Staying in Taoyuan? Here’s what our hotel experience was like plus real stories of commuting with a toddler in Taiwan’s MRT system as first-time travelers.
After the whole midnight hotel mix-up (yes, still laughing—pero half traumatised lol), we finally made it to our real home for the week: LeRoom Hotel in Taoyuan. Not exactly a five-star hotel, but it gave us what we needed—rest, hot showers, and breakfast. Hallelujah.
LeRoom Hotel Taoyuan: What to Expect
I booked this hotel through Agoda after filtering everything by price, location, and reviews. And gurl, when I say sulit—I mean it. The room had all the basics: clean beds, hot & cold shower, free toiletries, a steady flow of drinking water (yes, refillable!), fast WiFi, and buffet breakfast daily.
The staff were polite and helpful, although not everyone spoke English. But again, that’s where Google Translate became our bestie (as in, lagi ko siyang bukas haha).
The hotel location is not super central, but it worked for us since we weren’t planning to be out late every night. Plus, we got to experience local neighborhood life—not just the touristy areas.
Commuting in Taiwan as a First-Timer (with a Kid!)
The real challenge started once we stepped outside. As in, we had to figure out the MRT, buses, train transfers, all while keeping Nacha entertained and managing our stuff. Thank God for the PHP 999 stroller.
We used the Taipei Fun Pass for unlimited MRT rides, and it made commuting so much easier and budget-friendly. Most MRT stations are stroller-friendly with elevators and clear signage, though some exits had stairs only (which tested our arm strength lol).
Tip: Always check Google Maps and the MRT station maps when commuting. Sometimes the closest exit isn’t the easiest one when you have a stroller or big luggage.
Cultural Observations While Commuting
One thing I noticed: Taiwanese commuters are super quiet. Even during rush hour, there’s this unspoken rule to keep things calm. I had to constantly remind myself to whisper (lalo na pag excited si Nacha haha).
Also, seating is assigned on long-distance trains, but not on MRTs. And sadly, I saw people not giving up seats to the elderly or moms with kids. (Medyo na-sad ako doon honestly.)
Despite that, the trains were always clean and on time. You could set your watch by the MRT schedule. So organized!
Daily Routine: Settling into Taiwan Life
After the hotel drama and Day 1 chaos, we tried to slow things down. We’d wake up, have breakfast, then review our planned route for the day over coffee (na parang mga legit travelers lol). Nacha loved the routine—especially the daily hot choco at breakfast while her Tita Precious putting the free teabags on her bag. (Pre, aminin mo na 🤣)
There were days we just stayed around Taoyuan and strolled through local parks and nearby restos. We even did a small grocery run one night and discovered Taiwan’s love for tea, snacks, and all things cute.
Honest Thoughts on DIY Commuting
Would I recommend commuting in Taiwan with a toddler? YES—but with a few disclaimers.
- Bring a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller
- Always pack snacks and water
- Don’t rely solely on English translations, always double-check the characters on train lines
It wasn’t always smooth, but we appreciated every moment. From asking strangers for directions to laughing at our mistakes, every day felt like a real-life Amazing Race (family edition haha).
Final Reflections
This part of our trip wasn’t glamorous, but it was so real. We got a glimpse of what daily life is like for locals. We bonded more as a family. We gained so much confidence. And honestly? I felt super proud of how we managed commuting in a foreign country with no tour guide. (Achievement unlocked lol.)
Next blog will be about all the places we visited using the Fun Pass! From Taipei Zoo to Miramar Ferris Wheel—super sulit adventure day!
Love lots 💜
Princess Joem “Now a semi-pro MRT commuter lol”
