Taipei 101 & Xiangshan Escape: 3-Minute Ubike Adventure!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the Taipei 101 & Xiangshan Escape: 3-Minute Ubike Adventure! – or, as I’m gonna call it, "The Ubike & Obsession" – because trust me, after I'm done with this review, you’ll be obsessed.
First, the basics. This isn't just a hotel; it's a… thing. A portal to a whirlwind of skyscraper glitz, mountain serenity, and the glorious, glorious freedom of… a three-minute Ubike ride? Stick with me.
Accessibility & the Anxiety of the Masses:
Okay, let's talk real talk. I'm not always the most graceful human. I trip over air. So, accessibility is huge for me. They say it's accessible. They say it’s got facilities for disabled guests… but does it REALLY? I couldn't verify every nook and cranny, but the lobby? Immaculate. Elevator access? Smooth as butter. But hey, I'm also paranoid about "accessibility" meaning "a ramp in the lobby" and nothing more. So, if you REALLY need specific deets, call ahead. Seriously. Don't rely on my hazy memory and caffeine jitters.
The Ubike & the Unattainable Dream:
Now, the real sell. They tout this "3-Minute Ubike Adventure!" to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain), offering a killer view of Taipei 101. Three minutes. That's the dream, right? Freedom on two wheels?
Let me tell ya, my three minutes turned into more like… fifteen, thanks to my abysmal sense of direction combined with Taipei traffic. (The maps they provide? Useless… unless the artist was trying to create an abstract masterpiece.) My lungs burned, my legs screamed, and I swear I almost took out a rogue scooter. BUT. BUT, when I finally crested that hill, that view. BAM. Taipei 101, gleaming like a giant, slightly phallic, monument to capitalism, and all those vibrant city lights… I was practically levitating. The Ubike wasn't just a mode of transport; it was my ticket to a memory. A messy, sweaty, slightly embarrassing memory, but mine.
The Room: My Brief, Blissful Bunker
My room? Honestly, it was a haven. All the usual suspects are there: Air conditioning (a must), blackout curtains (also a must), and complimentary tea (a lifesaver after a particularly brutal negotiation with a street vendor over a pineapple). The bed? Huge. Comfy. I practically melted into it. They even had a bathtub! (Look, after that Ubike escapade, I needed a serious soak.) Wi-Fi [free] was a given, thank god because I needed to immediately upload pics to Instagram so I could confirm that I really did see Taipei 101. There's the usual desk, safe box, and even an ironing facilities, like, who expects you to iron in Taipei? The view was fine but who cared. I was so high on Taipei and the Ubike I was levitating again.
Eating, Drinking, & Avoiding Tourist Traps:
The restaurants are… well, they’re there. Asian, Western… the usual suspects. I went rogue. Found this tiny, hole-in-the-wall vegetarian place that served the most divine dumplings I've ever tasted. Coffee shops? Abundant. Just wandering around the area, you’ll stumble on a coffee shop, a noodle shop, a dessert shop, and a shop dedicated to only selling bubble tea. The poolside bar looked inviting, but I chickened out, unsure if my Ubike-induced sweatiness was appropriate poolside attire.
The Spa, the Gym, and the Questionable Need for a Fitness Center After the Ubike
Okay, let's be honest. I didn't hit the fitness center. After that Ubike adventure, I was pretty sure I’d earned a free pass for at least a week. But they have one! And a spa/sauna! And a pool with a view! (Yeah, I heard you. That was a pool with a view after the Ubike. It's the cycle, people.) I did, however, peep into the spa. And it looked… heavenly. Seriously, I considered ditching the whole "exploring" thing and just camping out there, getting massages, body wraps, and foot baths until my deadline approached.
Safety & Cleanliness: The Stuff I Actually Care About
Listen, post-pandemic, this is THE thing. They're serious about cleanliness and safety. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt safe, not like a germaphobe locked in a bubble, but safe. They are going to Room sanitization opt-out available but I didn't even ask.
The Little Things (That Make or Break It)
- Internet: Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were solid. And the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a godsend. I need to post my Ubike adventure.
- Services: Concierge, daily housekeeping, and laundry service were all top-notch. Seriously, those guys should get hazard pay.
