My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
September 2025
Before arriving in Taiwan, I received an email from a local group asking if they could take some of the officers on a tour.
Um, absolutely!
So I set off with Ollie, the Entertainment Manager; Raisa, the Food and Beverage Director; Flynn, the Director of Housekeeping; and his lady, Nipa.
I’d been to Keelung a couple of times before on the Diamond Princess – you can read about those adventures in a previous post.
First, I’ll share with you what I shared in my presentation, and then we’ll get into the adventure.
Keelung City, Taiwan (Right before my presentation, one of the residents informed me that it is pronounced ‘Jee-long’ by the locals. I remembered to say it that way MOST of the time.)
Welcome to Keelung, Taiwan’s bustling northern port city and gateway to Taipei. With a population of roughly 360,000, Keelung is known for its deep-water harbor, dramatic green hills, and lively cultural traditions. While Keelung itself does not yet host a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nearby Taipei is home to treasures such as the National Palace Museum, and Taiwan is actively pursuing recognition for its cultural landscapes. Keelung’s identity lies in its seafaring heritage, its famous night markets, and its natural beauty—a mix of rugged coastline, verdant mountains, and spiritual landmarks. For visitors, Keelung offers both the authenticity of a working port and the cultural flavor of northern Taiwan.
History:
Keelung’s story begins centuries ago as a settlement of the indigenous Ketagalan people. In the 17th century, the port attracted foreign powers—first the Spanish, who built Fort San Salvador in 1626, followed by the Dutch, who briefly controlled the harbor before being ousted by Ming loyalists. During the Qing Dynasty, Keelung grew into a small but strategic fishing town, valued for its natural harbor and mineral wealth.
The late 19th century saw Taiwan ceded to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, and Keelung transformed rapidly under Japanese rule into a modernized port city with rail links, industry, and improved infrastructure. This period left a lasting mark on its architecture and urban layout. Following World War II and Taiwan’s return to Chinese administration, Keelung became a critical entry point for goods and passengers, expanding into one of the busiest ports in East Asia.
Today, Keelung is both a commercial hub and a cultural destination. Its resilience is symbolized by landmarks like Zhongzheng Park’s giant Guanyin statue and its famous Miaokou Night Market, where traditional Taiwanese street food thrives. The city embraces its maritime roots while serving as a launch point for exploring greater Taipei and Taiwan’s northern coast.
Itinerary:
Arrival: Monday September 15, 8:00am (please allow time for port clearance)
Departure: Thursday September 18, All aboard: 6:00pm Sail away: 7:00pm
Weather
- Average Temps: High ~29°C (84°F), Low ~24°C (75°F)
- Climate: Subtropical; September is warm, humid, with occasional showers.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing; comfortable walking shoes; a light rain jacket or umbrella for sudden showers.
Near the Pier:
Cruise Ship Dock: Wharf 3
Address: No. 18, Gangxi Street, Renai District, Keelung City 20041, Taiwan
Address in Mandarin: 基隆市仁愛區港西街18號
- Distances: Terminal ~20m | Port Gate ~300m
- Terminal Amenities: Souvenir shop, ATM, money exchange, Wi-Fi
We will dock with Costa Serena (about 2,930 passengers) on Monday and Star Voyager (about 3,000 passengers) on Wednesday
Nearby Essentials
- Pharmacy: Watsons (屈臣氏), Keelung City Center (~10 min taxi, NT$150–200)
- ATM: Available inside terminal and at 7-Eleven (~5 min walk)
- Grocery/Snacks: PX Mart (~10 min taxi) and 7-Eleven at port gate
- Nearest Church: Keelung Catholic Church (基隆天主堂), ~10 min taxi
- Nearest Golf: Taiwan Golf & Country Club, ~25 min taxi (~NT$500)
- Nearest Shopping: Keelung Miaokou Night Market (~15 min walk from dock)
Getting Around:
- 🚶 Walking: Downtown Keelung and Miaokou Night Market are within ~15 minutes on foot.
- 🚌 Public Transit: Frequent buses from Keelung station to Taipei (NT$45–60; ~1 hr). Local buses serve coastal attractions.
- 🚖 Taxis: Readily available; ~NT$150–200 (~US$5–7) to city center, NT$900 (~US$28) to Taipei.
- 🚴 Bike Rentals: YouBike stations available at Keelung Station (~15 min walk).
- 🚗 Car Rentals: Limited in Keelung; more options in Taipei or Taoyuan Airport.
- Hop-On Hop-Off: Not available; local buses and trains cover main attractions.
Witnessing:
Zhongzheng Park (中正公園) Home to a towering 25m Guanyin statue overlooking the harbor. Offers sweeping city and sea views.
- Info: Free admission; ~10 min taxi (NT$150). Allow 1 hr.
✨ Tip: Visit early morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Keelung Miaokou Night Market (基隆廟口夜市) Taiwan’s most famous night market, buzzing with neon lights and street food stalls.
