Dear fellow bloggers, as we approach the end of the Northern Hemisphere spring season, I trust that you have been keeping yourselves healthy and well amidst the easing of most COVID-19 restrictions worldwide. To keep you updated directly on these overseas travel diaries, I would like to warmly welcome you all to this recent oriental immersion learning journey to Taiwan in May 2023. This brand new major overseas voyage report will be divided into a total of four sections, for which, this particular section shall constitute the very first section of the report.
This first section of the overseas learning journey trip report will cover a total of two central focus topics, excluding the prologue. They are the in-bound early afternoon flight from Singapore over to Taipei (Taoyuan) and the journey to our rented Airbnb apartment located in Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei. Though I cannot allow any comments for my videos published on YouTube for safety and security reasons, you may leave your user comments in the comment boxes at the end of each segment.
Part 1 ~ The Prologue
After settling my Australian possessions and helping my younger brother to settle down into on-campus university studies Down Under in Western Australia in both February & March 2023, my dad and I returned home to Singapore to spend time helping my mom with some core business errands. My younger brother would be staying on in Western Australia until the end of the first main university education semester in June and would safely return to Singapore for a month until late July, where he would return Down Under for the second semester. With my Australian matters now transferred to my younger brother, I promptly knew that it would no longer be necessary for me to go down to Australia again on an overall scale.
Furthermore, since traveling to California, United States, between December 2021 & January 2022 amidst the outbreak of COVID-19, I had completely lost both my taste and touch in Western Australia. This was especially so as Western Australia remained closed off from the world for two years until March 2022 and became the final major Australian state to reopen its borders. Most businesses in Australia also tend to start late and end early (e.g., no later than five or nine o' clock in the evening), which thus shows a lack of vibe compared to most other countries (e.g., Singapore, Japan).
As the end of April drew closer, my mom received an unexpected invitation to get a new Luopan for Feng Shui purposes, which would eventually require her to make an overseas trip up to Taiwan. Given that she would be carrying heavy baggage for the immersion trip and that my dad had to keep an eye on things at home, I soon knew that I would be the only one available to safely accompany her to Taiwan. While my parents had been to Taiwan several times before for private business purposes, this coming would mark my maiden trip to Taiwan.
I had heard many things about Taiwan from my parents before, including the main surroundings and railway lines being similar to that of Japan's styles. At the exact same time, I was excited to embark on another eye-opening overseas voyage trip towards another country after California, United States, and Portugal. Apart from whatever that had and would come, this particular central overseas trip would be special since my mom and I would be joined by three of our closest friends, Aunt Sandy Lai, Aunt Charmaine Lai and Aunt Crystal Lai, together with two Taiwanese friends whom I would meet once we had arrived.
During the wee hours of the early morning on Tuesday (9 May), I was still actively up and about preparing the rest of my baggage for the coming overseas trip to Taiwan. Having prepared my bulkier check-in baggage a few days beforehand, I safely knew that I could simply arrange it in the main living area on the first floor with my mom's bulkier check-in baggage. My dad had offered to fetch my mom and I to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 by ten o' clock sharp as it could be quite challenging and costly to get a MaxiCab during the morning rush hour.
For the in-bound early afternoon flight to Taiwan, we would fly with China Airlines on flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan), which would depart from Singapore Changi Airport at 1.25 p.m., and arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport safely at 6.20 p.m. sharp later that evening. Although my mom and I had considered traveling with Singapore Airlines, we knew that all its Business Class fares to and from Taiwan were sold out at this time. Furthermore, while EVA Airways was another option, the flights from Taiwan to Singapore usually depart in the early morning hours, which would be considered too early for us and there could be an issue of having to contend with all potential morning rush traffic to the airport.
This flight would be a coincidental one for us since one of my parents' friends, Aunt Tuesday Leong, would be joining us on the exact same flight. As for the Lai siblings, they would be traveling directly with EVA Airways on flight BR 226 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan), which would depart from Singapore Changi Airport by around 1.10 p.m., and eventually arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 5.45 p.m. later that evening. Through this flight itinerary, we securely knew that they would be the very first ones to reach our rented Airbnb group apartment in Shilin District, Taipei.
Soon enough, my parents had finally woke up at precisely 8.30 a.m. sharp that early morning. Knowing that we had to leave for Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 no later than 10.15 a.m., I helped my mom bring her baggage down to the living room area and arranged it with my larger baggage. My housekeeper also made me a hot beverage to ensure that I could receive some starting energy in preparation for our coming overseas journey to Taiwan later on while I did some Internet surfing on my portable laptop until around 9.30 a.m..
Later that morning, the time had finally come for my mom and I to depart our home safely for Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at precisely ten o' clock. My dad and housekeeper helped us to load all our baggage into the rear trunk area of the white private family car while my mom and I got in for the upcoming morning road trip to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3. Once everything had been securely loaded in, we safely departed the compound of our home by 10.05 a.m. for a routine morning road trip time of only 25 minutes over the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.
Soon enough, we finally arrived at the major departures and drop-off point situated outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at 10.30 a.m. sharp. While my parents unloaded all our baggage from the back trunk area of our private white family car, I promptly went to claim two baggage carts for our baggage to be loaded on. Once our baggage had been safely loaded onto the baggage carts, my dad wished us an enjoyable one-week immersion learning journey to Taiwan and reminded us to look out for each other at all costs before heading back home.
With both the baggage carts safely in our hands, my mom and I soon made our way into the departures and check-in level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the direction to the China Airlines Business Class check-in counters. Reaching the major China Airlines Business Class check-in counters by exactly 10.35 a.m., we eventually lined up behind some other waiting passengers for approximately five minutes that morning. As soon as our turn to check in came by 10.40 a.m. sharp, we showed the check-in staff agent our passports and ticket itineraries before loading our check-in baggage onto the check-in belt. The check-in procedure for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) took not more than approximately five minutes.
China Airlines (Traditional Chinese: 中華航空) is both the international flag carrier and the largest major airline of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Headquartered at the CAL Park located in Dayuan District, Taoyuan, the major airline has its primary and largest base at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, with three major secondary focus cities situated at Taipei Songshan Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport. The airline flies to 91 destinations across Asia, Europe, Oceania and North America using a mixed fleet consisting of mainly Airbus A321neos, Airbus A330s, Airbus A350 XWBs, Boeing 737s and Boeing 777s.
The airline was founded on 16 December 1959 and commenced scheduled services in the 1960s. With the introduction of its Boeing 707s and Boeing 747 jets, the company expanded its international service to Japan, Europe and the United States, though its operations were heavily restricted due to Cross-Strait tensions. From 7 October 1995, the airline unveiled its official 'plum blossom' livery in place of the Taiwanese national flag livery since its founding, thus allowing it to expand its international operations to most countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Mainland China. With improving Cross-Strait relations, Cross-Strait charter flight routes between Taiwan and Mainland China were soon introduced in fiscal 2003, with scheduled passenger flights between both countries finally commencing in 2009.
