Lessons from Taiwan, a first-timer’s travel story — how Taoyuan stole my heart (Part 1 of 2)

I had watched all the vlogs, bookmarked every travel guide and memorized every “must-know” tip before takeoff. Yet, nothing prepared me for the reality of standing alone in a foreign airport, waiting at the wrong baggage carousel — while my suitcase, unbeknownst to me, was patiently circling on Number 2 as I stood at Number 3.

VoxPop Cebu received an invitation from the Taiwan Tourism Administration (Bangkok Office). Taiwan was my first trip abroad, and wow, did it set the bar high. Just as the aforementioned saying goes, I lost myself — not just in the excitement of new surroundings but also in the joy of knowing I had made it here on my own.

This trip moves the spotlight away from the traveler-magnet metropolis of Taipei and toward Taoyuan City — where the countryside, mountains and coastline reveal Taiwan’s quieter charms, age-old traditions, and untouched landscapes in a way that feels both timeless and unhurried.

If you’ve been to Taoyuan before, here’s what you might have missed. If it’s your first time, consider this your must-visit list:

Baishajia Lighthouse

Location: Guanyin District, Taoyuan City

The official itinerary kicked off with a visit to the prominent Zhongzhen New Village Cultural Park. However, since my flight arrived later, I caught up with the rest of the media delegation later that day for early dinner. The following day. Baishajia Lighthouse became my first real stop in Taiwan — and what a way to start.

Listed among Taiwan’s 100 Historical Buildings, this lighthouse has seen its share of history. It once stood 37 meters tall before being damaged during the Japanese colonial period. When it was rebuilt, it was shortened to 27.7 meters, but despite that, it remains one of the best-preserved lighthouses from that era.

To get to the lighthouse, we crossed a small red bridge. The place was so tranquil that it felt like we had it to ourselves. No crowds, no noise, just the sea breeze and the white tower standing against the sky. 

I took my time snapping photos, and when I sent them to my family, they thought I was in Japan. Makes sense, considering the Japanese built the lighthouse in 1901. Taiwan was Japan's first overseas colony and was under Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945.

Zhuwei Fishing Harbor

Address: Dayuan District, Taoyuan City

Heading to the northern part of Taoyuan, we found ourselves crossing yet another bridge, this time, the Rainbow Bridge. From here, we watched fishermen at work and airplanes soaring overhead which was a quiet contrast between land and sky. The chilly breeze made for effortless wind-swept photos. 

After a few minutes, our lovely tour guide Ivy Chen led us to Zhuwei Fishing Harbor, a wet market that could easily be a benchmark for freshness and quality. On the first floor, seafood was everywhere — fresh, affordable, brought straight from the port. I couldn’t help but gawk at the giant prawns, some of which, surprisingly, had come all the way from the Philippines! The vendors were incredibly friendly, offering free samples. One that stood out for me was the salmon floss. I loved it so much that I bought a pack of it for the seafood lovers back home.

But if you really want to see Taiwanese seafood culture in action, head upstairs. The upper floor is lined with small eateries with its own take on seafood specialties. For me and my companions (media from Manila), the “afternoon fish” was the star of the meal. Simple, flavorful and cooked just right, it was the kind of dish that proves you don’t need anything fancy when the seafood is this fresh.

Xpark

Address: Landmark Plaza, Taoyuan City

Xpark was where I saw penguins for the first time, and it wasn’t just any aquarium visit. This marine biodiversity center is built for both education and experience, with interactive zones like an AR area where digital elements appear as you explore.

The space spans three floors, and while it’s family-friendly, it doesn’t feel like a place just for children. One of the most interesting sections was “Healing Jellyfish,” a dark room where jellyfish of different sizes and colors float in tall, illuminated tanks. There’s something oddly calming about watching them drift.

Gloria Outlets

Address: Zhongli District, Taoyuan City

Gloria Outlets is the place international tourists can’t stop talking about, and I can see why. This mall is packed with luxury brands, and if luck is on your side, you’ll find deals that make shopping back home feel like a splurge.

I scoured the shoe stores, but luck wasn’t on my side (wrong size, wrong price — tragic). But leaving empty-handed was not an option. So my dog back home got a treat from MurMurTalk because at least someone should walk away with something.

After shopping, we dined at Roots Cafe, indulging in a generous serving of crispy chicken and fries, a decision I have no regrets about. But the real highlight was my first-ever boba tea in the land of bobas. Taiwan is the ultimate destination for tea lovers, and my drink from Bella’s Handmade Egg Waffles proved exactly why.

Taiwan Lantern Festival
Address: near the Taiwan High-Speed Rail Taoyuan Station

The 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan was pure magic like people promised it to be. While Pingxi Districit hosts the famous mass lantern release that everyone is talking about on the internet, Taoyuan is the host for the national event with performances, AI-powered displays and a soundtrack by Zhang Jingshan recorded by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra. Despite the rain, the glowing lanterns made everything feel dreamlike and romantic, a perfect experience for tourists who are couples and families.

This year’s 18-meter-tall main lantern, Infinite Paradise, designed by Akibo Lee, came to life with shifting visuals that reflected Taiwan’s rich identity. We also watched as President Lai Ching-te lit up the grand display, then took a symbolic home run swing, marking the 36th anniversary of Taiwan’s professional baseball league and the national team’s 2024 Premier12 victory, a true moment of national pride.

Walking under the lantern-lit sky, making a wish and soaking in the breathtaking sights made this festival an unforgettable way to celebrate the end of Lunar New Year and the love-filled month of February.

Xiaowulai Skywalk
Address: Fuxing District, Taoyuan City

Thank God I brought a good pair of sneakers because the walk to Xiaowulai Skywalk was part of the surprise! There were plenty of Instagrammable spots, and for the first time, I saw a cherry blossom tree up close. It was cherry blossom season in Taiwan, but not all trees were in full bloom in that area. I guess, I would have to come back next year to see them in their full glory. Still, spotting that one tree in bloom felt like a little gift before heading home.

The 360-degree panoramic view of Taoyuan’s scenic valley and waterfalls made the experience even more romantic, especially with the light drizzle as we walked. We moved slowly to avoid slipping and wore yellow raincoats. We moved carefully, learning how phytoncides from trees may boost immunity and ease stress, while negative ions in the mist could enhance mood, breathing and sleep. The 70 meter long rope bridge, in particular, was a refreshing dose of nature’s therapy. The silence, the sound of rushing water and the soft hum of birds all around were everything I needed to lift my spirit.

Unfortunately, the sky rope bridge was closed due to the rain, so we could only take photos from outside. Still, just being there and taking in the view was a highlight of my Taiwan trip.

Taiwan kept surprising me with firsts. Get ready to see a pack of alpacas here at Tomita Garden Farm. The alpacas were fluffier than I ever imagined. I felt like I had wandered into a storybook feeding ducks and farm animals like a Disney character lost in the countryside.

The place exudes a romantic European countryside charm, with its architecture and sprawling 17-hectare landscape bursting with flowers. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, interacting with grass-munching horses, goats and adorable musk piglets.