- Info: Free entry; ~15 min walk. Food from NT$50–150.
✨ Tip: Look for stalls with yellow lanterns—these are the market’s official vendors.
Ershawan Fort (二沙灣砲台) A historic Qing-era fort built in the 1840s, offering sea views and relics of Taiwan’s defensive history.
- Info: Free; ~20 min taxi (NT$250). 1–2 hrs recommended.
✨ Fact: Built to defend against French naval attacks during the Sino-French War.
Heping Island Park (和平島公園) A coastal park with strange rock formations, sea pools, and walking trails.
- Info: Admission NT$80; ~15 min taxi. Allow 2 hrs.
✨ Tip: Bring swimwear—natural tidal pools are open for bathing in summer.
Learning:
National Museum of Marine Science & Technology (海科館) Interactive exhibits on oceanography, shipping, and Taiwan’s fishing culture.
- Info: NT$200; ~15 min taxi. Allow 2–3 hrs.
✨ Tip: Great for families—there’s an IMAX-style theater on site.
Yangming Marine Culture Art Museum A restored shipping office turned cultural center with maritime exhibits and art.
- Info: Free; ~10 min walk from port. 1 hr visit.
✨ Fact: Building dates back to Japanese colonial period.
Keelung Cultural Center Features local art exhibitions, performances, and a library.
- Info: Free; ~15 min walk.
Discovery:
Bisha Fishing Port & Seafood Market: Colorful stalls selling the freshest seafood; some cook to order.
- Info: Free entry; ~15 min taxi. Meals ~NT$200–400.
✨ Tip: Try the grilled squid—a Keelung specialty.
Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布) Taiwan’s “Little Niagara,” a wide curtain waterfall surrounded by forest.
- Info: NT$80 train ticket from Keelung; ~1 hr. Allow 2 hrs at site.
✨ Tip: Write wishes on a sky lantern at nearby Shifen Old Street.
Badouzi Coastal Park (八斗子海濱公園) Scenic headland with sea cliffs and hiking trails.
- Info: Free; ~20 min taxi. Allow 1–2 hrs.
✨ Fact: Great spot for spotting migrating birds in autumn.
Hiking
Keelung Mountain (基隆山) Moderate climb with sweeping views of Jiufen and the Pacific.
- Info: ~40 min taxi to trailhead; 1.5 hrs hike round-trip. Moderate difficulty.
Dawulun Fort Trail (大武崙砲台步道) Hike through forest to a Qing-era fort.
- Info: ~20 min taxi; 1 hr hike. Easy–moderate.
Lover’s Lake Park (情人湖公園) Shaded trails around a peaceful lake, with lookout points.
- Info: ~20 min taxi. Easy 1 hr loop.
Shopping
- Keelung Miaokou Night Market: Food and souvenirs, open evenings.
- Keelung Maritime Plaza: Souvenir shops near harbor.
- Ren’ai Market: Local goods, clothes, and produce
✨ Tip: Bargaining is not common in Taiwan; prices are usually fixed.
Events:
Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival — Aug 22–Sept 22 citywide; while the big parade is earlier, exhibitions and related activities continue during your dates.
Hidden Gems:
100-Year Bomb Shelter – A secret passageway from WWII is now a quirky pedestrian shortcut
Keelung Tower – The bright-orange, crane-shaped tower offers panoramic views and showcases the city’s maritime identity
Tasting:
- Iconic Foods: Oyster omelets (~NT$70), braised pork rice (~NT$50), tempura fish cakes (~NT$40), bubble tea (~NT$50).
- Specialty Markets: Miaokou Night Market; Bisha Seafood Market.
Nightlife:
- Miaokou Night Market: Open daily until midnight; best local nightlife option.
- Maritime Plaza: Harborfront with cafés and bars.
Exploring:
Jiufen (九份) A former gold-mining town with narrow alleyways, tea houses, and mountain views.
- Info: ~40 min taxi (NT$800) or bus/train combo (~1 hr). Allow half day.
✨ Fact: Said to have inspired settings in the film Spirited Away.
September 16, 2025
We were up early and ready to go. Ollie was so excited that he’d convinced Rodrigo, the Hotel Director, to get us neck fans. I made fun of him for not being able to handle the heat (I mean, I could barely handle it, but he didn’t get out nearly as much as I did).
While we were gathering everyone in the terminal, I checked to make sure the residents’ tours departed smoothly. The five of us climbed into what looked like a small, old, school bus that could have seated twenty people.
Our benefactors were a relatively new touring company and wanted to learn more about our residents, what they might enjoy doing and whether their company would be a good fit.
We drove for about 45 mintues. I was completely blown away by the scenery. Lush green mountains had brightly colored shrines tucked into their crevices, but we were driving too fast to capture any photos!
Who knew the city of Keelung was surrounded by this much natural beauty? Apparently, I hadn’t done enough research!
We arrived in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, which is different from Taipei City- how convenient! The residents had tours to New Taipei City, and I hadn’t had time to figure out what the difference was.
