Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel ExperienceTaiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Taiwan is one of Asia’s most family-friendly destinations, offering everything from theme parks and aquariums to cultural experiences that even the youngest travellers can enjoy. With excellent public transport, affordable costs, and plenty of child-friendly facilities, it’s the perfect destination whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover hidden gems.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions
1. Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola
Why kids will love it: Pandas, koalas, and Asian wildlife in spacious, green enclosures. The gondola ride to Maokong offers glass-bottom cabins and stunning mountain views.
Transport: MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo Station; gondola station is next door.
Costs: Zoo entry NT$60 (about US$2); gondola from NT$50–NT$120 depending on distance.
Insider Tip: Visit in the morning before it gets hot, then ride the gondola for lunch at a teahouse in Maokong.
2. National Palace Museum (Children’s Gallery)
Why kids will love it: Interactive displays, hands-on workshops, and storytelling sessions introduce children to 5,000 years of Chinese art and history.
Insider Tip: Consider staying at the Leofoo Resort, where rooms overlook the safari park.
4. Sun Moon Lake Cycling Paths
Why kids will love it: Flat, scenic cycling trails with rental bikes, tandem bikes, and even electric bikes.
Transport: HSR to Taichung, then shuttle bus to Sun Moon Lake.
Costs: Bike rental from NT$200–300/day.
Insider Tip: Book an HSR + shuttle + boat + bike combo tour for a stress-free day.
5. Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (near Sun Moon Lake)
Why kids will love it: Combines an amusement park, cable car, and a living museum of Taiwan’s indigenous cultures.
Transport: Gondola from Sun Moon Lake directly into the park.
Costs: Adults NT$850 (US$27); children NT$650 (US$21).
Insider Tip: In spring, the cherry blossoms here are spectacular—perfect for family photos.
6. Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center & Cijin Island
Why kids will love it: Giant art installations, murals, and family bike rides along the waterfront. A short ferry to Cijin Island adds beaches, seafood, and ice cream.
Transport: MRT Orange Line to Yanchengpu Station; 5-min ferry to Cijin.
Costs: Ferry NT$30 (US$1) each way.
Insider Tip: Rent a 4-person family bike on Cijin to explore the island at a kid-friendly pace.
7. Yehliu Geopark
Why kids will love it: Mushroom-shaped rocks, natural sculptures, and the famous “Queen’s Head” rock—like a giant outdoor science classroom.
Transport: Bus 1815 from Taipei Main Station (90 minutes).
Costs: Adults NT$120 (US$4); kids NT$60 (US$2).
Insider Tip: Bring hats and sunscreen—there’s little shade.
8. Kenting National Park (South Taiwan)
Why kids will love it: Sandy beaches, shallow waters, and night markets with kid-friendly street food.
Transport: HSR to Zuoying (Kaohsiung), then shuttle bus (~2.5 hours).
Costs: Free entry; bus NT$400–600 round trip.
Insider Tip: Stay in a family-run B&B—many provide beach toys and bikes for kids.
Tours & Passes for Families
HSR Family Passes: Discounts for parents with children make intercity travel cheaper.
Day Tours with Transport: Many operators (Klook, Musement, Viator) offer packages to Sun Moon Lake, Yehliu, or Taroko Gorge with hotel pick-up, perfect for families who don’t want to navigate transfers.
Multi-Attraction Passes: Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass includes entry to top attractions (Taipei Zoo, gondola, museums) and unlimited MRT/bus rides.
Insider Tips for Families
Stroller-friendly: MRT stations and most tourist attractions have elevators and ramps.
Dining with kids: Taiwan’s night markets are full of child-friendly bites—fried chicken, dumplings, fresh juice.
Rest stops: Family rooms and nursing stations are common in malls and major attractions.
Timing: Visit outdoor attractions in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat.
Hidden Gem: Shifen Waterfall (Pingxi Line) is a beautiful, stroller-friendly walk with sky lanterns nearby—a hit with kids.
Final Thoughts
From pandas in Taipei to sandy beaches in Kenting, Taiwan offers families the perfect balance of fun, education, and relaxation. The country’s transport network makes it easy to move between big cities and natural escapes, and affordable ticketing means even multi-city trips are budget-friendly.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor exploring the big-name attractions or a repeat traveller seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, Taiwan is a destination your kids will remember long after the trip ends.