From 28 September 2011, the airline became a member of SkyTeam after signing an agreement on 14 September 2010, thus becoming the first local Taiwanese airline to officially join an airline alliance. Since then, China Airlines maintains most code-share agreements with several SkyTeam partner airlines via its Dynasty Flyer frequent-flyer program. It even owns a regional subsidiary, known as Mandarin Airlines (Traditional Chinese: 華信航空), which currently serves most domestic and low-demand regional Asian destinations, together with a major low-cost subsidiary airline, Tigerair Taiwan (Traditional Chinese: 臺灣虎航 / 台灣虎航), which serves regional Asian destinations.
Overlooking Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 from the departures and drop-off point outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after we had arrived during the morning non-rush hours
Making our way to the main entrance to the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the morning non-rush hours
Entering the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the morning non-rush hours
Finally arriving at the China Airlines Business Class check-in counters located in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
After completing the check-in process for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) at the central China Airlines Business Class check-in counters situated in the departures and check-in area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, we obtained all our boarding passes and lounge invitation passes securely at 10.45 a.m.. The check-in agent directly informed us that China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) would be scheduled to depart at exactly 1.25 p.m. sharp from Gate No. B3. Boarding would even securely commence by 12.55 p.m., approximately half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
With that, we thanked the China Airlines check-in agent for her services and went to the departure immigration checkpoints with the rest of our belongings. To clear the departure immigration checkpoints, we made use of the automatic face recognition entry gates reserved for all Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents, thereby permitting us to pass through the main departure immigration checkpoints safely in approximately five minutes. Soon enough, we were safely in the main airport transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at 10.55 a.m..
Considering that we still had plenty of good time left before China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan), we decided to do some duty-free shopping before proceeding upstairs to the Marhaba Lounge. With that instant, we securely made a stop at TWG Tea Boutique (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Central Branch) in order to purchase some duty-free TWG tea stuff for Taiwan, with my mom carefully selecting the brands that would be preferable. Upon purchasing our new duty-free TWG tea, we changed to an escalator and elevator to the major lounge mezzanine transit level, making a U-turn in the direction leading to the Marhaba Lounge.
Making our way to the departure immigration checkpoints from the China Airlines Business Class check-in counters in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after completing the check-in process for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
My Business Class boarding pass for the in-bound flight sector from Singapore to Taipei (Taoyuan)
Bypassing more airline check-in counters in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to the departure immigration checkpoints
Approaching the entrance to the departure immigration checkpoints in the departures and check-in lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Finally entering the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
Bypassing some duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
The departure flight information screens in the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
Stopping at TWG Tea Boutique (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Central Branch) in the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
Approaching the escalator and elevator connecting to the airport lounge mezzanine transit level in the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
About to make a U-turn to the passageway leading to the Marhaba Lounge in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
The departure flight information screens in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
Walking through the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the direction leading to the Marhaba Lounge during the early afternoon non-rush hours
Overlooking the main transit area from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
After spending approximately 20 minutes of walking through the main transit level area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 and purchasing some duty-free TWG special tea, we soon arrived at the main entrance to the Marhaba Lounge at 11.15 a.m.. At the airline lounge reception counter, a staff receptionist had a look at our lounge invitation passes and passports to securely ensure that we were legitimate passengers to use the airport lounge. Once we had been positively identified, we went into the lounge and took a four-seat table near one of the self-service buffet refreshment corners.
Getting our portable electronics out, we went to one of the local self-service buffet refreshment corners to help ourselves to some refreshments. As I had barely eaten anything since we left home, I helped myself to some scrambled eggs with roasted potatoes and chicken sausages, together with a glass of 2018 Australian Somerton Shiraz vintage red wine. My mom then helped herself to some other different food items available since she too had barely anything to eat at home before we left for Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.
Once I had finished my meal, I soon decided that it was my turn to do some airport duty-free shopping for myself. My mom even offered to keep an eye on my roll-on baggage while I was out shopping for duty-free items in the main transit area. With that, I securely departed the Marhaba Lounge by 11.40 a.m. and took an escalator down to the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in search for duty-free electronics retail stores selling wires for charging electronic gadgets, also spotting some aircraft on the way.
Soon enough, I finally arrived at a duty-free electronics retail store, known as iStudio (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch), at 11.45 a.m. sharp. Looking through the various merchandise on sale, I purchased an iPhone USB extension wire charger for my cell phone to make sure that I would have sufficient iPhone wire chargers for the trip, alongside my USB-C extension wires. Once I had completed my purchases that afternoon, I promptly made my way through the major transit level back to the Marhaba Lounge, eventually arriving back safely at 11.50 a.m. sharp.
Feeling quite thirsty after my airport duty-free shopping, I went to get a glass of iced water for myself from the self-service beverage corner. Later on, Aunt Tuesday safely joined us in the Marhaba Lounge by 12.10 p.m.. Both my mom and I warmly greeted her and helped her to keep an eye on her baggage while she went to help herself to some light refreshments. We even spent the rest of the time socializing and chatting with each other about life and the upcoming trip to Taiwan until it was finally time to proceed to Gate No. B3 for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan).
