Being an OFW in Taiwan means your free time is precious—and finding hobbies that are both fun and affordable can add immense value to your life. Here’s a curated list of hobbies that suit your busy schedule, nurture your interests, and keep your budget intact—plus how much they cost and where to get started.
1. Outdoor Adventures & Nature Walks
Estimated Costs
- Hiking shoes: NT$2,000–5,000
- Daypack or backpack: NT$500–1,000
- Light hiking clothes: NT$500–2,000 per item
Where to Buy
- Decathlon Taiwan – major branches in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung
- Local outdoor gear shops in train stations or night markets
OFW Experience
“I started with short hikes near my dorm in Taoyuan—just wearing sneakers and using a borrowed backpack. Over time, I upgraded my gear from Decathlon and started exploring farther trails like Elephant Mountain and Yangmingshan. It’s now my favorite way to spend my day off—it helps me breathe, think, and feel connected.” – Johnmarc
2. Fitness & Movement-Based Pursuits
Estimated Costs
- Yoga/Pilates sessions: NT$200–500 per class
- Monthly fitness packages: NT$1,000–2,000
- Indoor climbing (entry + gear): NT$300–500
- Basic equipment (e.g., yoga mat, bands): NT$100–400
Where to Buy or Join
- Decathlon or Shopee Taiwan for gear
- LY Pilates Studio, Space Yoga, or The Wall Climbing Gym (Taipei)
- Community centers often host affordable Zumba or dance classes
OFW Experience
“Joining a Zumba class at the local community center helped me deal with the homesickness and keep my body moving. At first, I was shy and stayed in the back, but now I’m one of the regulars. It’s not just about fitness—it gave me friends I see every week.” – Marietta
3. Cultural & Creative Workshops
Estimated Costs
- Workshop/class fee: NT$300–1,200 per session
- Calligraphy or painting supplies: NT$150–600
- Cooking tools (wok, knives): NT$200–500
Where to Start
- Art Friend Taiwan
- Dihua Street (Taipei) for traditional art supplies
- CookInn Taiwan or community cooking groups
OFW Experience
“I joined a traditional paper lantern workshop in Taipei after seeing a poster at the MRT. It was my first time doing arts and crafts since high school, and I didn’t expect how calming it would be. Now, I’m learning how to cook local dishes with my Taiwanese coworkers—it’s a small joy after a long week.” – Tess
4. Photography & Urban Exploration
Estimated Costs
- Smartphone accessories (tripod, lens): NT$300–1,000
- Entry-level camera (new): NT$8,000–15,000
- Second-hand cameras: NT$3,000–7,000
- Tripod, SD cards, lens wipes: NT$200–600
Where to Buy
- Bo Ai Road (Taipei) – photography stores
- Ruten.com.tw, Shopee Taiwan, Facebook Marketplace Taiwan
OFW Experience
“My phone became my camera and my journal. I started taking photos during early morning walks before work—quiet temples, markets setting up, cherry blossoms blooming. Eventually, I joined a Facebook group for Filipino photographers in Taiwan. We share tips, and sometimes we just meet up for coffee and street shots.” – Eldric
5. Board Games, Social Meet-Ups & Community Events
Estimated Costs
- Board games: NT$300–800
- Game night entrance fee: NT$100 or free with purchase
- Community event costs: Free–NT$200
Where to Find or Join
- All Aboard Boardgame Café (Taipei) or MyBG Café
- Shopee Taiwan, Eslite Bookstores
- Facebook groups or Reddit’s r/taiwan for meetups
OFW Experience
“One rainy weekend, a friend invited me to a board game café. I thought it would be boring—but three hours flew by laughing over a game of Codenames with a mixed group of locals and fellow expats. It became our monthly thing. It’s cheap, easy to plan, and always gives me a reason to look forward to Sunday.” – Kenneth
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there free hobby activities available for OFWs in Taiwan?
Yes. Many hiking trails, public parks, temple areas, and community events are completely free. Some local churches and Filipino groups also host free events like music nights, sports activities, or cooking sessions. - How can I find hobby groups or events near my location?
Facebook groups like “Pinoy in Taiwan,” Meetup.com, and Reddit’s r/taiwan subreddit often post upcoming events. You can also check bulletin boards in community centers, churches, or language schools. - Can I join classes or clubs even if I don’t speak Chinese?
Definitely. Many hobby classes, especially in cities like Taipei or Taichung, welcome English speakers. Look for listings labeled “English-friendly” or reach out in advance—most instructors are accommodating if they know you’re a beginner. - What’s a good hobby if I work night shifts or have irregular hours?
Photography, journaling, solo workouts (like walking or yoga), or online hobby groups are great options. They’re flexible and can fit around your schedule—even during late-night downtimes.
Final Thoughts
Each of these hobbies is budget-friendly and designed to help you unwind, stay active, and build community in Taiwan. Whether you’re conquering hiking trails, learning calligraphy, or laughing over card games at a café, the key is finding joy in small moments—without breaking the bank.