When I first landed in Taiwan, I expected hard work, a new language, and long hours at the factory. What I didn’t expect? The quiet, often-overlooked joys that made every day feel just a little lighter. These aren’t the loud wins like promotions or huge paychecks.
They’re the small freedoms—precious, quiet things that slowly make life feel like your own again.
Let’s go through the ones that truly stayed with me.
Riding Through Serene Lanes
Back home, biking often meant weaving through traffic, dodging jeepneys, and holding your breath at every turn. In Taiwan, it’s a whole different rhythm.
One of my favorite routes is along the riverside parks—paths wrapped in cherry blossoms during spring or golden rice paddies in summer. Traffic lights actually wait for you. Pedestrian crossings are respected. And fellow bikers? They nod, not race.
These bike rides became my go-to release after a long shift. Just me, the breeze, and no one rushing me. That freedom? Priceless.
Safe Solo Walks Under Neon Skies
There’s something deeply healing about walking alone at night without fear.
In Taiwan, I learned to take slow evening walks after dinner. The sidewalks are wide, streets well-lit, and vendors greet you like a regular even if you’ve only stopped by twice.
Sometimes I’d turn into an alley lit with red paper lanterns, lured by the smell of pepper buns or sweet potato balls. Other times I’d linger at a 24-hour bakery, picking out my breakfast for the next day.
For someone who grew up having to always “be careful” at night, these quiet walks felt like a gift.
Whisper-Quiet Hours in Public Libraries
I stumbled into my first Taiwanese library by accident—looking for free Wi-Fi, honestly. But what I found was a sanctuary.
Ergonomic chairs, charging stations, and rows of books in English, Chinese, even Filipino. There was no pressure to buy a drink, no noise, no side-eyes for just sitting and resting. Just peace.
Sometimes I’d borrow a novel in Tagalog to soothe my homesickness. Other times I’d sit by the window and people-watch. Libraries here aren’t just buildings—they’re a kind of freedom. The freedom to think, rest, and not be bothered.
Tranquil Moments Watching City Lights
On my day off, I’d head up Elephant Mountain with a cheap cup of tea and a packed sandwich. By the time I reach the lookout, the city had started to twinkle.
Taipei 101 loomed like a giant lantern. The traffic below pulsed like a living heartbeat. And for once, I wasn’t thinking about bills, deadlines, or missing home.
These views—whether from a mountain, a rooftop café, or the window of the bus—became moments of stillness. They reminded me that even in chaos, I could still find calm.
Tea House Solitude and Temple Gardens
Some weekends, instead of going out with coworkers, I’d visit temple gardens.
You don’t need to be religious to feel at peace there. Just watching koi swim or incense drift into the sky—it slows your mind.
Afterward, I’d head to a teahouse and sip oolong while reading or writing in my journal. No one rushes you. No one stares. It’s just you and time unfolding gently.
Little Community Rituals That Become Yours
I joined a weekend book club that meets in the corner of a night market stall—yes, really. We swap books while sipping sugarcane juice and laughing over grilled squid.
I’ve also seen OFWs knitting by the river, doodling in notebooks, or collecting postcards from indie cafés. These aren’t big events. They’re tiny rituals. But they help you carve a space for yourself in a foreign land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these experiences accessible outside of Taipei?
Yes! Cities like Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Hsinchu also offer safe public spaces, libraries, riverside parks, and vibrant night markets.
How can I rent a bike for riverside rides?
You can use the YouBike system by registering your EasyCard and mobile number. It’s affordable and available across many cities.
Do public libraries accept foreigners?
Absolutely. You can enter freely, and with your ARC (Alien Resident Certificate), you can borrow books as well.
Is it really safe to walk alone at night?
Taiwan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Common sense still applies, but solo walks here are widely embraced by locals and migrants alike.
Final Thoughts
These small joys might not make headlines, but they’ve kept me grounded. Riding a bike alone. Walking home at night without fear. Reading in peace. Watching a city sparkle from above. They don’t just fill time—they heal it.
If you’re an OFW in Taiwan—or planning to be—know this: Life here isn’t just about work. There’s a quiet, gentle kind of life waiting for you too. One that invites you to breathe, explore, and feel safe in your own skin.
And in a place far from home, that kind of freedom is everything.