Taiwan: The Underrated Gem That's Taking Over Filipino Travel Feeds

Taiwan has been hiding in plain sight for years — overshadowed by the more marketed destinations of Japan, Korea, and Thailand. But in 2025, Filipino travelers discovered what those who've been there already know: Taiwan might be the most complete travel destination in East Asia, offering the food culture of Japan, the night market energy of Southeast Asia, the mountain drama of New Zealand, and all of it at prices significantly lower than Tokyo or Seoul.

Bookings from the Philippines to Taiwan grew by 124% in 2025. In 2026, the numbers are accelerating. Here is everything you need to plan your trip.

Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Visa-free entry to Taiwan for Philippine passport holders is extended until July 31, 2026. It is expected, however, that this will be extended beyond the said date — just like what happened in the past couple of years.

In case this is not extended, there is a very useful workaround for many Filipino travelers: if you hold a valid visa or resident permit for the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Japan, South Korea, or a Schengen country, you may be eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 14 days.

For those who need to apply for a Taiwan visa, the process is relatively straightforward through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila. Required documents include your passport, photos, an application form, proof of accommodation and onward travel, and financial documents. Processing takes around 5–7 business days.

Taipei: The Capital That Has Everything

Taipei is one of Asia's most liveable and traveler-friendly cities. The MRT system is fast, clean, inexpensive, and covers the entire city. Almost everything of interest is within easy reach by subway.

Shilin Night Market is the most famous of Taipei's many night markets — a sprawling, energetic circus of street food, games, and shopping that is genuinely unlike anything in Manila. Don't leave without trying oyster omelette, stinky tofu (braver than you think), beef noodle soup, and, of course, the original bubble milk tea that Taiwan gave the world.

Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, remains one of the most dramatic pieces of architecture in Asia. The observation deck on the 89th floor offers views across the entire Taipei basin and, on clear days, to the mountains beyond. Nearby, the Elephant Mountain hiking trail gives you the same view — for free — after a short but steep climb.

Jiufen Old Street is a short bus ride from Taipei and one of the most photographed places in East Asia: a hillside gold-mining town of narrow red lantern-strung alleys, tea houses perched over fog-filled valleys, and the atmosphere that famously inspired the film Spirited Away. Visit in the late afternoon and stay for the lantern-lit evening.

Taroko Gorge: Taiwan's Natural Wonder

Three hours south of Taipei by train lies one of Asia's most spectacular natural landscapes. Taroko National Park protects a marble gorge carved by a powerful river — sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high, emerald water far below, temples clinging to cliff faces, and hiking trails that range from easy walks to serious multi-day treks. This alone is worth the flight from Manila.

Sun Moon Lake and Central Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest body of water, ringed by mountains and Aboriginal villages, offering cycling around its 33-kilometer perimeter, aboriginal cultural experiences, and some of the most beautiful sunrise views in the country. Nearby, the city of Tainan is Taiwan's ancient capital, dense with temples, history, and what many consider the best street food on the island.

Practical Tips for Filipino Travelers in Taiwan

• Get an EasyCard upon arrival at the airport — it works on all MRT, buses, bike shares, and even convenience stores
• Taiwan's convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are a genuine cultural institution — hot food, ATMs, laundry, bill payment, and fast food all in one
• The official language is Mandarin, but English signage is comprehensive in cities; younger Taiwanese often speak English
• Tipping is not customary in Taiwan
• The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) trades at approximately 1.8–2 NTD per Philippine peso — very favorable for Filipino travelers