Friend’s Tale

TAIWAN: A UNIQUE JOURNEY WITH ANTUN

Contributor: Mislav Krizic

SURPRISING CONTRASTS

What impressed me most about Taiwan was its incredible contrast. It’s hard to grasp that from bustling metropolises like Taipei, Taichung, or Kaohsiung, you can reach majestic mountains, jungles, turquoise beaches, and authentic Indigenous villages within just an hour. It's equally difficult to single out one specific moment from the abundance of unforgettable experiences. Perhaps I’d highlight the essential motorbike trips through the natural beauty mentioned above, exploring mysterious streets steeped in history and traditional restaurants, or joining a tea ceremony atop mountain peaks.

COMFORT & PRACTICALITY OF TRAVEL

Taiwan is, above all, a country of practicality. There’s a wide range of transportation options—from a network of high-speed trains and electric buses to well-maintained roads and ever-present car, scooter, and bike rentals. Accommodation is equally diverse—ranging from major hotel chains to charming short-term Airbnb rentals. Taiwan is also a culinary destination, with influences from Japan, China, and Indigenous cuisine, offering something for everyone. Antun’s deep knowledge of every corner of Taiwan, his professionalism, and his drive to make every moment exceptional tie all these aspects of the island into one unforgettable journey.

BREAKING EXPECTATIONS

Despite my love for geography, before I finally landed in Taiwan, the whole of East and Southeast Asia remained a vague image to me—oriental architecture, rapid industrialization, and growing megacities. But this lack of familiarity turned out to be an advantage, as it led to many moments of being surprised by the unexpected. To compare: Taiwanese cities feel like a blend of China and Japan—with a Japanese-style service ethic and work culture—while its nature reminds me of Thailand’s tropical beaches, Vietnam’s jungles, and Chinese or Japanese mountain ranges. It's not uncommon to encounter massive Buddhist temples deep in the mountains with no clear explanation of how they got there. Taiwan is also the safest country I have ever visited—if you lose your phone or wallet here, chances are almost 100% you’ll get it back (tested multiple times!). People here will often go out of their way to help others—even at their own inconvenience. As for the cuisine—it's a stunning fusion of diverse Asian flavors. Surprisingly, tipping is neither expected nor accepted (except in foreign restaurants), as people take pride in their work.

ANTUN’S ROLE

Antun has an innate love and curiosity for culture, history, philosophy, technology, and (not least) food. This quality gives him a unique understanding of the Taiwanese way of life. His perspective, which he skillfully shares with travelers, brings together seemingly unrelated elements of Taiwanese society into a rich, coherent experience.

THE WARMTH OF TAIWANESE PEOPLE

First and foremost—the people. Taiwanese are incredibly helpful, kind-hearted, and eager to assist. At the same time, they are remarkably hardworking, which has fueled their technological rise over the past 50 years.

WHOLEHEARTED RECOMMENDATION

I would wholeheartedly recommend Antun as a guide to anyone—especially for Taiwan, a place he knows intimately and truly loves. He brings a unique approach to tourism, and I believe his guiding philosophy aims to create an unrepeatable cultural experience. His dedication to Taiwanese culture, history, and tradition, as well as his ability to link historical facts with authentic stories and personal insights, results in adventures that leave lifelong memories. Needless to say, my journey in Taiwan would not have been nearly as rich or meaningful had I chosen a different travel arrangement.

OPPORTUNITIES & INSPIRATION

Taiwan is a highly dynamic country that continuously sets global standards in technology. It's an inspiring place, where you often meet experts and engineers across different industries. Taiwan particularly excels in semiconductors, medical tech, machinery, and computing. It offers plenty of opportunities for collaboration with European companies seeking these technologies. At the same time, with its 23 million people, Taiwan remains a largely untapped market for many European countries—although some, like France and Poland, have already established successful partnerships. Personally, I’ve launched a travel agency for Taiwanese visitors to Croatia and know others who’ve started their own ventures in tech, imports, cosmetics, and more.

WHAT’S NEXT

Taiwan hosts frequent tech expos that showcase the latest achievements in areas like AI, robotics, and industrial innovation. These events are a rare chance to connect with top-tier experts and companies in the global tech world. For my next business visit, I’d definitely mark key events like Computex, TIMTOS, and other industry gatherings on the calendar. I’d also plan visits to potential partners and attend networking events with my company.

This text reflects the personal experience of a friend and client of Antun, shared as a contribution to an authentic portrayal of Taiwan and the potential this journey offers.