Taiwan Overview and Disclaimer

I write from the heart. My thoughts and feelings may not align with yours, and that's OK on my end. I have attached links to each area showing location, pictures, and reviews (GoogleMaps) to save you time and to let you decide if it's a place you want to check out. You don't just have to take my word for it. You can also use Google. If you are curious about other places I have been to in Taiwan, or are having difficulty, message me and I can help. I will also be linking videos I created about Taiwan. Information was gathered from 2020 to 2022. I have been to far more places than what's on the travel guide. I did not even use Google Maps and pinning until 2020 and I got here 2018. I also purposely did not pin every single location I have found. With that said, hit me up and lets talk about locations.

免責聲明: 以下內容都是我發自內心。我的想法跟感覺也許跟你的不一樣，我完全同意這樣的歧見。我已經將地點，照片及評論(google地圖)等連結附在每個地方。你可以根據你的目的點選，節省你搜尋的時間。如果你對我曾去過的地方有興趣，你不必全盤接收我提供的訊息，可以利用google做更多的搜尋。如果你遇到任何困難，歡迎與我聯絡。上面也有一些影片連結，是我個人關於台灣的創作。資訊的蒐集從2020到2022年。

I spent 4 years in Taiwan. In that amount of time I managed to visit many places and have been to pretty much every area. I even swam to Turtle Island (not Yilan Turtle Island, but Matsu Turtle Island.) I will break various spots and share some information about them. There will be facts laced with opinions and my personal experiences.

我在台灣生活了四年。在這段期間，我努力地造訪了許多地方。我甚至游泳到龜島(不是宜蘭那個，是馬祖芹壁海邊的)。我會介紹許多秘境，並且提供相關訊息。提供一些事實並搭配我個人的想法及經驗

Taiwan Overview:

Taiwan not to be confused with Thailand, is an island country located in East Asia. China is to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and Philippines to the south. Taiwan consists of 168 islands. It's combined size is 36,193 square kilometers. Taiwan's general climate is marine tropical. The north and central areas are subtropical, the south is tropical, and the mountains temperate. It can rain heavy during the summer months (June to September.) Typhoons can also happen during this time. It is also very hot and humid at this time. During the winter (November to March) the northeast has rain while the central and southern parts are normally sunny. The winter months the weather is perfect for someone from the Bay Area.

不要把台灣跟泰國搞混，它是座落於東亞的海島國家。中國在它的西北方，日本在東北方，而菲律賓在他的南方。台灣共有168座島嶼。合計面積共36193平方公里。台灣主要氣候為海島型熱帶，北方及中部為亞熱帶，而南方為熱帶,山區偏向溫帶。夏季（6-9月）會有大量降雨。有時有颱風，夏季潮濕炎熱。冬季（11-3月），東北部會降雨，中南部則大致晴朗。對來自Bay Area的人來說，冬天是最完美的季節。

Baseball is popular as is basketball. Taiwan has also legalized same sex marriages. I can't speak deep on the LGBTQ+ community, but they seem to be welcome here from conversations I have had with people from that community. The language is mainly Mandarin but many people also speak Taiwanese.

棒球跟籃球一樣受歡迎。台灣也合法化同性婚姻。我不能代表LGBTQ發言，但從我跟他們對話當中可了解他們在這裡是被接受的。主要使用的語言為中文，有些人說台語。

Here are some festivals you can join while in Taiwan: 以下是台灣的各種節慶

1. Chinese New Year 中國新年

2. Dragon Boat Festival 端午節

3. Ghost Month 鬼月

4. Mid-Autumn Festival 中元節

5. Zhongyuan Festival 觀音誕辰

6. Guanin’s Birthday 觀音誕辰

7. Yimin Festival 義民節

8. Mazu Birthday And Pilgrimage 祖誕辰及遶境

Visiting Taiwan:

I think everyone should visit every country. Taiwan is no different. Stepping out of one's comfort zone and immersing themselves into a different culture is what we as humans should be doing if we have the means. Getting to know people from different backgrounds brings people together. Taiwan has a lot to offer the visitor. If you are visiting, you can disregard living in Taiwan. Chances are you will have an awesome experience!