Taipei City is the capital itself, while New Taipei City is the large municipality that surrounds it, made up of numerous districts. Many of these areas make a popular day trip from Taipei – or in our case, from Keelung.
We met a couple of girls who would be our tour guides for the first part of the day. They gifted each of us a box of local tea.
They shyly appologized for their level of English- to which I always say that their English is WAY better than my Chinese (or any language, for that matter).
We wove our way around scooters and traffic and turned a corner onto a delightful street.
Even the street leading to the bathroom was cool.
We reached the touristy area,
and saw a group sending off a lantern.
Then they asked if we wanted to do one – What?!
Yes.
Inside the shop, they prepared a lantern for us.
There were lantern nightlights for sale.
The poster explained what each color represented.
And then we painted our wishes on each panel.
They were really into group photos.
We took lots of group photos.
Then, finally, we lit the lantern and sent our wishes into the sky.
The tourists were pouring in. They sent us to wander freely through the shops.
Everyone was very excited about the train coming through.
Then it went back the other way a few minutes later.
This became my new favorite thing in Taiwan (besides my curious friend Jack): peanut candy, strawberry ice cream (or maybe it was sorbet), and mint wrapped in a thin crepe-like pancake.
In Japan, I had been dazzled by the fresh orange juice vending machines.
Our next stop was a waterfall I’d mentioned in my port talk.
On the way back, I managed to capture a surprise shrine.
Our next stop was the Shenkeng District for lunch and shopping. We walked down this regular city street…
To get to this adorable touristy street:
I was especially excited to see Taiwan because my friend Jack from the Coral Princess is from Taiwan. I was planning to see him when we docked closer to where he lived.
Jack would often preface a question by saying, “Kelly, I’m curious…”
An authentic lunch!
I was not very excited about this. I’d tried stinky tofu in Hualien and I didn’t love it. This stinky tofu wasn’t as bad.
Wandering through the shops afterward, I found a casual display of penises…
Just right there, next to the regular merchandise…
The walk back to the bus:
Then we were back on the bus, returning to Keelung.
Our first stop was a cave from the war.
Back out on the street.
Then it was onto Keelung Tower!
We took an elevator to the top.
From the top of the tower, we went straight to the temple, which sits high on a hill overlooking the city.
I know what you’re thinking… it’s sure has been a while since they’ve taken a group photo. Well don’t you worry!
We took the tower elevator back down to street level.
Our next stop was the Geopark, which I’d also mentioned in my port talk.
On the way we saw the Zhengbin Port Color Houses.
Inside the park:
At the gift shop, we tried some local craft beer.
Meanwhile, I was getting text messages from my friend Paolo, in Korea!
We did a virtual “Cheers!”
The view from the balcony outside the gift shop:
After the geopark, we vistied a shrine.
And, of course, we had to stop at the Night Market, which was just beginning to come to life.
Overwhelmed by their kindess and generosity, we thanked our tour guides for an incredible day and said goodbye.
I stopped at the ship for a quick shower.
Then headed back out to meet my friends at the night market.
Paul and Robert Fong encouraged me to eat a bunch of weird food.
I like to consider myself an adventurous eater- I’ll try almost anything. After all, I might discover something amazing (like that ice cream burrito!).
This was the point where I struggled to remember WHY I was trying all this weird food.
What Robert considered delicious was a bit farther from my taste preferences. I think Paul simply wanted to eat the weirdest food he could find anywhere.
There were also fair games.
We were not in obedient-Japan anymore. To cross the street here, we had to stick out our open hands, and confidently walk accross if the vehicles didn’t slow down first.
September 18, 2025
Our last day in Keelung, I went out in search of new sneakers. I had thoroughly worn out the pair I’d bought at Walmart in Hawaii, and they were not going to support me through another day of exploring. I found a pretty good deal!
I’d gotten a message from Paolo (yep- the same one on a beach with Kelly Beer). There was a cool brewery pretty close to the ship.
On my way there, I ran into Mary Ann, a resident. She asked where I was headed and when I told her, she asked if she could join me – of course!
The guy who served us explained that the owner was from New Zealand and had noticed there weren’t many breweries in Taiwan. He saw a gap in the market!
Little did I know that this would the last interesting, complex beer I would find until we reached Australia.
Shortly into our first round, another resident came in. He’s accidentally left his backpack at the brewery the day before and was coming back to retrieve it.
Since we were there, he figured he may as well stop for a pint.
Then a few more residents arrived.
We had such a great time that it was decided we should all meet at a brewery by the ship before every sail away!
Unfortunatley, there weren’t many more ports over the next couple of months with any breweries, much less ones right by the ship.
Buoyed by the delicious beer, I found myself appreciating the distance markers I’d previously walked past without much thought.
I really enjoyed exploring Keelung more thoroughly than I had on previous visits.
And if I do go back, I’m definitely returning to that Squid Bar!