A week in Taiwan isn't enough to get to know this country. I and Charlotte know that we have so little time to do everything that's why we decided to avail Taipei day tour packages that are cheap and efficient. KKDay is our one and only option for that. As a matter of fact, we have availed 3 KKDay tour packages for them. In this post, I will share to you one of the most popular travel packages in Taipei that most if not, all tourists in Taiwan visit. When you go home without a photo in any of these places (Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu Park), it's quite hard to convince them that you have actually visited Taiwan!
The good news is Taiwan has extended its free tourist visa for us Filipinos until July 30, 2019. This is the best time to go there without the need to apply for a visa and the possibility of getting rejected.
Booking the package via KKDay
You have two options for booking a KKDay tour package. You can do it online or via the mobile app. Us, we did it via the browser. You can click HERE the link of KKDay's Day Tour from Taipei: Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen.
Meetup place
From amba Taipei Ximending, we only took a 10-minute cab to reach East Gate 1 of Taipei Main Station. Actually, we can take an MRT ride because it costs cheaper but we had no time. Taipei Main Station is centrally located, it would not be a problem for anyone to find it. It took us just a few minutes to find what tour operator do we belong because the guide has a flag bearing KKDay's logo. Though we did not left on time (I understand we need to consider those who are still finding their way to the meetup place), it only took less than ten minutes for us to start the ball rolling. Our local guide even gave her mobile number just so in case we get lost - we know how to contact her.
The KKDay's Actual Tour Experience
We were a big crowd that day that's why we were broken into smaller groups. We wanted to choose the bus that bears the KKDay branding (see photo above) but we happened to be assigned to an ordinary bus but it has everything what a KKDay comfortable day tour experience is. It is airconditioned, the seats are wide, there's a flat-screen TV that shows a very brief introduction of the places we're going to see: Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu Park.
Yehliu Park - first stop
Yehliu Geopark reminds me of Kapurpurawan rock formation in Ilocos but this one is the bigger version and very touristy!. It's located at Wanli of New Taipei City. Some rock formations resemble things or personalities especially the most famous of all - the Queen's Head. At one point, you'll wonder if there's out there that intentionally designed all these rock formations accordingly. Actually, as per science the real "culprits" behind these images are the impact of wind, sun, rain, seawater and strong northeastern monsoon.
Entrance fee: NTD 80 (not included in the package)
Must see: Candle Rock, Ginger ROck, Mushroom Rock, Fossil, Pot Hole, Queen's Head, Elephant Rock, Fairy's Shoe, Earth Rock, Marine Bird Rock and Tofu Rock.
Tip: Please DO NOT pass beyond the red line. NO touching/climbing/biking/wading/swimming/fishing et cetera.
Address: 167-1, Kantung Road, Yehliu, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Website: www.ylgeopark.org.tw
Shifen
As much as we want to stay longer at Yehliu Geopark, it was a relief to get back to the airconditioned bus because the sun is high up there. We're almost about to melt! Our second destination is Shifen. Part of the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, Shifen offers a mix of nature and Taiwanese culture. We first dropped by to Shifen Waterfall, a majestic waterfall (20-meters tall) that reminds me of Canada's Niagara Falls. Honestly, I almost don't want to see this waterfall thinking I have seen lots of this here in my home country. We're close to deciding to go back to the bus but our nice tour guide pushed us to continue walking forward. And yes, the view is mesmerizing. Other than taking a photo, swimming or even dipping your feet or hands aren't allowed. The only catch is you have to walk for 20-30 minutes to get here and that includes passing through a cemented bridge with a view of a gorgeous river. There are food stalls if you feel like eating.
Shifen Waterfall
Entrance fee: none
Must see: The bridge, river and stores that sell something to eat
Tip: You need to walk for 20 minutes or so. The bridge looks cute but it is a hassle to get a photo there (lots of people passing by)
Address: 226, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Pingxi District, Taiwan
Website: none
Shifen Old Street
Entrance fee: None
Must see: The stores selling souvenirs and of course sky lanterns
Tip: Please be careful because this is a train station. Be mindful when the train passes by.
