Some of the best adventures aren’t planned—they’re found in the in-between moments when the schedule loosens, the weather turns cool, and your heart says, “Let’s go somewhere.” This North Coast Taiwan itinerary was exactly that: an unplanned detour before flying back to the Philippines, after a meaningful and fulfilling time at WordCamp Asia 2024. Taipei had already gifted us its best bites and beloved landmarks, and now we were craving something quieter, something with wide-open skies and the sound of waves. Trading Taipei’s buzz for salty air and ocean views felt like the perfect way to end our trip.
OUR NORTH COAST TAIWAN ITINERARY
6:00 AM – Familiar Breakfast, Fresh Combinations
Our day began in the cozy, minimalist breakfast nook of Star Hostel, our home for the past five days. You’d think we’d be tired of the breakfast menu by now—but no. We reinvented it, mixing and matching items in ways we hadn’t tried before. There’s something comforting about that kind of routine—predictable yet surprising.
By 7:00 AM, we were already walking through Taipei’s quiet morning streets, heading to the MTR station for our meetup point.
7:00 AM – Reunion at Taipei Main Station
Outside Taipei Main Station, we met up with Jhim and John and walked toward our ride for the day—a rented car with a young, smiling driver who immediately felt like part of the crew. He was Filipino but raised in Taiwan—a perfect bridge between cultures. He could speak both Tagalog and Mandarin, a skill that would prove invaluable when it came time to haggle, order food, or ask for directions.
The car ride to our first stop took about an hour—a welcome chance for small talk, quiet stares out the window, or stolen moments of sleep.
8:30 AM – Souvenirs and Nostalgia in Yehliu
Our first destination was Yehliu Geopark, but before we even touched the trails, we found ourselves pulled into the nearby souvenir shops. Something about the rows of trinkets and snacks always feels like a time machine.
I picked up several bags of nougat candies—sweet, chewy, and strangely nostalgic, like the childhood snack I didn’t know I missed. I also grabbed a few luggage keychains featuring characters from Kimetsu no Yaiba and a handful of ref magnets for family and friends back home. The T-shirts didn’t speak to me, and I wasn’t in the mood to buy just for the sake of buying. Instead, I ended the mini shopping spree with a hot cup of ginger tea, spicy and soothing in the morning chill.
9:00 AM – Winds, Rock Formations, and a View Worth the Walk
Tickets in hand, we followed our guide into Yehliu Geopark. The sky hung heavy with gray clouds, the kind that threatened rain but held back just enough. A tree-lined path led us into the park—a long, slow incline that felt more draining than it looked. I’ve never liked paved paths that pretend to be gentle, especially when my heart prefers forest trails and uneven ground.
But all the effort faded when we reached the clearing.
There, nature stood in quiet defiance—honey-gold rock formations carved by wind and sea over centuries, framed by the moody, infinite ocean. The wind whipped at us relentlessly, and the drizzle turned sharp, stinging the corners of my eyes. Still, we pressed forward with the other tourists, chasing moments of awe.
We skipped the long queues for posed photos next to the famous formations like the Queen’s Head, choosing instead to admire them from a respectful distance. From afar, they felt more sacred—less props for selfies, and more like ancient sculptures nature left behind as poetry.
10:30 AM – Jiufen’s Timeless Charm: Lanterns, Stairs, and Street Food
After wrapping up our time in Yehliu Geopark, we set off for our next destination: Jiufen Old Village, a place I had been eagerly anticipating ever since I first watched Spirited Away. As a Ghibli fan, I couldn’t help but imagine how this little mountain town had inspired the world of Chihiro and Haku. But before we could get lost in the village’s enchanting charm, there was the matter of the road to navigate.
The journey itself felt like a test of patience. The winding, narrow roads up the mountain were steep and treacherous, but the view that awaited us was well worth the careful ride. The kind of winding path you take with a mix of excitement and caution.
By the time we arrived, the village greeted us with its iconic red lanterns, hanging like whispers against the mist. They looked almost too perfect, as if they had been lifted from the frames of an anime. But what I wasn’t prepared for was the climb—a steep set of stairs leading up through the village. It wasn’t the kind of stroll I imagined, but rather a test of my knees and endurance. Still, there was something deeply satisfying about it. Each step felt like a small victory.
The narrow streets were a delightful mix of old-world charm and vibrant energy. Shops brimming with trinkets, handmade crafts, and street food stalls lined the walkways, their scents teasing the air. As I wandered through, I allowed myself the luxury of tasting everything that was offered—free samples of this and that—as I made my way through. The bustling shops, filled with enthusiastic customers, were a reflection of a town that thrived in its timeless appeal. And while I told myself I’d pick something up on the way back, the stroll itself was its own kind of pleasure.
11:45 AM – A Meal with a View: Xiao Long Bao and Old Town Delights
By the time we’d made our way to the restaurant district, it was nearing lunchtime. I could feel the hunger creeping in, but also a sense of contentment—there’s something about old towns that just makes me feel at home, as if time slows down and everything feels possible. We found a small, cozy eatery nestled at the corner, away from the crowds. Our guide assured us that this humble joint was one of the best on the mountain.
The meal was simple but perfect—xiao long bao and other Taiwanese staples, like Zheng pork, shared between us. The rich, savory flavors of the dumplings and tender pork gave us the energy to continue our journey, and the warmth of the food felt like a comforting embrace on a chilly afternoon.