Walking past some self-service refreshment bars in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after we had entered
The view of the self-service food buffet corner from our seating area in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after my mom and I were seated
Stopping at the self-service food buffet corner in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Stopping at the self-service beverage corner in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Helping myself to some 2018 Australian Somerton Shiraz vintage red wine at the self-service beverage corner in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A glass of 2018 Australian Somerton Shiraz vintage red wine with ice for myself in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A small plate of scrambled eggs with chicken sausages and roasted potatoes for myself in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Planning out the first section of the overseas trip report on my blog via my portable laptop in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 using Avenir as the selected font for the report
The view of the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from our seating area shortly before I departed the lounge for some duty-free shopping
Bypassing the common lounge seating area close to the main entrance in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way to the main transit area for some duty-free shopping
The main entrance to the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early afternoon non-rush hours as I begin to make my way down to the main transit area for some duty-free shopping
Approaching the escalators connecting to the main transit area in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Bypassing the transit observation area overlooking the main airport tarmac in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841, registered 9V-SKT, resting at Gate No. A2 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 long after arriving from her long early afternoon flight over the Indian Ocean from the United Kingdom as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 317 from London (Heathrow). This aircraft was quite familiar to me, having flown on it before as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 011 between Tokyo (Narita) and Singapore in December 2015
An Aircalin Airbus A330-941, registered F-ONEO, being pushed back from Gate No. B2 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming long early afternoon return flight over the Java Sea and Coral Sea back to French Caledonia as Aircalin flight SB 741 bound for Nouméa
Overlooking the main airport tarmac from the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Bypassing some passenger rest areas overlooking the main airport tarmac in the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Bypassing several duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area closer to Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Stopping at iStudio (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) in the main transit area closer to Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 to purchase some duty-free electronic appliances
Bypassing some duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area closer to Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way back to the Marhaba Lounge
Bypassing The Cocoa Trees (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) and Tommy Hilfiger (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 Branch) in the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way back to the Marhaba Lounge
Taking an escalator to the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way back to the Marhaba Lounge
Bypassing the open-air food court in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way back to the Marhaba Lounge
Walking through the passageway leading to the Marhaba Lounge in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Finally arriving back at the main entrance to the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The view of the seating areas near the self-service food buffet corner in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after I had arrived back
A glass of iced water for myself in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Overlooking the main airport tarmac from the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Overlooking the pastry and dessert section of the self-service food buffet corner from our seating area in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The view of the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from our seating area shortly before I departed the lounge for Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B
To: Taipei, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE / RCTP), Taoyuan, Taiwan
Aircraft: Airbus A350-941
Registration No.: B-18916
Class: Premium Business Class
Seat No.: 15K
Date: Tuesday, 9 May 2023
After spending approximately 1 hour 05 minutes of having some light refreshments and using our own electronic devices in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit lobby at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, the lounge clock was already showing 12.20 p.m. sharp. Given that boarding for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) would commence safely in just 35 minutes' time, I immediately packed all my belongings and promptly departed the Marhaba Lounge for Gate No. B3 situated in Concourse B. My mom and Aunt Tuesday then promised to meet me safely at Gate No. B3 situated in Concourse B a few minutes before boarding commenced.
Soon enough, I finally arrived at the entrance to the passenger holding lounges at Gates No. B1 to B4 at 12.25 p.m. sharp, which was in time for boarding for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) to commence in only half an hour. Passing through a simple and routine security check, I was safely in the passenger holding lounge at Gate No. B3 at around 12.30 p.m.. My mom and Aunt Tuesday eventually met me at Gate No. B3 by precisely 12.45 p.m., as promised earlier on. With the number of waiting passengers at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B, I could securely deduce that China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) would have a relatively light passenger load today.
For today's journey, China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) would be operated by an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered B-18916 and powered with two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 jet engines. B-18916 was delivered to China Airlines on 8 March 2018 as the 12th Airbus A350-900 aircraft and as the 12th major Airbus A350 XWB aircraft for the local airline company. The overall delivery would then make the large twin-engine aircraft have a regular passenger service age of approximately 5.1 years old today.
Bypassing the common lounge seating area close to the main entrance in the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way to Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B during the early afternoon non-rush hours
The main entrance to the Marhaba Lounge located in the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way to Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B
About to take the escalators down to the main transit area from the airport lounge mezzanine transit level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 as I begin to make my way to Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B
Bypassing some duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area closer to Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to Gate No. B3
Bypassing a Lotte duty-free retail outlet store in the main transit area closer to Gates No. B1 to B4 in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Finally arriving at the main entrance to the passenger holding lounges at Gates No. B1 to B4 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Entering the main passenger holding lounges located at Gates No. B1 to B4 in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Our aircraft for today, B-18916, being serviced at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming regional early afternoon return flight over the South China Sea back to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
A closer view of B-18916 being serviced at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming regional early afternoon return flight over the South China Sea back to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registered 9V-SCE, being serviced at Gate No. B2 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming long early afternoon flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea to the State of Japan as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 622 bound for Osaka (Kansai). This particular aircraft was familiar to me as I had once flown on it as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 216 between Perth and Singapore in early April 2023
The passenger holding lounge at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 being occupied by waiting passengers for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Regional, registered 9V-SHL, decelerating along the runway near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her regional early morning return flight over the South China Sea from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 899 from Hong Kong
The departure flight information screen at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 displaying the details for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
One additional view of B-18916 being serviced at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming regional early afternoon return flight over the South China Sea back to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Regional, registered 9V-SHR, resting at Gate No. B4 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her regional morning return flight over the South China sea from the Kingdom of Thailand as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 705 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). She will then have a long mid-afternoon flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 606 bound for Seoul (Incheon)
The passenger holding lounge at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly before the first boarding announcements for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) were made
After spending not more than approximately 40 minutes of anticipated waiting inside the main waiting lounge at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, the main boarding announcements for China Airlines flight CI 754 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan) were finally made at 1.10 p.m., approximately 15 minutes behind schedule. All the Business Class passengers, including the Dynasty Flyer Club members and customers needing priority assistance, were safely called out to board the aircraft first. Since we were among the first ones to be summoned for passenger boarding, we got out both our passports and boarding passes to be checked by the boarding gate staff.
Walking through the jet bridge of Gate No. B3 to Door A, we were finally on board B-18916 at 1.15 p.m., which was rather rushed for a 1.25 p.m. departure bound for Taipei (Taoyuan). At the front entrance door, two cabin attendants welcomed us on board and pointed out the way to our seats situated in the front Premium Business Class cabin. Upon placing our belongings into their respective stowage spaces, we settled down into our allocated Seats No. 14G, 14K and 15K in preparation for the coming regional early afternoon flight of 4 hours 55 minutes to Taipei (Taoyuan).
The Business Class seats we would use for this regional early afternoon flight from Singapore over to Taipei (Taoyuan) would be the first generation of new Premium Business Class seats. These aircraft cabin products were unveiled on 3 September 2014 with the delivery of the airline's fleet of Boeing 777-300/ERs and have been featured on its fleet of 14 Airbus A350-900s since fiscal 2016. Arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, each seat is 200 centimeters (78 inches) long and can recline into a complete lie-flat bed of 180°, allowing travelers to sleep during long-haul flights.
The in-flight cabin attendants then went around the aircraft cabin distributing the newspapers and complimentary beverages to all the Business Class travelers. To commence the coming regional afternoon voyage to Taipei (Taoyuan), I had their special beverage of dragon fruit juice, which was tasty as a starter for something pretty new. We were then provided with the main in-flight dining menus so as to carefully make our reviews on what meals we wanted to have during the in-flight afternoon tea service later on while the boarding process was underway.
