Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Shopping at Gloria Premium Shopping outlet at Taoyuan, Taiwan

I wanted to head to this place right upon landing since its 15 mins drive away from the airport. But was stopped by le hubs. I did managed to get to visit the Premium Shopping outlet for a day on a weekend. 

It was quite crowded and i had to spend some time in the queue for certain shops but overall it was a pleasant shopping experience.

The train there is quite tiring as we opted for the free seating cabin. End up the train is super packed and we had to stand both ways to/from.




My shopping hauls are a Loewe anagram reversible belt (brillant green/black) at SGD 346. An Onitsuka tiger sport shoes (not worth to buy). Singapore outlets are similarly priced. 

I wanted to get a bag from Celine or bottega venetta but nothing catches my eye. I think premium outlet shopping is all about luck and timing. But at the very least i got the anagram belt.  

Monday, April 24, 2023

Taiwan, Taipei Hotels - Ambience hotel and Caesar Metro Hotel Taipei

Ambience Hotel

No. 64, Section 1, Chang'an E Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104

First night in Taipei, this room is quite roomy and modern. 



The service at this place is great. Late night free snacks (cup noodles) is also available. 

Simple breakfast is also served at this hotel. 


I will recommend this simple clean hotel and budget friendly hotel. 

Caesar Metro Hotel Taipei

No. 167, Bangka Blvd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

This is a hotel chain. There are several hotel is Taipei under this brand name. The hotel is within walking distance from the metro. 



Rooms is well furnished with a modern design. We opted to have the no breakfast option so we can have Taiwan breakfast. 



This is the hotel that is packaged with our Cheongsam experience. 

I will recommend this hotel for its roomy and comfortable space. The bath, toilet and basin are all separate and so you totally can share the room with friends and each can do their own thing. 



Saturday, April 15, 2023

Yilan - Jiao Xi and Hotels

 Just sleep hotel

No. 8號, Lane 24, Deyang Rd, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 262


The hotel provided a choice of japanese or western style room. We chose the japanese style and absolutely love it.  





There is a communal hot spring located in the basement or you can use the in-built tub in room. 

Free self service snacks and full hotel breakfast is provided. Free but limited hotel parking. 

Service at this hotel is top-notch and rooms are clean. Although there are signs of mould in particularly in the toilet but i still enjoyed my stay at this hotel. I will totally recommend this hotel for the hot spring and comfort level. 

Pi hotel

No.13, Renai Road, Jiaoxi Township, Yilan, Taiwan, 262

Local basic hotel with no room service provided after night time. Free hotel parking a distance from the hotel. It is a shared parking space with other hotels in the area. 


The room we had is golf theme. The room has huge golf mural and the hooks are made from old golf clubs. 

The toilet has a very steep and deep tub. Caution should be excercised when climbing in and out of the tub.


All basic amentities are provided: shampoo, soap and toothbrush. Coffee in disposable cups are also given. 

Chilan Hotel

No. 6號, Section 4, Taiya Rd, Datong Township, Yilan County, Taiwan 267

The hotel have its list of activities provided to all guest. Live music at the bar/cafe. Guided tours on the premises that has a garden/hiking trail. Hot springs is also available at the hotel. 

The grounds are massive but it is a very dated and old hotel. The air-conditioning needs cleaning but performs as it should. One plus is that one room sleeps 4. 


As we planned to visit Tai Ping Shan, this is the closest available place at the time of booking. Its is still quite a distance (1 hour) to drive. 

Breakfast and dinner is served at the cafeteria which is a distance away from our rooms but it is still within walking distance. 


Dinner served was a full course meal. We are famished by the end of the day since we had skipped lunch.

One night stay here includes breakfast, dinner and parking. 

Notes: International Driving Licence required for driving around the taiwan.

Kyushu Round Island in 14 days Itinerary

  Planned itinerary for Fukuoka in 12 Nov 2023 to 26 Nov 2023 . The pace for the trip is deliberately more relaxed compared to my other trip...