My Favourite Activity During My Taipei Holiday: Souvenir Stamps Collection

When most people think of souvenirs, they think of keychains, postcards, or local snacks. Well, I do too. But, during my recent trip to Taipei, I discovered a different, more personal way to capture my memories: collecting souvenir stamps. This small, simple activity quickly became my favourite part of exploring the city. It turned every metro ride into an adventure and every visit to a landmark into a treasure hunt.

What's Special About These Stamps?

For those who haven't been to Taiwan, the idea of souvenir stamps might be new. You can find these unique, often beautifully designed rubber stamps at nearly every metro station, tourist attraction, and even some government buildings. Each one features a design that represents the specific location – from the iconic architecture of Taipei 101 to the local character of a particular neighbourhood.

The quest for stamps often led me to places I might not have visited otherwise. It encouraged me to explore every corner of a museum and to stop at metro stations just to see what design they had. Then, when I flip through my notebook with the souvenir stamps in it, it is like taking a walk down memory lane. Each stamp tells a story and brings back a flood of memories from that day. This impromptu hobby gave my trip a fun, underlying mission. It made me pay more attention to the details of the city.

How to Start Your Own Taipei Stamp Collection

If you are heading to Taipei and want to start your own collection, get a notebook. Any small notebook will do! I used a simple, pocket-sized one that was easy to carry around. You can also find special stamp-collecting notebooks in many gift shops around the city.

Where to Look for These Souvenir Stamps?

Metro stations are perhaps, the easiest and most straightforward place to start. Most stations have a small table near the information counter with the stamp and an ink pad. Just have to look for them.

Tourist attractions like Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and various temples all have their own unique stamps, often at the information or ticket counters. Or if you chance upon visitor information centre, you might be able to get special edition or city-themed stamps. Anyway, if you can't find a stamp, just ask the staff at these places! Most are happy to help and will point you in the right direction.

My Collection

Let me share some of my favourite stamps from my trip!

More souvenir stamps that I have collected on my Facebook page's album (MRT Stations & Impression Stamps in Taipei).

If you’re looking for a unique, personal, and budget-friendly way to remember your travels, I can’t recommend collecting souvenir stamps enough. It’s a simple joy that adds a whole new layer to exploring a city.

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What I Ate & Bought in Taipei in May 2025

Beef Noodles

People always say, when in Taiwan, you have to try the Taiwanese beef noodles. They are absolutely right! This hearty, flavourful dish is a local favourite, and it did not disappoint. The tender beef, savoury broth, and chewy noodles came together perfectly. I tried both the dry and soup versions, and honestly? Both were super satisfying; the portions were huge too! I think I might have eaten enough beef and beef tendons to last me the next one month. 😂🤣

Location: Yu Cheng Beef Noodle Restaurant

Address: No. 2-7號, Lane 116, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)

Scallion Pancakes with Bacon / Ham

I stumbled upon a small eatery selling scallion pancakes and some other grab-and-go breakfast bites like pork burgers. I ordered two scallion pancakes - one with bacon and one with ham. They were served piping hot, straight off the griddle, and I absolutely loved them! And of course, I had to pair them with a cuppa Taiwanese milk tea. Definitely the best way to start the day in Taipei.

Location: 巨林美而美

Address: No. 410-9號, Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)

McGriddles Pork Burgers at McDonald’s

It's always fun to drop by McDonald’s when traveling abroad just to see what's different. So, I tried the McGriddles pork burgers, a special offering available in Taiwan. Imagine a savoury pork patty, melty cheese, and syrup-infused buns all in one bite. Another great (and slightly indulgent) way to start the day in Taipei!

Ay-Chung Taiwanese Rice-Flour Noodles (阿宗麵線)

Definitely a Ximending icon! I don't usually queue for food, but since I was already in Ximending - why not? This is a dish of savoury rice-flour noodles served in a gooey broth, loaded with bits of braised pork intestines. You eat it standing up (there are no tables), just like everyone else. A true Taiwanese street food classic.

Peanut Ice Cream Roll (NO Cilantro / Coriander!)

This quirky and refreshing Taiwanese treat is also known as Jiufen-style ice cream "burrito." It's made by wrapping two creamy scoops of pineapple ice cream and shaved peanut brittle in a thin crepe-like popiah skin. Traditionally, it comes with a sprinkle of cilantro… but nope, not for me — I got mine sans the smelly herb (yes, I'm proudly Team No-Coriander), and it was perfect! Sweet, nutty, cold, and chewy all at once. A must-try, especially on warm days!