造訪台灣：我認為每個人都應該去每個國家玩一躺。也應該來台灣。跨出舒適圈然後融入不同文化是身為人類應該去做的。透過了解來自不同背景的人，把人們兜在一起。台灣有許多東西可以提供給到訪者。如果你正在台灣，你可以跳過「住在台灣」章節。相信我你會有超棒的體驗。

Living in Taiwan:

I’ll be honest, I did not enjoy living in Taiwan. It got played out real quick. It wasn't that I hated it, but it was just kinda "Meh." You need specific reasons to want to live here in my opinion. Maybe you’re married to a Taiwanese person, you want to master Mandarin or the Taiwanese language and/or want to learn its history and culture. I also think Taiwan is good for families. It’s very safe and convenient and could be a great place to raise your children. Finally, Taiwan is a country on training wheels or like DisneyLand. If you are uncomfortable about traveling, Taiwan is a great place to visit or even live for a time. It's a very safe place.

住在台灣:事實上，我並不喜歡住在台灣。很快就膩了， 在我看來，你必需有特殊理由才會想住在這裡。也許你跟台灣人結婚，或是想要學習中文或台語，亦或是想要學習台灣的歷史文化。我覺得台灣是個非常適合家庭生活的地方。非常安全及便利，是養育孩子的好環境。台灣像是迪士尼樂園，如果你對旅行感到不安心，台灣是個很棒的地方旅行或住一段時間。就是他非常安全。

Pros:

• People are polite and helpful. In my experience, Taiwanese people follow rules for the most part. They will apologize if they feel they did something wrong. They are orderly when waiting in lines and they don’t rush things, like when you’re at the MRT (Subway). I have dietary issues and I can’t eat gluten. When I share my gluten free card, they will do their best to help me find foods I can eat. One example is going to 7-11. A clerk will literally stop what they're doing even if there is a line of people to spend minutes helping me find food I can eat. I REALLY appreciate that. They will also work with me when I bring gluten free food, like bread and explain that I need my bread instead of theirs in my meal. If you need help, and you can communicate with them, they will most likely try to help you. Disregard this when dealing with Taiwanese drivers. It's Dr. Jeckell and Mr. Hyde, good and evil, yin and yang, or whatever opposites you want to use.

• 就我的經驗，台灣人有禮貌且願意幫忙外國人。大多數的台灣人遵守法規。如果它們覺得做了甚麼不對的事，他們會向你道歉。他們通常會很有秩序地排隊，不推擠，例如在搭乘捷運時。我有飲食限制必須是無麩質飲食。當我給店員看我的無麩質飲食卡片時，它們會努力地達到我的需求。例如我去7-11買東西，即使有人在排隊，店員也會停下手邊工作幫我找出我可以吃的食物。我真的相當感激。同樣的，當我自備無麩質麵包，想要用它取代一般我無法吃的麵包，他們也都願意幫忙。如果你開口請求協助，他們通常會試著幫助你。但是對上台灣駕駛就是完全不同的故事了。這兩者的差異就像Dr. Jeckell and Mr. Hyde，好與邪惡，陰與陽，或是任何你想的到的相反譬喻。

• Convenience- It’s convenient here. Food Panda and Uber Eats for food deliveries. You can call an Uber to get rides to places. 7-11 or Family Marts are super common everywhere and you can pay your fines and bills at these locations, as well as withdraw money.

• 便利性:台灣是個便利的地方。外送平台有兩種，FoodPanda 及 Ubereats. 同時也有Uber帶你到任何想去的地方。幾乎各地都有便利商店，超級普遍，有7-11及全家，你可以付你的帳單或罰單，也有ATM可以提款。

• If you have no dietary restrictions, there's lots of food. Outside stands and night markets, restaurants, and prices can be very cheap.

• 如果你沒有任何飲食限制，台灣有各式各樣的食物，你可以找到路邊攤，夜市，餐廳。而且價錢都非常便宜。

• Infrastructure is great. It is really easy to drive here. Most roads are in good shape, unless you travel like me, where you will basically drive anywhere. Then you are in for some fun and some scary situations.

• 基礎建設非常棒。開車是非常容易的。大部分的道路都狀況良好，除非你像我一樣開車到處旅行，那你就會遇到一些有趣但恐怖的狀況。

• You can rent bicycles called Ubikes. I never did this, but it's a plus.

