Why Taiwan Should Be Your Next Trip in 2026 🇹🇼

If Japan feels too expensive right now and Hong Kong airfare is stretching the budget, there's a destination that quietly checks every box — and most travelers from the Philippines still haven't given it the attention it deserves.

Taiwan. Here's why it deserves a spot on your list. Ganito kasi yan! 😄

1. Visa-Free for Philippine Passport Holders 🛂

Until July 31, 2026, Filipino passport holders can enter Taiwan without a visa. That's one less requirement to worry about, one less fee to pay, and one less reason to delay booking.

No visa application. No embassy appointment. Just a valid passport and your Taiwan Online Arrival Card — which is free at twac.immigration.gov.tw.

⚠️ Fake websites are charging travelers $20–25 to submit this free form. Only use the official site. Full warning here: Fake Taiwan Arrival Card Websites Are Scamming Travelers →

2. Flights Are Surprisingly Affordable ✈️

Coming from the Philippines, Taiwan is one of the more accessible destinations in terms of airfare. Budget airline round trips have been booked for under ₱5,000, and even full-service carriers like EVA Air and China Airlines — which include meals and checked baggage — occasionally go on sale for around ₱11,000 round trip.

The trick is using Google Flights to compare all airlines simultaneously and toggling flexible dates to catch the cheapest windows.

3. Hotels for Every Budget 🏨

Whether you're backpacking solo, traveling as a couple, or bringing the whole family, Taiwan's accommodation options cover every price point. One standout near Ximending is Cho Hotel — walking distance to MRT, with a 24/7 unlimited snack and drinks pantry. Read the full review →

💡 Pro Tip: Book on Agoda using promo code HEYIANCHOTEL for up to 10% off. Claim it on the Agoda app home screen before completing your booking.

4. Transport Is Efficient and Easy to Navigate 🚆

Taiwan's public transport system is genuinely one of the best in Asia. The EasyCard works on the MRT, buses, Taiwan Rail, and even at 7-Eleven. → Get your EasyCard on Klook with promo code HEYIANCKLOOK.

For intercity travel, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) connects the north and south in under two hours — making day trips to Taichung, Alishan, and Sun Moon Lake completely manageable from Taipei. → Book HSR tickets on Klook

Landing late at night? Read the full airport transport guide: How to Get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei: Early Morning and Late Night Arrival Guide →

5. Taiwan Is Bigger Than You Think 🗺️

Even if you've been once, there's always more to see. Here's a taste of what's available beyond Taipei — all with full DIY guides:

🏮 Keelung — Rail bikes, colorful port houses, and one of the best night markets up north. Full guide →
🌊 Tamsui — Lovers Bridge, Fort San Domingo, and Old Street. Full guide →
🚠 Maokong — Tea houses, gondola rides, and Taipei Zoo in one day. Full guide →
🏔️ Alishan — Ancient cypress forests and mountain scenery. Full guide →
🌊 Sun Moon Lake — Taiwan's most iconic lake. Full guide →
🎢 Leofoo Village — Theme park and zoo commutable from Taipei. Full guide →

6. The Food Is World-Class — at ₱100+ a Meal 🍜

Taiwan's food culture is serious. Night markets, hole-in-the-wall lunch spots, Michelin Bib Gourmand eateries, and bubble tea birthplaces — all within reach of wherever you're staying. A filling, genuinely good meal at a local restaurant starts at around ₱100–₱150 per person.

7. You Can Experience Winter Here ❄️

Taiwan's December to February season offers a genuine taste of cool weather travel — lower humidity and some of the driest weather of the year. Not sure when to go? Best Time to Visit Taipei: A Month-by-Month Weather Guide →

8. It's Budget-Friendly — If You Know the Hacks 💰

Taiwan is already affordable, but knowing the right tricks stretches your money further. 8 Taiwan Travel Budget Hacks Every First-Timer Should Know →

Ready to Start Planning? 📋

Start with the full first-timer guide: Taiwan First Timer Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip →

Then build your itinerary: The Only Taiwan Itinerary You Need as a First Timer →

And download the free planner: All-in-One Travel Budget & Itinerary Planner →

🏷️ Travel Discount Codes

Planning to book hotels or activities for your Taiwan trip? Use these exclusive discount codes before you check out — tap the buttons below to open the app directly and save the code to your account automatically.

✅ Agoda Hotels Up to 10% off hotel bookings `HEYIANCHOTEL`	Claim Code →
✅ Agoda Activities Up to 5% off activities `HEYIANC`	Claim Code →
✅ Klook Up to 5% off hotels, insurance & activities `HEYIANCKLOOK`	Claim Code →