Ah, Taiwan. A land of contrasts. A place where you’ll find skyscrapers standing beside centuries-old temples and night markets that give way to misty mountain retreats. There’s really a lot to see. Whether you’re looking for natural landscapes, fast-paced cities, or exploring its culinary scene, there’s something for every kind of traveller. But can you truly experience Taiwan’s magic in just six days? My answer is yes, but only if you plan it right.
With five destinations packed into less than a week, my journey through Taiwan was a speedy yet rewarding adventure. Here’s how I did it.
Day 1
Taoyuan: A dazzling welcome
A flight from Kuala Lumpur takes roughly 4 hours and 45 minutes. We booked ourselves an early flight as we did not want to waste a day just travelling. After seeing to immigration and collecting your baggage, we made sure to also try our hand with the Taiwan Lucky Draw. The draw is a special campaign at the airport where visitors can win exciting prizes, from travel vouchers to local souvenirs—a fun way to kickstart the trip. The lucky draw runs until the end of June 2025.
We then made our way to Taoyuan City, Taiwan’s gateway that often gets overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour cities. However, this hub has its own charms, blending modern conveniences with cultural highlights. We checked into the Sheraton Taoyuan Hotel, a comfortable and Muslim-friendly stay known for its Halal-certified dining options and thoughtful amenities for Muslim travellers.
Having perfectly timed our trip, that evening, we headed out to the Taiwan Lantern Festival, which Taoyuan played host to this year. The festival, which runs for roughly a month throughout the Lunar New Year season, lights up whichever city it is hosted in, with dazzling displays of illuminated installations. The atmosphere, coupled with the excitement of both locals and tourists, made for an unforgettable start to our trip.
Day 2
Taichung & Alishan: From taro pastries to mountain retreats
Leaving Taoyuan behind, we made our way to Taichung, a city known for its food scene and cultural spots. Our first stop was the Ah-Tsung-Shih Taro Culture Museum, where we got hands-on in a pastry-making workshop, crafting delicious taro treats—a staple in Taiwanese desserts.
For lunch, we dined at Little India Muslim Restaurant, a welcoming and homey spot that served hearty Indian cuisine. Energised by our filled bellies, we then continued our journey up to Alishan, where the higher we drove, the crisper the air grew, and the city views transformed into misty mountain landscapes.
Our home for the night was Long Yun Farm, a cosy retreat nestled way up in Alishan. The temperature here is considerably colder than in the cities, so packing layers is a must. After settling in, we enjoyed a comforting dinner at the farm’s in-house restaurant, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
To end the night on a sweet note, we joined a traditional mochi-making workshop, kneading and shaping the chewy, delicious treats.
Day 3
Chiayi: Ancient forests and night market feasts
Checking out from Long Yun Farm (a stay I wished was a little longer in hindsight), we set off for one of Taiwan’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. This ancient forest, with its towering cypress trees and mist-covered trails, felt like stepping into another world. We took a leisurely three-hour (yes, three hours) stroll, breathing in the crisp mountain air and marvelling at the centuries-old trees, some of which have stood for over a thousand years.
When we were finally done with the enchanting forest, we made our way down the mountain to Fenqihu Old Town, a historical village known for its well-preserved Japanese-era buildings and famous railway bento boxes. This nostalgic stop was a great place to grab local snacks, browse quaint shops, and take in the rustic beauty as we sat and people-watched from a roadside cafe before heading into Chiayi City.
In Chiayi, we made a stop at Hinoki Village, a fascinating cultural site built from Japanese cypress wood. Once a dormitory for Japanese forestry workers, the village is now a beautiful open-air museum filled with artisan shops, tea houses, and cultural exhibits. A standout feature was the Wishing Tree, where visitors tied their hopes and dreams onto wooden plaques, adding to the whimsical charm of the place.
Now hungry from a full day of activity, we stopped and indulged at Lin Yuan Tea Fragrance Cuisine Tien Mama, a restaurant known for its tea-infused dishes. After that satisfying meal, we checked into the Lan Kwai Fong Garden Hotel, a chic boutique stay in the heart of Chiayi. The best part? Right outside our doorstep was the Chiayi Night Market, where we ended the day sampling some of Taiwan’s best street food.
Day 4
Chiayi to Taipei: A journey through time and speed
We made sure to allocate a day where we got to explore Taiwan’s culture and history. We kicked off the morning at the Chiayi Art Museum, a beautifully restored space showcasing a mix of contemporary and traditional Taiwanese art. Then, we delved into history at the National Palace Museum (Southern Branch), where we were guided through a fascinating collection of artefacts and exhibits by an English-speaking guide. The museum’s modern design contrasted with the centuries-old treasures housed within, offering a deep dive into Taiwan’s vast and rich heritage.
