Taipei offers plenty for a long weekend from Jakarta: night markets, hillside tea houses and museums connected by a convenient metro network. Airport rail makes the journey into the city straightforward, though your flight schedule will shape how much time you have to explore. Start with the transport basics, then leave room for unplanned food stops.
Flight planning from Jakarta
A little planning helps you balance price, travel time and convenience. Compare the full journey, including connections and arrival times, rather than choosing on fare alone.
One-stop flights via Hong Kong
Some Jakarta to Taipei itineraries connect through Hong Kong. A connection can also open up more departure times to fit your schedule. Fares can change, so confirm the total price and ticket conditions before paying.
The required connection time at Hong Kong International Airport depends on your itinerary. Check the booking details or ask your airline to confirm what applies to your flights. A longer connection gives you more time to navigate the airport and handle a delay.
Baggage and seats
Baggage allowances differ by fare type, even on the same flight. Before paying, check what your fare includes and what seat selection or an extra bag would cost. Compare those totals, not just the headline ticket price.
Arrival and getting into the city
Check your arrival airport, terminal and landing time before choosing a transfer. For a late arrival, make sure you’ll have time to reach the station before the last train.
Which airport you’ll land at
Cathay Pacific’s flights via Hong Kong arrive at Terminal 1 of Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), where the Airport MRT provides a convenient connection to the city. Before booking, you can compare fares by date and cabin for Jakarta to Taipei flights. Taipei also has Songshan Airport (TSA), a smaller airport within the city. Double-check the code on your ticket so you plan the right transfer.
Airport MRT express
The Airport MRT express takes about 35 minutes from Terminal 1 and 39 minutes from Terminal 2 to reach Taipei Main Station, according to Taoyuan tourism information. Choose the express rather than the commuter service, which makes more stops. Check the official timetable and fares before travelling, and allow extra time to walk through Taipei Main Station if you’re changing lines.
In-Town Check-In for your flight home
A1 Taipei Main Station offers In-Town Check-In for eligible flights, with published service hours of 06:00 to 21:30. Check-in must be completed at least three hours before a same-day departure. Participating airlines and flight restrictions apply, so confirm your eligibility and current service hours before bringing your bags to the station.
Getting around Taipei
Taipei Metro services generally run from around 06:00 to midnight, but first and last trains vary by station and direction. An EasyCard, available at stations and convenience stores, makes paying for metro and bus journeys simpler. Eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited beyond the marked restriction lines in stations and on trains. Smoking is also prohibited.
Eat your way through Taipei
Plan for a mix of sit-down meals and market snacks. Choosing one night market per evening leaves more time to browse without rushing across the city.
Night markets to start with
Raohe is a good first stop for clay-oven pepper buns and other street food. Ningxia is more compact, with oyster omelettes and traditional snacks among its draws. Shilin is a larger market that can get busy, so allow time for queues rather than trying to cover everything.
Iconic dishes
Try beef noodle soup, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), gua bao (filled steamed buns) and mango shaved ice when it’s in season. At popular restaurants such as Din Tai Fung, check the branch’s queue or reservation arrangements before going. An early meal can help you avoid the busiest periods.
Coffee and tea
Ride the Maokong gondola into the hills for an afternoon in a tea house overlooking the city. Check operating conditions before setting out, especially in poor weather. Back in town, cafés and milk-tea shops make useful breaks between sights.
Culture and city sights
Balance outdoor viewpoints with museums and neighbourhood walks. Keep your schedule flexible so you can move a climb or gondola ride to a clearer day.
City views
The stone steps of Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) lead to viewpoints overlooking Taipei 101. The climb is short but steep, and heat can make it demanding. Bring water and wear shoes with grip. The Taipei 101 observatory is an indoor alternative, although cloud and rain can still limit the view.
Art and history
The National Palace Museum is a worthwhile stop for its collection of Chinese art and historical objects. Its regular opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00, with some special Monday openings. Check the museum’s current calendar before planning your visit.
Neighbourhood strolls
Ximending suits an evening of shopping, street food and busy pedestrian streets. Daan offers cafés and quieter streets for a slower afternoon. Zhongzheng is useful for combining central museums and landmarks with transport connections around Taipei Main Station.
A flexible three-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, take the Airport MRT into town and settle into your accommodation. If time and energy allow, visit Raohe or Ningxia night market.
Day 2: Explore the Taipei 101 area, have dumplings for lunch and climb Elephant Mountain before sunset if the weather is clear.
Day 3: Choose the National Palace Museum or an outing to Maokong. They’re in different parts of the city, so fitting in both can leave little room for a relaxed meal or an airport transfer.
Before you travel
Confirm your flights, baggage allowance and entry documents before departure. For the return journey, work backwards from your airline’s airport check-in deadline, allowing time for the train, station transfers and possible delays. A little space in the itinerary makes a short Taipei trip more enjoyable.
FAQ
Can I use one transit card across the metro and buses?
Yes. An EasyCard works on Taipei Metro and city buses. You can top it up at stations and convenience stores.
Do Indonesian passport holders need a visa?
It depends on your circumstances. Some Indonesian nationals may qualify for the National Immigration Agency’s online Travel Authorization Certificate, but eligibility is conditional, not automatic. Check the current requirements with Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) and National Immigration Agency before booking.
How do I get from Taoyuan Airport to central Taipei?
The Airport MRT express connects Taoyuan Airport with Taipei Main Station. Check the official timetable and allow extra time for transfers within the station.
What should I check before booking a flight?
Compare the full fare, baggage allowance, seat costs, connection details and arrival time. Schedules and prices change, so confirm the current conditions directly with the airline before paying.