A clearer view of B-18916 while passing through the jet bridge of Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A view of my seat, 15K, during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A glass of dragon fruit juice for myself during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The view of the airport tarmac from my assigned Seat No. 15K during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Continuing to write out the first section of the overseas trip report on my blog via my portable laptop during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 using Avenir as the selected font for the report
The cover page for the in-flight dining menu for the flight sector between Singapore and Taipei (Taoyuan) during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Reviewing the beverages section of the in-flight dining menu for the sector between Singapore and Taipei (Taoyuan) during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Reviewing the main dining section of the in-flight dining menu for the sector between Singapore and Taipei (Taoyuan) during the boarding process at Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
Awaiting departure from Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
After the in-flight clock struck around 1.35 p.m., all the aircraft doors were securely closed, and the aircraft pushed away from Gate No. B3 situated in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, which was approximately 10 minutes behind schedule. With the on-board safety briefing information video being shown via the front in-flight entertainment video screens, the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft began to make its way to its assigned runway for the coming regional early afternoon return flight to Taipei (Taoyuan), also passing some aircraft parked at Concourse B and at Terminal 1 on the way. The entire passage to the assigned airport runway took not more than approximately 20 minutes.
It was not long until the aircraft reached its assigned airport runway at the northern end of the major construction sites of the future Terminal 5. Soon enough, the two main Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines spooled into action, and the aircraft finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport at precisely 1.55 p.m. for its regional early afternoon return flight of 4 hours 20 minutes over the South China Sea back to the modern national metropolitan capital region of the Republic of China (Taiwan). We then climbed further into the clear afternoon sky for a routine afternoon flight of 4 hours 20 minutes across the South China Sea to the modern national metropolitan capital region of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The on-board safety briefing information video reminding passengers that smoking on board the aircraft, including the use of electronic cigarettes and tampering with, disabling or destroying lavatory smoke detectors, is prohibited under the regulations of the Civil Aeronautics Administration of Taiwan
Finally pushing back from Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
About to taxi away from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after pushing back from Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B
Taxiing along the main airport tarmac to our assigned runway after pushing back from Gate No. B3 located in Concourse B at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3
A Scoot Airbus A321-271NX, registered 9V-NCH, about to taxi away from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 for her coming regional early afternoon flight over the South China Sea to the Kingdom of Thailand as Scoot flight TR 604 bound for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
A Philippine Airlines Boeing 777-3F6/ER, registered RP-C7773, being serviced at Gate No. C22 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her regional mid-afternoon return flight over the South China Sea back to the Republic of the Philippines as Philippine Airlines flight PR 508 bound for Manila
Taxiing past Gates No. C19, C25 and C26 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 en route to our assigned airport runway
A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWP, resting on the airport tarmac aircraft parking area near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 long after arriving from her regional early morning return flight over the Java Sea from the Republic of Indonesia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 953 from Jakarta (SoekarnoｰHatta)
A Starlux Airlines Airbus A330-941, registered B-58304, being serviced at Gate No. C17 located in Concourse C at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her coming regional mid-afternoon return flight over the South China Sea back to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as Starlux Airlines flight JX 732 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan)
A XiamenAir Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered B-1567, being serviced at Gate No. D37 located in Concourse D at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 in preparation for her routine mid-afternoon return flight over the South China Sea back to the People's Republic of China (Mainland China) as XiamenAir flight MF 852 bound for Xiamen
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941/ULR, registered 9V-SGG, resting on the main airport tarmac near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1. She will then have a long overnight non-stop transpacific flight over the two China Seas and North Pacific Ocean to the United States as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 034 bound for San Francisco later that night
Making a left turn towards the taxiway and assigned runway next to the construction sites of the future Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 5
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat during the taxi to our assigned runway located next to the northern end of the construction site of the future Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 5
Taxiing along the taxiway next to the northern end of the construction site of the future Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 5
Turning towards our assigned airport runway located at the northern end of the construction site of the future Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 5
China Airlines Flight 754 ~ Afternoon Departure From Singapore Changi Airport
Finally ascending further into the bright and clear early afternoon sky shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
Shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport, an in-flight announcement was eventually made to passengers at two o' clock that while the passengers were free to move around the aircraft cabin, they had to keep their seat belts safely fastened at all times whenever seated. While the flight attendants securely got up to commence the in-flight service, I also got out my portable laptop for my own private use. Later on, a flight cabin attendant appeared by my seat to directly record my main meal order for the upcoming in-flight afternoon tea service later on.
For the main course, I would have the Hainanese beef cheek and beef tendon served with dumpling rice created solely by Celebrity Chef Eric Teo, together with a glass of Italian red wine to accompany my major meal later on. As a starting beverage, I then requested for a glass of Baileys Irish Cream to be served with ice. Once all my orders were securely recorded, the flight attendant immediately headed back to the aircraft galley to prepare the requested orders, leaving me to my own devices during course of the afternoon flight.
Soon enough, the flight attendant showed up at my seat with my Baileys Irish Cream at 2.30 p.m.. She also gave me a small plate of canapés consisting of a creamy crab remoulade, a grilled vegetable and black olive tart and a Hainanese chicken roulade served with spring onion and ginger sauce, including a packet of mixed nuts. As an apéritif, the Baileys Irish Cream with ice tasted relaxing to get me into the mood of today's flight, with the canapés and nuts tasting sufficiently good for my own tastes and preferences in preparation for the main meal later on.
Once I had finished my Baileys Irish Cream and canapés, the flight cabin attendant soon came to my table to collect the used cutlery and set up my dining table with white table cloth in preparation for the main course later on. While waiting for my main course to arrive, I promptly went to the lavatories and continued to do some private surfing on my portable laptop. My mom then took the chance to purchase some new duty-free items from the in-flight duty-free shopping service during the course of the afternoon flight between Singapore and Taipei (Taoyuan).
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
Cruising over the South China Sea between Bintan, Indonesia, and the Riau Islands shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport
A glass of Baileys Irish Cream with ice for myself to commence the in-flight afternoon tea service
A small plate of canapés consisting of a creamy crab roulade, a grilled vegetable and black olive tart and a Hainanese chicken roulade served with spring onion and ginger sauce for myself as part of the in-flight afternoon tea service
A small packet of mixed nuts for myself as part of the in-flight afternoon tea service
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea between the Riau Islands and Ho Chi Minh City
Cruising through a blanket of clouds over the South China Sea between the Riau Islands and Ho Chi Minh City
The rear view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City and the Palawan Islands
A posted placard in the lavatory reminding passengers that smoking on board the aircraft, including the use of electronic cigarettes and tampering with, disabling or destroying lavatory smoke detectors, is prohibited under the regulations of the Civil Aeronautics Administration of Taiwan
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City and the Palawan Islands
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City and the Palawan Islands
Cruising above a blanket of clouds over the South China Sea between Ho Chi Minh City and the Palawan Islands
After spending approximately 2 hours 35 minutes of enjoying my first few afternoon tea courses and surfing my portable laptop, a cabin attendant appeared by my seat again safely at precisely 4.35 p.m.. This time, she had my meal tray consisting of my Hainanese beef cheek and beef tendon served with dumpling rice created solely by Eric Teo. The flight cabin attendant then quickly brought out my requested glass of Italian red wine to accompany the main dish. With everything delivered to my table securely, I promptly tucked into my main in-flight afternoon tea course.
