✈️ A Quick and Easy Way to Travel from Taoyuan Airport to Taichung or Cingjing
When we arrived in Taiwan for the first time, I was determined to find the cheapest and most efficient way to get from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) to Taichung — and eventually to Cingjing Farm. After doing tons of research, I found that UBUS #705 is the only direct bus from the airport to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) Taoyuan Station.
✈️ A Must-Know Transport Hack for First-Time Visitors to Taiwan
If you're a first-time traveler landing at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and planning to hop on the High Speed Rail (THSR) to reach cities like Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, this post is for you.
I’ve taken this route myself and wanted to share an updated, photo-based guide for riding UBUS #705 — the only direct bus from the airport to THSR Taoyuan Station.
🌸 Why We Chose Car Service to Cingjing (And What You Can Consider)
If you're planning a trip to Cingjing Farm in Nantou County, there’s no direct bus from Taoyuan International Airport, so you’ll need to make at least one transfer — and which option to take depends on your time, budget, and group size.
✈️ First Time in Taiwan? Here’s Your Transportation Cheat Sheet from TPE Airport
Whether you’re heading to Taipei, Taichung, or exploring Taiwan’s hidden gems, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) makes it incredibly easy to get around. But with all the express trains, commuter trains, shuttles, buses, taxis, and car rentals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially if you’re a first-time visitor.
🧳 Smooth Transfers at Taiwan’s Taoyuan Airport (TPE): T1 ↔ T2
Transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is incredibly convenient — whether you're catching a connecting flight or simply trying to meet friends on the other side. During my layover here, I was honestly impressed by how well-signed, clean, and efficient everything was.
Traveling to Taiwan for the first time? Let me walk you through our arrival experience at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) — the busiest airport in Taiwan and the main gateway for most international travelers. With two terminals, it’s important to know where your airline is assigned, especially if you’re traveling with friends arriving on a different flight like we did!
Planning a trip to Taiwan? Staying connected is a must—whether to update your socials, navigate seamlessly, or share memories in real time.
Using your local network abroad can get super expensive, and public Wi-Fi, while fast, is usually limited to airports, MRT stations, and hotels. So, what’s the best way to stay online anytime, anywhere in Taiwan?
Good news: Taiwan’s internet is impressively fast—even in the countryside—so you’re in for a great connectivity experience. Here are two top options I tried and tested, along with tips to help you pick the right one for your trip.
📶 Option 1: 4G Pocket Wi-Fi Rental
When I planned my Taiwan trip, I searched for affordable 4G pocket Wi-Fi rentals. This handy device connects up to 5 devices and offers unlimited 4G coverage across 99% of Taiwan, including rural areas.
Why choose pocket Wi-Fi?
Device Specs:
Pick-Up & Drop-Off:
Available at major airports like Taoyuan (Terminals 1 & 2), Kaohsiung, and Songshan. Reserve your device online at least 2 days before departure to guarantee availability.
Rental Pricing:
Important Tips:
🔗 Reserve your pocket
Wi-Fi here:
Klook Taiwan Pocket Wi-Fi | KKDay Taiwan Pocket
Wi-Fi
📱Option 2: Buy a 4G SIM Card (My Top Pick!)
Due to a last-minute hiccup, I couldn’t get a pocket Wi-Fi and ended up buying a 4G SIM card instead. Honestly, it was way more convenient and cheaper!
Why I recommend a SIM card:
We were a group of four, and sharing one SIM card as a hotspot worked perfectly—even in remote places like Cingjing!
SIM Card Features:
Pick-Up:
Available at major airport terminals via Unite Traveler counters. Operating hours are 5:30 am to 1:00 am.
Important Purchase Requirements:
🔗 Pre-order your SIM
card here:
Klook Taiwan SIM Card | KKDay Taiwan SIM
Card
🛒 Bonus: Buy 3G Prepaid SIM Cards at 7-Eleven
If you prefer buying locally, 7-Eleven stores in Taiwan sell 3G prepaid SIM cards—just show your passport and visa.
Recharge options and data plans are flexible, and 7-Eleven also offers free Wi-Fi after quick passport registration.
