Exploring Taiwan on a Shoestring: A Budget Traveler’s Guide

Traveling alone to Taiwan on a budget can be a rewarding experience. Taiwan offers a mix of modern cities, scenic landscapes, and rich culture, all of which can be explored without spending too much. Here’s a guide to help you plan a budget-friendly solo trip to Taiwan:

1. Planning and Preparation

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• Avoid peak seasons like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival as prices can be higher and places crowded.

2. Flights and Transportation

Flights

• Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Momondo to find the best deals.
• Book flights 2-3 months in advance for better prices.
• Consider flying into Kaohsiung instead of Taipei, as it might be cheaper.

  Transportation in Taiwan

  • EasyCard: A rechargeable card for public transportation (MRT, buses, some taxis) and even convenience stores.
  • Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR): For long-distance travel. Book tickets in advance for discounts.
  • Buses: An economical way to travel between cities. Companies like UBus, Kuo-Kuang, and Ho-Hsin offer budget-friendly options.
  • Bike Rentals: YouBike (in Taipei and other cities) is a convenient and cheap way to explore the city.

  3. Accommodation

  • Hostels: Affordable and good for meeting other travelers. Check Hostelworld or Booking.com for options.
  • Budget Hotels: Chains like Orange Hotel and Diary of Taipei offer clean and reasonably priced rooms.
  • Guesthouses: Family-run accommodations that provide a local experience.
  • Airbnb: Often cheaper and provides a home-like experience.

  4. Affordable Places to Visit

  Taipei

  • Taipei 101: Instead of going to the observation deck, go to the Starbucks on the 35th floor for a free view with a coffee purchase.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  • Elephant Mountain: A short hike offering a fantastic view of the Taipei 101 skyline.
  • National Palace Museum: Free entry on specific days.
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Free entry with changing of the guard ceremony.
    
    
    
    
    
    
  • Night Markets: Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market for cheap and delicious street food.
    
    
    
    

  Taichung

  • Rainbow Village: A colorful, small village created by a former soldier. Free entry.
    
    
    
  • Gaomei Wetlands: Great for sunset views and nature walks.
    
    
    
  • Fengjia Night Market: One of the largest night markets in Taiwan.

  Tainan

  • Anping Old Fort: Explore historical sites and traditional streets.
  • Chihkan Tower: A historic site with affordable entry fees.
  • Night Markets: Tainan is famous for its street food.

  Kaohsiung

  • Lotus Pond: Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and other temples around the pond.
  • Pier-2 Art Center: An art district with free exhibits and installations.
  • Liuhe Night Market: Enjoy local delicacies at budget-friendly prices.
    
    
    

  Hualien and Taroko Gorge

  • Taroko Gorge: One of Taiwan’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Free entry, but you might need to budget for transportation.
  • Qixingtan Beach: A scenic spot to relax and enjoy the ocean views.

  5. Food

  • Street Food: Affordable and delicious. Night markets are the best places to try a variety of Taiwanese snacks.
  • Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and OK Mart offer cheap and tasty ready-to-eat meals.
    
    
    
  • Local Eateries: Small restaurants and food stalls often offer set meals at reasonable prices.
  • Buffet-Style Restaurants: Pay by weight for what you eat, which can be very economical.

  6. Free or Cheap Activities

  • Temples: Many temples, like Longshan Temple in Taipei, are free to enter.
    
    
    
  • Parks: Daan Forest Park in Taipei and Central Park in Kaohsiung are great for a relaxing stroll.
  • Beaches: Many beautiful beaches are free to visit, especially on the east coast.
  • Museums: Some museums offer free entry on certain days or have very low admission fees.

  7. Shopping

  • Daiso: A budget store where you can find travel essentials and souvenirs.
  • Night Markets: Great for affordable shopping and unique finds.
  • Local Markets: Traditional markets for fresh fruits, snacks, and local products.

  8. Tips for Budget Travel

  • Free Wi-Fi: Available in many public places and accommodations.
  • Tap Water: Generally safe to drink in Taiwan, reducing the need to buy bottled water.
  • Sim Cards/Rentable Wi-Fi Devices: Consider for communication and navigation.
  • Discount Websites: Sites like Klook or KKday offer discounts on attractions and activities.

  By following these tips and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy a fulfilling and budget-friendly solo trip to Taiwan.