All: thanks a lot for valuable insights.
Originally Posted by
glennaa11
If you don't mind the climb (it is a lot of stairs, make sure to take water), Elephant Mountain is great for the night time views over the city.
Thanks glennaa11. I don't mind the climb at all - but can you advise whether the area is safe after the sunset?
Originally Posted by
Skyman65
I'm not much of a Taipei expert, but for night views, I suggest the
Maokong Gondolas·
You can take the MRT to the gondolas, then ride them to the top. You'll have good views of the city (including Taipei 101), and you can have dinner at the top at one of the many restaurants and tea houses.
Interesting idea, Skyman65. I looked at the website and tripadvisor review, and my present thinking is to climb Elephant mountain in the evening and take gondolas up during light time on Sunday, perhaps taking glass bottom one.
Originally Posted by
babypuwet
Totally agree, Taroko Gorge requires a 2 hour bullet train ride to Hualien (if you are lucky and get the one with the least stops, otherwise it could be up to 3 hours on the bullet train). Once at Hualien, its about another 45 minute drive without traffic in a car or expensive taxi ride. If you pre-scheduled a bus tour, those will take at least an hour to get there. Recommend just touring Taipei
babypuwet, yes I looked into that and that was the reason I decided on and booked organized day tour to Taroko Gorge which starts ~6am and gets me back to Taipei at ~4pm.
One more question I have - is it necessary to buy tickets for high speed train from airport to Taipei station in advance, or tickets are freely available at Taoyuan station?
AX