Rice, Noodles, Soups, and Side Dishes

I also managed to try typical local Taiwanese lunch of rice, noodles or soup served with a variety of side dishes. From marinated vegetables to braised pork, each bite was a delightful combination of textures and flavours.

Duck Fat Rice

I also tried Taiwanese duck fat rice, dang gui (angelica sinensis ) duck meat soup, and sweet potato leaves. The tender duck meat, savoury rice with duck fat, and flavourful dang gui soup were truly delicious!

Location: 鐘予原味當歸鴨 林森北店

Address: No. 430號, Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491 (Google Maps)

Taiwanese Snacks & Other Souvenirs

I ended up buying quail eggs (tie dan), pineapple cakes, sun biscuits, fruit jelly, nougat crackers, and instant noodles to take home as souvenirs.

Gaji Tote-Bag / Taiwan Striped Bag ("Ga Ji Dai" - 茄芷袋)

Also known as "Taiwan LV" (as proudly declared by one of the stall vendors 😄), I had to bring one of these iconic Taiwanese bags home! I picked a design with a cute bubble milk tea motif sewn on it; then fully committed to the theme by pairing it with a bubble milk tea keychain and a matching mini "ga ji dai" keychain. Ridiculously cute, right? It's giving full-on Taipei street market fashion and I'm truly obsessed! I bought them from Jiufen Old Street.

More photos

Check out my Facebook page's album (Souvenirs & Snacks from Taipei).

You can also read my previous blog post about where I went in Taipei in May 2025 and my favourite activity during the trip.

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Where I Went in Taipei in May 2025

Staying at Hotel Fun - Linsen

Hotel Fun - Linsen (趣旅館 林森館 台北市中山區林森北路487號1樓) became my home away from home for the 5D4N Taipei trip. Conveniently located in the Zhongshan District, it provided easy access to public transport, with Zhongshan Elementary School MRT Station (Exit 3) just a 5-minute walk away. 

With friendly service, comfortable rooms, and a central location, this hotel is definitely an ideal option for tourists who want to explore Taipei without breaking the bank. I really don't mind staying at this hotel again if I'm visiting Taipei again with my family.

Getting Around with the MRT: Effortless and Convenient

To be honest, I don't take the public transport system when I'm in Malaysia. It's somewhat inconvenient and sometimes the time spent travelling by MRT is even longer than driving! However, Taipei's MRT system is truly an eye-opener for me. I'm not sure why, but I dare say navigating Taipei's MRT system is much easier than Seoul's. There are dual language (Mandarin and English) everywhere - around the stations and on the trains. Super reassuring!

Getting around Taipei was unbelievably convenient with my EasyCard. I used it to hop on and off the MRT to reach all the major spots from Ximending to Beitou, and even farther out to Tamsui. The convenience, affordability, and frequency of the trains made exploring Taipei smooth and enjoyable. I can vouch for this!

Ximending & Taipei 101

No trip to Taipei is complete without spending some time exploring Ximending, the vibrant shopping and entertainment district. I managed to eat a bowl of the iconic Ay-Chung flour-rice noodles with pork intestines (阿宗麵線). Of course, a visit to the iconic Taipei 101 is a must. I didn’t manage to go up to the observatory tower, so I just strolled along the surrounding area to feel the city's hustle and bustle.

Check out the photos on my Facebook page's album (Ximending & Taipei 101).

A Scenic Day Trip to Yin Yang Sea, Jinguashi, and Jiufen Old Street

One of the highlights of my trip was a scenic day trip to the Yin Yang Sea, Jinguashi, and Jiufen Old Street. I hired a private driver for the one-hour ride from my hotel to Jiufen, which made the journey super convenient albeit the cost.

The Yin Yang Sea was especially mesmerizing with its golden shoreline on one side and deep blue ocean on the other. Right across from the sea was Jinguashi, a former gold mining site from the Japanese era. It honestly felt like walking through a living history lesson.

Then came Jiufen Old Street, where I wandered past rows of shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and everything in between. The atmosphere was charmingly chaotic in the best way. And yes, it was packed with tourists! I could hear Koreans, Japanese, Hong Kongers, Filipinos, Indonesians, Malaysians, among others!

Check out the photos on my Facebook page's album (Yin Yang Sea, Jinguashi, Jiufen Old Street).

Beitou & Tamsui

I took a break from the city bustle with a visit to Beitou, a district famous for its hot springs. Later, I ventured to Tamsui, where I strolled along the river.

Check out the photos on my Facebook page's album (Beitou & Tamsui).

What's Up Next?