• 你可以使用公共腳踏車，他們稱為Ubike。我沒有用過，但是個選項。

• It’s a small country. I have road tripped around the entire country 8 times.

• 台灣是個小國家，我已經環島了八次。

• The weather is great. It never gets too cold unless you’re in the mountains. For about 6 months (November to April) you have great weather. Summers can be hot, but many places in Asia are.

• 天氣也是相當好。從來不會太冷，除非你到山上去。有六個月(11月到4月)的時間是非常宜人的。夏天當然很熱，這是大多數亞洲國家的特色。

• It’s good for outdoor activities, like hiking, rock climbing, scuba diving, cycling, running, and more. During winter I could drive to the mountains, see some snow and hang out, then the next day drive to the coast and scuba dive.

• 非常適合戶外活動，例如健行，攀岩，潛水，騎腳踏車，跑步等。在冬天，你可以開車上山賞雪，然後隔天下山到海邊潛水。

• Taiwan is super safe. I have left my keys in my keyhole overnight several times and never got robbed. (I do live in an apartment and it would be hard to get in though.) I have left my windows down at parking lots with things in my car and never gotten anything stolen. I’ve left camera gear and other items unattended and nothing has ever happened. (That doesn’t mean it can’t happen.) I’ve forgotten things and people have chased me down to return them. I recommend Taiwan for anyone, even women traveling alone.

• 台灣超級安全的。好幾次我把鑰匙留在鑰匙孔上，但從未被搶(但我的確是住在一個不容易讓外人進入的大樓)。有時在停車場忘記關車窗，也從來沒有被偷。有一次我攝影器材留在車內，也是沒有事情發生(但並不表示他不會發生)。有時忘了某些東西，人們會追上來歸還。所以我會向所有人推薦台灣，甚至是獨自旅行的女性。

• It’s a modern country and with that all the modern necessities you need.

• 台灣是一個現代化的國家。所以可以獲得任何現代化的必需品。

• Taiwan is pretty clean.

• 台灣滿乾淨的

• Taiwan has amazing parks everywhere! At first I thought it was Taichung, but every city, town, or village has really nice clean parks.

• 幾乎到處都有厲害的公園。一開始我以為是台中專屬的，但後來我發現每個城市，鄉鎮，村莊都有乾淨的公園。

• It’s not super expensive to live here or visit.

• 居住與拜訪台灣並不會花太多錢。

• It’s easy to get around. There is the High Speed Rail (HSR), buses, and trains to travel across counties.

• 交通也非常便利。有高鐵，巴士，火車讓你四處旅行。

Cons:

• It’s too small. I arrived 1.5 years before Covid happened. It’s super easy to go everywhere and it loses its magic and things just get played out.

• 台灣太小了。我住了一年半後，新冠肺炎就大流行。到哪裡都很容易，所以很快就看膩了。

• I know I am going to get hated for this, but I didn’t find the Taiwanese people friendly. On a surface level they can be polite, kind, well mannered, and helpful but I found the majority of the Taiwanese that I encountered when I tried to get more personal and develop a friendship or more as flaky and fake. Most people I encountered were very shallow here. I wasn’t one of those Westerners that people smiled, waved too, and engaged. Most of the time I was ignored if I tried to be friendly. (Locations play a role here. The islands' people are more friendly as in certain areas in the south and east coast.) In the 4 years I lived here I had very few friends, which is why I have traveled to so many places. I had no social network here. I also want to add, I’m sure there are some real dope people here, I just didn’t meet many. To be honest, I would say that in the 4 years I was here there might have been 3 solid Taiwanese people I met. Even still, it was very rare to get invited over to someone's house and if I did, they lived alone. No one invited me to family gatherings, and rarely did anyone share their culture with me. I usually had to research it myself, if it interested me.

• 我知道我說出來會被討厭，但我真的不覺得台灣人很友善。表面上，他們很有禮貌，友善，彬彬有禮，樂於助人，但我發現我遇到的台灣人，一旦我想要與他們進一步發展友誼，他們就變得怪裡怪氣跟虛假。我遇到的人都很表面。人們會對外國人笑，揮手，而我不是 那種會被這樣對待的外國人。每次我想要表現友好，我都會被略過。(各地方有差異，小島，南部跟東部的人比本島人友善)。我住了四年，並沒有太多朋友。這也是我去不同地方旅行的原因。基本上我沒有社交圈。但我必須說，的確是有一些真誠的人，只是我沒有遇到太多。誠實的說，四年之中，我只遇到三個可靠的台灣人。即使如此，還是很少被邀請到某人的家裡。如果被邀請，他們通常單獨住。沒有人邀請我到家族聚會，也很少人會分享他們的文化。如果我對什麼有興趣，我通常是自己研究。

• I didn’t meet too many people who spoke English. I had a desire to learn Mandarin upon first arriving here, but the above con made me uninterested in learning. Google translate doesn’t always help, but is useful for sure.

