Before we begin traveling alone can be great for self-reflection, but having a companion is often even better. It’s comforting to have someone to talk to, walk with, and share observations about new places.

At 40, I decided to explore Formosa—meaning “beautiful island” in Portuguese—now known as Taiwan. When my friend and colleague informed me that Filipinos no longer need a visa to visit, we seized the opportunity to explore this small yet unique country, filled with experiences found only in Taiwan. I can say it was Julie Ann’s desire to visit that motivated me to join her—I, too, wanted a travel companion. Many people need encouragement to travel because they fear being alone, and that’s understandable if you’ve always done it by yourself.

We took this trip in 2019, just before starting our new jobs at a college where we had recently transferred. We decided to travel before fully committing to work, knowing it would soon demand our full attention. Both of us were about to start a new program at the only state college where we had just been hired. Like me, Julie is a traveler. She had already visited several countries for both leisure and adventure, so we shared a love for fun and exploration. Before the trip, we planned a one-week itinerary, selecting key places to visit and organizing accommodations and activities to make the most of our limited time. Julie took charge of the planning, as I tend to be spontaneous and don’t worry too much about visiting certain places at specific times.

When traveling with others, it’s important to consider their preferences, not just your own, and to find activities that everyone can enjoy. This helps make the trip smoother and more enjoyable. Since we were traveling on a budget, we opted for a simple breakfast—coffee and bread from 7-Eleven, a popular convenience store found almost everywhere in Taiwan. We usually woke up at 7 a.m. and looked for the nearest place to eat. To save money, we limited ourselves to one full meal a day. We booked our accommodation in advance for the entire week, so we never had to worry about where to stay. Our lodging was conveniently located near Taipei, the capital.

On our first day, we explored Taipei’s city center. If you’re a fan of anime, you’ll find plenty of references and images throughout the city. Another thing I noticed was the abundance of potted plants—everywhere. I believe these little touches of greenery help cool the space and make it more inviting. Even our hotel had small potted plants.

We hiked up Elephant Mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and took plenty of photos. We also saw Taipei 101, which held the title of tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. Despite its small size, Taiwan’s rapid development places it among Asia’s top four advanced economies, alongside Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Traveling in Taiwan is relatively easy, thanks to its efficient train system and clear tourist maps that make getting around simple. While the hike up Elephant Mountain was a bit challenging, the view from the top made it more than worthwhile. Taipei feels like a modern city—comparable even to Singapore or New York.

Visit to Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall

To witness a stunning Taiwanese sunset while diving into the country’s historical past, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a must. Built in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, the first president of the Republic of China, this site offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s grand historical legacy. We took countless photos of the magnificent architecture, feeling as if we had stepped back in time. Julie and I both love photography, often joking that we need to take a thousand shots just to find the perfect one for social smedia. This location was rich with flowers and cherry blossoms—ideal for a beautiful photo backdrop. If you love sunsets, this is the place to be.

A touch of history in Jiufen old street

To gain a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s past, we visited Jiufen, a former gold-mining town nestled in the hills of northeastern Taiwan. Perched on a mountainside overlooking the sea, Jiufen required a bit of a hike to reach. Given how common hiking is in Taiwan, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Jiufen is known for its lively street food scene, offering snacks and delicacies that are hard to find elsewhere. Strolling through Jiufen Old Street felt like stepping back in time, surrounded by traditional architecture and bustling stalls. We indulged in food tasting and enjoyed the variety of local flavors and drinks.

Visitors can also explore the old railway, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. While Jiufen is perfect for a day trip, it’s also a great place to stay overnight to fully immerse yourself in its charm. As noodle lovers, we discovered that Taiwan has a truly unique way of preparing noodles—so much so that after tasting them here, other noodles just don’t compare. Without a doubt, it was one of the culinary highlights of the trip.

A glimpse of Mars at Yehliu Geopark

We’ve never been to Mars, but Yehliu Geopark felt like the next best thing. This 1,700-meter-long cape, shaped by Datun Mountain stretching into the sea, resembles a giant turtle and is often nicknamed the “Yehliu Turtle.” Its landscape, shaped by erosion and tectonic activity, is a paradise for photographers. The park’s rock formations—sea trenches, candle-shaped rocks, pot-shaped formations—are truly otherworldly. The Queen’s Head, a rock shaped like a regal profile, was especially captivating. As fans of beauty queens and all things feminine, Julie and I found this spot particularly delightful. Standing beside the Queen’s Head, you can’t help but feel a little majestic. I had never encountered a place quite like Yehliu. It sparked my imagination—what if life were possible on Mars? How would we live there?

Hiking Bitou Cape

The first bus we took to Bitou Cape got lost—but we weren’t upset. The driver, who didn’t speak English, kindly bought us coffee after I accidentally asked for “coffee” instead of “cape,” thanks to my accent. Julie couldn’t stop laughing, and we both agreed that getting lost is often the most memorable part of any trip. Bitou Cape felt like a stairway to heaven. The trail, about five hours from the city, winds through a small fishing village where friendly locals waved at us as we passed. We shared stories from our work as social workers, reflecting on what we’d learned from clients and communities. It felt like a therapeutic walk. Climbing Bitou Cape, I wondered why we don’t have trails like this in our own country. Endless stairs and a refreshing breeze on your face—or your skirt—made for a memorable hike. Julie wore shorts, while I chose a skirt with shorts underneath, hoping to channel Marilyn Monroe’s iconic wind-blown moment. It was a fun, carefree experience.

Though the stairs may appear easy, the climb is demanding. It requires strong legs and an open heart. But the views at the summit—overlooking the Pacific Ocean—made it all worth it. You can even feel how close you are to the Philippines. Many Taiwanese have visited or worked in our country, adding another layer of connection.

Good friends eat together, can walk together

We ended our trip with a dinner at a night market in Taipei. The air was rich with the smell of sizzling food as vendors prepared meals before our eyes. The place was buzzing with conversation—locals and tourists alike enjoying their culinary finds.

Taiwan’s affordability makes it a great travel destination. As two women who love to shop, the night market offered not just food, but vibrant sights, perfect for browsing and enjoying the local vibe. This trip was a personal gift to myself at 40—where they say life truly begins. It was the first time I paid for a trip entirely on my own. Until then, my travels were mostly funded by organizations for training or work events. For Julie, who is younger and traveling with me for the first time, it was a fresh and exciting adventure.

Our personalities balanced each other—me, bubbly and expressive; Julie, calm and thoughtful. She listened attentively and helped keep us on schedule with her organized and punctual nature, ensuring we visited every destination on our list.

It felt like a shared journey between two women—connected by our profession but shaped by different perspectives: mine by age and reflection, hers by youth and curiosity. Even though we did a lot of walking and often ran to catch trains, the joy of traveling with a friend made everything lighter. As the saying goes: “No road is long with good company.”