Taipei 101, Taiwan

Taipei 101 Observatory
Admisison ticket: 600 (NT$)  for adults.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Last admission is 08:15 PM

You must select a date and timeslot at the ticket booth and arrive within 30 minutes of that time. If you arrive outside these times, you can change your slot at the ticket counter.

We used our 3 days Taipei FunPASS so entrance to the Observatory was "free". We simply scanned our pass at the ticket booth to visit Taiwan's most iconic landmark. Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010. Its design resembles a stylized number 8 which is considered lucky in the Chinese culture.

A shopping mall of mostly luxurious brands and retailers occupies the first 5 floors of Taipei 101. At the basement of the mall is a large dining area/food court with several restaurants and food stands, more specifically a branch of Taiwan's Din Tai Fung restaurant. The elevators leading to the observation deck (89th floor) are located on the 4th floor. The elevator ride takes only 37 seconds but you don't really feel any dizziness nor do your ears pop from the pressure of the altitude.

At the 88th floor is a technological innovation known as tuned mass damper. This suspended 'giant ball' protects the skyscraper during earthquakes and strong typhoons. It acts as a pendulum that counteracts swaying motions. 

The Observatory at the 89th floor provides 360-degree views of Taipei and its surroundings. The indoor viewing deck has a gift shop and many photo booths for those "instagrammable" pictures.

Few people are aware of the outdoor viewing area (91st floor) but sister dearest has been to Taipei 101 before so she knew that it is accessible by stairs from the 89th floor. You go out under the scorching sun, the winds blowing your hair all over your face but the view is stunning nonetheless. There are sturdy grills and railings so it is quite safe.