with a SLIDE for quick escapes?? Felt like a spy movie! Our guide whispered about “strong energy spots” and wealth corners – of course I stood there extra long?? The Meituan app helped me find amazing beef noodle soup nearby afterward – lifesaver for hungry travelers!
Taipei First Impressions
- People: SO friendly?? Like “random granny helped me read bus schedule” friendly
- Cleanliness: Spotless streets – not a single gum stain!
- Efficiency: MRT comes every 2 mins?? How??
- Food: Night market stinky tofu… acquired taste ngl??
Day 2: Geological Wonders at Yehliu Geopark
Woke up stupid early (jetlag ugh) but caught the first bus to Yehliu Geopark?? 90 mins from Taipei. HOLY. COWS. This place looks like another PLANET?? Those mushroom rocks and sea erosion formations – Mother Nature showing OFF! Spent 3 hours wandering the 1.7km coastline, constantly going “WHOA LOOK AT THAT ONE!” like a total tourist?? Pro tip: Wear STURDY shoes – those volcanic rocks are slippery AF.
Bird nerds listen up?? Yehliu is a MIGRATION HOTSPOT! Saw these adorable little warblers (March-April prime time)?? Felt like my Taiwan solo travel adventure suddenly became a NatGeo documentary?? Lunch was fresh seafood at a nearby fishing village – squid so fresh it practically jumped on my grill??
Day 3: Taoyuan Countryside Charm
Took a local train to Taoyuan (40 mins) for some countryside vibes?? Visited Shimen Reservoir – such peaceful walking trails surrounded by tea plantations?? Found this adorable library cafe called “Whispers of Solitude” – perfect spot for journaling about my Taiwan solo travel adventure?? Biked around the reservoir feeling like the main character in some indie film??
Stumbled upon a local temple festival with this INSANE traditional band?? Those red feather headdresses!?? Taiwanese grandma force-fed me pineapple cakes – when in Rome right?? Checked out Beyond Crowds: Anhui Hidden Treasures for inspiration – their countryside vibes reminded me so much of this area!
Day 4: Tainan’s Confucian Wisdom
High-speed rail to Tainan (2 hours) – SO efficient!?? Visited the Confucius Temple, Taiwan’s OLDEST?? (1665!!) Got chills standing where scholars studied centuries ago?? The “All Taiwan First School” plaque hit different?? Our guide shared heartbreaking stories about Japanese occupation damage – made me appreciate the preservation even more.
Ate my weight in Tainan specialties?? Danzai noodles, coffin bread (yes really??), and milkfish soup – food coma achieved?? Explored Anping Old Fort and Tree House – banyan trees swallowing buildings like something from Jurassic Park?? Found amazing Fujian-style architecture that reminded me of Footprints in Fujian!
Days 5-7: Kenting Tropical Paradise
Took a scenic train to Fangliao then bus to Kenting?? First glimpse of the Pacific Ocean – TEARS y’all?? Stayed at a surf hostel and met the COOLEST international crew?? Spent days beach-hopping:
- Baisha Beach: Horseback riding at sunset?? Core memory unlocked!
- Eluanbi Lighthouse: Taiwan’s southernmost point – epic selfie spot
- Kenting National Park: Hiked through tropical forest to cliff views
Night market game STRONG here?? Grilled squid, papaya milk, and mochi the size of my fist?? Spent one magical day sailing to Xiao Liuqiu Island – sea turtles everywhere!! Snorkeled in crystal waters feeling like Ariel?? This Taiwan solo travel adventure kept delivering surprises!
Days 8-10: Taipei Revisited & Reflections
Back in Taipei for final explorations?? Visisted Chiang Kai-shek Memorial (those changing guards!), got lost in bookstore alleys, and ate at Din Tai Fung ORIGINAL location?? Bought SO much pineapple cake omg??
Biggest surprises? How WRONG my preconceptions were! Taiwanese people are the KINDEST humans?? Everything’s orderly but not rigid?? Nature blew me away?? Food coma achieved daily?? Used 12306.cn to book my return train – so easy even with Google Translate!
Taiwan Solo Travel Adventure Costs
| Category | Cost (10 days) |
| Accommodation | $250 USD (hostels/guesthouses) |
| Food | $180 USD (night markets FTW!) |
| Transport | $120 USD (HSR, buses, MRT) |
| Activities | $100 USD (tours, entries) |
| Misc | $50 USD (souvenirs, snacks) |
| TOTAL | $700 USD |
Final Thoughts & Tips
This Taiwan solo travel adventure changed me?? Proved that sometimes the echo chamber of travel forums gets it WRONG – Taiwan exceeded every expectation?? For first-timers:
- Get an EasyCard for ALL transport
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases (but English widely understood)
- Try EVERY night market food (yes even stinky tofu!)
- Pack layers – mountain/city/beach temps vary!
- Allow flexibility – some best moments unplanned!
Already planning my next trip back?? Maybe combine with Hidden Guangdong Journey! Taiwan solo travel adventure? 11/10 would recommend??
This looks absolutely incredible! I’ve been wanting to do a solo trip to Taiwan. How safe did you feel as a female traveler?
@WanderlustJunkie I felt incredibly safe the entire time! Taiwanese people are so respectful and helpful. Just use normal precautions like anywhere else.
Only $700 for 10 days? That’s amazing! Did you feel like you were skimping or was it comfortable?
@BudgetTravelBee It was actually very comfortable! Hostels in Taiwan are clean and safe, and food is cheap and delicious at night markets. I never felt like I was missing out.
The secret tunnels with a slide?! That’s wild! Was that part of the regular tour?
@AdventureSeeker88 Yes! The historical tour at the Grand Hotel includes the West Secret Passage. The slide was originally for quick escapes – so cool to experience!
Your photos of Yehliu are stunning! What time of year did you go? I’m thinking of avoiding crowds.
@NatureLover99 I went in late March and it was perfect! The weather was great and the crowds weren’t too bad. Spring or autumn are ideal.
Coffin bread?? 😱 Was it as scary as it sounds? Any must-try foods besides that?
@FoodieExplorer Haha it’s just bread shaped like a coffin filled with delicious stew! Must tries: Danzai noodles, bubble tea (of course!), and pineapple cakes!