Best 20+ (MUST TRY) Things to Do in Taipei – A Guide for Malaysians

If you ever dreamt of going to somewhere that’s modern, scenic, full of good food and super travel-friendly — Taipei might just be your next fav spot. Seriously lah, the city has this perfect balance of old-school charm and futuristic vibes. One minute you’re walking through a peaceful temple, next thing you know you’re in a high-tech mall with robot servers 😲

What makes it so syok for Malaysians?

● The street food feels like home, but with a twist (roti + Taiwanese sausage, anyone?)

● The MRT is so efficient you’ll wish we had it back home 🚆

● People are friendly and helpful — many even speak some basic English or Mandarin

● And yes… bubble tea on every corner. HALLELUJAH 🧋✨

Whether you’re flying in solo, jalan with your partner, or planning a family trip, Taipei welcomes you like a long-lost cousin.

🗺️ Must-Visit Attractions in Taipei

These are the iconic spots you cannot miss — confirm got Instagram shots + solid experiences. Don’t just take pics, take in the vibes too 💯

🏙️ 1. Taipei 101

Yes, it used to be the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 is still one of the most iconic. Ride the world’s fastest elevator up to the 89th floor and you’ll see Taipei like never before. The view is chef’s kiss. Oh, and downstairs got a fancy mall with Din Tai Fung 🥟

Tip: Come around golden hour for the best views + less crowd.

🏛️ 2. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

This place is both patriotic and peaceful. You’ll walk into a grand square with blue-and-white tiled roofs, towering gates, and beautiful gardens. Stick around for the hourly changing of the guard — macam mini-military show.

🎶 3. Ximending Youth District

If Taipei had its own Bukit Bintang + Shibuya crossover, Ximending Youth District would be it. Neon lights, street performers, boutique shops, local snacks, and everything in between. Great place to shop, eat, people-watch, or just vibe. Super lively at night! 🛍️✨

🐘 4. Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Want that postcard view of Taipei 101? This is THE hike to do. Takes about 20 minutes to climb (prepare to sweat a bit), but wah the view from the top platform is worth every step. Especially at sunset. Bring water ya! 🥵🌄

🖼️ 5. National Palace Museum

If you’re a fan of Chinese history, art, or just wanna feel a bit more cultured after all the food and shopping, the National Palace Museum is a treasure trove. It houses over 600,000 ancient artifacts — legit world-class museum material. 📚

📋 Quick Guide to Taipei’s Top Spots:

🍜 Foodie Heaven: What to Eat and Where to Makan in Taipei

You know how in Malaysia, food isn’t just food — it’s life? Same energy in Taiwan 🔥. From crispy, oily, fragrant street snacks to Michelin-approved noodle bowls, Taipei has a bit of everything. And yes, your tummy will thank you.

🌃 1. Night Markets – The Real MVPs of Taipei

These are the heart and soul of the city. The real Taipei experience lives here: affordable, delicious, and full of character.

Here are some of the best ones:

Tip: Bring small change & tissue paper! Most stalls only take cash and some have limited seating.

🍱 2. Must-Try Dishes for Malaysian Tastebuds

Here’s a shortlist of food that just hits differently — especially if you suka strong flavours, something hot & soupy, or fried till syiok.

🧋 Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯) – Braised Pork Rice

Simple, savoury, satisfying. Soft minced pork simmered in soy-based gravy over hot rice. It's the Taiwanese version of nasi kicap daging cincang lah, seriously comfort food vibes.

🥟 Xiao Long Bao – Soup Dumplings

Most famously from Din Tai Fung, these little parcels are filled with meat and hot broth. One bite = explosion of umami. Be careful, panas gila!

🧄 Hu Jiao Bing – Black Pepper Buns

Spicy, peppery minced meat baked in a crispy bun. Usually sold at Raohe — the queue is worth it!

🧀 Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) – If You Dare

Smells like trouble, tastes like heaven (to some lah). Crunchy outside, soft inside, fermented and deep-fried. I personally love durian, but I cannot tahan this. My friends LOVE it though.

🥤 Bubble Tea – Obviously.

Get it fresh from local chains like 50 Lan, Chun Shui Tang, or Tiger Sugar. You haven’t really had bubble tea until you’ve had it here, trust me.

🕌 3. Halal and Muslim-Friendly Options

Yes, Taipei is becoming more Muslim-friendly — alhamdulillah! 🇹🇼🕌

Look out for:

● Halal Chinese Beef Noodle shops (try “Halal Chinese Beef Noodles Restaurant” near Taipei Main Station)

● Ali Baba’s Indian Kitchen – good curries & biryani

● Yong He Soy Milk King – not halal-certified but many dishes are vegetarian or non-meat

Pro Tip: Always check for the halal logo or ask the staff if unsure. You can also use the Halal Navi app to find safe spots!