From misty mountains and tranquil lakes to glowing lantern villages and beach sunsets, Taiwan has no shortage of romantic spots perfect for couples. Whether you’re planning a short weekend escape or a honeymoon-style trip, here are some of the best destinations to share with your special someone.
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
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Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
When the weather turns cool (December–February), locals and travellers alike flock to Taiwan’s natural hot springs. From mountain resorts to seaside baths, these warm escapes are perfect for relaxation and romance. Here are the best hot spring getaways in Taiwan—with easy transport, insider tips, and bookable tours.
♨️ 1. Beitou Hot Springs (Taipei)
Why visit: The most famous hot spring area in Taiwan, with public baths, luxury resorts, and the scenic Beitou Hot Spring Museum.
What to do: Bathe in mineral-rich pools, stroll through Thermal Valley, and visit the Japanese-era bathhouses.
Transport: MRT Red Line → Xinbeitou Station.
Where to stay: Upscale resorts like Grand View Resort Beitou, or budget-friendly spa hotels.
Staying in Taipei’s CBD doesn’t mean stretching your budget. With capsule hostels, affordable boutique hotels, and budget-friendly inns all within walking distance of the MRT, you can enjoy central convenience without overspending.
For solo travellers, hostels like Meander and Miniinn are top picks. For families and couples, budget hotels near Taipei Main Station or Ximending offer comfort and great value. Combine your stay with affordable tours and you’ll unlock the best of Taipei without breaking the bank.
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
Taiwan is one of Asia’s easiest countries to explore thanks to its efficient transport system. Trains and buses both cover the island extensively, but which option is best for your trip? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of travelling Taiwan by train vs bus, plus insider tips to help you decide.
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Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Taiwan’s railway system is modern, comfortable, and connects major cities and scenic areas. There are two main types:
HSR (High Speed Rail) – Runs along the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung in under 2 hours.
TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) – Covers the entire island, including the scenic east coast and rural areas.
✅ Pros of Train Travel
Speed: HSR makes long-distance travel fast and efficient.
Comfort: Spacious seats, air-conditioning, restrooms, and food carts on most trains.
Scenic views: TRA lines, especially on the east coast (Hualien–Taitung), offer breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery.
Punctuality: Trains almost always run on time.
Ease of booking: Tickets available online, at stations, or via apps.
❌ Cons of Train Travel
Limited coverage inland: Mountainous and rural areas are not directly served.
Reservations needed: Popular routes (e.g., HSR weekends, Taroko Express) can sell out quickly.
Higher cost: HSR is pricier than buses for the same route.
💡 Insider Tip: Book HSR tickets 5–28 days in advance for up to 35% discounts.
🚌 Travelling by Bus in Taiwan
Taiwan’s intercity and regional bus system is extensive and affordable, reaching towns, mountains, and attractions trains can’t. Operators like Ubus, Kuo-Kuang, Ho-Hsin, and Aloha run frequent services.
✅ Pros of Bus Travel
Wider coverage: Buses reach places like Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, and Kenting directly.
Cost-effective: Usually cheaper than trains for the same journey.
Flexible schedules: Frequent departures, especially between big cities.
Direct access: Often drop you closer to tourist spots than train stations.
❌ Cons of Bus Travel
Traffic delays: Highways can get congested, especially on weekends and holidays.
Less comfort: Narrower seats than trains; restrooms usually not onboard.
Longer journey times: Taipei → Kaohsiung by bus takes 5–6 hrs vs. 1.5 hrs by HSR.
Language barriers: English signage is improving but less consistent outside major hubs.
💡 Insider Tip: Overnight buses can save you a night’s accommodation if travelling long distances.
🔍 Train vs Bus: Quick Comparison
Factor
Train 🚆
Bus 🚌
Speed
Fast (HSR) / Moderate (TRA)
Slower, traffic-dependent
Comfort
Spacious seats, restrooms, stable ride
Variable, fewer amenities
Coverage
Excellent on west/east coast, limited in mountains
Best SIM Cards & eSIM Options for Taiwan Travellers
Staying connected in Taiwan is worry‑free thanks to reliable mobile networks, easy top‑ups, and a range of options—from physical SIMs to fully digital eSIMs. Here’s how to choose what fits your travel needs.
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Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Saily: Highly rated for affordability, easy setup, secure features from Nord Security. Plans: 1–20 GB (1 GB/7 days from US$3.79) Cybernews+2techradar.com+2.