• 我沒有遇到太多說英文的人。一開始來的時候，我是想要學中文的，但上面提到的那些事情，讓我變得不想學中文。Google翻譯有時沒用，但大多時候是有用的。

• The driving is horrible. I have never lived in a place where I saw so many traffic accidents. I could see up to 5 a day. The people here can drive, the issue is it's an “all about me” mentality. People here don’t care what they do to you on the road. If it saves time drivers will do it; speeding, going through red lights, double parking, parking in two spots, cutting you off, hitting you, are but some of what can be experienced. Even with that, Taiwan is one of the few countries I'd willingly drive in.

• 交通情況非常恐怖。從來沒有住過一個地方有這麼多車禍的。每天至少看到五個。台灣人會開車。但主要是" 只考慮我自己"的想法。台灣人不會管他們在路上對你做了甚麼。如果可以節省時間，駕駛就會去做，舉凡，超速，闖紅燈，並排停車，停兩個車位，超車，撞你。即便如此，台灣還是少數我願意開車的地方。

• Living in a country is different from visiting a country. While I do like to immerse myself into another culture, I also like to fall back onto what I know and what is comfortable. There just wasn’t any diversity. I never felt accepted here by anyone. There wasn’t anything here for me that fed my personal interests. When I tried to join groups and try new things, I was welcomed on a surface level, but I just didn’t feel included in anything. For example, joining a dance class, I was welcomed to the class and anything related to the class, but when they went out to eat or do something that wasn’t dance related, they never invited me or wanted to include me in anything. I just never felt accepted here in general.

• 定居跟旅遊不同。我喜歡融入在不同文化中，同時我也需要仰賴我已知的及我覺得舒服的部分。這裡並沒有太大的多元化。我從未感覺被接納。這裡的一切也不符合我個人興趣。當我嘗試加入團體或新東西，一開始我是受歡迎的，但我就是不覺得我被接受為一份子。例如，參加舞蹈課，我是受到歡迎的，但當他們約出去吃飯或做什麼事，他們從來不會邀我，這就是我從未感覺被接納的原因。

• Nightlife is horrible. When I say this, I mean all of Taiwan. Unless you’re trying to pick up girls or guys, it's hella lame. Not much diversity in music. Taiwan is not a party or dance culture so it just lacks what I’m used to.

• 夜生活很糟糕，我是指全台灣。除非你要找女伴或男伴，否則超級糟。音樂不多元化。台灣不是派對或舞蹈文化，所以某些我以前會做的事，在這裡找不到。

• When dealing with Taiwanse for banking or basically anything in the workplace, there is a lack of thinking outside the box. For example, the person helping you will only help you with what they do. If you ask something that isn’t part of what they do, they will not help you. This may not be the best way to explain it, but getting things done can be a hassle. I loathed going to the bank or dealing with apartments, insurance, etc. Just be prepared and don’t stress too much.

• 提到銀行事務及工作場所與台灣人交手的部分，他們大多很難跳脫框架。例如，請別人幫忙時，他只能幫你屬於他工作範圍內的事情，以外的事，他們不會幫忙你。也許這個例子不太能解釋什麼。總而言之，把事情辦好很令人頭疼。所以我痛恨去銀行，處理房子的事情，保險。反正就準備好，不要壓力太大。

• As with all countries there is discrimination. There are venues and places that won’t let you enter because you are not Taiwanese. During Covid, Taiwanese did look at us like we were the carriers of the virus and would avoid us and not let us in certain establishments, but would let Taiwanese in. I didn’t feel much discrimination but I did feel some. Still far less in my home country, personally. I also knew quite a few Pinoy/ays, Vietnamese, and Indonesians who would tell me their stories about how they were treated here.

