Taiwan has steadily become one of the most popular destinations for Singaporean travellers seeking a mix of culture, street food, and natural beauty. With direct Singapore to Taipei flights taking just under five hours, it is an easy getaway that packs a serious punch. Whether you are drawn by the legendary night markets or the misty mountain trails, Taiwan delivers an experience that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Getting There and Choosing Your Flights
The most common route is a direct flight from Changi Airport to Taoyuan International Airport, with several airlines operating daily services. Flight times hover around four and a half hours, making it comfortable even for families with young children. Booking Singapore to Taipei flights during off-peak months like March or November often yields lower fares and thinner crowds. Traveloka Singapore is a handy platform for comparing prices across multiple carriers before you commit.
Navigating Taipei Like a Local
Taipei’s MRT system is clean, affordable, and remarkably easy to figure out. Grab an EasyCard at any convenience store and you can tap in and out of trains, buses, and even pay at selected shops. Most signage is in both Mandarin and English, so getting around rarely feels stressful. For areas the MRT does not reach, ride-hailing apps and local taxis fill the gap without breaking the bank.
Night Markets You Cannot Miss
Shilin Night Market is the most famous, sprawling across several blocks with hundreds of stalls selling everything from crispy fried chicken to stinky tofu. Raohe Street Night Market is smaller but arguably more charming, with a towering pepper bun stall right at the entrance that always draws a queue. Ningxia Night Market is the go-to spot for traditional Taiwanese dishes like oyster omelettes and taro balls. Budget around NT$300 to NT$500 per person for a very satisfying night market dinner.
Day Trips Worth Your Time
Jiufen, the hillside town said to have inspired a famous animated film, sits about an hour from Taipei by bus. Its narrow alleyways lined with red lanterns and tea houses make for gorgeous photos, especially at dusk. Yehliu Geopark on the northern coast showcases bizarre rock formations carved by wind and sea over millennia. If you prefer greenery, Yangmingshan National Park offers volcanic hot springs and flowering trails within easy reach of the city centre.
Practical Tips for Singaporean Visitors
Singaporeans enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for stays of up to 30 days, provided your passport is valid for at least six months. The currency is the New Taiwan Dollar, and credit cards are widely accepted in the city, though night markets and smaller towns still run on cash. Power sockets use flat two-pin plugs, so bring an adaptor if your devices use the three-pin type common in Singapore. Mobile data is cheap — grab a prepaid SIM at the airport for around NT$300 for five days of unlimited data.
When to Go and What to Pack
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November offer the most pleasant weather, with temperatures sitting comfortably between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. Summers are hot and humid with occasional typhoons, while winters in the north can dip below 15 degrees. Pack layers regardless of season, because air conditioning indoors can be fierce and mountain areas are always cooler than the city.
Budgeting Your Taiwan Trip
A week in Taipei can cost as little as S$800 excluding Singapore to Taipei flights if you stay in hostels and eat mostly at street stalls. Mid-range travellers spending on boutique hotels and the occasional sit-down restaurant should budget around S$1,200 to S$1,500. Taiwan is generous to budget-conscious visitors — public transport is cheap, portions are large, and free attractions like temple visits and hiking trails abound. Compare your flight options early through Traveloka Singapore to lock in the best deal and stretch your holiday dollars further.
Safe travels and happy eating — Taiwan will not disappoint.