💡 Final Tips for Staying Connected in Taiwan
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends planning their Taiwan adventure! Safe travels and happy surfing! 🌏📱✨
✈️ Stay Connected: Pick Up Your Pocket Wi-Fi at Taiwan Airports
Let’s face it — when you’re traveling abroad, a reliable internet connection is a must. Whether it's for Google Maps, social media, translating signs, or booking last-minute transport, staying online keeps your trip smooth and stress-free.
Looking for unique keepsakes to bring home from your Brunei trip? 🇧🇳 Whether you love woven textiles, tribal wood carvings, or just need last-minute souvenirs, this guide will help you discover the best places to shop for handicrafts and gifts in Brunei.
🧳 Personalized Travel Tip: Shopping in Brunei is a Unique Experience
One of the joys of traveling is discovering local gems—whether it's a beautiful souvenir, a quirky snack, or a good deal on international brands. In Brunei, where shopping is tax-free, many travelers (myself included) get tempted to browse more than just the tourist sites.
🌿 A Personal Glimpse: Why Belait Deserves a Day (or Two)
Although Belait District is the largest in Brunei, many tourists tend to overlook it in favor of Muara District where the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is located. But for those seeking something different—a mix of nature, culture, oil industry heritage, and authentic local life—Belait offers a surprisingly rich experience.
🛶 Temburong District: Brunei’s Hidden Green Paradise
Even though it’s part of Brunei, Temburong District is physically separated from the rest of the country by Brunei Bay and a strip of Sarawak, Malaysia. Getting there feels like entering an entirely different world—one dominated by serene rivers, thick forests, and the sounds of untouched nature.
🌿 Brunei’s Green Escape in the City
You might think the capital city of Brunei—Bandar Seri Begawan—is all about mosques, malls, and markets. That’s exactly what I thought, too. But Brunei proved me wrong.
🌾 Tutong District: Underrated and Unspoiled
Of Brunei's four districts, Tutong is perhaps the most under-the-radar—but don’t let that fool you. What it lacks in flashy urban attractions, it makes up for with local charm, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Located between Belait and Brunei-Muara, this district is ideal for those seeking peaceful escapes and authentic experiences off the beaten path.
💼 After two days of exploring Bandar Seri Begawan's culture and local life, our third and final day in Brunei was saved for the grandest attractions: the luxurious Empire Hotel, the regal Istana Nurul Iman, and the magnificent Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.
Even though we had a few hiccups on Day 1, I woke up excited for another day of exploring Brunei! I’ve always preferred cultural and historical spots over malls—and Brunei definitely didn’t disappoint.
We decided to start our day late to catch up on rest. Breakfast at the hotel was basic but free (included in the room). Nothing fancy, but it was enough to get us going. After that, we headed straight to one of the most iconic landmarks in Brunei.
🕌 9:39 AM – Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (Daytime Visit)
📍
Read more about the mosque here
🚶♀️ 10:00 AM – Walk to Royal Regalia Museum
We walked past the Brunei History Centre and Lapau Dewan Majlis en route to the Royal Regalia Museum. Pro tip: the sun can be intense, so pack a small umbrella or hat!
🏛 10:07 AM – Royal
Regalia Museum
This was one of my favorite stops! The museum houses stunning royal regalia, including gifts to the Sultan from other countries and a rich collection of Brunei’s constitutional history.
🔒 Cameras and phones aren’t allowed inside the main exhibits. Lockers are provided.
👟 Shoes must be removed before entering.
🌞 11:24 AM – Walk to
Tasek Lama Recreational Park (And the Walk That Felt Like Forever)
We followed Google Maps and underestimated the distance—under the blazing sun, no less! We almost gave up, but since we were already halfway there, we pushed through.
We finally reached the park, located near the base of the mountains. Though the park was empty (except for one jogger), it was peaceful. It’s a great spot for running or relaxing with nature. Local vendors outside sold refreshing buko juice, bottled water, and snacks.
📍 How to get there + park details
🚍 12:30 PM – Bus Back to Central BSB
We were exhausted and tried hitchhiking again—unsuccessfully. Thankfully, a B$1 bus came just in time to rescue us from the heat and our aching feet.
