april-2012

TAIWAN
TAIPEI
COUNTRY CODE +886
CURRENCY TW$1 = PHP1.45/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN Taxis to the city will cost you
TW$1,100 (PHP1,591). Private bus companies
run trips from both terminals; you’ll pay a more
manageable TW$110–140 (PHP159–202). To get
around, take the MRT.
BY DAY Visit Taipei 101, Ximending and Freedom
Square — they’re all conveniently located and
accessible by MRT. Take a one-hour bus ride to
Yehliu; the peculiar rock formations make you feel
as if you’ve traveled to an eerie and faraway planet.
BY NIGHT Take the MRT to Jiantan (not Shilin)
station and follow the crowd to Shilin Night Market.
Try the jipai (fried chicken the size of your face) and
the Taiwanese sausage. For dessert, try mang guo
shue hua bing (fi nely shaved ice with mango).
SLEEP The Grand Hotel looks like a gigantic
imperial palace built thousands of years ago. Each
room features Western and Oriental decor. www.
grand-hotel.org/main/default.htm
Jojo Huang
Tang
high school teacher
BEST BREAKFAST Dan bing is a
must-try — one layer of omelette with
scallions cooked with a layer of pancake.
BEST DINNER Try jian jiao
(Taiwanese pot stickers); it’s delicious,
inexpensive and available all over the city.
INSIDER TIP If you’re into
electronics, Nova, next to Taipei Main
Station, has good deals on computers.
For cameras, go to Bo Ai Rd.
trip journal
THAILAND
BANGKOK
COUNTRY CODE +66 (2)
CURRENCY THB1 = PHP1.40/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN There is a free airport shuttle to
the Public Transportation Center in town. A taxi
costs THB200 (PHP278). In the city, use the
BTS Skytrains and avoid the jams. Tuk-tuks are
available but only for short distances.
BY DAY When in Bangkok, make sure to visit the
temples. There are several in the city, but the most
popular one is Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). Slip in
some retail therapy at malls like MBK, Emporium,
Siam Paragon and Terminal 21.
BY NIGHT Bangkok is famous for its rooftop bars.
Dress to the nines, then check out the city’s highest
bar to date — Lebua at the State Tower. Enjoy
magnifi cent night views of the Chao Praya River
and the city while sipping vino or a cocktail.
SLEEP Sommerset Sukhumvit Thonglor has
all the comfort and conveniences of a serviced
apartment. www.somerset.com/thailand/
bangkok/somerset_sukhumvit_thonglor.html
Mia
Marchadesch
Jaranilla
style contributor,
Expat Ladies
Bangkok
BEST BREAKFAST After You
Dessert Café (Cafe J-Ave., Thonglor) is
open daily from 7am to midnight.
BEST DINNER Street Food at
Sukhumvit Soi 38. It’s very famous so
you won’t miss it!
BEST SOUVENIRS Durian chips!
They’re not what you think they taste
like. Buy them at the local groceries
or MBK.
{ 139 }