From city markets to mountain summits, Taiwan has something to offer to everyone. (Perry Nunes/Neon Tommy)

His thoughtful observations not only celebrated local gems hidden away from the tourist spotlight, but also highlighted social and economic issues that often stemmed from heavily Taipei-centric views. 

"Taiwan Today" frequently ranked on Neon Tommy's top 10 most read stories. And with one entry left to come, here's your chance to catch up on his travels.

Week 1: A Modest Paradise

Tune in each week to read one writer's exploration of Taiwan.

• "Taiwan may be far from the prettiest country in the world, but what it lacks in modernity and sexiness, it makes up for in modesty and livability."

Week 2: A Tale Of Two Cities, Taipei And Hong Kong

To columnist Perry Nunes, both cities have their merits and downfalls.

• "By day, slivers of tropical mountains can be seen looming just beyond the crowded clumps of buildings. By night, these mountains are lost into darkness as the whole city lights up. But instead of Taipei’s market signs and hanging lanterns, Hong Kong offers glowing buildings, making it one of the best night skylines in the world."

Week 3: Life As A Taiwanese Employee

Work culture in Taiwan reveals some surprises.

• "My boss explained how business in Asian countries is often more about who you know than what you are offering. If two companies are competing for a potential client’s business, the client will go with the one that it knows more, even if the company is demanding a higher price."

Week 4: A Foodie's Feeding Frenzy

What food adventures await for you in Taiwan?

• "When you go to a night market, you are constantly wandering through the bustling streets and hidden alleys with your friends and family. It is a type of culinary window-shopping, an event that becomes as much about the exploration as the eating itself."

Week 5: Exploration Down The West Coast

It's not always about Taipei in Taiwan, according to locals.

• "Janet’s observations made me realize though Taiwan is an exciting area of the world for me to explore, it is also a very real place – with real people and real problems."

Week 6: Summiting Yushan

At an elevation of nearly 13,000 feet, Yushan is the highest point in all of Northeast Asia.

• "The sunrise was a rich blend of yellows and oranges. The surrounding hills and valleys were a deep blue-green in the soft shadows of dawn. Our hands were quite numb due to the high altitude and added wind-chill, but the victory photo at the top of Taiwan was made better by our satisfaction in accomplishing the midnight ascent."

Week 7: Celebration Of The Arts, Past And Present

The art scene in Taiwan is alive and well, both in the past and present.

• "Sometimes it may feel like Taiwan’s culture is stuck memorializing the past because of its countless temples, shrines and historical monuments. But if you talk with locals and do a bit of exploring, you can easily find just as many cafés, concerts and cinemas — along with plenty of interesting new friends to enjoy them with."

Columnist Perry Nunes

Reach Perry here.