- For the kids: Family/child friendly is a big plus. They had some kids facilities but I didn’t see any tiny tourists in the vicinity of the Ubike.
- Getting around: Car park [free of charge]. Taxi service. Airport transfer. All the usual suspects.
- Dining: Breakfast [buffet]. Room service [24-hour], and bottle of water were a lifesaver when I didn't move out of my room.
The Downside (There Always Is One)
Okay, it's not perfect. The Ubike adventure? Hilarious but draining. The room? Flawless, but not necessarily super unique. It's a hotel, not a historical monument: no pets allowed. Smoking area available.
My Verdict & the Offer: Book This Mess!
So, should you stay here? YES. Absolutely, YES. Especially if you're up for a little adventure, even if that adventure involves near-death experiences on a bicycle.
Here's the Pitch – My Personal, Ubike-Fueled Offer:
THE "Ubike & Obsession" Package!
- Guaranteed Upgrade: Book now, and I’ll personally ensure you get a room with a view (the high floor ones; they’re worth it).
- The "Survived the Ubike" Welcome Gift: A voucher for a complimentary massage at the spa (you'll need it).
- The "Lost and Found" City Guide: A customized city guide written by a fellow, directionally challenged traveler (that would be me). It has all the secret, off-the-beaten-path eats, the bars, AND even a bonus map that might actually help you find Xiangshan… or get hopelessly, hilariously lost.
- *Cashless payment service: **Forget fumbling with cash!
- Free and Fast Wi-Fi: You can check in & Check out at the hotel.
Why book?
- Location, location, location: Minutes from the iconic Taipei 101 and a short Ubike ride from breathtaking views…or a brutal exercise.
- Relaxation, redefined: State-of-the-art spa and fitness center.
- Cleanliness and care: Focus on hygiene and cleanliness.
- Unforgettable memories: Because who doesn’t want to recount their epic (and slightly embarrassing) Ubike story for years to come?
Book now, before I change my mind and start recommending my favorite dumpling place instead! You've earned this!
Click here to secure your Taipei adventure and start your own Ubike & Obsession!
(P.S. Don’t forget to take photos and tell me how it went! I need to relive it through someone else!)
Ryokoji Temple: Aso's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my Xiangshan-Taipei 101 Getaway, a symphony of sweat, stunning views, and probably a near-miss with a rogue scooter.
Morning: Xiangshan Hike - The Mountain That Almost Ate My Legs
7:00 AM - Wake Up (Ugh, Why?) The alarm blares its hateful little song. Sunlight's already slanting through the curtains, taunting me. I tell myself, “You’re going to see Taipei from the top of a mountain, Sarah! Think of the Insta-likes!” (Okay, maybe I’m lying to myself about the Insta-likes. More likely, I was secretly hoping for a moment of zen - a quiet contemplation of the city from above. We'll see how that plays out.)
7:30 AM - Fueling the Beast (Me) Instant coffee (the good stuff, of course), a banana that's seen better days, and the existential dread of a morning workout. Gotta have something in the tank. This mountain is no joke, I've heard.
8:00 AM - Ubike Adventure Begins! Okay, so I grabbed a Ubike. This app is fiddly! And the gears? I think I spent a solid five minutes just trying to figure out how to switch them (pro tip: it's the little toggle on the handlebars, not the pedals, which is what I was doing). The ride to the Xiangshan trailhead was surprisingly pleasant. The morning air was crisp, the streets were (mostly) empty and I kind of loved the wind whipping through my hair. For like, the first five minutes.
8:30 AM - The Ascent (OH. MY. GOD.) The trailhead appears! And those stairs look… ominous. My heart gave a little flutter of both excitement and terror. I started to put one foot in front of the other, and thought it wasn't so bad. Narrator: It was bad. The steps kept going. And going. And going. Seriously, whoever designed this staircase had a vendetta against my thighs. I almost gave up at the pavilion at the start of the the second section (which the sign said was less steep), but I had already come this far.