1:00 PM – Juifen’s Scenic Summit and the Bathhouse
After lunch, we made our way up to the summit of Jiufen Old Village. From there, the north coastline unfolded beneath us—a sweeping view of the ocean meeting the misty horizon. We made a brief stop at the bathhouse, one of Jiufen’s signature attractions. The crowds were thick, so we didn’t linger long, just snapped a few quick photos and videos before continuing on.
It was fascinating how much the architecture mirrored the scenes from Spirited Away. The blending of Japanese and Taiwanese design stood tall and commanding, a visual feast that was both foreign and familiar. I could almost feel the magic that must have inspired Hayao Miyazaki.
1:30 PM – The Golden Falls and a Peaceful Exit
As much as I wished I could linger in Jiufen, the growing crowds began to weigh on me. It was time to move on, and so we boarded our ride and made our way down the mountain, headed for the Golden Falls.
Even though the skies had grown gloomy, the waterfall remained stunning—its golden hue shimmering faintly against the dark clouds. I found it striking how this waterfall, though distant and untouchable, held an air of mystery. It was like a vision for the eyes only, too far to reach, and that made it all the more alluring.
2:00 PM – History in the Ruins: The Shuinandong Refinery
Our next stop was the Shuinandong Refinery Site, a relic from the Japanese colonial era. The ruins of the smelter were oddly beautiful in their decay, with their architecture telling the tale of a time long past. I stood there, imagining the laborers who once worked these grounds and the legacy they left behind. It wasn’t a typical “tourist attraction,” but that’s what made it so special. The history seeped into every corner, leaving a quiet reverence in its wake.
2:15 PM – Yin and Yang Beach: Golden Rocks and a Mysterious Name
Next, we traced the coastline to Yin and Yang Beach, a location I had no real expectations for. Our guide explained its peculiar name, though I still couldn’t see the supposed yin-yang connection. What captivated me instead were the dramatic, golden rock formations. Some of them reminded me of the formations I had seen on Burias Island in Masbate, but these were tinged with gold—a subtle yet striking difference.
The beach itself wasn’t a place to lounge, but the rock formations—especially the ones jutting out of the water—made for the perfect, surreal photo ops.
3:00 PM – Shifen Falls: A Cascade of Tranquility
By 3 PM, the drizzle had turned more persistent, and the chill of winter seeped into my bones. But we pushed on to Shifen Falls, one of Taiwan’s most famous waterfalls. The place had been developed for tourists, but what struck me most was that there was no entry fee. In so many other places, we’d be expected to pay just to step foot in the area, but here, the falls were free for all to enjoy.
The walk to the falls was long but peaceful, taking us across hanging bridges and down winding paths. The scent of street foods—grilled meats, barbecues, and skewers—suddenly swept through the air, tempting me to pause and indulge. The walk had worked up my appetite, so I gave in and grabbed a quick snack before continuing the final stretch.
When I finally stood before Shifen Falls, it was as if the world had slowed down. The cascade of water, so delicate and white against the darkened sky, was like a curtain of glass falling into an emerald pool below. It wasn’t as grand as some of the other waterfalls I’d visited in the Philippines, but there was a quiet charm to it—a sense of calm that made all the walking worth it.
4:30 PM – Calling It a Day
By the time 4:30 PM rolled around, I found myself completely overstimulated. Not from the walking per se, but from the sheer volume of experiences packed into a single day. My travel buddies were still buzzing with excitement, eager for one last stop—Shifen Old Street. But I decided it was time for me to tap out. I’d had enough for the day.
I also opted out of joining the others for the famous flying lanterns. As much as I understood their appeal, they didn’t align with my commitment to sustainable travel. The act of releasing lanterns into the sky may have been magical, but I couldn’t ignore the environmental impact. It felt good knowing I was making a conscious decision.
While my friends made their way to the lanterns, I stayed in the car with our guide, letting my tired eyes close for a while. I wasn’t sure how long they took, but when they returned with smiles on their faces. I was content knowing they had enjoyed themselves. Sometimes, just knowing they had a good time was enough.
7:00 PM – A Return to the City Lights
As we made our way back to Taipei, the contrast between the quiet mountain villages and the bustling city couldn’t have been starker. The city skyline was lit up with an energy I hadn’t realized I’d missed. We made our way to Takemura Izakaya, a cozy spot perfect for photos with Taipei 101 in the background.
The evening ended with some yakitori and beers, a simple meal but satisfying in its own way. It wasn’t the kind of dinner I had originally envisioned, but the camaraderie and laughter with my travel companions more than made up for any food-related disappointments.
And of course, to cap it off, there was the classic traveler moment: racing to the airport with heavy bags, trying to navigate the MTR like a local. Not the most graceful way to finish the day, but hey, we made it just in time for our flight to Manila!
WHERE DID WE BOOK OUR NORTH COAST TAIWAN ADVENTURE
We initially planned to book our North Coast Tour through Klook, but by the time we decided to go ahead with it, the tour was no longer available. Fortunately, John and Jhim were also heading there, so we agreed to rent a car for 3,000 NTD. This was a great deal since we have full control over our itinerary and there aren’t many fees to pay for accessing the tourist spots we want to visit.
If you’re planning to do the same and follow this itinerary, then I recommend you contact Taiwanpinoy Driver on Facebook for a quote.
There you have it, lovelies. Looking back, it wasn’t just the sights that made this day so special—it was the little moments in between. From the windswept rocks of Yehliu to the nostalgic streets of Jiufen, each stop offered something unique. Taiwan has this way of blending old and new, peaceful and lively, and I felt like I got to experience it all. It wasn’t a perfect day, but it was an unforgettable one, and that’s what travel is all about for me—getting lost in the moments that matter most. Until next time. Ciao!