🍤 Must Try: Shrimp Tempura!
💡 Tip: Make a reservation, especially on weekends.
📍 Read my full Kaizen Sushi experience
One perk of Jubilee Hotel? Free drop-offs to key attractions based on your stay length. Since we stayed 2 nights, we got to choose one. We chose Kampong Ayer, and the staff kindly scheduled our ride.
We shared a water taxi with other Filipinas and paid only
B$5 each (haggle when you can!).
Kampong Ayer is a sprawling water village—often called the Venice of the
East. It’s a must-visit cultural site with schools, homes, and mosques all
built on stilts. We explored for over an hour and still didn’t see it all.
📍 For a full guide on how get there, click here>>
🕌 4:38 PM – Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque (Again!)
Yes, we went back—again! This time hoping to go inside. Unfortunately, it was closed due to a special event. An elderly man kindly explained that non-Muslims aren’t allowed during prayers or certain ceremonies. Oh well, more pictures outside it is!
This complex offers shopping, groceries, and local goods.
🛍 Tip: Even if gold is cheaper here, check the exchange rate!
🛒 I found some rare coffee and chocolate brands to bring home as pasalubong.
🌃 9:10 PM – One Last
Visit to the Mosque
We just couldn’t resist one last nighttime view of the mosque. But here’s the twist—
🍽 We forgot most restaurants close early in Brunei. We ended up eating instant noodles from the minimart downstairs. Not the dinner we hoped for!
💡 Final Tip:
Plan your dinner early. Brunei has no nightlife, and even hotel restaurants close around 5:30–6:00 PM.
📌 Plan Your Trip: Helpful Resources
🔗 [Brunei 3D2N Itinerary]
🔗 [Must-See Attractions in Brunei]
🔗 [Getting Around Brunei]
🔗 [Brunei Do’s & Don’ts for First-Time Visitors]
📌 More of Our Brunei Adventures:
➡️ 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 1: National Day, Tamu Kianggeh, Tamu Selera & Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
➡️ 🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 3: A Royal Finale with Empire Hotel, Istana Nurul Iman & Jame'Asr Mosque
💬 Have you been to Brunei or planning a trip soon?
💡 Got questions about the attractions we visited? Or maybe you had your own misadventures while traveling? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
👉 Leave a comment below, and let’s swap stories, tips, or recommendations.
📌 Don’t forget to follow this blog for more off-the-beaten-path travel guides across Southeast Asia.
✈️ Safe travels, and happy exploring!
From historical churches and cultural landmarks to white beaches and natural wonders, Bohol offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're exploring caves, relaxing by the beach, or visiting old Spanish-era churches, this charming province in Central Visayas is a destination you’ll never forget.
Here are 21 top attractions you must visit when in Bohol:
🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam Day 1: National Day, Tamu Kianggeh, Tamu Selera & Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
Brunei was my very first international trip—and oh, what a mix of excitement, fear, and wide-eyed wonder it was! I had flown before, but never for this long, and never outside the Philippines. From the moment we landed at Brunei International Airport, I knew this trip would be something unforgettable. 💛
When I was preparing our itinerary, my friend made a special request—we have to attend a Catholic Mass. Since Brunei is a Muslim country, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But with a little research, I found the Church of Our Lady of Assumption, the only Catholic church in Bandar Seri Begawan. It’s a 15-minute walk from the city center—and along the way, we passed some of Brunei’s most notable landmarks.
🇧🇳 Brunei National Day: A Celebration of Unity, Loyalty, and Heatstroke
When we booked our trip to Brunei, we had no idea that our first day (February 23rd) coincided with their National Day celebration — not until I started planning our itinerary. It turned out to be a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
✨ Our last night in Brunei was meant to be chill — a stroll through a night market and maybe a quick bite before flying back to Manila. What we didn’t expect was how something so simple — like a cup of Teh Tarik — could leave such a lasting impression. This post is about the unexpected warmth, a little bit of shopping, and our encounter with fellow Filipinos in the heart of Gadong.
