It was a good idea that we checked the weather first in Taipei before flying out of the country. As forecasted on our day 2 in the city, there will be scattered rainfall in different parts of Taiwan. Good thing I brought an umbrella with me. Unfortunately, the small-sized umbrella I got wouldn’t be able to cover two heads.
But we found a solution to our problem on the succeeding events.
In hopes to be able to cross out a lot in our itinerary (and to finish early to church), we started the day early. Topping our activity is to do the Maokong Gondola Taipei ride.
After having our buffet breakfast at Hyatt, we walk our way to the nearest MRT station which is actually just a few blocks away from the hotel. (Read: Review – Hyatt Hotel Taipei)
We are on our way to Taipei Zoo.
How to go to Taipei Zoo
Travel by MRT:
- MRT Wenshan-Neihu Line: Get off at Taipei Zoo Station.
(for MRT route information, visit Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation) - MRT Nangang/Banqiao/Tucheng Line: Get off at Taipei City Hall Station, and then take bus route G1, BR18 or BR21 to Taipei Zoo.
Travel by Bus:
- Get off at Taipei Zoo Stop by: 236, 237, 282, 294, 295, 611, 676, 679, 793, 933, S12, BR3, BR6, BR11, BR15, BR18, BR21, G1, 1501, 1503 or 1558. (for bus route information, visit Taipei Bus Information and Transit System)
Ticket prices at Taipei Zoo cost NT$60 for adults and NT$30 for students. Preschool and handicapped can avail the free admission. It was nice to know that you can also use your MRT card on your entry to the zoo. When we arrived, there were a lot of buses parked in front. I guess a field trip coincides our zoo schedule. The rain was non-stop, good thing it was still tolerable. Kids were all wearing a yellow coat while parents assist them inside.
I do not know if there is a rule but I just notice that most of the people only wear yellow raincoat, which is kind of nice when you look at the crowd. It wasn’t such an eyesore I can say.
Even with the pouring rain we still decided to roam around the zoo. I am not expecting to see that much for I know that most of the animals would be hiding or covering on a shelter. It was a long walk before we stop to check out the animals. A portion of the zoo was under construction, and a bulk of people were also present in the zoo – making it a bit difficult to do sight seeing.
It was nice that people here have discipline on walking in the right direction. What I mean is, they don’t go to the other line separated by a bunker just to overtake people.
We just did a quick look at the zoo, and after checking a few animals, went back to move to the next location.
A stone-throw away from the Zoo entrance, you will find the Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station.
Maokong Gondola Taipei
It wasn’t my first time riding a Gondola. I think one of the most memorable Gondola rides I had was in Hongkong when we visited Ngong Ping 360. That ride was almost an hour long and to make it more exciting we picked a crystal cabin. The weather on that day was clear and sunny so you’ll see me cringing to my feet when I first rode it.
This isn’t the scenario when we ride the Maok0ng Gondola Taipei. It was raining and not the perfect time to take photographs. Though we still picked a glass cabin, the fog and the mist from the cold weather and the rain covered most of the sights we missed to see.
The Maokong Gondola had 6 stations (four passenger stations and two angle stations) starting with the Taipei Zoo station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station and lastly the Maokong Station were a line up of restaurant and a scenic view is waiting.
Maokong Gondola Taipei got 147 cabins in total, 31 of which are crystal cabin or also called as Eyes of Maokong Gondola. Crystal Cabins can carry no more than 5 passengers while the regular cabin can carry up to 8.
After buying our one-way tickets which costs NT$ 120, we went up and waited for our turn. Most of the visitors on that day preferred the Crystal cabin making the line a bit slower. When it was time for us to ride, Ruth and I were paired with a couple.
One could have an option to either go down or move on to the next station depending on the acquired ticket. I guess this would be ideal especially for people who got whereabouts or who live near the station. For us, we just want to experience the scenic view.
Unfortunately, the rain and the cold weather did not permit us to even have a nice photo. The fog was covering most of the glass window and I couldn’t even able to capture a nice view outside the cabin.
So we decided to just settle down, relax and wait for the whole trip to end.
At the end of the ride, a lot of people are still on for an adventure. This time the goal is to satisfy our tummy. A few walks away from the station, we found a small food court selling authentic Taiwanese foods. The sight was like a scene in BGC or in Makati area where night markets can be found. We were feeling hungry but weren’t really entice to dine at the place. I personally am a bit picky when it comes to food. I have this rule of knowing what am I eating first (even on how it is cooked) before putting it into my mouth. Well, of course, there would be an exemption on to it. You’ll know about that already if you’re an avid reader of my blog.
Ruth and I decided to walk a few meters away from the food kiosks and check out the other restaurants lined up across the street. There was a lot to choose from. I do not know why we didn’t even bother to go inside and check out each restaurant. I was actually googling while we wander the street, checking out the best restaurants to dine in the area where we could have a nice view of the mountain.
Undecided, we just went back and look for a ride to go down back to the Taipei Zoo station.
There are 3 options to choose from on how you can go back; 1st is by riding the gondola again; 2nd through waiting for the bus that will take you down to the first station and lastly is by car-pooling.
In hopes to be back faster, we decided to pool. It was difficult having a conversation with the drivers who didn’t even know how to speak basic English, but luckily we were able to convey what we wanted just by nodding and telling them keywords. The couple we were riding with also help us understand what the driver was saying.
After 30 minutes of traveling, we are back again at the first station. We hop to the next train and decided to move to the next location – Taipei Fine Arts Museum
Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Maji Square & Taipei Expo Park
We decided to eat somewhere near Taipei Fine Arts Museum. When we checked it online, we found out that the Museum’s entrance fee is free after 5 pm. That would be a great deal most especially that we will not spend any penny upon visiting.
When we arrived, we found out that Taipei Fine Arts Museum is part of what they called Taipei Expo Park. Taipei Expo Park is divided into three:
- Yuashan Park Area,
- Fine Arts Park Area &
- Xinsheng Park Area.
It is a huge place and we didn’t realize that it existed not until we visited it. On one of the parks, we found Maji Square.
Maji is an immensely fun and interactive space with a huge food court inside of it. Maji Square is situated just outside of Taipei’s Yuanshan MRT station, beside the Taipei Flora Expo Park and a five-minute walk from the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. We had our lunch in this area and had Pork curry in one of the stalls.
It was also the first time we smelled the infamous stinky tofu. Which, we didn’t really try. We cannot even stand going near that food stall. Lol!
After having our late lunch, we decided to roam around the other parks.
At 5 in the afternoon, we decided to go to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. And guess what, it is closed as well. Lol!
The failed itinerary didn’t really affect us but instead, we just enjoyed the cold weather, the park and the remaining time of our stay in that place on that day.
Before 7, we parted ways to head on to do Church duties.
To be continued . . .
Read: Day 1 – Elephant Mountain | Review: Hyatt Taipei Hotel
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