This wasn’t my first visit to Eight Elephants Hostel. Six years ago, during Chinese New Year, I traveled to Taipei alone. I think this was one of the only hostels I could find in Taipei. I landed in rainy Taipei and stepped into a hostel that changed my life.
I’ve had good hostel experiences form my previous backpacking trips to New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia, but this trip was definitely one of the most memorable ones. As I often write on my bio I believe in the concept of serendipity. My trip to Taipei was full of serendipity. Being in the right place at the right time; I had so much fun with all the fellow travelers I met in the hostel. No, we didn’t go out drinking and partying. We did a Harry Potter marathon, cooked ramen noodles, and visited the flag ceremony at the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, which is just a few MRT stations away. So fun. We hungout indoors so much because of the heavy rain. More importantly, I met my best friend, Meaghan. Ever since we played Apples to Apples, my life has never been the same.
Meaghan and I decided to revisit Taipei together, six years later, recreating our best friend “meet cute”. Staying at the Eight Elephants was the most crucial part of recreating the trip. The living room looked the same, more or less. The vibe was still there. Karen was still running the place. They still had Apples to Apples.
Easy to reach by public transportation
Taipei is well connected with public transportation, and the Eight Elephants Hostel is also easily reachable by MRT. It’s just 5-minute walk from Guting Station (Green Line). If you’re coming from the airport, take a bus to Taipei Main Station and transfer to MRT.
Low key, laid-back, friendly environment
Six years later, the hostel’s comfortable vibe was still alive, and I don’t think it’s going to change anytime soon. It’s popular to travelers but definitely not a party hostel. Living room is welcoming, facilities are clean, and staff are super friendly.
From dorm beds to private rooms
The hostel is technically divided by two: Eight Elephants and Dreaming Dragons (the EE and the DD). Sounds like a fantasy novel, right? It’s just a pleasant coincident. The Eight Elephants is where dorm rooms and staff are; private rooms are at the Dreaming Dragons which is two doors down. We were very comfortable at the DD. There is only one shower and toilet but you’re welcome to use facilities at the EE if you need.
Breakfast dan bing! Just a few minute walk from the hostel.
Eateries
We already know Taipei as a food heaven. But wait until see all the food options in two block radius of the hostel. Whatever you’re looking for, you shall find one here: homemade dumpling, curry, fried chicken, beef noodle, lunch buffet, bubble tea, dan bing, bao, fruit stands…. The hostel will give you a “food map” for the neighborhood. This will be your bible and is incredibly handy for the trip.
Are you looking for a place to stay in Taipei? Look no further! → Eight Elephants and Dreaming Dragons