☕ Cute Cafés & Chill Spots

For the IG lovers or just a place to wind down:

● Fika Fika Café – for Scandi-style minimalism & great coffee

● Rufous Coffee – artisan brews in Da’an

● Alice Is Coming – Alice in Wonderland themed café with rabbit ears and quirky desserts 🐰🍰

🌿 Nature & Scenic Spots Around Taipei – For Chill Vibes & Healing Moments

Taipei isn’t just a concrete jungle — it’s full of green lungs and natural wonders, and the best part? Most of them are super accessible via MRT or a short bus ride. Whether you nak chill in a hot spring or naik gondola to a tea plantation, there’s something here for everyone.

💦 1. Beitou Hot Springs (北投溫泉)

Imagine soaking in a warm natural bath while cool mountain air blows through. That’s Beitou for you. This area is known for its natural geothermal hot springs, and you can choose between:

● Public baths (super cheap – ~NT$40)

● Private onsens (more atas, but worth it if you shy shy 😅)

Also worth checking out:

● Beitou Thermal Valley (smells a bit sulphuric but looks like a mystical hot fog pit 🌫️)

● Beitou Hot Spring Museum (free and full of history)

🌸 2. Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山國家公園)

Yangminghshan National Park is best for: flower lovers 🌷, hikers 🥾, and people who just want to lepak with nature. If you come around Feb–March, you might catch cherry blossoms blooming! Other highlights include:

● Xiaoyoukeng sulphur vents (steam shooting out of the ground!)

● Qingtiangang Grassland – looks like you're in a K-drama 🌾

● Wild hot spring rivers

Bring a jacket: The air here is sejuk, especially in the mornings and evenings!

🚡 3. Maokong Gondola (貓空纜車)

Want to ride a cable car over lush greenery and end up at a traditional tea plantation? This is the spot! The Maokong Gondola gives you a peaceful ride with sweeping views of the hills and city.

At the top, you can:

● Visit a local tea house 🍵

● Try Taiwanese tie guan yin tea

● Enjoy a slow sunset while sipping hot tea — syiok gila ✨

Fun Tip: Opt for the “Crystal Cabin” with a glass floor if you dare 🫣

🌅 4. Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街)

This place is perfect half-day trip for sunset chasers and snackers. Located by the riverside, this old town is filled with:

● Street food like grilled squid, fish crackers, and sour plum drinks 🐟🧃

● Cute souvenir shops

● Gorgeous sunset views over the water 🌞

You can even hop on a ferry from here to Bali Left Bank, which has chill riverside cafes and art parks.

📋 Quick Nature & Chill Spots Summary

🎉 Fun & Friendly Activities in Taipei – Where to Chill, Shop & Play Like a Local

Let’s be honest — sometimes, we want something light and fun between all the serious sightseeing right? These activities are perfect for solo jalan-jalan, couple dates, or even group fun with your makan gang.

🧋 1. DIY Bubble Tea Workshop

If you’re a hardcore bubble tea fan (and I know many of us are), you have to try making your own at a hands-on workshop!
You’ll get to:

● Cook your own tapioca pearls

● Brew and mix your own tea

● Bottle it like a pro with your name on it 🧋💖

🧁 2. Themed Cafés – Cute Overload 🐾🍰

Taipei goes all out when it comes to quirky cafés — you can literally makan beside cats, bunnies, and sometimes even alpacas 😳

Here are some super cute ones:

Tip: These spots get crowded on weekends — best to go on weekday afternoons if you want proper lepak vibes.

🛍️ 3. Shop Till You Drop – Affordable & Trendy Spots

You don’t need to spend big bucks to shop in Taipei. In fact, you might even need an extra luggage after this…

● Wufenpu: Wholesale fashion heaven 👗 – great for ladies’ clothing, all seasons, all budgets

● Taipei Main Station Underground Mall: Massive maze of shops selling anime merch, phone cases, snacks, and more

● Ximending: Not just sightseeing — you’ll find skincare, streetwear, and quirky local brands here too 👟🧴

Don’t forget to try Taiwanese facial masks — cheaper here than in Malaysia!

🎨 4. Huashan 1914 Creative Park

This artsy repurposed warehouse district is like KL’s Publika + Zhongshan at the same time. It has:

● Indie art exhibitions

● Pop-up stores and design shops

● Chill cafés with live music

● Lots of photo-worthy corners for your IG grid 📸🎭

Perfect for a slow stroll or to escape the rain while feeling artsy af.