What I Ate & Bought in Taipei

My Favourite Activity During My Taipei Holiday: Souvenir Stamps Collection

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My Taipei Bucket List: 9 Fun Things I Can't Wait to Do

I’ve put together a fun list of things I absolutely plan to experience during my trip to Taipei in early May 2025—a mix of local culture, food, sightseeing, and a little bit of cute adventures. Here’s what’s on my Taipei bucket list:

🚇 1. Take the MRT (with an EasyCard)

Getting around Taipei is incredibly easy for tourists thanks to their efficient MRT system. I've already booked my EasyCard through Klook for a hassle-free experience.

🏮 2. Collect Impression Stamps at MRT Stations & Attractions

One of the quirkiest and cutest things to do: collecting special stamps at major MRT stations and sightseeing spots. See this example:

Credit: Taiwanderers

🌈 3. Snap a Photo at Rainbow Road in Ximending

Ximending is known as the Harajuku of Taipei, and the famous Rainbow Road is the ultimate photo spot. Gotta snap some colourful shots!

🌙 4. Explore Different Night Markets

Of course, a trip to Taipei isn’t complete without visiting night markets! From Shilin to Raohe, hunting for local snacks and drinks is a must!

🍢 5. Eat Famous Taiwanese Food & Snacks

Beef noodles, crispy fried chicken cutlets, pepper buns, scallion pancakes, oyster vermicelli, guo bao, lu rou fan!

Credit: Taiwanderers Facebook

🧋 6. Drink All the Bubble Milk Tea

No shame here — I’m on a personal mission to drink my weight in bubble milk tea. I want to try different brands and flavors while I’m there!

🌄 7. Go on a Day Trip to Jiufen, Beitou & Tamsui

Stepping outside the city is a must. So I have shortlisted Jiufen, Beitou’s hot springs, and Tamsui to watch sunset.

🎁 8. Shop for Must-Have Taiwanese Souvenirs

From pineapple cakes to local crafts, I’m looking forward to picking up souvenirs that truly capture the spirit of Taiwan.

🏙️ 9. Take a Photo with the View of Taipei 101

Last but not least, catching the iconic view of Taipei 101 — either from Elephant Mountain or just finding a good city angle — is a must for my photo album!

🌟 Stay tuned for all the stories and snapshots from my journey!

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Monthly recap @ 19 months

In a blink of an eye, he turns 20 months today! Gosh! He still has 16 teeth. The last four molars are nowhere to be seen yet. Waiting.....

Now, let's recap his journey when he was 19 months. :)

Wearing his infant safety belt on my lap.

One memorable achievement was that we brought him with us to our 6D5N Taiwan trip in March.

In case you missed, here are the links:

Part 1: Our 6D5N Taiwan trip itinerary
Part 2: Eat & drink in Taiwan
Part 3: Sheep-ish Escapades at Cingjing Farm
Part 4: Taiwan - breastfeeding heaven

Day time.

Night time.

Quaint apartments in Caotun, Nantou.

Monthly recap @ 19 months

From babycenter.com:

When you're out and about, your toddler may run away from you as fast as he can, squealing in delight as you rush to catch up. Most children this age are oblivious to danger, so you'll need to be extra watchful of cars, bicycles, and dogs when outside.

Note to self: Including those darn escalators. Need to be watchful all the time, no excuses, really.

I couldn't believe my eyes. He adores mascots!

Toddlers are natural-born helpers. So why not get yours to help around the house with chores? It's a great way to teach your child responsibility and instill good habits for the future. You may find that him help makes chores more fun – or you may find yourself dismayed by how long it takes to get anything done. To avoid frustration, save important tasks for times when your toddler is asleep or away. When he's around, let him help with small chores like putting his plastic cup and bowl into the dishwasher, or tossing wet clothes into the dryer.

Note to self: Yes, he LOVES helping around. So, I will ask him to keep his toys after playing, putting his milk bottle into the sink. Believe it or not, he loves the vacuum cleaner.

He sayang the mascot.

Even the most cooperative, cheerful, and outgoing young toddler will whine, cling, and cry sometimes. These behaviors are your child's way of saying "Help! All systems overloaded!" Your 19-month-old is learning new things and refining skills at a dizzying rate. Frustration is inevitable and manifests itself in different ways, depending on the child. Accept these signals for what they are: a cry for attention and TLC.

If it's feasible, respond and let your child know you can tell he's upset. Acknowledge his feelings but don't make too big a deal out of these short-lived emotional storms. If he's crying and clinging, a few hugs and then simple distraction might work. If he's whining, you might explain, "I can't understand you when you whine. Can you show me what you want?"