The Hainanese beef cheek and beef tendon tasted quite tender and succulent, with the dumpling rice and vegetables cooked at just the right standards. Alongside the bread, fruits and appetizers, the Italian red wine was a good accompaniment to my main beef course. Upon finishing my in-flight afternoon tea meal dishes, an in-flight attendant came to collect my used meal tray and asked if there was anything else I wanted. To conclude the meal service, I promptly requested for a tub of strawberry Häagen-Dazs ice cream and a cup of hot English breakfast tea with milk.
Once my dessert orders were recorded, the flight cabin attendant went over to the galley to prepare them, eventually returning to my seat with my orders at 4.55 p.m. sharp. The strawberry-flavored ice cream was refreshing as it helped to cleanse my taste buds after the main meal event, with the hot English breakfast tea helping to warm me up for the major descent cum arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan) later on. Upon finishing my dessert, the flight attendant came to collect all my used utensils and I decided to use my laptop until it was time for the aircraft to make its descent cum arrival into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
My main in-flight afternoon tea course: Hainanese beef cheek and beef tendon served with dumpling rice by Eric Teo
A glass of Italian red wine to accompany my main in-flight afternoon tea course
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Philippines between Davao and Baguio City
Cruising over the South China Sea close to the Philippines between Davao and Baguio City
A small tub of strawberry-flavored Häagen-Dazs ice cream for myself to conclude the in-flight afternoon tea service
A cup of hot English breakfast tea with milk for myself to complement my strawberry-flavored Häagen-Dazs ice cream as an end to the in-flight afternoon tea service
About to enjoy my strawberry-flavored Häagen-Dazs ice cream and hot English breakfast tea with milk as desserts following the in-flight afternoon tea service
Continuing on with the first section of the overseas trip report on my blog via my portable laptop during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Philippines between Davao and Baguio City, choosing Avenir as the font for the report
A view of my seat, 15K, during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Philippines between Davao and Baguio City
The rear view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Philippines between Davao and Baguio City
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea close to the Philippines between Davao and Baguio City
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the Philippine Sea between Laoag and Kaohsiung
Cruising over the Philippine Sea between Laoag and Kaohsiung
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the aircraft began to make its descent cum arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan)
In accordance with the National Taiwan Standard Time, an on-board announcement was made that we would soon be commencing the evening descent and arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan) at 5.45 p.m.. Knowing that we only had half an hour left before the arrival into our final destination, we promptly stored all of our belongings into their respective storage areas and buckled our seat belts before the Airbus A350 aircraft could safely commence its final approach into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The flight attendants then went through the entire Business Class cabin conducting their final safety checks at the same time.
Dusk was rapidly beginning to break over the coastal settlements of Taoyuan as the aircraft began to commence its final approach into Taipei (Taoyuan). After a routine regional early afternoon flight time of 4 hours 20 minutes over the South China Sea from the warm tropical island city-state of the Republic of Singapore located in the surrounding central waters of the Malaysian Peninsula, we soon touched down into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at exactly 6.15 p.m. sharp, approximately five minutes ahead of schedule. The aircraft then taxied over the central airport tarmac briefly to its arrival gate at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Traditional Chinese: 臺灣桃園國際機場 / 台灣桃園國際機場) is a Taiwanese airport complex situated approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Taipei in the center of Dayuan District, Taoyuan, Taiwan. It is the major international gateway complex for all passengers coming into Taiwan via commercial air travel, the busiest airport complex serving the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the 15th-busiest central international airport within Asia, with approximately 48.7 million passengers passing through the main airport complex by 2019. The airport complex currently serves as a primary base for China Airlines, EVA Airways, Mandarin Airlines, Starlux Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan and UNI Airways.
The airport complex was officially opened from 26 February 1979 as Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (Traditional Chinese: 中正國際機場) to ease overcrowding at the older Taipei Songshan Airport, which now serves domestic flights around Taiwan and limited numbers of regional international flights to Mainland China, Japan and South Korea. An additional major airport passenger terminal building, Terminal 2, was then opened on 29 July 2000 to handle increasing tourist arrivals into Taiwan. Following a renaming petition by the major city council of Taoyuan, it was finally given its current name on 6 September 2006.
The airport complex is accessible from downtown Taipei by the Taoyuan Airport MRT since 2 March 2017, with the limited-stop Express services linking the major complex with Taipei Main Station in only 38 minutes. Access to THSR Taoyuan Station is safely provided by the all-stops Commuter services to permit passengers to connect to the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) system. The airport itself also houses a four-star main hotel complex, known as the Novotel Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, just aft of the terminal buildings, permitting passengers with long transit layovers to spend the night in Taiwan before catching their connecting flights the following day.
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after an announcement was made that we would soon be commencing our descent into Taipei (Taoyuan)
Cruising over the Taiwan Strait between Chiayi and Taichung as the aircraft begins to make its descent cum arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan)
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the Taiwan Strait between Chiayi and Taichung as the aircraft begins to make its descent cum arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan)
Cruising over the Taiwan Strait between Taichung and Hsinchu as the aircraft begins to make its descent cum arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan)
The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the Taiwan Strait between Taichung and Hsinchu as the aircraft begins to make its descent cum arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan)
Cruising over the Taiwan Strait between Hsinchu and Taoyuan as the aircraft begins to make its descent cum arrival into Taipei (Taoyuan)
Cruising over several small local seaside settlements in Taoyuan as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Cruising over the rural and suburban settlements of Taoyuan as the aircraft begins to make its one final approach into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
China Airlines Flight 754 ~ Evening Arrival Into Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
Finally docking onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. A6, located in Concourse A at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
The view of the China Airlines Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after docking onto Gate No. A6 located in Concourse A at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
After taxiing through the large airport tarmac for not more than approximately five minutes to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1, we soon arrived at our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. A6, located in Concourse A at 6.20 p.m.. Once the seat belt lights had been turned off, we immediately unbuckled our seat belts and retrieved our belongings from their respective storage areas in preparation for the major disembarkation procedure at Gate No. A6 to commence smoothly. We then conducted a check across our seats to ensure that nothing had been left behind.
