Against the Clock: 60+ Tourists Reach Taipei 101

In December 2024, a Serbian travel agency sent out an "SOS" to Asia Odyssey Travel - they needed help arranging a two-day itinerary for a Taiwanese tour group of over 60 people. The international cruise ship carrying these tourists was about to dock at Keelung Port in Taipei, and they were particularly interested in the high-altitude views from Taipei 101.

However, the sheer size of their group was causing a time crunch for their two-day schedule. With so many people and so little time, how could they possibly enjoy the Taipei 101 skyline within such a tight window? We crafted a plan with surgical precision.

Time vs. Taipei 101: A Dream Realized Large tour groups often present a challenge for travel agencies due to their sheer size, diverse age ranges, potential traffic congestion, and varying physical abilities. This is precisely why the Serbian travel agency sought our expertise.

From the moment we agreed to take on this request, I immediately brainstormed how to help them conquer the dizzying heights of Taipei 101. Typically, traveling from the ship to Taipei 101 takes at least an hour, and factoring in the sightseeing, the actual total time could be even longer. The worst-case scenario would be that they could only see this one attraction in a day.

To ensure a better experience, I initially proposed Plan A as a way to resolve the crisis: forgo the 101 climb and instead explore the attractions around the port. However, this suggestion was rejected faster than the cruise ship approached the harbor. I realized their heart was set on the high-altitude views, and that a 360-degree panoramic view of the city skyline from the 89th-floor observation deck of Taipei 101 was the highlight of their Taiwan trip.

Therefore, I actively worked with the Serbian travel agency to finalize Plan B, which ultimately involved speeding up their disembarkation and shortening the time spent at other attractions.

When the guests disembarked at noon, our team turned time into a minute-by-minute battlefield. Several buses departed in batches, engines roaring, ready to sprint. The first bus took 20 people straight to Taipei 101, with subsequent buses departing at staggered intervals.

When the vehicles safely and quickly arrived at the foot of Taipei 101, the group was divided into smaller teams to take the VIP elevator, reaching the observation deck in just 37 seconds, avoiding the regular tourist queues.

The team was even boldly split into a "tower ascent group" and a "ground-level viewing group". The former rushing to enjoy the 360-degree skyline views, while those who didn't want to go up could leisurely stroll around below.

Taipei 101 Achieved: Awe-Inspiring Views

I'm delighted that all the tourists cooperated so well. They finally made it to the 89th floor of Taipei 101, where they looked down on Taipei's most bustling districts.

The glass-walled skyscrapers shimmered like a crystal forest, the streets were as orderly as a chessboard, and the traffic flowed like toy models. They could even make out the next stop, the National Palace Museum, in the distance. The sound of phone cameras never stopped, and exclamations of amazement filled the air of what was once the world's tallest building.

At that moment, our minds felt as open as the distant sky. Yes, we had completed this race against time! To finish the Taipei 101 sightseeing and still stick to the schedule for other attractions was an incredibly rewarding moment!

The tourists were also amazed that we pulled off this sprint sightseeing. One grandmother proudly declared, "I reached the observation deck before my grandson!" The Serbian tour guide exclaimed, "Your efficiency would make Balkan politicians blush."

As their two-day Taiwan trip ended, and I received their WhatsApp message as they departed, the adrenaline rush from that race against time still lingered. I look forward to their next visit to China!