TAIWAN TRAVEL GUIDE: How to Travel from Manila to Taipei (For First Timers)

Booking and Pre-Flight Prep

We booked a Cebu Pacific flight from NAIA Terminal 3 to Taoyuan International Airport. It was scheduled for a Wednesday midnight, which was perfect for travelers like us who wanted to maximize our first day in Taipei. 

Us with our friend, Gelo

I was traveling with my wife and a couple of friends, so we made sure to arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours before our scheduled departure. At that hour, NAIA Terminal 3 was already buzzing with passengers and airport staff.

Every entry you should show your plane ticket

The moment we got off the taxi, airport personnel approached us asking for our flight information. Thankfully, I had a digital copy of our ticket ready on my phone. 

Check-In Process

Since we were all traveling light with no checked baggage, we were guided to the Documents Check counter instead of the regular check-in lines. There, we presented our passports, had our documents reviewed, and were promptly given our boarding passes. 

Cebu Pacific Document Check counter

From there, we headed to the Immigration area, where each of us was interviewed separately. My interview was simple: the officer asked about our flight and the purpose of travel.

This is the moment!

He wasn’t intimidating—more like doing a routine check—and I was relieved to get cleared quickly. 

Took off shoes at the security check

All gadgets were placed in trays. Once cleared, we walked toward our boarding gate: Gate 105. Terminal 3’s long alley felt endless, but the good news was there were many open shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants, even at 10 PM. 

Stores inside Terminal 3 departure

We had a quick dinner at Kenny Rogers, though the prices were noticeably higher than regular branches outside the airport.

Going to Gate 105

Along the way, we saw walkalators, charging ports, restrooms, and free WiFi—definitely a more pleasant pre-departure experience than I expected. 

I spotted a kids playground at the departure hall in T3

In-Flight Experience

We finally boarded a few minutes before midnight. Cebu Pacific’s flight was on time, and it was a short and uneventful journey. In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, we touched down at Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 around 1:00 AM. 

Goodbye Manila

Airport Immigration & Facilities

Upon arrival, the airport felt almost deserted—quiet and eerily clean. Most shops were closed at that hour, with only vending machines operating.

Arrival hall at Taoyuan Airport T1

We proceeded to the Immigration area, where we simply presented our passports. There was barely any conversation; they scanned our documents and let us through smoothly. 

Taiwan’s e-Gates were particularly impressive. You just scan your passport, take a quick selfie, and that’s it. No need to line up if you’re eligible for automated entry. 

Baggage carousel area

We walked past the baggage claim area and waited for our friends who took a bit longer at immigration.

Making withdrawals from Bank of Taiwan ATM

We then looked for an ATM machine, and I found a Bank of Taiwan ATM near the South Meeting Point, where I was able to withdraw cash using my SeaBank card.

We opted to withdraw NT$ 10,000 for the 3-day trip in Taiwan

Trying Our Luck at Lucky Land

We also spotted the Lucky Land booth, where tourists can try winning NT$5,000 worth of e-vouchers. Out of all of us, only one friend got lucky, but it was a fun experience either way. 

Transfer signage from TPE first level

Where to Catch the Bus

We went to the basement level, where there’s a 7-Eleven (yes, it was open!) and ticketing counters.

A 7-Eleven store at Taoyuan Airport basement

An elderly man was manning the Kuo-Kuang counter, and he sold us tickets for NT$133 per person.

Kuo-Kuang Bus Ticket to Taipei

Luckily, there was a bus ready to leave, so we didn’t have to wait long.

Kuo-Kuang Bus to Taipei

Inside Kuo-Kuang Bus

In about an hour, we arrived at Taipei Main Station. 

Instead of Taipei Main Station, we were dropped off Taipei Bus Station which is connected to Taipei Main Station

Taipei Bus Station

From here, we hailed a taxi to our hotel in Ximending, which was just about 6 minutes away.

Us catching a taxi ride in front of Taipei Bus Station

The fare was NT$200 for the three of us, but we later realized an Uber would have cost only NT$100. Still, it was early morning and we were tired, so we were just glad to finally get to our hotel.