The flight attendants soon carefully armed the two aircraft doors open to permit the passengers to disembark from the aircraft. As we disembarked from B-18916 by the first front aircraft exit door with our belongings, the flight attendants thanked us for our patronage with China Airlines and wished us a pleasant one-week stay in Taiwan with our friends. We then walked across the major airport jet bridge of Gate No. A6 situated in Concourse A into the central airport terminal building of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1.
After flying with an airline company on a particular flight section, I give that airline an overall holistic score report to help me determine whether that airline is worth flying with for that sector or as a whole. If the airline's flight service has a rapid stopover at another airport before its final destination, the final score report will be issued at the end of the second sector (i.e., if flying on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 025 from New York (John F. Kennedy) to Singapore via Frankfurt, the airline will directly receive the final result at the end of the second major sector between Frankfurt and Singapore). With rising competition levels between several airlines, this airline grading system is updated every three to four years, though in light of COVID-19, a newer system will not be implemented until at least 2026 or 2027.
The airline score report consists of five main components, which are the seating, in-flight catering, in-flight service, aircraft cleanliness and legroom space. Each major component weighs up to 20 points, thereby totaling up to 100 points. A minimum overall aggregate score of 50% or higher is required for an airline to obtain a pass. The top grades, 'Outstanding' and 'Exceeds Expectations' are both quality passes, while the 'Acceptable' grade is considered a borderline pass. The 'Fair' and 'Poor' grades are considered below passes, with the lowest grade being 'Dreadful', thus implying that the airline has not met the prerequisite for the minimum grade.
As of 1 May 2023, the airline grading system for my overseas travels is as follows:
Outstanding: 80% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance)
Exceeds Expectations: 65% ~ 79% (Airline has a good rating and performance)
Acceptable: 50% ~ 64% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance)
Fair: 35% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)
Poor: 20% ~ 34% (Airline has a poor rating and performance)
Dreadful: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the prerequisite for the minimum grade)
China Airlines Flight 754 Score Report
Seating: 18 / 20
In-flight Catering: 16 / 20
In-flight Service: 17 / 20
Aircraft Cleanliness: 17 / 20
Legroom Space: 18 / 20
Total: 86 / 100
Grade: Outstanding
On weighing the overall score experience of the flight, China Airlines has obtained an overall score of 86% for the sector between Singapore and Taipei (Taoyuan), meaning that they obtained the highest airline grade of 'Outstanding'. I am quite amazed that China Airlines can score marks that high on my first flight journey with them, with the in-flight attendants quite polite and displaying good levels of professionalism in their service deliveries. The in-flight catering also went well, though it would be better for China Airlines to provide a separate wine menu for passengers to choose wines from. Overall, this was indeed an excellent flight. Well done, China Airlines.
Part 3 ~ The Journey To Our Rented Airbnb Apartment In Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
After disembarking from China Airlines flight CI 754 from Singapore at Gate No. A6 with our belongings, we walked through the passageway leading to the post-arrival immigration checkpoints located in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1. Along the way, we had to pass through an arrival security checkpoint to ensure that none of us were carrying any prohibited and controlled articles into the Republic of China (Taiwan) in our baggage. Reaching the major arrival immigration checkpoints safely at 6.25 p.m., we promptly went to the foreign visitors sector and got out our passports to be inspected by the arrival immigration officers. Due to the crowds of arriving passengers entering Taiwan during the evening rush hour, the major arrival immigration process took not more than approximately 15 minutes.
Upon clearing the arrival immigration checkpoints at 6.40 p.m., we took the escalator down to the baggage claiming level and checked to see which baggage belt number our bulky check-in baggage would arrive at later on. According to the main baggage belt information screens, all our larger check-in baggage from China Airlines flight CI 754 from Singapore would soon arrive at Belt No. 4. With that moment, we promptly went to claim three baggage carts prior to proceeding to Belt No. 4 to collect all our bulkier check-in baggage from China Airlines flight CI 754 from Singapore. The main bulky baggage collection process took not more than approximately 15 minutes that evening.
Walking through the passageway leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints and connecting flight security checkpoints in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 shortly after disembarking from China Airlines flight CI 754 from Singapore at Gate No. A6 located in Concourse A
Passing through an additional airport terminal passageway closer to the arrival immigration checkpoints in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hour
Bypassing a closed duty-free retail outlet store in the main transit area close to the arrival immigration checkpoints in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hour
Shortly after collecting our bulkier check-in baggage from China Airlines flight CI 754 from Singapore and passing through the Taiwanese post-arrival customs checkpoints, we were eventually in the arrivals and meeting lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 at 6.55 p.m.. Since we would need some form of contact with our Airbnb host later on, we knew that we would have to get a local Taiwanese SIM card and cell phone number first. With that, we promptly walked through the arrivals and meeting hall concourse in search of a nearby prepaid Taiwanese SIM cell phone card counter.
Soon enough, we finally arrived at a prepaid Taiwanese SIM cell phone card counter, known as Far EasTone (Traditional Chinese: 遠傳電信), located in the central arrivals and meeting area by 7.05 p.m. sharp. While my mom lined up to get a prepaid SIM card and local Taiwanese cell phone number, Aunt Tuesday and I helped to keep an eye on our bulky baggage to ensure that everything was intact and safe. The entire main prepaid SIM card and Taiwanese cell phone number procedure took not more than approximately five minutes that evening.
Upon receiving the prepaid SIM card and Taiwanese cell phone number at 7.10 p.m., we eventually contacted our private hire driver, who directly told us to wait outside pick-up point No. 23. Heading out to the arrivals and pick-up point, the driver, who introduced himself as a Filipino-born Taiwanese Raul Ng, safely got out of his silver Ford Tourneo Custom and promptly assisted us in loading all our baggage into the rear limousine trunk. Once everything had been loaded in, we eventually departed Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at precisely 7.15 p.m. for an evening highway journey of 40 minutes to our rented Airbnb group apartment situated along Wenlin Road near Dadong Road in Shilin District, Taipei.
