23 September 2021 is my first-time setting foot in Taiwan. I don't have much time to explore more information about everything in Taiwan due to my hectic schedule at work. But the show must go on, so I must go without adequate information related to how-to live in Taiwan.
I was nervous and missed my family, but it did not hinder me from achieving my goals to study about business at the Global MBA program at NYCU.
From Indonesia to Taiwan
I flew from Indonesia to Taiwan for about 12 hours, which included a transit in Incheon, South Korea. Fortunately, I am traveling with another new GMBA student from Indonesia, Robert Lo, so at least I have a friend from Indonesia. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, CDC staff waved and held signs with our names on it, and I was called by a staff member saying, "Rusliyanto".
I went to her and showed to her the necessary entry documents which included a passport, certificate of entry, visa, PCR test result, and vaccination certificate. Afterward, we were escorted to the waiting room and asked to fill out some forms for our quarantine facilities, which could be different for everyone.
During the pandemic
Initially, I was unfamiliar with the quarantine procedure for immigrants, but I have learned about how the procedure works and how Taiwan's government handled things during the pandemic. Taiwanese people adhere to government regulations as well. Indonesia might be able to learn more about Taiwan's strategies in handling the border to prevent local outbreaks of COVID-19 from other countries.
Following the completion of forms, I went to the immigration checkpoint and collected our luggage. After that, a taxi waited outside the lobby and took us to the quarantine facilities where I will spend the next 14 days in quarantine facilities. Seems scary? But it’s true! I have to spend 14 days in quarantine. It took me around 1 hour to drive from the airport to the quarantine facilities.
After arriving at the facility building, I was greeted again by the CDC staff where I checked in and filled in my profile. They also told me about the rules and regulations that I must follow. I also must choose my food preferences, which will be served 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Considering that I am a Moslem, I must eat Halal food, but I only have two options - vegetarian or not.
So, I don’t have any other options but to choose vegetarian. It is actually exciting and challenging for me since it is my first time eating vegetarian food for 2 consecutive weeks.
Then the staff accompanied me towards my room, and it surprised me! The room is quite nice, it is very spacious, nice bathroom with hot water, comfortable bed, there is any television, internet, and windows that can be open for air to get in.
The quarantine facilities name is Guishan quarantine facilities. The building itself is located near the mountain, so that I can enjoy the sceneries of the forest around it.
As the days go by, let me tell you my opinion about the vegetarian food experience since it is my first time. Although vegetarian food can be delicious, it is not for everyone, especially for picky eaters like me. The food was bland and lacking in spice in my opinion, fortunately I brought some spices that would enhance my food, since I am more used to Indonesian food.
Overall, my quarantine experience was excellent. Everything is easy to get through, the staff are pleasant, and the food is plentiful, with enough water to drink and a pleasant room. And, the best part is, it is free of charge! (Just for the people from the red list countries). When the next holiday season begins, I hope to be able to visit my family in Indonesia without having to undergo quarantine when returning to Taiwan.
You must be logged in to post a comment.