9:30 AM - Reaching the Views and my Tears. (Literally.) I clawed my way to the top. Sweet, sweet victory! And wow. Just. WOW. The view. Taipei sprawled before me in all its glittering glory, the iconic Taipei 101 a slender needle piercing the sky. I felt a wave of pure joy wash over me (mixed with sweat and the lingering scent of desperation). The wind whipped through my hair, I felt alive, I got all emotional and sobbed. Definitely a little too dramatic, even for me.
9:45 AM - The Photo Frenzy. Okay, time for the all-important picture-taking. Found the perfect spot and fumbled with my phone, capturing some truly breathtaking photos but also feeling a little self-conscious. Are people judging me? Do I look pathetic? I have to get the perfect shot before I get too sweaty. The people are starting to queue and I'm rushing. It's too hot! It's worth it though. I can’t wait to show my friend the view!
10:30 AM - The Downhill Descent (Less Fun, Still Necessary) The descent was kinder on the lungs, but harder on the knees. My legs felt like jelly. I ended up walking most of it, trying not to fall or faceplant into a group of overly cheerful Taiwanese tourists.
11:00 AM - Ubike Ride back and post-hike exhaustion. The Ubike ride was a blur. My quads screamed in protest with every pedal. The cool air felt amazing but my legs are aching so badly I thought something was going to snap. The other bikers kept zooming past, and I felt a bit slow. And I am!
Afternoon: Taipei 101 & Noodles - Where Dreams (And Stomach Growls) Come True
- 11:30 AM - MRT to Taipei 101 Finally, MRT! I found a cool bench.
- 12:00 PM - Taipei 101: The Tourist Stampede Begins… The lines for the elevator were monstrous. And hot. I started to sweat again. Okay, this is why I hate tourist hot spots. The elevator shot us up at warp speed and when I got out, again… Wow. The view from the top was stunning. Just… a little less special after seeing it from Xiangshan. Still, that engineering marvel, the little damper ball – it was fascinating.
- 1:30 PM - Lunch: The Noodle Quest! Time for food!! I'm starving. I grabbed those awesome noodles. The broth was divine, the noodles were perfectly chewy, and the chili oil gave it the perfect kick. It was exactly what I needed.
- 2:30 PM - Taipei 101 Shopping (Or Avoiding It) I strolled through the shops. Expensive brands, stuff I didn't need. I just window-shopped. I did see the Chanel bags though. Sigh. Maybe next life.
- 3:00 PM - Getting lost (and finding a park) I walked through a park! I wish I had more time.
- 4:00 PM - Heading back to the MRT It's time. I'm tired!
Evening: Farewell (Until Next Time, Taipei!)
- 5:00 PM - Ubike back.
- 6:00 PM - Relax, Regret, and Plan the Next Adventure Back at my place. My legs were still screaming, my phone was full of blurry pictures, and my face was delightfully sun-kissed. Taipei, you were a challenge, a beauty, and a total blast. I'm going back.
Taipei 101 & Xiangshan: The 3-Minute (and Utterly Chaotic) Ubike Adventure - A FAQ for Fellow Survivors
Okay, so... 3 minutes? Is that *literally* all the time it takes to get from Taipei 101 to Xiangshan via Ubike? Because my legs are already screaming just thinking about it.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the *official* time is a blatant lie! Yeah, Google Maps will tell you something like “3 minutes biking, easy peasy.” Hah! That's if you're some Tour de France champion on a smooth, flat track, fueled by pure Taiwanese sunshine and the unwavering belief in your own athletic prowess. In *reality*, my friend, it’s more like… well, it *could* be 3 minutes if you ignore the following: a) Finding an available Ubike (a mini-quest in itself), b) dodging rogue scooters and oblivious pedestrians, c) navigating that crazy intersection at the bottom of Taipei 101, d) tackling the *slight* incline toward Xiangshan (which feels like Everest after you’ve been wandering around the mall for an hour), and e) praying your brakes don't fail at the crucial moment. Let me tell you a story. One time, I *thought* I was being efficient. I'd just inhaled a giant bubble tea (sugar rush incoming!), and felt invincible. "Three minutes, easy!" I declared. I launched off, weaving through the crowds. Then, *bam*! A massive tour group decided to stage a impromptu photo shoot right across the bike lane. Disaster. Lost precious minutes. Let's just say, my face was as red as my bubble tea cup when I finally arrived, panting, at the base of the Xiangshan trail.