The arrivals and meeting lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hours shortly after we had passed through Taiwanese customs
Walking through the passageway leading to the departures and check-in lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 in search of a prepaid SIM card and Taiwanese cell phone number counter during the early evening rush hour
Turning back into the arrivals and meeting lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hours
Stopping at a Far EasTone (Traditional Chinese: 遠傳電信) prepaid Taiwanese SIM cell phone card counter in the arrivals and meeting lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport during the early evening rush hours
The arrivals and meeting lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hours shortly after we had collected our prepaid local Taiwanese SIM card and cell phone number
The arrivals and pick-up area located outside the arrivals and meeting lobby of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 during the early evening rush hours
The silver Ford Tourneo Custom owned by our private Filipino-born Taiwanese driver, Raul Ng, waiting to take us to our rented Airbnb group apartment in Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at the arrivals and pick-up area at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
Finally departing Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
Bypassing the open-air parking lot located adjacent to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 shortly after we had departed
Traveling along the first stretch of Hangzhan North Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan, shortly after departing from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
About to bypass an EVA Airways aircraft maintenance hangar along the first stretch of Hangzhan North Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan, near Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at night
Traveling along the first stretch of Taiwan National Freeway 2 via Airport Top past some housing areas in Dayuan District, Taoyuan, after departing from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at night
Traveling along Taiwan National Freeway 2 via Airport Connector in Dayuan District, Taoyuan, as we get further away from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at night
About to cross underneath a road bridge through Dazhu Road, Luzhu District, Taoyuan, along Taiwan National Freeway 2 via Airport Connector at night
Entering the flyover leading to Taiwan National Freeway 1 from Taiwan National Freeway 2 via Airport Connector in Luzhu District, Taoyuan, at night
Crossing the flyover leading to Taiwan National Freeway 1 from Taiwan National Freeway 2 via Airport Connector in Luzhu District, Taoyuan, at night
Crossing beneath several viaducts of Taiwan National Freeway 1 along the connecting flyover of Taiwan National Freeway 2 in Luzhu District, Taoyuan, at night
Traveling along the first stretch of Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Fuguo Road, Luzhu District, Taoyuan, after exiting Taiwan National Freeway 2 via Airport Connector at night
Overlooking the ChungYuet Royal Landmark residential skyscraper in Zhongzheng Road, Luzhu District, Taoyuan, as we continue our journey over Taiwan National Freeway 1 at night
Traveling along Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Dakeng Road, Guishan District, Taoyuan, at night
Overlooking the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) viaduct as we continue to cruise through Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Dakeng Road, Guishan District, Taoyuan, at night
Traveling along Taiwan National Freeway 1 between Guishan District, Taoyuan, and Linkou District, New Taipei, at night
About to bypass the Linkou development region along Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Bade Road, Linkou District, New Taipei, at night
Bypassing the Linkou development region along Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Bade Road, Linkou District, New Taipei, at night
Traveling along Taiwan National Freeway 1 past the Linkou development region near Bade Road, Linkou District, New Taipei, at night
Traveling past some forested hills along Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Dake Road, Taishan District, New Taipei, at night
Traveling above the lower freeway road viaducts along Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Dake Road, Taishan District, New Taipei, at night
Bypassing some hillside infrastructure along Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Dake Road, Taishan District, New Taipei, at night
Traveling above the lower freeway road viaducts along Taiwan National Freeway 1 near Chengtai Road, Wugu District, New Taipei, at night
Overlooking several residential apartment buildings near Chengtai Road, Wugu District, New Taipei, while traveling along Taiwan National Freeway 1 at night
Crossing the Tamsui River along the city borders between New Taipei and Taipei at night
Making a right exit towards Section 3, Huanhe North Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
About to join Section 3, Huanhe North Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Traveling along Section 3, Huanhe North Road, Shilin District, Taipei, close to Haiguang Park at night
About to make a right turn towards Chongyang Bridge along Section 3, Huanhe North Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Crossing the Keelung River along Zhongzheng Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing several office infrastructure located along Zhongzheng Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing several fast food restaurant outlets and a 7-Eleven convenience store located along Zhongzheng Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing Ten Ren's Tea (Shilin Zhongzheng Branch) (天仁茗茶 士林中正店) located along Zhongzheng Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing the Shilin Music Center (Traditional Chinese: 士林樂器) along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing several local shophouses along the intersection between Fude Road and Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Finally arriving at Hong Ya Hamburger (Dadong Branch) (Traditional Chinese: 弘爺漢堡 大東店) located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
After traveling along the major highway roads of Taoyuan, New Taipei and Taipei for approximately 40 minutes from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1, we soon arrived at Hong Ya Hamburger (Dadong Branch) (Traditional Chinese: 弘爺漢堡 大東店) situated along Dadong Road at 7.55 p.m.. Checking to see that we had not left anything behind on board, Raul directly got out and assisted us in unloading all our baggage from the rear trunk of his limousine. Sure enough, the three Lai sisters were patiently waiting for us just outside the main entrance to Hong Ya Hamburger (Dadong Branch) (Traditional Chinese: 弘爺漢堡 大東店) with their baggage.
Greeting us excitedly, all the Lai sisters thanked Raul for bringing us and promised to contact him in case we had plans to go out. Once Raul had left us, we walked across the small alley leading up to our rented Airbnb group apartment along Wenlin Road, eventually reaching the front entrance at 8.05 p.m.. Entering the apartment, we saw that there were three bedrooms, a kitchen area and two bathrooms on the first floor. There was also one basement floor housing a social living area, two bedrooms and a larger bathroom, which would be reserved for additional guests staying with us.
In order to maximize efficiency, all of us would be staying on the first floor level, with my mom taking the master bedroom and the three Lai sisters taking the bedroom in the center of the apartment. I would occupy the bedroom closest to the kitchen and dining area while Aunt Tuesday would eventually occupy the bedroom nearer to the staircase leading downwards to the basement floor. Later on, our Airbnb apartment host, Mr. Gordon Yeh, came to our apartment by 8.20 p.m. later that night. He soon took the opportunity to welcome us to Taiwan and explained what was expected of the six of us as guests of his property.
Once all the salutations and briefing matters were completed, Gordon informed us that we would be welcome to contact him in case we needed anything. Given that everybody was feeling a bit tired from our in-bound trips from Singapore, we soon took the opportunity to unpack our bulkier baggage and sort out our attire for the coming days ahead. To make sure that I would not run out of major battery power during our stay, I set up my electronic devices and their chargers on the additional single bed in my bedroom at the same time.
Walking past Hong Ya Hamburger (Dadong Branch) (弘爺漢堡 大東店) located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on the way to our rented Airbnb group apartment along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, shortly after we had arrived
Walking along the small residential alleyway leading to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
The master bedroom, where my mom would sleep, in our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The bathroom in the master bedroom, where my mom would sleep, in our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The three-person bedroom, where the Lai sisters would sleep, in our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The shared communal bathroom next to the Lai sisters' bedroom in our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The two-person bedroom near the kitchen and dining area, where I would sleep, in our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The two-person bedroom near the hallway leading to the basement level, where Aunt Tuesday would sleep, in our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The kitchen and dining area of our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The basement level living area in our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The view of the tatami-style four-person bedroom on the basement level of our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The view of the additional western-style four-person bedroom on the basement level of our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
After spending the rest of the early evening unpacking all of our bulky baggage and arranging our attire for the coming days, the clock was eventually showing 9.25 p.m. sharp. Since we were beginning to feel quite hungry, we all decided to head out for dinner at the Shilin Night Market. With that, we promptly grabbed all our necessary belongings for the coming night and headed out through the front entrance, where Aunt Crystal completely locked the house door with the rental house keys provided directly by our Airbnb apartment host, Mr. Gordon Yeh.
