This Taiwan trip was pre-covid 19; wanted a trip to Japan, but as luck and my wallet turned out, it proved to be too crazily expensive, and as such, my birthday trip for 2019 became to be that to Formosa. Once again, this trip was with my travel buddy, A.
Just like my previous holiday entries, this Taiwan itinerary will be a daily one as well.
So without any other delay, let's go~
Taiwan didn't appear on my travel radar until recently, partly due to my love affair with the Land of the Rising Sun. But 2019 wasn't a good year for me financially (relatively), and as such, my travel plans got deviated and ended up going to Taiwan instead.
So the night before, we checked in at the Jetstar counter and went to check out the (then) newly opened airport lounge at Jewel, using my Priority Pass membership. Since it allowed me two visits per calendar year, A managed to go in for free too. (Though the thought crossed my mind on asking him to meet me at the departure gate directly. haaaa. i kid.]
The premium lunge at Jewel was pretty comfortable and wasn't too crowded, even though it was the only one that was located in the pre-departure area of the airport.
Buffet line at the platinum lounge. The food selection, whilst not a lot, was pretty good.
Quick selfie before I napped on the sofa. There were nap pods available, but not cheap.
Our flight departed punctually at 1am, and luckily enough, we reached Taoyuan International Airport smoothly without any delay. Despite its reputation as a budget airline, I'd have to say that Jetstar is still the best one among its competitors. The stewardesses' service was friendly and polite, and the leather seats were comfortable to almost nap on. (This is not a #sponsored post ah btw).
Partly because we topped up for the emergency row aisle seat, which was why there was more legroom for both of us - not to mention for me, when I'm 1.7m tall, the legroom can really make or break my flight.
Look at the leg room!
Touchdown at Taipei! 相隔 5 years since i've been there - wonder how much has changed?
Deplaning on the tarmac!
Managed to take a quick nap for a few hours onboard the plane, and by the plane we touched down, it was around 6am, right on schedule. Immigration and customs weren't too crowded at that time of touchdown - it was around 6am, so there was barely a queue. Bought our Easycard (similar to EZ-link) and took the airport rail to Taipei city centre proper!
Do note that there are two lines - the purple express and the blue commuter lines, which will get you to Taipei Main Station in 35 and 50 minutes respectively. Since both costs NT160, the express line would be a better choice, unless your accommodation is within the suburbs. Also, only the trains on the express line has space for you to put your luggages at the side, and provide USB ports for you to charge your mobile devices too! :)
Express line train of the Taoyuan International Airport Line
Since we didn't really manage to have breakfast at the airport, we opted to have a quick one at the Mos burger near our hotel - Landis International.
The Landis Taipei [亞都麗緻大飯店] Review
I'm going to say it outright - this hotel is, by far, the best I've ever stayed in Taiwan. From the moment we entered through its lobby, where there are uniformed bellhops to help us with the luggage, the ever-so-helpful concierge, to the rooms, the evening turn-down service and the special things (more on this later), everything was top-notch.
If I had to pick on one thing, it is its location - located a few minutes walk away from Zhongshan Elementary School 中山國小站 station on the not so popular Zhongshan-Xinlu line, it isn't as convenient/central as compared to like Ximen or Taipei Main Station. Add on the fact that there isn't a straight train from TMS (you have to transfer once at 忠孝新生站), but hey, the rooms and everything else are more than worth it.
Snatched it off the hotel's website. Credits: The Landis Taipei
The lobby is decorated in a French art decor style, with uniformed bellhops, complete with the top hats, which gives off The Great Gatsby feels. Although I got reminded of those magicians and was half expecting them to pull out a rabbit or a dove from their hats sometimes..
Deluxe Room, Landis Taipei
We booked the deluxe room, which was the second lowest category of rooms available at the Landis. Imagine our pleasant surprise when we checked in - there was a separate working/living area, then the bedroom and the bathroom!
Oh my tian! The room is huge!! There was more than enough space to open both our luggage on the floor in the living room section, and like my friend said, "Can even dance zumba in the room comfortably". Yes, it was that spacious. Let these pictures do the talking:
Work desk at the entrance of the room
The living room area of the room
The bed! They had a choice of pillows (Soft/standard/firm), and the mattress was slightly firm, but comfortable enough to provide support for your back.
Bathtub in the bathroom was spacious enough for me to lie down in it fully.
Other side of the bathroom.
The coffee/tea-making area
Since it was afternoon (ard 2pm) when we checked in, we unpacked and took a nap - such red-eye flights really take a toll on our bodies.
Facilities review
Due to its architecture, the Landis Taipei didn't have an on-site swimming pool, which wasn't a very big issue for me whilst travelling. They had an onsite gym on the top floor, and an open rooftop that had not too bad views of the neighbourhood and it's surroundings area.
This is not a trick eye museum. The ceiling was that low.
Panoramic view from the hotel rooftop.
Grabbed lunch at a random eatery after waking up and a shower:
Is it really CP 值?
Ordered the hot plate steak. Verdict: Pretty good for a no-frills standalone shop like it.
Random shopping at the 7-11 opposite our hotel.
Our bellies filled, time to hit the first stop of the day!
Chiang-kai shek Memorial Hall 中正紀念堂
This attraction needs no further introduction; it's probably been blogged to death already. Was there for the changing of the guard ceremony, so imagine my surprise when we reached there and was greeted with the sight of this...
ITS CLOSED?!?!?!! how can the hall be closed?!
Comforted myself with random pics #1.
Comforted myself with random pics #2.
Think it was the day's fatiguedness that hit us hard - we didn't do much after for that evening. Walked around that area for awhile more, before 拜拜-ing at 龙山寺, then dinner at the night market nearby, and back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. :)
Pray for good health, and that everything will be smooth sailing in my trip.
How can you go to Taiwan and not eat 卤肉饭!
Evening turn-down service provided by the hotel nightly.
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