✨ One of the best things about staying at Jubilee Hotel in Brunei is its perfect location — close to many of Bandar Seri Begawan’s must-see sites. On our last full day, we decided to walk to Tamu Selera, a local food court that offers an authentic taste of Bruneian dishes. It was a quiet 10-minute walk that felt oddly luxurious — imagine walking in the city with barely any cars around. Brunei’s streets are so peaceful, we joked that it felt like we owned the road (LOL). 😄
✨ Unplanned detours often make the best travel memories.
While walking to the Catholic Church in Bandar Seri Begawan, we stumbled upon Tamu Selera — an old-school food court nestled under colorful parasols, buzzing with local life. After mass, we decided to drop by for dinner... and I’m so glad we did.
🇧🇳 Brunei Darussalam: 3D2N Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (Updated 2025)
🌟 Brunei isn’t just oil wealth and opulent mosques—it’s serenity, culture, and subtle charm. Despite being compact, it’s filled with historical, religious, and architectural gems you can explore in just a few days. While nightlife here is quiet due to the country's Islamic values, a 3D2N trip is more than enough to get a glimpse of its wonders.
If you're planning your first trip to this peaceful nation, here's a sample itinerary based on our own experience—complete with tips, key attractions, and honest impressions.
✈️ Getting There
Brunei is served by Brunei International Airport (BWN) in Bandar Seri Begawan, with direct flights from major cities like Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore via Royal Brunei Airlines, AirAsia, and others.
🏨 Where to Stay
We stayed at Jubilee Hotel, a budget-friendly option located near the city center. It’s walkable to major spots like the Royal Regalia Museum and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. They offer a complimentary return trip to select destinations—a huge plus!
📍 Jalan Kampong Kianggeh,
Bandar Seri Begawan
☎️ +673 2228070
🏨 Hotels in Bandar Seri
Begawan: 2025 Guide with Contact & Tips
🏨 Top Hotels Outside
Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam 2025 | Best Stays & Contact Info
🏨 Where to Stay in Brunei
Darussalam – Hotels, Homestays & Budget Options (2025)
🏨 Top Hotels Outside
Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam 2025 | Best Stays & Contact Info
🚕 Getting Around
🗓️ SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS (Prepared Before the Trip)
📅 DAY 1: FEBRUARY 23, 2014 (Sunday)
🕐 1:40am – Arrival
at Brunei International Airport
🏨
2:00am–6:00am – Arrival at Jubilee Hotel | Wait at lounge
🛏️
6:00am–8:00am – Check-in | Rest | Breakfast
🎉
8:30am–10:00am – Watch National Day Celebration
🚗
10:15am–11:00am – Quick City Drive-By
🍽️
12:00pm–3:00pm – Lunch/View at Empire Hotel & Country Club
🎢
3:15pm–3:45pm – Jerudong Park (optional, based on time/budget)
🚘
4:00pm–4:45pm – Travel back to hotel
⛪
5:15pm–6:30pm – Attend Mass at Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
🍛
7:00pm–8:00pm – Dinner at Kainggeh Tamuh (Nasi Katok/Nasi Lemak
for B$1)
📅 DAY 2: FEBRUARY 24, 2014 (Monday)
🌅 6:30am – Wake-Up
Call
🥐
7:30am–8:30am – Breakfast
🏛️
9:00am–9:30am – Brunei History Center
🏰
9:45am–10:15am – Royal Regalia Building
📸
10:30am–11:00am – View The Lapau & Dewan Majlis (exterior only)
🌳
11:15am–11:45am – Visit Tasek Lama Park (optional)
🍴
12:00pm–1:00pm – Lunch at local eateries
🕌
