Get ready to explore Taiwan, where modern city life, age-old traditions, and lush escapes come together in the most stunning ways. Think lantern-lit lanes swirling with the scent of beef noodles, or towering views from Taipei 101 over a city that twinkles like magic. If it’s your first time here, these are the best things to do in Taiwan to kickstart your adventure.

For Malaysians (and really, anyone keen on an easy, exciting getaway), Taiwan is a gem. It’s just a short 4-5 hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, with no visa needed for stays up to 30 days. It’s safe, clean, and full of warm, welcoming locals who often go out of their way to help. English signage is common, especially in Taipei and major towns, so it’s simple to get around.

Better still, Taiwan’s growing halal scene makes it easier than ever for Muslim travellers, while vegetarian options are simply everywhere. From hot springs to night markets, there’s something here for every type of traveller. And when it comes to planning, Traveloka makes it all wonderfully simple with flights, hotels, and attraction tickets sorted in one app, there’s really no excuse not to go.

You can’t visit Taiwan without seeing Taipei 101. Once the tallest building in the world, it’s still the city’s ultimate landmark. Head up to the observatory just before sunset to watch the lights blink on, transforming the city into a living circuit board. Book your tickets in advance through Traveloka and skip the long lines because that view is far too good to waste time waiting for.

If Taiwan had a national sport, it would probably be eating at night markets. Shilin and Raohe Street Night Markets in Taipei are absolute musts. Feast on giant fried chicken cutlets, grilled squid, pepper buns, and endless bubble tea. Many stalls are happy to show you what’s inside if you’re worried about ingredients. Vegetarians will find countless tasty choices, and if you’re after halal food, there are apps and local guides to point you in the right direction.

Ever watched a Studio Ghibli film and wished you could step inside it? Jiufen is about as close as it gets. Its lantern-strung lanes, charming teahouses, and misty hillsides feel lifted from a storybook. Not far away is Shifen, where you can write your wishes on colourful sky lanterns and watch them drift into the heavens a gentle, glowing moment that feels almost magical. 

For sheer natural drama, Taroko Gorge in Hualien is hard to beat. Marble cliffs, turquoise rivers, and hanging bridges make it a dream for hikers or anyone who loves spectacular scenery. Plenty of day tours handle hotel pickups and guide you through the best spots. That means less time stressing over logistics and more time soaking up those incredible views.

Alishan is famous for sunrises that spill over rolling seas of clouds. Climb aboard the quaint Alishan Forest Railway in the early morning, then watch golden light spread across the peaks. It’s a bit chilly and very early — but completely worth it.

Longshan Temple in Taipei is a riot of dragons, incense coils, and worshippers. It’s a fantastic introduction to local culture and history. Further south near Kaohsiung, Fo Guang Shan Monastery offers giant Buddha statues and peaceful courtyards that are perfect for slowing down and taking it all in.

There’s so much more to Taiwan once you’ve ticked off the big sights. Sink into a private hot spring at Beitou — perfect if you’re shy or just want some quiet time. Hop on a gondola up to Maokong, sip freshly brewed oolong tea, and look down over all of Taipei. Or speed around the entire island on the High-Speed Rail, which travels at over 300km/h and cuts long journeys to a couple of hours.

If you love food (who doesn’t?), Taiwan will be your happy place. Its halal scene is growing fast, with certified eateries popping up across Taipei and beyond. If you’re unsure, just learn to say “no pork, no lard” in Mandarin, locals are usually more than happy to help. Vegetarians will be thrilled by the sheer range of meatless dishes, many inspired by Taiwan’s Buddhist traditions.

The best time to visit is from October to April, when it’s cool, pleasant, and mostly dry. Try to avoid the typhoon season between July and September. Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). Credit cards work well in cities, but carry some cash for smaller towns or night markets. 

Grab an EasyCard as soon as you arrive — it works on the metro, buses, YouBike rentals, and even at convenience stores. Stay connected with a local SIM or portable WiFi so you can keep your maps, translators, and social posts running. And remember, with Traveloka, you can lock in your flights, hotels, and even attraction tickets in one place, meaning you spend less time planning and more time exploring.

Taiwan is pure travel magic: strolling through lantern-lit streets in Jiufen, slurping beef noodles at midnight, or standing awestruck atop Taipei 101. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to explore. With Traveloka, you can sort out your flights, hotels, and activities all in a few taps. Then all that’s left is for you to show up and start collecting memories (and, let’s be honest, hundreds of photos).

Get ready to pack your bags — the Traveloka Travel the World 7.7 Mega Sale is here from 1st to 13th July 2025, and it’s bursting with deals too good to ignore. Think up to 50% off flights to China, South Korea, and beyond, plus cheeky midnight coupon drops for those who love a late-night bargain hunt. And if you’ve been dreaming of sandy shores, there’s a jaw-dropping flat fare of just RM77 to Bali, Vietnam, and more — all lined up to turn your next holiday from “maybe” to “booked!”