Pre-Trip Checklist: Alishan

Essential Preparations

Organized steps to begin your journey.

Chronological Planning

Phased planning ensures a smooth trip.

Months Prior

Passport & Visa

Verify passport validity (6+ months). Initiate visa application if needed. Book international flights.

Accommodation

Reserve Alishan lodging, especially for peak season.

Insurance

Arrange comprehensive travel insurance via World Nomads at Worldnomads.com.

Month Prior

HSR & Railway

Book HSR tickets to Chiayi and Alishan Forest Railway (Zhushan Line) tickets.

Health Consult

Consult your doctor for vaccinations or health precautions.

Itinerary Sketch

Develop a general itinerary for Alishan activities.

Week Prior

Confirmations

Verify all flight, accommodation, and transport reservations.

Digital Tools

Download offline maps and translation apps.

Financial Prep

Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues. Copy documents. Explore Capital One Travel for rewards cards: Capitalone.com/credit-cards/travel-and-miles/.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure your travel components ahead of time.

Important Reservations

Accommodation in Alishan or nearby areas (Chiayi, Fenchihu).
High-Speed Rail tickets to Chiayi.
Alishan Forest Railway Zhushan Line tickets (for sunrise viewing).
International flights to Taiwan.

Pre-Trip Research

Gain insights to enrich your visit.

Research Deep Dive

Understand Alishan's geography and distinct areas within the National Forest Recreation Area.
Familiarize yourself with the Alishan Forest Railway system and its branch lines.
Explore local transportation from Chiayi to Alishan (Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes).
Learn about local customs and basic Mandarin phrases for interactions. Consider Babbel: Babbel.com.

Home Preparation

Steps for peace of mind while away.

Pet & Mail Care

Arrange care for pets if you have them.
Set up mail holds or ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail.
Notify family or close friends of your itinerary and emergency contacts.
Secure your home by locking doors/windows and setting alarms.

Digital Document Prep

Create digital and physical copies of all essential documents.
Store digital copies in a cloud service for access.
Check wallet contents; remove unnecessary cards.
Ensure your identification is readily available and current.

Local Connections

Confirm data roaming or local SIM card plans. Consider NordVPN: Nordvpn.com.
Pack appropriate power adapters for electronics.
Consider portable chargers for devices.
Download offline maps of Alishan and Chiayi.

Important Notice

Remember to pack layers for Alishan's varied mountain weather. Mornings and evenings are chilly year-round.

Arrival Checklist

These steps aid a smooth transition upon arrival in Taiwan and journey to Alishan.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration & Customs:
Clear immigration and customs at the international airport.
2
SIM Card:
Purchase a local SIM card at the airport if you did not pre-order one.
3
Currency Exchange:
Exchange currency or withdraw local currency from an ATM.

Orientation Strategies

Chiayi Stations:
At Chiayi HSR or TRA Station, find the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus stop for Alishan (Route A from HSR, Route B from TRA).
Alishan Visitor Center:
Upon arrival in Alishan, visit the Visitor Center for a detailed park map and current information on trail conditions or train schedules.
Initial Purchases:
Acquire enough cash for bus tickets and initial expenses in Alishan; ATMs are limited within the park area.

Transportation from Entry Point

From Airport

From Taoyuan or Kaohsiung International Airport, locate transportation to Chiayi, typically via High-Speed Rail.

HSR offers the fastest connection from major airports to Chiayi.

From Chiayi HSR/TRA

From Chiayi HSR or TRA Station, take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus (Route A or B) directly to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area.

The bus typically drops passengers near the main hotel area or visitor center within Alishan.

Direct Connection

The Taiwan Tourist Shuttle provides the most direct public transport connection from Chiayi to Alishan.

This dedicated bus service is designed for tourist access to the area.

Navigation Assistance

For precise directions within Alishan and from Chiayi, Google Maps provides reliable public transport routes and walking paths.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure from Alishan and Taiwan efficiently.

Souvenir & Shipping

If purchasing Alishan tea or other souvenirs, consider luggage weight limits.
Most shops do not ship internationally, so plan to carry your purchases.
Research customs regulations for bringing agricultural products into your home country.
Consider packing organizers from Eagle Creek: Eaglecreek.com.

VAT & Timing

VAT Refund: Taiwan offers VAT refunds for foreign visitors on eligible purchases from designated "TRS" stores.
A minimum purchase amount applies. Claim your refund at designated refund service counters at international airports or specific city points.
Departure Timing: Allow generous travel time from Alishan back to Chiayi and then to your departure airport.
Factor in potential traffic or bus delays, especially during peak hours or uncertain mountain weather.

Return Trip Details

Ensure everything is in order for your journey home.

Final Checks

Confirm return flight details.
Pack luggage efficiently.
Dispose of any waste in your accommodation.
Settle any outstanding hotel bills or local payments.

Document Readiness

Ensure you have all your documents ready for departure, including passport and tickets.
Keep any necessary identification easily accessible for airport security and immigration processes.
Organize all boarding passes, visa documents, and travel insurance details in one place.
Charge your phone and devices, ensuring digital tickets or health declarations are accessible.

Smooth Departure

Prioritize early arrival at the airport to handle check-in, security, and any last-minute tasks.

This approach minimizes stress and helps your journey home begin calmly.

Pre-Trip Checklist