When people think of seeing cherry blossoms, what immediately comes to mind is either Japan or South Korea. But did you know that the humble, little country of Taiwan also has some stunning cherry blossoms of its own? I dare say that it can even rival Japan’s cherry blossoms.  During my last visit to the country, I was able to witness with glorious awe and joy Taiwan’s sakura season—the dainty flowers were in full bloom and at their pinkest. There are actually a lot of places in Taiwan where you can view cherry blossoms but in this post, I will share with you where you can find the ‘pinkest’ cherry blossoms in Taiwan. Clue: it’s not in Taipei! You have to travel further.  ...

When the last rays of the sun blur the skies, Taiwan transforms into an outrageously bustling city filled with endless streams of people, infinite culinary wonders, and affordable shopping finds.  Welcome to the night markets in Taiwan!   Anyone would tell you that a trip to this island country would never be complete without visiting its infamous night markets. If you are after a truly authentic experience, head over to the night markets in Taichung. Home to the largest night market in Taiwan and the original bubble milk tea, you’ll surely go crazy, like I did, over the variety of cheap yet quality choices—both in fashion and food—in the night markets in Taichung.  ...

Updated 16 September 2017 This 2017, the Xinshe Sea of Flowers Festival will run from November 11 -26, 2017.  Everywhere we went, there were splendid hues. Everywhere we looked, there was vibrance. There were wild flowers swaying with the autumn breeze and blossoms bursting with colors made even brighter with the kiss of sunshine. Somehow, visiting the Taichung Sea of Flowers Festival in Xinshe was like seeing a piece of heaven.  ...

If my special someone was not deployed to Taiwan , I would never thought of visiting the country this early in my life. In my travel priority list prior to him working in the land of milk tea and night markets , Taiwan was nowhere to be found. Today, I have visited the country twice (first time in November 2013 then on May 2014) and currently planning my third one (set on Chinese New Year 2015). Hurray for seat sales! Well, the wanderlust fairy must have something in store for me and I’m just glad that I discovered the many thrills of traveling in Taiwan —lots of unique yet cheap finds, places teeming with culture and tradition, the beauty of nature, one of the most hospitable people in the planet, and the culinary wonders. Oh joy! But before setting foot in Taiwan to experience all these, we, Filipinos, have to go through the hurdles of applying for a visa. ...