🚗 Day Trips from Taipei – For Scenery, Feels & Memorable Escapes

Best part? All of these are reachable within an hour or two by train, bus, or taxi. So if you’re staying 3–5 days, you can squeeze in at least one or two!

🏮 1. Jiufen (九份) – The Spirited Away Village

Walking into Jiufen feels like you entered a Ghibli film — narrow alleys, misty mountains, red lanterns everywhere 🏮✨

Famous for:

● A Mei Teahouse – that iconic red lantern photo spot 📸

● Handmade taro balls (perfect on a rainy day)

● Old Street: Souvenirs, street food, old-world vibes

🗺️ Getting there: Train to Ruifang + bus/taxi to Jiufen (~1.5 hrs)

Tip: Best enjoyed on cloudy or rainy days — the mist adds to the magic 🧙‍♂️

🎆 2. Shifen (十分) – Sky Lanterns & Waterfalls

Shifen is perfect for couples or those who love sentimental vibes. Here, you can release a sky lantern with your wishes written on it — macam drama Korea pun ada 😭💞

Other highlights:

● Shifen Waterfall – nicknamed the "Little Niagara of Taiwan"

● Walk along old train tracks in Shifen Old Street

● Try grilled sausage wrapped in sticky rice (地瓜香腸)

🗺️ Getting there: Train to Shifen Station via Pingxi Line (~1.5 hrs)

Note: Bring a marker pen for your lantern writing! 🖊️

🌊 3. Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) – Nature’s Rock Art Gallery

This place is full of wild-looking rock formations shaped by the sea. The most famous one? The Queen’s Head, which looks like a royal profile carved by nature.

What to see:

● Mushroom Rocks 🍄

● Honeycomb Weathering

● Wave-cut platforms

🗺️ Getting there: Direct bus from Taipei Main Station (~1.5 hrs)

Best to go in the morning before it gets panas terik 🔥 and crowded.

📋 Day Trip Quick Guide:

💡 Practical Tips for Malaysians Travelling to Taipei

📱 1. SIM Card vs. Pocket WiFi

Staying connected is a must, especially for maps, translation, and food reviews (duh).

🛫 You can pre-order a Taiwan SIM card via Trip.com or get it at Taoyuan Airport (look for Chunghwa or Taiwan Mobile counters).

🚆 2. EasyCard – The Touch ‘n Go of Taiwan

Get this card as soon as you land. You’ll use it for:

● MRT

● Buses

● Convenience stores

● Even bike rentals!

Buy it at any MRT station or 7-Eleven. Just top up and tap lah, senang!

Tip: If you’re visiting multiple cities, you can use EasyCard in Kaohsiung and Taichung too.

🗣️ 3. Language & Communication Tips

● Many locals speak Mandarin, some speak basic English

● Useful phrases:

○ “Ni hao” = Hello 👋

○ “Xie xie” = Thank you 🙏

○ “Bu yao la” = No, thank you (especially useful for vendors!)

📱 Use Google Translate or the Pleco app for real-time help.

🍲 4. Money Matters 💵

● Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$)

● RM1 ≈ NT$6–7 (as of now)

● Most places take cash, though convenience stores & malls accept card

Pro Tip: Exchange some NT$ before your trip or withdraw from ATMs in 7-Eleven or FamilyMart

🕌 5. Halal & Muslim-Friendly Tips

● While not a majority Muslim country, Taipei has:

○ Halal beef noodle shops

○ Indian, Middle Eastern restos

○ Vegetarian-friendly options

● Search via Halal Navi or Google Maps filters

🕌 Also check out the Taipei Grand Mosque, especially if you’re there on a Friday.

🧳 6. Packing Tips

● Bring:

○ Power bank 🔋

○ Umbrella or raincoat (weather can be random) ☔

○ Comfortable shoes (you’ll be walking a lot!) 👟

● Weather:

○ Spring (Mar–May): 20–25°C, cool and breezy 🌼

○ Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot + humid, 30°C+ 🥵

○ Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best time to go, nice weather 🍂

○ Winter (Dec–Feb): Chilly but not snowing, 12–18°C ❄️

Taipei, a City That Feels Like a Warm Hug (With Extra Bubble Tea)

Taipei isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience. One that blends big-city excitement with village-style warmth, where every alley has a story, and every bite reminds you why food is life. ✨

For Malaysians especially, Taipei feels strangely familiar, yet excitingly different. From halal-friendly eateries to street snacks that rival our pasar malam, from high-tech cityscapes to misty mountain views — it’s a trip that feeds both your stomach and your soul. 😍🧳

Whether you're a first-timer looking for must-sees, or a repeat traveller craving new adventures, Taipei has something special waiting for you. Just book the flight, pack your appetite, and get ready to fall in love. 💌