AirAsia today announced it will operate direct flights to Taipei from Manila and Cebu starting next month.
The daily Manila-Taipei service will commence on November 21 while the three times weekly Cebu-Taipei service will start from 25 November.
To celebrate the launch of the Taipei flights, AirAsia is offering promotional fares on airasia.com from as low as P888 for Cebu-Taipei with travel period between 25 November 2016 and 25 March 2017 and from as low as P1,488 for Manila-Taipei with travel period from 21 November 2016 to 25 March 2017. Promotional fares are up for grabs from today until 16 October only.
Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “In anticipation of the influx of tourists and travellers to Taipei following the recent easing of visa rules for Filipinos, we are thrilled to announce that AirAsia is launching direct flights to Taipei from our hubs in Manila and Cebu this November with promo fares now available online and through our partner travel agents nationwide.”
Taiwan has eased its visa rules for Filipinos, along with citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and India.
In a statement released by the Taiwan Economic Cultural Office (TECO), passport holders from the Philippines, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam who are permanent residents of Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Schengen Agreement signatories, the United Kingdom, or the United States, or hold a visa or a resident card from one of these countries that is either valid or expired within 10 years from the date of expected arrival in Taiwan, will now be eligible to apply online for a Taiwan travel authorization certificate, free of charge.
Besides Taipei, AirAsia announced earlier that it will add one daily flight between Manila and Kuala Lumpur starting 30 October on top of its current twice daily flights. AirAsia will also increase flights between Cebu and Kuala Lumpur from three to four times weekly effective 29 October.
Comendador added, “Cebu is an important hub for AirAsia and we are here to offer a reliable, award-winning, world-class service at low fares that every Cebuano deserves.”
Those who are planning a trip to Taipei have many things to look forward to while there:
The icon of Taipei, and the prominent centre of the city, Taipei 101 is the tallest green building in the world. The post-modernistic structure boasts 101 floors of shopping, conference centres, offices, restaurants and both outdoor and indoor observatories. Head to the top for a stunning and unobstructed view of the city!
There is a plethora of night markets in Taipei, but the most famous one of all is Shilin Night Market. Food hunters crowd over for its many food vendors and small eateries especially amongst the 539 stalls in the food court. After dinner, the many attractions such as movie theatres, video arcades, shops and karaoke stores will have you staying till the wee hours of the night.
Another famous landmark of Taipei, the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built in memory of the former president of the Republic of China. The hall and square is now the hub for cultural events, and the National Concert Hall and National Theatre are in the vicinity as well, housing performances from the likes of Yo-yo Ma, the Vienna Boys Choir and even the late Luciano Pavarotti himself.
Photo from Wikipedia
A two-hour train ride from Taipei is the beautiful Taroko Gorge. Located within the Taroko National Park, the gorge is known for its magnificent natural beauty and its abundant supply of marble. Visitors can get in touch with nature as they explore the many sights around, such as the Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, and Buluowan Village.
Photo from Wikimedia
Shopaholics will be happily satiated in Taipei’s main wholesale garment market, which boasts the latest fashion and trends at bargain basement prices. The shops open from morning till midnight every day, and haggling is a skill that will take you far when you are roaming the streets of Wufenpu.
Have you been to Taipei? Share your travel tips below!