1:30pm–2:30pm – Visit Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
🏘️
3:00pm–4:00pm – Explore Kampung Ayer & Cultural Gallery
👑
4:30pm–6:00pm – Stop by Istana Nurul Iman from riverside
🌙
7:00pm onwards – Free Time | City walk
📅 DAY 3: FEBRUARY 25, 2014 (Tuesday)
🌅 6:30am – Wake-Up
Call
🥐
7:30am–8:30am – Breakfast
🕌
9:00am–10:00am – Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
🏛️
10:30am–11:00am – Malay Technology Museum
🏛️
11:15am–11:45am – Brunei Museum
🍴
12:00pm–1:00pm – Lunch
⚰️
1:15pm–1:45pm – Sultan Bolkiah Mausoleum
🧳
2:00pm–3:00pm – Refresh | Check-out
🧵
3:30pm–4:00pm – Arts & Handicrafts Centre
🏡
4:15pm–4:45pm – House of Twelve Roofs
🛍️
4:30pm–10:00pm – Final City Exploration
✈️
10:30pm – Transfer to Airport
🎒 ACTUAL ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS (What Really Happened)
📅 DAY 1: FEBRUARY 23, 2014 (Sunday)
🛬 1:40am – Arrival
at Airport
🚖
2:15am – Check-in at Jubilee Hotel
☕
2:30am–8:45am – Rest | Breakfast
🛍️
8:50am–9:00am – Visit Kampung Kianggeh Market
🍳
9:15am–10:15am – Breakfast at DeRoy@le Café
🚐
10:25am–12:00pm – Attend National Day at Stadium
😵
12:00pm–2:00pm – Walk aimlessly (figuring out transport 😅)
🍜
2:00pm–5:00pm – Light lunch | Rest
⛪
5:15pm–6:30pm – Mass
🍽️
7:00pm–7:45pm – Dinner at Kainggeh Tamuh
🕌
8:15pm–9:15pm – Evening stroll at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
🛏️
9:30pm – Bedtime
📅 DAY 2: FEBRUARY 24, 2014 (Monday)
🥐 8:30am–9:30am –
Breakfast
🏛️
9:30am–10:00am – Walk | Photos of History Center, The Lapau
👑
10:00am–11:20am – Royal Regalia Museum
🌳
11:50am–12:30pm – Tasek Lama Park
🍱
1:00pm–2:30pm – Lunch at Kaizen Sushi
🏘️
3:30pm–4:30pm – Explore Kampung Ayer
🕌
5:00pm–5:15pm – Mosque visit
🛍️
7:15pm–8:15pm – Window Shopping at Yayasan Complex
🕌
8:15pm–9:15pm – Return to Mosque for Night View
🛏️
9:30pm – Bedtime
📅 DAY 3: FEBRUARY 25, 2014 (Tuesday)
🕌 8:00am–9:00am –
City Drive-By
👑
9:30am–9:45am – View Istana Nurul Iman
🧵
10:00am–10:20am – Handicrafts Centre
🏛️
10:40am–11:30am – Malay Technology Museum
🎉
11:40am–11:45am – Stop by 60th Monument
🍽️
12:00pm–1:00pm – Lunch at Kopi Bandar
☕
3:00pm–4:00pm – Snack at Café
🌟
5:00pm–7:00pm – Visit Empire Hotel & Country Club
🕌
7:20pm–7:50pm – Visit Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
🍱
8:15pm–9:15pm – Dinner at The Mall’s food court
🧳
10:30pm – Check-out | Transfer to Airport
✨ Brunei is clean, peaceful, and culturally rich, but nightlife is limited. The actual itinerary ended up being more laid-back, giving us time to enjoy the city's calmness. Some sites were unexpectedly closed or limited, so flexibility was key!
📝 Travel Tips
🚌 Transport: Taxi
is expensive; walking is common
🕌
Dress Modestly: Especially in religious sites
📵
Quiet Evenings: Most shops close early
💰
Currency: Brunei Dollar (BND) – Same value as SGD
Brunei may not be your usual Southeast Asian adventure, but its peaceful charm, grand architecture, and cultural depth make it a unique stop. It’s safe, clean, and offers a refreshing pause from the hustle of its neighbors. Three days are enough—but it’s the kind of place that stays with you longer.
🗨️ Have a question or need help planning your Brunei trip? Drop a comment below! I’d be happy to help you tailor your own itinerary.
Save this post, share it with your travel buddy, or leave a comment if you’ve been to Brunei! I'd love to hear your experience. 💬👇
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