From history, we leapt into modernity with a ride on the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR). From Chiayi Station, we were whisked to Taipei in just over an hour (a journey that would take nearly three hours by car). If you plan on using Taiwan’s extensive public transport system, it’s worth getting the Taiwan Pass, which provides unlimited travel on the high-speed rail as well as the MRT, making city-hopping seamless and budget-friendly.
Instead of heading straight to our hotel in Taipei, we took a detour to Tamsui Old Town, an atmospheric waterfront district at the northern tip of the city. Between souvenir shopping and indulging in more street food, we explored the Fisherman’s Wharf, where the iconic Lover’s Bridge stretched over the water. Tamsui was a charming stop before diving into Taipei’s urban energy.
Later, we took the MRT back to Taipei City and checked into the ever-busy Illume Hotel, our longest stay on this trip. Centrally located, it served as the perfect base for the remainder of our time in Taiwan. On our first night, we ventured out to explore Taipei’s nightlife, immersing ourselves in the lively bar scene, night markets, and late-night eats.
Day 5
Taipei: Cityscapes, shopping, and street bites
Our final full day in Taiwan was dedicated to exploring Taipei’s cultural and modern highlights. We started the day with a visit to the Taipei Grand Mosque, Taiwan’s largest and most important mosque, which dates back to 1960. A striking symbol of religious harmony, we found it heartwarming that a church stood just a few doors away, a quiet yet powerful reminder of Taiwan’s inclusive spirit.
With a hot coffee in hand, we then strolled through Daan Park, Taipei’s largest urban green space. Spanning 26 hectares, the park is often referred to as the “lungs of Taipei” and is a favourite spot for locals to jog, practice tai chi, or simply relax. The towering trees, lotus ponds, and chirping birds provided a refreshing contrast to the city’s fast pace.
For lunch, we headed to Mouna Restaurant, a well-known Halal eatery in Taipei that offers a mix of Middle Eastern and Taiwanese flavours. Known for its generous portions and aromatic dishes, Mouna is a favourite among both locals and Muslim travellers. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients, with a menu featuring flavorful kebabs, rich curries, and fragrant rice dishes. The cosy ambience and friendly service made it a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy a fulfilling meal.
Next, we headed to the Taipei 101 Observatory, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. From the observation deck, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, stretching all the way to the mountains in the distance. The building’s massive tuned mass damper, designed to stabilise the tower against typhoons and earthquakes, was a fascinating feature.
We then shifted gears to Ximending, Taipei’s vibrant youth district. Packed with trendy shops, street performances, and buzzing energy, Ximending was the perfect place for last-minute shopping. I personally made sure to stock up on face masks and other local beauty and skincare knick-knacks. While exploring, we joined a long queue for one of Taiwan’s most famous exports—bubble tea.
As our trip neared its end, we couldn’t leave Taiwan without trying its famous beef noodles. For our final dinner, we slurped up a steaming bowl of rich, flavourful broth with tender beef—a simple yet iconic dish.
Even after dinner, we weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to Taipei’s shopping scene. We scored some great deals at 22nd Street Bundle Shop, a treasure trove of vintage and second-hand finds, before calling it a night.
Day 6
Farewell, Taiwan
On our last day, we checked out from Illume and made our way back to Taoyuan for a few final stops before heading to the airport.
We stopped at the Shin Shu Boa Wagashi Museum, where we stocked up on some last-minute snacks and traditional sweets to bring home. This museum-cum-store offered a variety of beautifully crafted wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery made mainly from beans, rice, wheat, sugar, agar and fruit), showcasing Taiwan’s love for Japanese-inspired confections.
For our final meal, we dined at Halaho Pickles, a unique restaurant known for its fusion of flavours from various Asian cuisines. We shared a beautifully curated platter that featured dishes inspired by different regional influences, which made the perfect farewell feast for our culinary journey in Taiwan.
With full hearts and stomachs, we made our way to the airport – the end of an incredible six-day adventure.
Taiwan is a destination that offers a little bit of everything: a dash of adventure, a taste of history, and a full serving of scenic beauty. Whether as a first-time traveller or a returning visitor, this 6-day, 5-stop trip proved to me that Taiwan is a country that never stops surprising you.
*All images provided by Maggie De souza & Teresa Rodrigues unless mentioned otherwise.