• 所有國家都存在歧視的問題。有一些場合，如果你不是台灣人，你是不能進去的。尤其在新冠肺炎期間，台灣人把外國人看成帶病毒進來的人。所以他們不讓你進去某些地方，但台灣人可以進去。我並沒有感覺到太多歧視，但我確實覺得有一些。但這些歧視遠比我家鄉少得多。我聽說有些故事關於菲律賓，越南，印尼是如何被對待的。

TIPS:

• If you’re buying a car or motorbike there are two types of insurance. One is mandatory. It's cheap. The other is optional but it's the one that protects you and others from accidents. Make sure you get this one as well.

• 如果你買車或摩托車，有兩種保險，一種是必要的，比較便宜。另一種是看你的需求再保，但這種保險會在發生車禍時保障你跟對方。務必確認你也保了這一種。

• If you are gluten free, make sure you google “Mandarin gluten free card.” Screenshot it and use it to help you get food, unless you speak the language.

• 如果你是無麩質飲食，你可以搜尋"中文版無麩質飲食卡" 截圖，可以幫助你取得食物。但如果你說可以中文就用不到了。

• Make sure you have Google Translate. There are many signs in Chinese. I have been to places that had signs that I ignored and those signs strictly forbid you from entering these places. I was lucky to have never suffered any consequences.

• 最好要有 google翻譯。很多標示都是中文。我曾經去過某些地方，標示上說這裡禁止進入 ，但我沒有注意看。幸運的是我並沒有因為疏忽而導致不好的結果。

• Streets that have rectangles are parkable spots that cost money if you are there for a while. Red lines are illegal. Yellow is short term. If there is a single white line parallel to the sidewalk then you can park freely without paying or a fine.

• 有三角形標誌的是可以停車的，但需付費。紅線禁止停車。黃線可以暫停。白線可以免費停車。

• If all else fails, play the dumb Westerner. Oftentimes you will be let off the hook just because you didn’t know and you can’t communicate so they won’t want to deal with you. I did this often.

• 如果真的行不通，就當個愚蠢外國人。通常他們就不會找你麻煩，因為你不了解，而且無法用中文溝通。我常常這樣做。

• If you can travel on weekdays you will thank me for this idea. Everyone goes out on weekends and when there's a 3 day weekend or some holiday you can forget about having a peaceful vacation. Prices soar, it's ultra crowded, and parking is horrible. I stay home or go to remote places.

• 如果你能在星期一到五旅行，你會感謝我提供這個點子。每個人都在周末時出門，特別是連假，別想要有清靜的假期。價格會提高，特別擁擠，沒地方停車。我都待在家或是去偏僻的地方。

• Places tend to close early, like restaurants. 7,8, 9 pm.

• 通常都很早打烊，像餐廳只營業到7,8或9點。

• Lots of places, like restaurants, close during the day. They may open from 11 to 2 and reopen from 5 to 8. Be warned.

• 很多地方，像餐廳，白天會休息。可能會營業11點到2點，然後5點到8點。要注意。

I found city life in Taiwan lame as hell. It was funny, because most people thought I was an outdoorsy, hiker guy. NO! I am a city boy from Frisco. Love that city life, but I just couldn’t get down with city life in Taiwan. I found it way too boring. Granted, cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung were modern and nice, Taichung felt like a town of 100,000 people despite its size and downtown. I just couldn’t wrap my head around a modern and developed country having cities that didn’t feel very international or just raw with lots of options. I became an outdoorsy hiker guy because I found nightlife and city life way below my standards for developed modern cities. With that said, my list caters to more outdoorsy types of locations, but I do have some city stuff as well. I tried to keep in mind that not everyone is a single male who likes getting lost and has a bunch of free time to dedicate to exploration. There are things in cities, for families, for people who don’t want to walk much, but most are catered to those who do want to explore a bit.