Once we had left the apartment, we walked across the streets of Dadong Road and past the roundabout prior to slowly bypassing several local retail shophouses along the main area of Shilin Night Market situated in Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei. There were also several cafeterias, open-air retail stores and restaurants around the Shilin Night Market Area, though the sole thing pretty uncomfortable to us was the smell of stinky tofu. We then took the opportunity to look through the various food outlets available to see which one would suit our tastes and preferences.
The front entrance area to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, shortly before we departed for the Shilin Night Market
Walking along the small residential alleyway leading to the main roads of Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, from our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Making a left turn towards the main roads of Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, en route to the Shilin Night Market at night
Walking past some local shophouses along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on the way to the Shilin Night Market
About to pass through the roundabout along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on the way to the Shilin Night Market
Bypassing Ai Kiki Hair Ornament Store (Dadong Branch) (Traditional Chinese: 愛Kiki 髪飾大東店) and Shopee (Shilin Dadong Branch) (Traditional Chinese: 蝦皮店到店 士林大東店) at the Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Walking past several open-air stores and convenience stores at the Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing Noobtent Cafeteria (Traditional Chinese: 菜鳥營地) at the Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing a 7-Eleven Convenience Store in the Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Finally arriving Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at the Shilin Night Market located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
After walking through the major streets of both Dadong Road and Shilin Night Market for not more than approximately 10 minutes from our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, we safely arrived at a local late night barbecued meat rice restaurant, known as Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯), by 9.35 p.m. sharp. Looking at the overhead menus above the counter, a staff waiter asked us what major meals we wanted for our first group dinner together in Taiwan.
For our major dinner meal courses, the Lai sisters would each have different types of barbecued meat rice for themselves. Aunt Tuesday and my mom, on the other hand, would each have the barbecued pork rice and barbecued sausage rice while I would have the barbecued beef rice. Once we had directly paid for all our meal orders, we secured several tables and arranged them in a single group to ensure that we could mingle around with each other during our first official core overseas group dinner in Taiwan as close friends.
It was not that long until our main meals gradually began to arrive at our tables from 9.45 p.m. onwards. As soon as Aunt Tuesday, my mom and I received our main meal courses, we promptly tucked into them. My barbecued beef rice tasted rather good, with the grilled beef being sufficiently tender for my liking and the vegetables being suitable accompaniments for my meal dish. Later that night, we all had an enjoyable mass dinner gathering as our first official core meal in the Republic of China (Taiwan) since our arrival from Singapore.
The overhead menus above the main cashier counter at Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at the Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The interior view of Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night shortly after we were all seated
A bowl of barbecued sausage rice for my mom in Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
A bowl of barbecued pork rice for Aunt Tuesday in Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
A bowl of barbecued beef rice for myself in Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
The interior view of Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at Shilin Night Market along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night shortly after we had finished eating
After having a really sumptuous and filling late night dinner gathering at Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at Shilin Night Market, the dine-in clock was soon showing 10.10 p.m.. We then received a message informing us that another local friend from Taichung had arrived with her daughter, and would stay with us in our rented Airbnb group apartment at Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, over the course of the next few days during their time around the Taipei metropolitan area.
With that instant, we quickly grabbed our belongings and departed the late night restaurant so that we could meet our local Taiwanese friends just near our rented Airbnb group apartment place along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei. She also notified us that she would safely meet us outside the 7-Eleven convenience store situated along Dadong Road near the small alleyway to our rented Airbnb group apartment. Passing the various small late night outlet stores and the roundabout located along Dadong Road, the main passage back to our rented Airbnb group apartment took not more than approximately 15 minutes that night.
The main entrance to Old Shilin Late Night Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯) at Shilin Night Market located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, as we begin to make our way back to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Bypassing several late night retail outlet stores at the Shilin Night Market located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, as we begin to make our way back to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Bypassing some closed retail outlet stores at the Shilin Night Market located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on our way back to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Stopping briefly at ScrewCap Hat Store (Dabei Flagship Branch) (Traditional Chinese: ScrewCap帽子專賣店 大北旗艦店) at the Shilin Night Market located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
About to pass through the roundabout along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on the way back to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing several closed shophouses located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on the way back to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Bypassing the Shilin Books and Ornament Supplier (Traditional Chinese: 士林圖書供應社) store located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on the way back to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
Approaching the 7-Eleven convenience store located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, on the way back to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Walking through the small residential alleyway leading to our rented Airbnb group apartment along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, from Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei
Finally arriving back at the front entrance area to our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at night
The kitchen and dining area of our rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei, shortly after we had arrived back
After passing through the major street areas of both Shilin Night Market and Dadong Road for approximately 15 minutes from Old Shilin Barbecued Meat Rice (Traditional Chinese: 老士林 深夜烤肉飯), we eventually arrived at the local 7-Eleven convenience store located along Dadong Road, Shilin District, Taipei, at exactly 10.25 p.m.. There, we securely caught up with our two Filipino-born Taiwanese friends, Aunt Anni Chua and her daughter Sydney, and assisted them with their larger baggage while walking through the local alleyway leading up to the rented Airbnb group apartment located along Wenlin Road, Shilin District, Taipei.
Reaching the front main entrance of the Airbnb rental group apartment securely, we assisted Aunt Anni and Sydney in carrying their baggage up to the first floor kitchen and living area prior to placing all our belongings down in our bedroom areas. They would both occupy the social living area and bedrooms downstairs in the basement level for their coming stay with us over the next few days in Taipei. Having a shower and changing into our pajamas for the night, we spent some time chatting with one another and getting to know each other.
Given that we would be heading for our first day group outing in the art of Luopan-making the next day, my mom reminded us not to sleep too late as we would have some time to leave the local apartment compound no later than ten o' clock in the morning. With that, I set up both my cell phone and camera battery to be charged overnight in preparation for the next day. Upon ensuring that my belongings were safely arranged and my necessary electronic gadgets were securely charging up in preparation for the next upcoming day, I soon turned in at around 12.30 a.m. for a well-earned good night's rest.
This officially brings the first segment of my maiden late spring Formosan immersion learning journey to Taiwan in May 2023 to a formal closure. As with all other voyage trip reports featured on this online blog site, questions and / or comments are more than welcome in the blog comment boxes below. The remaining three segments of this overseas getaway journey trip report will be published once I have selected the highest quality videos and photos for each of them. Please do be patient as this will require a substantial amount of time and effort to do so.