Address: No. 11, Gankeng, Pingxi District, New Taipei City 226, Taiwan
Website: none
Like every Filipino traveler, my top goal for my Taiwan trip is to have a photo releasing a sky lantern along this old railroad town. What I love about Shifen Old Street is it has not lost its charm of yesteryears. The old buildings and hanging red lanterns - these are the real images of Taiwanese heritage. I am an old soul so anything vintage to me is happiness.
After a five-minute walk, our tour guide lead us to a shop that sells souvenirs and sky lanterns. Prior to that, she has explained to us the rates of the sky lanterns. Approximately, you need to shell out around NTD 100-200. The rates of the sky lanterns in Shifen depend on the color combination. I and Charlotte are very practical, we chose to buy only one lantern and simultaneously use it for our photo op. I wrote my wishes on one side and she wrote hers on the other side because we chose to spend more on food instead.
We'd like to share an unforseen circumstance that happened but we don't blame it to KKDay. The woman assigned to us whose working at the store to assist us in flying our sky lantern was so stubborn and not to mention she doesn't speak English. We wanted to have our own style of photoshoot but she insists to follow her moves. It looks like she is rushing everything. Tired and we can't even talk to her clearly, we just did it. We we're so dissapointed because we were trying to achieve a 100% Instagrammable photo. Maybe she's having a bad day because she was not genuinely smiling. Looks like this is a hint to come back to Taiwan again. Who knows?
Jiufen
Like Shifen, I also love the oldie vibe and whimsical feel at Jiufen. The city of Taipei looks futuristic but for an old soul like me, this is the place I would love to spend more time. It reminds me of Baguio because it is mountainous and the temperature is cooler. It's part of the Keelung mountain but you don't have to worry because the steps are cemented all the way to the top. Yes, you'll sweat for sure and your knees will shake but you'll be rewarded with a great scenery up there. Because of its success in the gold mining industry, Jiufen used to be called Asian Golden City. I also read an old signboard that dubbed Jiufen as "Little Hong Kong" and "Little Shanghai" as well.
Aside from countless restaurants, Jiufen is also home to temples and old houses. I wanted to have an Instagrammable photo of walking on the stairs without any people but it seems impossible so I just took a photo of them.
Entrance fee: none
Must see: Everything! Just keep on going up. You won't regret the view and the food.
Tip: The restaurants near the main entrance are expensive so go all the way up for more choices if you're on a budget.
Address: Jishan Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224
Website: none
Jiufen
Like Shifen, I also love the oldie vibe and whimsical feel at Jiufen. The city of Taipei looks futuristic but for an old soul like me, this is the place I would love to spend more time. It reminds me of Baguio because it is mountainous and the temperature is cooler. It's part of the Keelung mountain but you don't have to worry because the steps are cemented all the way to the top. Yes, you'll sweat for sure and your knees will shake but you'll be rewarded with a great scenery up there. Because of its success in the gold mining industry, Jiufen used to be called Asian Golden City. I also read an old signboard that dubbed Jiufen as "Little Hong Kong" and "Little Shanghai" as well.
Aside from countless restaurants, Jiufen is also home to temples and old houses. I wanted to have an Instagrammable photo of walking along the stairs without any people but it seems impossible so I just took a photo of them.
To book Jiufen Tour Packages via KKDay, please click HERE
We went home with a full stomach (taro balls, milk tea and countless Taiwanese food we can't remember eating) and of course tons of photos we can post on our social media accounts for the next 30 days or so. If we did this tour DIY way, we can maybe save a bit of money but the convenience is all that matters to us. We had no time to research what bus to take, the schedule, the price and all that. We want our Taipei day tour easy and smooth. We also met new friends from the bus.
Why choose KKDay when you travel to Taiwan?
KKDay is a Taiwan-based company. This means their tour package prices are really affordable. We did some research/comparison to another leading online travel site, yes it is true.
KKDay tour packages follow the itinerary's schedule strictly. Please be mindful of where the group is while you're visiting a certain spot. If the bus leaves without you, it is too costly to hire a taxi to reach to the next destination. Please be very mindful of time and make sure you have a buddy with you who is time conscious.
To know more about KKDay's tour packages, please check the information below:
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/KKdayPH/
Website: https://kkday.com/en-ph/
Related blog post: Looking for a hotel in Taiwan? Check Liyaou Hotel in Chiayi.
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