Where do I even *get* an Ubike near Taipei 101? Are there specific stations? Is it a free-for-all?
Okay, this is crucial. Yes, there are Ubike stations. No, it's *not* a free-for-all. That would be glorious, but, alas, no. The most convenient station I've found is right *outside* Taipei 101, a bit to the side. (Pro Tip: Download the Ubike app *before* you go. Seriously. Trust me. I learned the hard way, squinting at the tiny directions on a phone while 500 people were trying to claim the last bike.) Also, download the app! You can check real-time availability. Avoid the disappointment!
So, what about the Xiangshan trail itself? Is it as brutal as my nightmares suggest?
Brutal? Depends on your definition of "brutal". Is it a leisurely stroll in a perfectly manicured garden? Absolutely not. Is it a death march across a barren wasteland? Also, no. Xiangshan is... let's call it *invigorating*. It's mostly stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. Like, seriously, prepare for your glutes to scream. My legs have personally developed their own opinions on this. But, and it's a big but, the view from the top is absolutely worth it. Like, jaw-dropping, breath-taking, Instagram-worthy worth it. You get this panoramic view of Taipei, with Taipei 101 standing majestically in the middle. It’s magical, especially at sunset, and a real dopamine rush after all those stairs.
What if I'm incredibly clumsy? Like, a pro-level klutz. Should I still attempt this Ubike-Xiangshan escapade?
Listen, friend, I feel you. I am also a walking, talking accident waiting to happen. I once tripped on a perfectly flat sidewalk. The Ubike situation needs extra care.
If you're prone to spills, maybe... *maybe* consider walking the whole thing. The Ubike path isn't exactly the safest. And that damn intersection! (shudders) Or, and this is just a thought, hire a taxi. Sometimes safety (and your kneecaps) trumps the "adventurous spirit." But if you *must* Ubike, go slow, practice your emergency braking, and wear a helmet! Seriously, the helmet.
Anything I should avoid, like, completely? Any major Ubike faux pas?
Okay, the biggest no-no? Ignoring traffic signals. Tempting as it is to "just *nip* across," don't! Taipei traffic is a beast, especially around 101. You'll become a traffic statistic faster than you can say "bubble tea." Also, please, for the love of all that is holy, don't try to ride the Ubike *up* Xiangshan! I've seen it attempted. It's a spectacle of human misery and utter futility. Just... no. And, finally, the most important tip: be prepared to laugh at yourself. You *will* probably get lost, take a wrong turn, and feel like a complete goofball at some point. Embrace the chaos! That's part of the fun (or, let's be honest, the hilarious disaster) of the Taipei 101 & Xiangshan Ubike adventure.
The best time to go, to avoid crowds and get a good view? Tips!
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. Want a better chance at a view? Go during the week. Weekends are a zoo. Also, early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet. The famous sunset view gets *packed*. If you want a good photo spot, showing up an hour before sunset is almost a must. Now, here's a pro tip, and it is *gold*. Instead of joining the crush on the main viewing platforms, explore the smaller, less crowded trails. Trust me, there are hidden gems with fantastic views, without the wrestling match with hundreds of iPhones. And, please, bring water and some snacks. Climbing those stairs is thirsty work, and nothing makes a bad experience worse than being dehydrated!
Any final, random thoughts? What did you *really* think of the experience?
Okay, deep breath. The Taipei 101-Xiangshan Ubike thing? It's... it's a love-hate relationship, alright? I *hate* the initial mad dash to find a bike. I *hate* the tiny seats and the gear ratio that makes you feel like you're pedaling uphill even on a flat surface. I *hate* how out of breath I get. But... then you reach the top of Xiangshan. And you see that view – the city sprawling before you, Taipei 101 standing tall, the sky painted in the colors of sunset. And suddenly, all the sweaty discomfort? Forgotten. Completely. It's a quintessential Taipei experience. Messy, a little bit terrifying, totally exhausting... and absolutely unforgettable. Would I do it again? Probably. With maybe a slightly longer break beforehand to practice my breathing skills, and a whole lot of sugar to keep me going. Don't expect perfection, expect adventure. And bring a camera. You'll have some great stories toTrip Hotel Hub
