On 27 Oct, I took Tigerair afternoon flight to Taiwan. Feeling very excited as this was my first solo trip and also my first time to Taiwan. After reading so many reviews and itineraries and watching many travel variety shows on Taiwan, I felt that Taiwan was very familiar.
Anyway, afternoon flight was not very crowded. Very fast to checkin and many seats still available on plane. You can use the three seaters as bed. So although some might think the afternoon timing was not good, I think it was ok as I don’t need to wake up early to go airport, shorter queue and able to freely sit around the plane.
Want to sleep on plane 3-seater bed? 
Half filled plane. 
Slightly more crowded more luggage checkin. 
Changi Airport Terminal 2 Counter 11 Tigerair Web Checkin Reached Taoyuan Airport at evening. Did not manage to take any photo as I was tired from the 4-hour flight. I just followed the crowded to the bus terminal and bought 2-way tickets to Taipei Main Station. Before boarding the bus, I went to their convenience store to bought some sushi for dinner.
Airport to Taipei Main Station bus and luggage ticket. Bought some sushi at Hi-Life convenience store before boarding the bus.
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My sense of direction was not very good. Even though I followed the hostel map instruction and youtube video, I still lost my way. Taipei Main Station and underground tunnels were like a maze. So many signboards which all pointed to the same direction. Luckily I finally followed the correct signboard to go to Q Square and Huayin Street which was around the hostel’s proximity.
My first two nights stay was at Flip Flop Hostel. Here’s the hostel exterior in daytime.
Flip Flop Hostel exterior
Flip Flop Hostel Entrance 
Hostel opposite is Q Square shopping mall Interior is very homely and artistic style. Compared to my previous hostel staying in Malacca, this experience was totally different. The common area looks good.
Hostel foyer. Very home style – need to change to slippers before entering. 
Hostel counter and main area. 
IT area. 
Postcard gallery wall. 
Mingle corner 
Brochure and food are free to take. 
Cute message on the fridge. 
Open space kitchen. 
My dart score. —
Let’s check up my room. I booked a single bed private room which cost NT900 per night. No surcharge for weekends. Good Wifi connection in the room. There is a specific wifi network for each level. Just one thing bad about this – the room was at Level 5. A bit of a hassle to climb up and down everyday.
My room was at level 5. It was so difficult to carry my luggage up. 
Bedroom side table 
My attic bedroom. Sorry for my messy bed. Took this on the second day. Bathrooms are quite clean and modern. Photos were taken in the morning but even at night the bathrooms were still at good condition.
Common bathroom. 
Good cleanliness 
Shower 
Hairdryer 
Quirky wall art that leads to the bathroom Other photos.
Storeroom for luggage deposit. Would suggest the hostel to do with some locked cabinet as the storeroom is open for all to access. Kind of insecure. 
Creative chalk art at corridor. Offer free tour every Wed and Sat. 
A peek to other room – twin bedder. Overall, Flip Flop Hostel is value for money and is very convenient place to stay. This hostel was my first accommodation I picked after I confirmed my air ticket. After comparing with other hostels, I found that it offers one of the cheapest price for single room. Moreover, good ratings in HostelWorld.com and Tripadvisor. Also, I like their creative and informative website.
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Now move on to Ningxia Night Market.
After checkin to hostel, I was tired from the flight and the luggage unpacking. However, I still decided to explore Ningxia Night Market which I already planned as not to waste my first day in Taiwan.
It should be a 20 minute walk from the hostel. But I lost my way again and took me another extra 10m minute. Lucky there were helpful stranger to guide me to the destination.
Anyway, too cold and tired so only managed to take these few photos below. Overall Ningxia Night Market made me thought of Malacca’s Jonker Street. 2 rows of stores and one walkway. However, the stores were mostly food stores with a handful of street play booths. Not much to shop except some snacking. Therefore also not the most memorable night market throughout my Taiwan trip.
Finally found Ningxia Night Market. Starts from this road block. 
Pinball. 
Scoop goldfish traditional game store. 
The food street walk. 
Goodbye, Ningxia Night Market!
