Taiwan Insolite: 8 Things I Noticed About This Beautiful Island

Taiwan is the kind of place, at least for me, that you never really hear about, which makes me all the more curious. Then one day, a friend recounted her adventures on this little island, about the delicious and incomparable bubble tea you can find there and the breathtaking landscapes, and that’s how, one plane ticket later and a first trip, this place very quickly became one of my favorites.

So much so that I’ve been there twice in two years and hope to visit again soon!

As in all the countries I’ve visited, I like to note the insolite and unique things I’ve witnessed, and Taiwan has a lot to offer, not only in terms of food, sights…, but also in terms of surprising stuff you may never have encountered before. Here are 8 of them!

Save it for later!

1. Uneven sidewalks

You might think I got used to it after Bali and its sidewalks literally riddled with holes where you can easily twist your ankle, especially at night, but not really. Of course, these aren’t as dangerous as the ones I found in the Philippines, Indonesia or Vietnam, but I wouldn’t call them harmless either, even more so when you’re used to not watching where you’re going in South Korea.

So, yes, uneven sidewalks are a thing here. One moment you’re just walking straight ahead, and the next you’re stepping down a level and almost tripping in front of a restaurant or shop.

A word of advice: try not to look at your phone when walking the streets of Taiwan, you’ll thank me later. And if you need to use the map on your phone, stop, look at your phone, memorize the map, then start walking again.

2. Covered sidewalks

Let’s stay on the topic of sidewalks a little while longer. First off all, I’m glad there are sidewalks, whether they’re uneven or not, because I don’t mind living dangerously, and getting an adrenaline rush that comes when I walk on the road and avoid traffic… But as someone who likes to walk a lot and prefers walking to taking the bus or any other form of transportation, let’s just say I’m happy when I can walk on a real sidewalk.

And yes, uneven sidewalks are hell, because you’ve to pay attention, just kidding, but what I love is that there are actually covered sidewalks in Taiwan.

Insolite but true, covered sidewalks are pure genius, especially when you’re out and about and it starts pouring rain, and you forgot your umbrella. Not that Taiwan is a rainy place, or is it?

Which brings me to my next point!

3. Umbrellas for rent

I feel like this invention was designed specifically for people like me, who always go out without an umbrella or who say: “the rain won’t last long, I’ll just wait”, and then, 30 minutes later, you just decide to brave the rain and run to the next station or bus stop.

So imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon raingo when navigating the subway in Taiwan. The process is simple: download the app, enter your information and use the umbrella. Oh, and you don’t have to return it to the same station, but to whichever is closest to you.

So far, I’ve only seen this in two countries: Japan and Taiwan. I truly hope other countries will implement this, as it makes life so much easier. Plus, you no longer need to run to the nearest convenience store hoping they haven’t run out of umbrellas, only to have to run in the rain to another convenience store!

4. Bubble tea everywhere

Because there’s nothing better than actually tasting a dish or a drink in the country where it was created, you can’t go wrong with bubble tea in Taiwan.

Originated in Taiwan, more specifically in Tainan, it’s the drink you’ll soon crave every morning, noon, and night.

And if you’re not really into the boba flavors or want to try something different, know that Taiwan is also famous for its fruit teas, papaya milk, Oolong tea, and much more.

Cheap, delicious, and found on every street corner, Taiwan and its bubble tea will soon win you over!

5. 7-Eleven bars

Here’s something really insolite that you’ll probably only find in Taiwan: 7-Eleven bars!

You’re probably already familiar with these convenience stores, and know how convenient they’re for breakfast thanks to their special menu, or how they offer literally everything you need, are everywhere, and that you can even take a break there, enjoying the air conditioning on one of the seats with your favorite snacks.

But what’s new is that there are now 7-Eleven open bar locations in Taiwan! Tired after a day of exploring? Why not sit down at the 7-Eleven bar and enjoy a draft beer?

The one I know is in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei, if you want to check it out!

6. Small, but it has everything

Taiwan may be small, but don’t underestimate its beauty, because it’s definitely worth more than a trip, in my humble opinion.

And you know what’s best? You don’t have to spend hours on public transportation or change buses 4 times before you’re able to visit and admire amazing places.

In an hour by bus or train, you can often leave the city behind and find yourself facing breathtaking mountains, peaceful beaches, roaring blue gorges or mystical lakes.

Plus, the island is so well connected and easy to get around that there’s no excuse not to explore its wonders!

Now how cool is Taiwan?

7. See through glass wall bathrooms

I remember the first time I had my first encounter with glass wall bathrooms. It was in Kaohsiung, in a room I was sharing with my friend, but we didn’t notice it until the next morning since we pretty much went to bed as soon as we arrived as it was quite late.

But the next day, when I went to take a shower, my friend and I burst out laughing. Not because there was anything wrong with the bathroom, but because we could actually see each other through the clear glass.

Fortunately, the glass was frosted in strategic places, so you couldn’t really see everything, but still, just for your information, you may encounter glass wall bathrooms in Taiwan, because they’re an actual thing here!

8. The sweet melody of garbage trucks

A sweet melody rings out, and you’re getting all excited at the thought of an ice cream truck arriving, ready to get yourself a sweet treat, when in fact it’s a garbage truck.

Yes, people leaving their houses aren’t going out for a refreshing dessert, but to throw out their trash.

If you’ve never heard a garbage truck playing a song (often Beethoven’s “Für Elise”), then you’re in for a surprise.

Insolite, but funny and smart, as there’s no way you can miss garbage collection day in Taiwan!

What do you think of these insolite things I encountered when traveling to Taiwan? Do you also take note of unusual and funny things you’re not used to when visiting a country?

If so, feel free to share the strangest thing you’ve experienced around the world!

Interested to learn more about Taiwan? Check out these 10 facts!

Planning your first trip to Taiwan? Here’s my ideal 10-day itinerary for first-time visitors!