我發覺台灣的都市生活爛到爆，大部分的人覺得我是戶外咖。錯了! 我是舊金山的都市小孩。我愛都市生活，但我沒辦法喜歡台灣的都市生活，太無聊了。像台北，台中，高雄這種大城市的確是很先進。台中大概像是十萬人的小鎮，不算它的大小跟市中心。我實在搞不懂一個現代化先進的國家竟然感受不到國際化，各方面都很原始。我後來變成戶外咖的原因就是夜生活跟都市生活遠低於一個開發國家的標準。所以，我的清單是比較偏向戶外行程的，但也有些是跟城市有關。我試著提醒自己不是每個人都是單身男子喜歡迷路然後有一大堆自由時間可以探索。有一些城市相關的是適合家庭，或是不喜歡走太多路的人。但大部分都是推薦給那些喜歡探索的人。

I did not put down many national parks. I have been to most of them. Yes, go to them. They are all good!

我並沒有放太多國家公園，但我去過了很多。就去吧!他們都很棒。。

I think the information here is useful for Taiwawnese, foreign residents, and visitors alike. However, if you are not mobile many locations are hard to reach. If you are traveling by train, HSR, bus, or foot, this makes many of these locations close to impossible. If you have a car you are golden. If you have a motorbike, you are platinum, as many pathways don’t cater well to cars and I had to take many losses exploring only to find I could go no further. If you don’t have a car or motorbike, my best advice is to take a train and to rent a bike or car in different areas to explore. Bring a friend, cut costs!

我認為這些資訊對台灣人，定居在這裡的外國人，或遊客是很有用的。但是如果你沒有交通工具，大部分的地方都不容易到達。如果你是靠火車，高鐵，巴士，或是走路，有些地方你根本到不了。如果你有汽車，完全沒問題。如果你有摩托車，那就更棒了，有些道路對汽車不友善，所以我失去了很多可以探索的更多的機會。如果你沒有任何交通工具，我的建議是搭火車，然後到當地租車。帶個朋友，分擔費用。

Many places I mentioned have really cool places nearby. The reason why I don’t mention every single spot I go to is because I am big on exploration and wandering around. I want to give you tastes of locations and to explore the general areas to find your own cuts. It's not always about the destination but the journey as well. I don’t have an issue sharing more information. If you are curious about an area and want more, send me a message and if I can help, I can add a few more spots to your itinerary. I also want to keep some secrets. I don’t want to blow up some spots I found and ruin it for others. I have been to places that are now off limits in the 4 years I’ve been here. Hit me up on a personal level and let's talk.

很多我提到的地方，附近也都值得一去。我沒有把每個點都列出的原因是，我很喜歡探索跟閒逛。我想要讓你先體會這個地方的美妙，然後能夠自己找到屬於你自己的秘境。目的地不是重點，過程才是。我並不是不想公開分享我的資訊。如果你對某個地方有興趣，並且想了解的更多。你可以聯絡我，如果是我幫得上忙的，我會幫你的行程加上更多的地點。我同時也想要保有一些秘密。我不想讓你覺得是誇大，搞砸了其他人的期待。這四年內我去過的地方，有些已經關閉。歡迎聯絡我聊一聊。

ONE IMPORTANT FINAL NOTE-

Some of these places Google Maps have given me faulty directions. I’m not crazy like a rock climber, or hand glider, cliff jumper type adventurer, but I will pretty much go anywhere. I have had Google Maps give me directions that have put me in some very dangerous situations. Situations where I thought I’d die like going down narrow roads that lead nowhere and having to go in reverse for a few hours on wet roads, at night, in the jungle, where if I make a mistake my car will fall off the cliff. Be VERY CAREFUL and if you travel like me, bring a friend. Most of my missions were solo. Some of my locations may direct you to some faulty places. If you are in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, look for the nearest place to U turn and leave, get a motorbike, or hike it. I have been in about 10 of these situations. Some were not so bad and some were hellish. Oh, and look at reviews. That helps sometimes. People who have been in the same situation may write a review and say the road takes you up the mountains with a dead end, or message me and double check. Entering a destination from your current location can also change the road. Be very mindful of this and BE CAREFUL!

重要的最後提示: 有些地方，Google地圖給的是錯誤的導航。我不是瘋狂的攀岩，滑翔翼，或跳水玩家那類型的冒險者，但我大致上去遍了各個地方。我曾經聽信google 地圖的導航，最後讓我身處險境，例如走一條不知通往何處的窄路，或是倒退走在潮濕的路上好幾小時，在夜裡，在叢林裡，如果不小心犯錯，車子就會立刻衝下懸崖。

Now let's break Taiwan down, starting with where I lived first and going south! Please head over to the Travel Guide on the upper left and click!