Note to self: Yeah, I can't stand all sorts of whining. My zen-ness will become zero. I'll do my best to quiet him down. I'll distract him by making funny sounds or singing his familiar nursery rhymes loudly. He will stop whining and join in. If he asks for nen-nen, I'll ask him, "Which nen-nen you want?" If he points at me, I'll straight away breastfeed him. If he points at his bottle, I'll make a bottle of milk for him.

Reading his big book of trucks.

Monkey see monkey do. :P

Now that your toddler can sit still for longer periods of time, reading together is more fun than ever. Asking your child to point to objects on a page is a good way to find out how much he understands, even if he can't say the words yet. A vocabulary of anywhere between ten and 50 words is normal for this stage of development.

Words & phrases that my little one can say so far:

Calling people: Ma-ma, pa-pa, mah-mah (means grandma), gan-pa (means grandpa), yi-yi (means his auntie, my younger sister), boy (means himself)

Singing nursery rhymes: baa baa (when we sing 'baa-baa-black-sheep'),
boo (when we say 'pee-ka...'), bot (when we sing 'row-row-row-your-boat' and 'ro-ro-ro-bot'), back (when we sing 'the-driver-on-the-bus-says-move-on-back' and 'bring-back-my-bonnie-to-me')

Meal time: mam-mam, nen-nen, ter-ter (means water), boon (means spoon), fog (means fork), bo (means bowl), hot (when he touches hot food)

Shower time: bom-bom (means shower time), uk-uk (means poop), gi-gi (means teeth), kok-kok (means the little cedok in the bathroom)

Play time: bao-bao (means he wants to be carried/hugged), bo (means ball), book, boon (means balloon), bike (for both bicycle and motorbike), boooz (means bus), dog (when he points at a dog's picture or plays with his Duplo dog), duck (when he points at a duck's picture or plays with his rubber ducks), akk-akk (means quack or duck), jeep (when he plays with his toy jeep)

Sleep time: du-du (means sleep), door (means close the door), dark (means the room is dark)

Others: bug (when he points at insect bite marks on his hand and leg), there, dirty, no more, one more, neck, back, bag, hi, bye-bye, uh-oh, ang-bo (means angpow), key, ditch (I think he's trying to say the word this), bom (when he knocks his head on the edge of the cupboard), booot (when he imitates the sound of his fart)

He can say so many words!!!!!

Singing row-row-row-your-boat while playing with a boat.

You're no doubt getting plenty of unsolicited advice on disciplining your child from relatives, friends, and even strangers. It's understandable if you're confused: Is occasional spanking ever okay? Do time-outs work at this age? How many rules can your child handle? Whatever approach you adopt, child behavior experts say that consistency coupled with unconditional love is the key to raising a confident, well-behaved child.

His play area. I love the giraffe toys rack!

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Part 4: Taiwan - breastfeeding heaven

Breastfeeding and babywearing my 19mo toddler.

Okay, here comes part 4 - the final post about our Taiwan trip.

The rest of the blog posts:

Part 1: Our 6D5N Taiwan trip itinerary
Part 2: Eat & drink in Taiwan
Part 3: Sheep-ish Escapades at Cingjing Farm 

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When I went to Taiwan in mid-March, my toddler was 19 months old and he's still breastfeeding. Praise the Lord for Taiwan.

Taiwan is a breastfeeding-friendly country. Taipei City, the capital city of Taiwan had announced the law of protecting moms who breastfeed in public under all conditions since 2010.

According to Wikipedia, The Public Breastfeeding Act since November 2010 safeguards the right to breastfeed in public, while lactation rooms are set up to deal with privacy and to provide access to hot water and power supplies, with fines against interfering with a mother's right to breastfeed.

In August 2013, Taipei City Department of Health (DOH) issued three tickets for two incidents in breach of the Public Breastfeeding Act (PBA). One breach of the act, which forbids interference with a woman breastfeeding a child, occurred in the National Palace Museum and another in a restaurant in Miramar Entertainment Park.

The DOH also said the department inspected breastfeeding rooms in 393 public areas in Taipei between January and June, noting that eight of the public areas failed to satisfy breastfeeding room standards, but were later improved sufficiently to meet standards following DOH requests.

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Breastfeeding is a matter very dear to my heart because I believe that breastfeeding is the ultimate bonding "tool" between a mother and her child. Whenever I go with my toddler, I will make sure I know where the nearest breastfeeding rooms are.

Yes, he's already 19.5 months old and my supply is dwindling, but breastfeeding is not just about food, it's also about comfort, familiarity, mothering. It's my right to breastfeed my son until he's ready to wean off.

You can read this wonderful post with notes that I've compiled about breastfeeding past infancy and into toddlerhood.

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Below are photos of breastfeeding posters, rooms, and pamphlets from Taiwan.

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