Although I haven't lived in Taiwan, I have spent a great deal of time there, and I must say I find it very provincial.
There is NONE of the friendly, laid back charm of Southeast Asia, NONE of the efficiency of Hong Kong or Japan. And forget about communicating, you will be hard pressed to find a single person that speaks English, while ALL signs are in Chinese. Walk into a store and you will be COMPLETELY ignored because nobody can talk to you (assuming you are a Westerner).
Traffic is a complete lack of discipline. If you are a pedestrian, you will often have to put your life at risk by walking in the street because the sidewalks are non-existant (or packed with motorcycles). It is equally dangerous to cross a street on the green light as it is walking against the red light.
Taiwan is not quite the ***hole of Asia, but it is right back there among the hairy bits.
Some women are quite good looking though.
Che