EasyCard vs iPASS – Which Transport Card to Buy in Taiwan
Planning a trip to Taiwan? This guide covers what to see and do, how to get around, where to stay, and the best bookable tours to make the most of your time.
If you’re heading to Taiwan, you’ll quickly discover that the most convenient way to pay for transport, convenience stores, and even some attractions is by using a rechargeable smart card. The two main options are the EasyCard and the iPASS. Both are popular, widely accepted, and tourist-friendly—but which one should you buy?
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Quick take: Trip.com offers a worldwide selection of tours and attractions and hotels
Taiwan Sanrio Themed Sightseeing Train Full-Day Island Star – Travel Experience Taiwan Travel around Taiwan on a Sanrio-themed sightseeing train with colourful carriages, scenic views and onboard activities. The Taiwan Sanrio themed sightseeing train is one of the cutest and most unusual rail experiences in Taiwan. Also known as the Island Star, Formosa Express or Moe Journey train, this special sightseeing train turns a long rail journey into a themed travel experience filled with Sanrio character designs, comfortable seats, meals, drinks, activities and scenic views from the window. The Trip.com package is designed for non-Taiwan residents and offers east and west one-day round-island train options departing from Taipei. It is a fun…
Quick take: Trip.com helps you compare prices across accommodations. Use it to shortlist hotels, then click through to confirm the final price, room type, and inclusions on the booking site.
Launched in Taipei, it’s the go-to transport card for Taipei MRT, buses, and YouBike bike rentals.
Iconic rainbow design, easily available at 7-Eleven and MRT stations.
iPASS (一卡通)
Originated in Kaohsiung, now covers transport across Taiwan.
Works on Kaohsiung MRT, Taichung BRT, buses, and trains nationwide.
Both cards can also be used for small purchases at convenience stores, supermarkets, vending machines, parking lots, and even some tourist attractions.
🚆 Transport Coverage
✅ Both Cards Work On:
Taipei MRT & buses
Kaohsiung MRT & buses
Taichung BRT & buses
TRA local trains (Taiwan Railways)
Taiwan High Speed Rail (for fare payment at gates if preloaded, not for reserved seats)
YouBike rentals (after registration)
💡 Insider Tip: You can mix and match—buy either one and you won’t miss out on transport access.
💵 Costs & Top-Up Options
Purchase Price: NT$100 (about AU$5), not including stored value.
Top-Ups: Available at all MRT stations, convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Hi-Life, OK Mart).
Refunds: Both cards are refundable at service centres (handling fees apply if refunded within 3 months).
🛍️ Beyond Transport
Convenience stores: Pay for snacks, drinks, and even bubble tea.
Supermarkets: Accepted at Carrefour, PX Mart, and others.
Attractions: Entry to Taipei Zoo, Maokong Gondola, and some museums.
Tourist perks: Limited-edition cards often come with discounts or freebies at partner attractions.
🌏 Which One Should You Buy?
Choose EasyCard if…
You’ll be based mainly in Taipei.
You plan to use Taipei MRT, YouBike, and Maokong Gondola frequently.
Choose iPASS if…
You’ll spend more time in southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan, Kenting).
You’re planning a multi-city trip and want a card more associated with nationwide integration.
Best Option for Most Travellers: Either card works almost everywhere. Most tourists pick up EasyCard in Taipei, as that’s where most international flights arrive.
🏨 Where to Stay
Taipei: Stay near Taipei Main Station for easy MRT + HSR connections.
Taichung (Sun Moon Lake gateway): Hotels near Taichung HSR station.
Kaohsiung: Central locations near Formosa Boulevard MRT station.
🎟️ Best Bookable Tours to Pair With Your Card
Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass – includes MRT transport + entry to top attractions.
Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Taipei (Klook/Viator).
Sun Moon Lake Cycling & Cruise Tour (Musement).
Kaohsiung City & Lotus Pond Tour (Viator).
✨ Final Thoughts
For tourists, the difference between EasyCard and iPASS is minimal—both will make your travels seamless across MRT, buses, and local trains. If you’re flying into Taipei, start with an EasyCard. If your trip leans toward Kaohsiung or southern Taiwan, grab an iPASS. Either way, you’ll enjoy the convenience of tap-and-go travel plus the bonus of using your card for snacks, drinks, and attractions.
